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How to Get a Tour of Pixar Studios

Last Updated: March 6, 2024

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 212,017 times. Learn more...

Pixar Animation Studios is a famous film studio known for its many successful animation films, including Toy Story , Cars , and Inside Out . The studio is located in Emeryville, California, and while it’s full of exciting and creative treasures, it’s closed to the public. While getting a tour at Pixar is very difficult, you just may be able to get in the door if you have personal connections, participate in a charity event, win a contest, or get a job at Pixar.

Getting a Tour through Personal Connections

• Consider posting a question about touring Pixar Studios on social networking sites, such as Facebook, to reach a larger audience of family, friends, and acquaintances.

• To respect your personal connection’s time and space, consider calling them instead of approaching them in person.
• When asking about family and friends day, try saying “Hi! I was hoping to ask you something about Pixar. Do you have a moment to talk?” If they seem eager to speak with you, say something like, “I’m such a big Pixar fan. Is there a family and friends day at the studio some time soon that I’d be able to attend with you?”
• If you get to attend the studio on family and friends day, you can expect to tour the Steve Jobs Building, tour the Brooklyn building, and also check out the interesting outdoor features, such as the big model of the Luxo lamp and ball. [2] X Research source
• While many areas are off limits during family and friends day tours, you should still be able to see the screening room, the mail room, the gift shop, the cafe, as well as recent Pixar artwork and Pixar awards. [3] X Research source

• Be sure to politely and appropriately ask the person you know who is connected to Pixar for this opportunity. For example, you might say, “I’m really excited for that new Pixar movie that’s coming out soon. It looks incredible. Is there any way that I could see it with you before it’s shown in theaters?”

Participating in Charity Events and Contests

• While this is a good way to get a tour, it can be extremely expensive.

• This is another pricey option. For example, tickets for a charity event in 2011 that included a black tie dinner, a screening, and an exclusive tour were $1,000 USD each.

• Contest entry requirements range in difficulty from answering a prompt with a short essay response to creating a trailer for a film. The prizes also vary, from special edition Blu-Ray disc sets to tours of the studio.

Getting a Tour through Your Job

• There’s a wide variety of jobs that are needed at Pixar. Some of these jobs include software engineering, marketing, and cooking.
• Pixar offers internship opportunities as well. This may be a better option for you if you’re currently a student.

• If you don’t have either account, make a Pixar account by clicking on the “Create Account” button that appears after you click “Apply.” If you’d rather make a LinkedIn account , click on the “Join LinkedIn” button on the page that pops up after you click “Apply through LinkedIn.”

• Some news organizations that frequently cover Pixar include The Hollywood Reporter, The Guardian, and The Vancouver Sun.

Community Q&A

• Don't be discouraged if Pixar doesn't call you in for an interview right away. In fact, most Pixar workers had to send in their applications numerous times before even being considered. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0

• If you're in the area of where the studio is located, don't try to sneak in. The facility has security, and sneaking in is illegal. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• If you do know a person that works at Pixar, you can't force them to give you a tour, so don't harass them. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/screencraft/discover-what-its-like-to_b_9099188.html
• ↑ https://www.danthepixarfan.com/2017/11/my-first-visit-to-pixar-animation.html
• ↑ https://pixarpost.com//2016/05/your-chance-bid-on-private-tour-of.html

About This Article

While Pixar Animation Studios is well known for its successful animation films, it’s closed to the public, so if you want to get a tour, you’ll have to be creative. One way to tour the studio is to have a connection to it, so ask your friends and family if they know anyone who works there. To reach a larger audience, put your question out on social media. If you can’t find anyone who works at Pixar, try to participate in a charitable auction or event. Go online and search Pixar news to find these opportunities. While this can be a pricey option, you’ll not only get your tour but also know that your money went to a good cause. To learn how to get a tour of Pixar by getting a job there, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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A Storyteller’s Dream Come True: Touring PIXAR Studios

If you ask me to describe myself in one word, it would be challenging, and even though I’d be a little heartbroken for the other words I’d leave behind, I know I’d have to choose “storyteller.”

And as a storyteller, THE dream is to be at the place where everything starts with a story, where everything begins and ends with a story: touring Pixar Studios in Emeryville, California.

