End of an Era: Universal Confirms Major Change for Its Iconic Studio Tour

The Studio Tour opened in 1964 at Universal Studios Hollywood after decades of limited backlot visits offered during the silent-film era. Universal formalized the experience under studio head Lew Wasserman, using trams to guide guests through an active working lot where productions such as Psycho and The Munsters had filmed.

Over time, the tour evolved into the park’s centerpiece attraction, with several tweaks keeping the experience fresh for guests. Practical effects scenes were added in the 1970s and 1980s, including collapsing bridges and flash floods. Later upgrades introduced themed segments tied to blockbuster films such as Jaws, King Kong, and Fast & Furious.

In 2025, Universal axed the Fast & Furious element of the tour. For 10 years, this section of the tour – known as Fast & Furious—Supercharged and widely derided by fans – brought guests face-to-face with the likes of Luke Hobbs, Roman Pearce, and Letty Ortiz. Its closure came ahead of the upcoming opening of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Studios Hollywood’s first high-speed outdoor roller coaster.

Now, another big change is hitting the Universal Studio Tour.

Big Change Confirmed for Studio Tour

Universal Studios Hollywood has updated its website to confirm the removal of 3D from King Kong 360 on the Studio Tour.

Previously, 3D glasses were required during the segment, in which guests witness “a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong.” Now, this section of the ride – added in 2010 – will play out in 2D.

Universal Studios Hollywood has updated its website confirming 3D has been removed from King Kong 360 on the Studio Tour. The attraction will now run in standard 2D. @UniStudios pic.twitter.com/EbgNTRklUr

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) March 11, 2026

This follows a general shift towards 2D experiences in the theme park industry. Over at Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure recently ditched 3D, as has the version of the attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to become Disney Adventure World) in Disneyland Paris.

Universal Studios Hollywood previously also removed the 3D from the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter just eight months after its opening.

The King Kong 360 section of the Studio Tour was currently closed, sparking theories that Universal was following suit by removing its 3D. Now, it turns out those theories were correct.

Videos from the updated Studio Tour praise the 2D footage as “super clean and crisp” in person.

Here’s a look at the new 2D format of King Kong 360 on the Studio Tour. The picture is super clean and crisp in person.
@UniStudios

Here’s a look at the new 2D format of King Kong 360 on the Studio Tour. The picture is super clean and crisp in person. @UniStudios pic.twitter.com/7nczdL8CO7

— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) March 11, 2026

Why Are Theme Parks Ditching 3D?

Three-dimensional elements in theme park rides divide audiences because they can cause discomfort for some guests. Motion simulation combined with 3D visuals often leads to headaches, eye strain, or nausea. Others feel the technology has become overused, replacing practical sets and animatronics with screens that make different attractions feel visually similar.

Some fans have pushed for Universal to make further changes to the attraction. “Bring back the gigantic animatronic that used to break!” wrote one X user. “With modern technology it should run smoother! We have robots nowadays!”

Others have called for it to close completely.

“Just put something else in then,” a fan wrote. “Watering down rides is not the way to extend their lives.”

With the removal of King Kong’s 3D, the only attractions that still utilize 3D or 4D at the Southern California theme park are TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. While many expected DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda to feature 3D, the show instead uses a 180-degree panoramic screen and advanced projection technology to create a similar effect to wearing 3D glasses.

Do you think Universal is right to remove the 3D in King Kong 360?