Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon gives Universal Studios Florida guests a 3-D glimpse behind the curtain of The Tonight Show, but there’s a secret way to visit corners of the studio that even The Roots don’t get to see. Buckle up as we take the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon VIP Studio Tour, and learn about the legacy of this legendary late-night institution.
Please note that due to COVID-19 the behind-the-scenes “secret tours” are currently suspended.
Like the other “secret” tours at Universal, the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon VIP Studio Tour is completely free for all guests, but availability is dependent on staffing and never guaranteed. Ask the greeter outside the attraction if a Studio Tour is possible; for better odds, try around 10 a.m. or 4 p.m.
The Studio Tour starts in the entrance hallway, where you’ll hear about the history of the various NBC logos lining the the wall.
You’ll also learn a little about how Universal re-created Manhattan’s famous 30 Rockefeller Center building, right down to the carpeting in the elevator.
The heart of the Studio Tour is an in-depth look at the Hall of Fame, which features authentic artifacts from every Tonight Show host, going all the way back to Steve Allen and Jack Parr.
Of course, Fallon himself gets the largest display. Of particular note is his high school yearbook, which predicts he will “replace Letterman” on televsion.
After exploring the first floor, guests on the Jimmy Fallon VIP Studio Tour next ascend an elevator and are whisked backstage for a peek at the control room, where employees monitor operations of the twin “flying theater” simulator rides. (Unfortunately, cameras are strictly off-limits in this area.)
Finally, VIP Studio Tour guests get to visit the balcony that overlooks Music Plaza stage, which is usually reserved for private parties.
There, you’ll spot this compass, which some claim once marked the geographic center of Universal Orlando’s property. Tour guides at the attraction dispute this urban legend, however.
Last but not least, if you are very lucky, you might get a private audience with the Ragtime Gals or Hashtag the Panda.
Watch this POV video to preview the public area portions of Universal’s Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon VIP Studio Tour:
For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