My #Cars3Event adventure started by going through the Pixar Animation gates and into the campus. We screened most of the upcoming movie Cars 3 at the Pixar Campus theater. 

The theater was spectacular and later on we learned the rules about the starscape:

“There are two strings with stars that you noticed and the first one goes ‘ooohhh’ and the second one goes ‘ahhhh.’ Next time you go, make sure you do the ‘ooooh’ and the ‘aaaaah’ with the shooting stars,” our personal tour guide suggested. That’s a Toy Story reference! 

As a Cars fan, I was delighted with the story and I know you will enjoy it when it comes out in theaters on June 16.

Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!

Of course, these tours are not open to the public, so it was an honor for me to be in this space, sharing these magical experiences with 24 other top Disney influencers that were selected to attend the event.

Pixar Animation launched in 1995 with Toy Story and has produced beloved films like Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, Brave, A Bug’s Life, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, and two of my most favorite: UP and Inside Out.

The Pixar campus is a place of wonder. You can find magic everywhere and start to realize that everything has a story and there are Pixar characters everywhere!

The Pixar campus is laid out like a human brain: the creative side and technical side here are united by a main area that was designed for people to intentionally mingle and collaborate.

ALL restrooms, the Pixar cafe and kitchen, the mailroom, and the Pixar store are all located in the main area, to facilitate conversations that “lead to success.”

This main area was renamed “the Steve Jobs building” about a year after his passing, so as a huge Steve Jobs fan myself, stepping into this area was one of the highlights of the tour (and the entire trip, if I’m honest).

In the Steve Jobs building we can also find the Awards Cabinet – a reminder of the greatness that everyone helps create. Emmy Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Academy Awards… and a Woody doll.

“When you get really close to it, you can see he’s really beat up layers are molting off of him, he’s missing a boot, his paint is coming off… He belonged to a little boy named Caleb. This was his security, so when they went to Walt Disney World, it was falling apart and she decided to him a new one, but then thought: ‘What do you do with the old one?’ You don’t want to just chuck it in the garbage. That was his friend! They took him to the help desk at Walt Disney World and they asked if it could be returned to Pixar so that it could live with Buzz Lightyear for eternity and beyond!”

A huge “awwwww” and some tears (mostly mine) followed this story. They keep this doll as a symbol for what is created at Pixar.

“We’re not just creating a couple of hours of entertainment, and then it’s over with.”

Woody comes with a letter that reads:

“On June 18, 2010 we had a young child about 6-year-old by the name of Caleb come into City Hall at Magic Kingdom Park. He brought us his well played with Woody doll. You see, his parents bought him a new one and he wanted his first one to have a great new home and to spend infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear. We felt it was appropriate to share him with you.”

The characters and storylines created at Pixar Animation Studios live on.

“They become your children’s best friend or your own best friend, as well.”

When Woody is not on display at the Steve Jobs building, he’s on tour with John Lasseter, and we heard that “when he talks about this story he will cry – every time!” 

This is WHY I love Pixar. As a storyteller, I know that stories create connection and transformation. A story can heal, uplift, teach, and inspire emotions. The stories you hear become a part of you, a part of your legacy, and what makes you immortal.

Besides the Steve Jobs building, I had the opportunity to go into the Brooklyn Building. The office buildings are named after New York neighborhoods and have lots of glass windows to let the outside in.

The beautiful campus has rosebushes all around because Steve Jobs wanted people to be able to pick fresh roses (or is it “cut”) to adorn their desks.

I was surprised to learn that the Pixar campus spans 16 acres and was mostly built from the ground up. It previously housed the Oaks Baseball field, and later the Del Monte Fruit Company.

It proves to be an inspiring workplace, where employees enjoy a heated outdoor pool, volleyball and basketball courts, gyms, beautiful gardens, relaxation areas (even hammocks!), and other amenities to create an atmosphere where genius sparks.

And you can imagine how excited I was to actually see the famous Pixar lamp which is also the Pixar Logo, as well as the Pixar ball! I wasn’t surprised to hear that these are the most photographed items when people come to Pixar, but what really shocked me is that the Pixar Lamp and Ball are actually not original to the Pixar Animation Campus and they didn’t even commission it.

