FAQs
Get answers to common questions about tours, talks, bookings, and more.
FAQs: Public Tours
Book quickly by browsing a list of walking tours or our tour calendar.
Our walking tours last between 1.5–2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore iconic Chicago film locations and hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.
Walking tours cover half a mile to 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops for photos and storytelling. Look for specific mileage under each tour description.
Most of Chicago Movie Tours' public and private walking tours are capped at approximately 8 guests.
Kelli keeps groups small to ensure everyone can easily see the multimedia content she shares on a large iPad. Smaller groups also encourage participation and create a sense of community during the tour!
If you have a larger group, Kelli is happy to split it into smaller ones to accommodate your needs.
Exception: Provided the property and staffing are available, our tour Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison may accommodate up to 25 people or more.
Walking tours cover a range of films and TV series shot in Chicago, including The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Untouchables, and many more. You will also explore lesser-known movies and cinematic connections to the city. For specifics, look for the "Movies/TV Highlighted" section under individual tour descriptions.
All walking tours are designed to be enjoyable for all ages. However, some content may be more suitable for older children and adults. For example, our Wizard of Oz walking tour explores the children's story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but some content may not be appropriate for guests under age 13.
Yes, most of our public walking tours require a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum isn’t met, we’ll notify you in advance to reschedule or offer a refund.
Get more specifics on our low attendance policy in Tour Terms and Conditions.
Absolutely! Kelli offers private versions of all walking tours, provided properties and dates are available.
She also offers bespoke tours that allow you to customize the schedule and even focus on specific movies or locations. Please contact Kelli at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred tour date for a bespoke tour.
Yes, Kelli offers virtual tours, many free. Learn more about them here.
Walking tours run rain, shine—or snow (it is Chicago after all)! In the case of extreme weather, Kelli will contact you to discuss rescheduling or other options.
Kelli strives to make tours as accessible as possible. However, some locations we visit are in or around historic buildings that may not have fully accessible pathways.
Please contact Kelli in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs, or look under Tour Specifics > Accessibility under individual tour descriptions for the latest information about accessibility.
You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Cancellations received within 48 hours of tour departure—along with late arrivals and no-shows after a tour departs—are not eligible for refunds.
Read more about cancelling or changing reservations on Tour Terms and Conditions.
Yes! Please take photos—and capture your favorite movie locations along the way. However, video and audio recording any of our tours is prohibited.
Yes! We offer gift cards for our walking tours, which make a great present for movie lovers or anyone looking to explore Chicago.
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in The Art of Ferris Bueller ticket price for three reasons:
Direct Admission Pricing: The Art Institute of Chicago sets its own admission prices that can vary depending on factors such as special exhibitions and events. By keeping admission separate, we ensure you pay the most current rate directly to the museum, allowing for flexibility based on your visit.
Membership Discounts: Many of our tour guests may have museum memberships or reciprocal admission privileges that provide discounts or free entry. By separating our tour fee from museum admission, we respect those benefits and allow our guests to take advantage of their memberships.
Planning Flexibility: This approach allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. You can arrive early, explore the museum at your own pace before the tour starts, or extend your visit afterward to enjoy additional exhibits.
While tipping is never expected, it’s always appreciated!
If you enjoyed the tour and feel your guide provided a memorable experience, feel free to tip as a gesture of thanks. Our guide invests significant time in researching and delivering high-quality tours to ensure you have a unique and insightful experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation!
FAQs: Private Tours
Yes! All of Chicago Movie Tours' walking tours are available for private tours, provided properties and dates are available.
Looking for a customized tour? Please contact Kelli.
The main difference between a private tour (of our existing walking tours) and a private bespoke tour is the level of customization.
Private tours of our existing walking tours follow a set route and itinerary. These tours are ideal for travelers who prefer the convenience of a curated experience without the need for extensive customization. Private tours offer the exclusivity of a private group while still exploring popular attractions or themes.
