Gilmore Girls Holiday at Warner Brothers Studios
- Shelby Parker
- Dec 24, 2019
- 6 min read
Back for the second year in a row, Gilmore Girls Holiday made its return at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, CA. My mom and I have decided to make it a tradition as long as they keep it going. This year, I brought my friend Brittany along for the ride, and we met up with our other friend, Yolanda, for all of the fun.
If you've followed my blog for awhile, you know I'm no stranger to Warner Brothers Studio or Gilmore related festivities. I'm an aspiring TV writer/showrunner, so I'm always trying to learn as much as I can, and I have Gilmore girls and Amy Sherman-Palladino to thank for that!
We parked in the garage just next door to Warner Brothers (where the signs were pointing to) about 30 minutes before our tour, as WB advises, then made our way inside to the main tour headquarters to check in. It was the busiest I've ever seen the tour, so we stood in line for a little longer than usual for security, but it went by fast. Normally, they play a welcome video with Ellen highlighting WB's top shows and films, but due to the heavy holiday traffic passing through, they just broke people off into groups to take attendees over to the lot.
As we drove onto the lot, the driver pointed out a few facts about the studio, but pointed out that in a few minutes we'd meet our tour guides, who would know more about the studio and be able to answer questions we might have. They dropped us off at the Archives building, which is filled with props and costumes from the DC movies, like "Aquaman," "Wonder Woman" and others on the first floor. The top level is all "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" costumes. It's fun to see the actual costumes that the actors wore and how they compared to what we saw on screen.
Studio Tour
After our experience at the Archives, we officially started our tour.
While most people were just anxiously awaiting the chance to step foot into Stars Hollow, there was still plenty to explore before, like sound stages, facades, the New York area and more. Normally when we've visited the New York section on a Warner Brothers tour, we haven't been able to walk around. This time, our tour guide stopped the cart and we walked down Hennessy Street, stood inside the practical set that inspired Central Perk's set, walked through the Spiderman kiss alleyway and around the back of the building where ER filmed.
Throughout the tour, we also went into the sound stage for "Mom," where they explained how sitcoms operate and their filming schedule. We also got to see the "Ellen" sound stage to see how a talk show differs from a sitcom, which is always neat. Near the end of the tour, we were also able to walk through the Prop House, where we saw the original leg lamp from "A Christmas Story," the storage area from "The West Wing," and more. There are four levels of props all from Warner Brothers productions. What I wouldn't give to just spend hours browsing all of the things.
Whether there's filming going on or not, it's always an exciting time on the lot, just imagining all of the movie magic that takes place on a daily basis and seeing how it's all made. The great thing is that no two tours are exactly alike - it all depends on what shows and movies you're into, and what you tell your tour guide. Each one tries to cater to the group and what the majority wants to see, especially in this case, as most people were there for "Gilmore girls."
Lorelai's House
Once the tour ended, we decided to go to Lorelai's house and Stars Hollow first, because there was still a bit of sunlight out to get pictures. Walking onto Lorelai's front yard, it's like a winter wonderland, with a coffee station, Lorelai's jeep, holiday decorations, and a Gilmore inspired playlist blasting through the speakers. It was a lot busier this year, at least at the times we went, so it was hard to get a picture on the front porch. A couple of Rory and Lorelai's costumes greet you as you walk through the front doors. New this year, you're able to walk through the house (though, it wasn't a practical set while filming the show), filled with recreations of the house, like Rory's room and the living room. While it is mainly a recreation, the tour guide in the house said whatever props or furniture they were able to pull from the prop house, they did. However, since Sookie and Lorelai's houses were connected, Sookie's house scenes were filmed in the living room recreation area.
As you walk through the house, it turns into a gift shop, complete with new merchandise, like sweaters, pajamas, a beanie, mugs and more. I bought PJ's, a mug (which comes with a free cup of coffee), and of course, a "Team Jess" button (the other two men in Rory's life are available for purchase, as well). While the line to buy anything wraps around the front porch and can be a little tight, space wise, it gives a chance to really take in the atmosphere and get a different perspective of the yard.
Once we paid, my mom and Yolanda walked over to the gazebo in the town square to snap photos, while Brittany and I waited for coffee. The coffee booth has scenes from the show on the wall behind it. Aside from hot cocoa and coffee, you can also get bakery treats, such as Dragonfly Inn cookies or a Gilmore favorite, pop-tarts.
Once we were finished fixing our coffee, we walked just around the corner to the magical Stars Hollow.
Stars Hollow
The trees, gazebo and buildings were lit up with twinkly lights, just like you'd see on the show for one of its many night scenes, which was exactly what I wanted to see. So, we scheduled our tour for later in the day at 2 p.m.
The gazebo, Mrs. Kim's Antiques, Red, White and Black Theatre, the church, Stars Hollow High, Sookie and Jackson's house and Luke's Diner were all on display and decorated for the occasion. At each stop, there were informational posts, describing what the location was used for on the show, as well as other films that have used it over the years. You were able to go at your own pace around the square, and spend as much time as you wanted, taking photos or taking in the sights and sounds of the small town. Once I had my coffee, I got my second wind. There was so much to take in and I was excited about all of it. It really did feel like we were walking through town.
Luke's Diner
Another of the most recognizable spots on the lot is the famous Luke's Diner. While it wasn't open for business, people were able to line up for photos on the steps and/or under the coffee cup sign outside. We took full advantage of that photo op!
Friends Fountain
While not "Gilmore girls" related, a popular addition to the lot was the "Friends" fountain brought over from the Warner Bros. Ranch lot for the Friendsgiving event last month. You can even sit on a (much harder) replica couch, just like the "Friends" cast does in the series opener. It makes for super cute group photos!
Stage 48
One of my favorite aspects of the Warner Brothers tour, and different from other studio tours, is Stage 48. This gives movie and TV show fans a chance to get up close and personal with props, costumes and even sets from your favorite shows and films, like Central Perk from "Friends" and Sheldon's apartment from "The Big Bang Theory." Brittany, Yolanda and I waited in line for the Central Perk set for photos, and even saw a couple get engaged. That was quite a surprise and such a sweet moment to witness.
Guests can also view costumes from Warner Brothers classics, such as "My Fair Lady," "Rebel Without A Cause" and others. There are also stations to learn how CGI computes for animation in film, as well as a green screen photo booth to pose with backgrounds from things, like "Gilmore girls," "Harry Potter" and more.
There's also a room filled with older artifacts and memorabilia, like Michelle Tanner's HoneyBee costume, Phoebe Buffay's guitar, badges from the doctors on "ER" and more. It's fun to take a walk down WB memory lane.
Once we'd seen everything in Stage 48, we decided it was probably time to head home, because we still had to drive a couple hours. We hopped on the tram back to the main office again. As we were on our way back, a couple tour guides grabbed a ride and asked us how the day had been. We told them it was fun and that we'd come for the "Gilmore girls" event, and they mentioned that Scott Patterson had been there earlier in the day. We couldn't believe it and thought they were messing with us, because we hadn't been on social media over the last few hours. Sure enough, he was there. I was hoping that he would show up, and he did. Bummed that I didn't get to meet him, but such a cool experience for those who did.
The Gilmore girls Holiday runs from Dec. 21-Jan. 5. For more information about the tour, pricing and what you'll see, visit the Warner Brothers website.
That's all for now,
Shelby
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