Pixar Studios has an exhibition that goes around the world that is opening up in Seoul right now and when it was in Australia, that museum had the Pixar Lamp and Ball built in front of it, and when the exhibition moved on, they gifted it to Pixar. The Pixar Lamp and Ball were sent to the Pixar campus on a barge. 

 The iconic lamp does light up when it gets dark! I thought that was fascinating! The ball gets so much picture action that it has to get repainted often, so it will be out of the Pixar Campus for about 8 weeks when it happens.

Whether you are a story lover, a storyteller, or both, you can appreciate what a privilege it is to be where stories are made. That’s why I wanted to take you along our journey and share these amazing experience with you.

What we can learn as moms from the Pixar Headquarters is how to teach our children through story and allow their creativity to be nurtured: teaching the way they learn (left brain / right brain), going outdoors, facilitating conversation, creating an environment of collaboration, and allowing lots of play!

Do you have questions about the Pixar Animation Studios campus? I’d love to know what you’re curious about.

I’ll be sharing more about my Pixar visit soon and a sneak peek at  CARS 3,  but in the meantime, be sure to Like and Follow  CARS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also visit the official CARS 3 website and follow the hashtag #Cars3Event!  CARS 3 opens in theaters everywhere on June 16th – and you don’t want to miss it!

Elayna is a single mom of 4, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE .

Want to support the Positive MOM blog?

The mission of the Positive MOM blog is to help moms break trauma cycles, find peace, and feel emotionally whole, so they can practice supportive parenting and create a positive and healthy environment for their children. If you found Elayna’s content valuable, please consider donating a love offering to enable her to keep creating content and helping more moms worldwide. Donate HERE .

Everything You Need To Know About Toy Story Land #ToyStoryLand ★ Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM ♥

Thursday 24th of January 2019

[…] That EPIC time I visited Pixar Animation Studios campus, I bought a special t-shirt with the adorable little green alien and I had to wear it to visit Toy Story Land! The Alien Swirling Saucers is a galactic space toy is designed as a playset Andy won at the Pizza Planet restaurant and the green aliens spin to the beat with you in their toy rocket ships. […]

Thursday 21st of June 2018

What accommodations did you prepare for this event? Airfare, lodging, and transportation??? I'd like to know the BTS itinerary and any tips about that.

Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM

Friday 22nd of June 2018

I was invited by Disney and Pixar for this adventure, so their teams arranged everything. What kind of tips are you looking for, darling?

kumamonjeng

Saturday 12th of May 2018

Lovely experience at the Pixar studios. I would too love to visit Pixar as most of my dream characters are there. After all, these are the place to make so many successful movies and I have been watching since little.

21 Monumental Secrets To Succeed As A Mompreneur [ Mom Entrepreneur ] ★ Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM ♥

Thursday 4th of January 2018

[…] effort and think you should be further ahead than you are right now, but like Steve Jobs said of Pixar: “If you really look closely, most overnight successes took a long […]

Join Me in The Ultimate Disney Fan Event - #D23Expo in Anaheim CA ★ Elayna Fernandez ~ The Positive MOM ♥

Friday 14th of July 2017

[…] and Walt Disney Animation Studios panel hosted by John Lasseter announcing upcoming films. I visited Pixar at the end of March and I’m excited to watch never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature COCO (ay […]

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Step back into a legendary time on the Sony Pictures Studio tour! Walk through the famed gates and you’re behind the scenes at one of the most historic and exciting studio lots in the world. Our two-hour guided walking tour will give you the real experience of a working studio.

Visit soundstages once home to iconic films like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black” and “Spider-Man.” Swing by smash-hit games shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” You might even catch a glimpse of the Barbra Streisand Scoring stage or Walter White’s RV from the hit series, “Breaking Bad.” Keep your eyes open... You never know what – or who – will be around the next corner.

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Pixar Studios Tour – Inside Look at Pixar HQ

• California / In the City / North America
• 11 Comments

The Friday we arrived in the Bay Area, we went to visit the Pixar Animation Studios. Nick Pitera gave us a fantastic tour and more insight on the behind the scenes process. We were already impressed by Pixar’s work, but now we have even more of a respect and appreciation for what they do. They redecorated their campus for their latest release, so when we arrived, we were greeted by Sully and Mike!

