By Judy Shields
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the comedy series Friends, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood announces the return of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.GIVING with a Studio Tour focused on the beloved television show. Last two weekends, guests can enjoy a 90-minute Friends-themed Studio Tour, a holiday Friendsgiving meal next to the iconic Friends Fountain, and see authentic props and costumes from the show.
The F.R.I.E.N.D.S.GIVING Special Event Dates are November 21-24, and 29-30. Friendsgiving tours will depart at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
The media was welcomed with a collectable lanyard and a gift bag which contained a milk chocolate Friends couch and a colorful water-resistant shopping bag. Check them out here:
Arriving guests will be greeted by a curated 30th anniversary lobby display showcasing authentic costumes from Friends, perfect for photo opportunities. The guided tour will last 90 minutes, and expert Tour Guides will take guests across the historic Warner Bros. Studio backlot, highlighting key filming sites from memorable Friends episodes, including Stage 24, the famed Friends stage. Friendsgiving tours will include engaging trivia for the guests.
Entering the area that had the costumes of the Friends cast was really an awesome way to start the tour and fantastic photo opportunity. After spending some time checking out the outfits up close, and photo opportunity you head into an area which features a miniature replica of the WB water tower and the story of the Warner Brothers, animation, classic movies and fan favorite movies. I really thought the floor was awesome. Check out the the photo and make it a point to come visit and do this tour to see it in person.
Next, our group was called and then ask to take a seat in a small theater room and Daisy, one of the tour guides welcomed us all and then introduced Danny Kahn, the VP & General Manager, Warner Bros. Tour Hollywood. Danny welcomed the media and told us that they are thrilled to bring back Friendsgiving for fans to celebrate and to enjoy our tour and a specially prepared meal by the famous Friends fountain. There were three rows of media and their guest, so three different tour guides told each row to follow one of three to get lined up for the tram ride.
I was lucky to be part of the TCM Classic Film Tour back in April and that was wonderful. So off we went with our tram guide Rae, she was excellent with fun stories and videos to share with us all. She sure made the tour memorable. She took the time to answer any questions we had. Myself and my guest Stan got to sit up front with her. Very informative and explained everything about the sound stages, what types of shows and which movies were made at the studios. She shared many historic facts about Warner Bros. The tallest sound stage is Stage 16 which stands 98 feet high and has a 2 million gallon water tank.
Here are a few photos we took during the tour:
Here is a photo of us before we went to have a Thanksgiving meal.
Following the tour, guests will delight in a festive holiday meal served at the iconic fountain from the show’s opening scene (weather permitting). The menu features traditional holiday dishes such as slow cooked turkey, honey Dijon glazed country ham, soyrizo stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, candied yams, garlic green beans, mac & cheese, biscuits, pumpkin pie and vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Here are a few photos of the area where will all met to get our wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving meal. The tables were decorated with “F.R.I.E.N.D.S” merchandise.
We truly enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal and it sure was worth spending the day at Warner Bros. Once we were done, I had the opportunity to speak with Daisy about this particular studio tours and her being a tour guide. Here is that interview:
So after we were done with our meal and interview. Back on the tram and driven over to a self-guided tour of Stage 48: Script to Screen, featuring Central Perk Café and the Friends Boutique. Central Perk Café offers signature beverages for available purchase inspired by each of the six characters. The Friends Boutique offers recreated sets from the show, authentic costumes, and merchandise exclusive to the boutique. This part of the tour is truly a movie lovers experience and of course “Friends” lovers too. Here are some photos to share:
Tour Duration: ABOUT 90 MINUTE GUIDED, 60 MINUTE MEAL AND 2 HOURS SELF-GUIDED.
Don’t miss out on this amazing tour and Warner Bros Studios and especially to celebrate 30 years of FRIENDS!
Click here to get your tickets for the upcoming two weekends:
https://www.wbstudiotour.com/tour/friendsgiving/
About Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood gets you closer to the entertainment you love by taking you on the lot of a real working studio. As a recipient of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards and recognized as one of the Top 25 Attractions in the United States, the Studio Tour gives guests a revealing look behind the camera at how Hollywood magic is made. From TV shows like Friends, Abbott Elementary, The Big Bang Theory, and ER to beloved films like Casablanca, Rebel Without a Cause, Batman, and Harry Potter, fans get to explore a studio over 100 years old as they touch, tour, and visit the real sets and soundstages on the iconic 110-acre backlot where the greatest names in entertainment made history. Also, the Warner Bros. Studio Store, offering exclusive merchandise, is open to the public and does not require a tour ticket to shop.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is open Monday through Sunday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with Studio Tours departing every 30 minutes. Advanced bookings are recommended, and children five years or older are welcome. For the best value, book your tickets online at wbstudiotour.com or by calling +1 818-977-8687.
