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Prop Plaza - Backlot Tour

Prop Plaza contained shops, restaurants and an array of interesting props and objects from recent films. This midway point on the tram tour was a useful food and merchandising stop, as well as a chance to take in gorgeous views and many photo-opportunities.

Photos above from Universal Studios Guide, 1984

In the 1980s, Prop Plaza was only used during the busy holiday season or at other peak times.
Today, the area is still intact, but is no longer a stop on the tram tour - it's function has been taken over by the concession stands and restaurants on the Upper Lot. The area is currently being used as a basecamp for the Desperate Housewives production staff. It's also used as a filming location when not in use by production work - it's called Hollywood Terrace for these purposes (see below)..
The photo on the right shows The Six Million Dollar van being lifted by some children - it was later followed by The A Team van (left)

From Universal Studios Guide, 1984

Giant hand prop from "Land of the Giants"
(From "Inside Universal Studios", 1978)

Giant phone
Prop Plaza showcased a number of oversized props over the years, many of which featured
in "The Incredible Shrinking Woman" (1981)
(From Viewmaster 5360 series, 1987)

Prop Plaza photos: 1979 by Robert Napton
Click to enlarge photo and see giant hair pins on the wall beside the gun!	Click to enlarge photo and see actor handprints
	Silver van in the background was the Six Million Dollar Van (in the years before the A Team)

"Scenic lagoon on the lower level at Prop Plaza, mid-way spot of the tour at Universal City Studios" (Postcard C24080, 1968)

"PROP PLAZA VIEW of Valley with San Gabriel Mountains in Background"
(Postcard B4177, 1973)

1983 era trams about to unload at Prop Plaza
(From "The A Team" season two, "Steel" episode, 1983)

Go to jail
From Universal Studios Guide, 1984

Do you have a photo of a family member at Prop Plaza? Send it in!

Prop Plaza Today As Prop Plaza is one of the few places on the backlot completely off the tram tour, it's a useful place for productions to use as a base camp. It's just been used by Desperate Housewives as a production base. The area is now also known as Hollywood Terrace, and is yet another type of location that can be used by visiting film and TV companies. The props have gone, but the layout of the area is the same.
Hollywood Terrace Photos © Universal Studios Hollywood (from www.filmmakersdestination.com)

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