Customized or bespoke tours allow travelers to design a unique itinerary from scratch. A private bespoke tour is a fully customized and tailor-made experience crafted according to your specific interests, preferences, and requirements. Private bespoke tours are ideal for travelers seeking a truly one-of-a-kind and immersive experience tailored precisely to their interests and preferences!
Please contact Kelli at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred tour date for a bespoke tour.
Private tours are intended for parties of 8 people or fewer. These options work nicely for families and small social groups.
Exception: Provided the property and staffing are available, our tour Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison may accommodate up to 25 people or more.
Absolutely! All private (and customized) Chicago movie tours include a knowledgeable guide who accompanies your group throughout the experience.
In the case of our movie-themed walking tours in Chicago, your guide is Kelli, a seasoned expert with a teaching background and a PhD focused on film studies. Kelli's extensive academic background and passion for cinema ensure that you'll receive in-depth insights into the movies filmed in Chicago, their historical context, and the behind-the-scenes stories that bring them to life.
No, we only offer walking tours at this time.
Private tour pricing starts at $399.
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in The Art of Ferris Bueller ticket price for three reasons:
Direct Admission Pricing: The Art Institute of Chicago sets its own admission prices that can vary depending on factors such as special exhibitions and events. By keeping admission separate, we ensure you pay the most current rate directly to the museum, allowing for flexibility based on your visit.
Membership Discounts: Many of our tour guests may have museum memberships or reciprocal admission privileges that provide discounts or free entry. By separating our tour fee from museum admission, we respect those benefits and allow our guests to take advantage of their memberships.
Planning Flexibility: This approach allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. You can arrive early, explore the museum at your own pace before the tour starts, or extend your visit afterward to enjoy additional exhibits.
Book your private or custom walking tour by completing this short form or contacting Kelli.
While tipping is never expected, it’s always appreciated!
If you enjoyed the tour and feel your guide provided a memorable experience, feel free to tip as a gesture of thanks. Our guide invests significant time in researching and delivering high-quality tours to ensure you have a unique and insightful experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation!
Kelli strives to make tours as accessible as possible. However, some locations we visit are in or around historic buildings that may not have fully accessible pathways.
Please contact Kelli in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs, or look under Tour Specifics > Accessibility under individual tour descriptions for the latest information about accessibility.
FAQs: Talks
Chicago Movie Tours offers a range of in-person and online talks, with most centered on Chicago’s rich film history.
Kelli also provides general programs on topics like the representation of gender in Hollywood, film noir, and classic Christmas movies. Each talk is designed to be engaging, educational, and visually immersive!
Most talks last 1 hour, depending on the content and audience engagement. Longer programs, film series, and deep dives into specific topics are also available upon request.
Yes! Watch excerpts from full-length talks here to get a feel for how they run and look.
You can book by reaching out to Kelli through this Request a Talk form. She will work with you to schedule the program and discuss any specific requests you might have.
Chicago Movie Tours' talks reach a wide range of audiences, including libraries, schools, nonprofits, corporate groups, and film enthusiasts.
Yes, Kelli purposely designs most talks to be engaging and interactive. Participants often ask questions and discuss their own histories with the films and locations. Additionally, some programs include polls and trivia!
Many programs include high-definition video footage of Chicago movie locations, placing viewers right where the filming (or historical events) happened. Whether in-person or online, this footage enhances the experience by visually transporting you to the iconic sites from your favorite films.
For in-person programs, Kelli creates and projects all content using her MacBook Pro, with video footage and other media embedded in Apple programs. A projector, large screen, and audio equipment are required at the venue.
Kelli will bring her laptop and adapters to ensure compatibility with your setup. If your venue doesn’t have the necessary equipment, we'll work together to find a solution!
All programs start at $300, but discounts (up to 20%!) are available for multiple bookings and partnerships. Get specifics on pricing and discounts.
Yes! Kelli can tailor programs to meet the specific interests of your group. Whether you’re interested in Chicago’s film legacy, classic Hollywood themes, or a specific movie genre, she can customize the content, given enough time in advance.
Contact Kelli to discuss customization options.