They’ve done an amazing job with balancing the secrecy of their future projects, but still making it visually fun for guests by having art galleries and displays. Although they don’t allow photos in the majority of the studio, we had the chance to see the long process and intricate and clever details of the making of Monsters University . I also loved that they had a community garden on their campus. If I worked at Pixar, I would totally use it!

A special thanks to Nick for showing us around. If you don’t already know who he is, here’s his original claim to fame . He’ll be releasing an EP soon called Stairways! #hearton

More photos of our visit to the Pixar Animation Studios in the gallery below:

What is your favorite Pixar movie of all time? Mine is still Up. I cry every single time I watch the first 10 mins. Also, I’m trying something different with the photo galleries on each post. I’m trying to limit myself to 5 photos per post, so that you don’t have to scroll through twenty something photos if you want a quick read. But there’s more photos for those who are here for the photos. What do you guys think?

This Post Has 11 Comments

What an amazing experience, that looks like a lot of fun…I’m from Mexico and I will have a study trip to San Francisco con June 20-26, with a few classmates of my Master Class in Stanford and we are looking to have visits to different companies. I’m a huge fan of Cartoons and animation and because of that I’m really interested in trying to get a tour in to Pixar Studios on June 24-26.

I will really appreciate if you have any contact which I could get in touch in order to make this dream come true. Regards!

incredible! I would love to tour Pixar some day. Oh, and I just took a 30 minute detour browsing through all of Nick’s youtube video… I’m amazed by his voice! If there was no video, I would swear the songs were sung by different people

You totally should! And isn’t he amazing?! That’s what he told us.. nobody believed him that he sang everything by himself until he put up a video as proof.

agh! i love all the pixar movies. i feel like it’s so hard to just pick 1 fav, but mine’s probably Monster’s Inc for it’s pure creativity. I remember so many random lines from that film like, when Mike Wazowski tells his new girlfriend, “ever since I laid ‘eye’ on you” (bwahahha.. kills me everytime). or how pixar always captures little details like when mike puts on his one contact on his eyeball, his jaw drops involuntarily (like he cannot control opening his mouth when he is opening his eye). when i saw that i immediately recognized it because i do that too when i put in contacts! lol. so funny.

i haven’t seen monster’s univ. yet, have you?

yes i have!!! you need to see it!! i think i like it better than the original. :) there is SO MUCH in the details. I feel like i need to go back and watch it again because I probably missed a lot. so the guy, nick, who took us on the tour is apparently in charge of the redesign / drawing or whatever magic they do to all the signage in the movie so that it’s relevant to other countries and cultures? When they release the movies in other cultures, the signs are in their language. i had no idea pixar did this! maybe I should watch the korean version…

no way!! i had no idea! that is so cool. is that guy nick a friend or is he some assigned tour guide at pixar? do you need an invite to tour?

i dont know why we’re having convos on here instead of IRL..

haha! he’s a friend of jacob’s through youtube.. cuz he’s also a youtuber. omg you should watch his video i linked. he has a crazy amazing voice!

Really frickin’ jealous that you guys got to visit the Pixar Studios!! (I think Paul is too) Up and Ratatouille (duh!) are my favorite Pixar movies. Digging the new post layout with the five photos and option to see more. Though I’m always happy to scroll through your photos :)

Thanks, girl! :) Just trying something different. I haven’t seen ratatouille in a while.. I should tell Jacob I wanna watch it!

mine is also UP! and then close second is The Incredibles.

I think I like them in that same order too! haha And then maybe the toy stories or ratatouille. i can’t decide!

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What Is it Like to Visit Pixar Animation Studios?

What is it like to visit Pixar Animation Studios?

Back in the late 1930s and through the 1950s, Walt Disney led the charge in what was later deemed the "Golden Age of Animation." Animated movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs , Pinocchio , Dumbo , Peter Pan , Fantasia , and Cinderella captured the imaginations of not just children, but adults as well.

Imagine being able to go back in time to witness the creation of those classic tales that still have a hold on multiple generations today — if not to be just a fly on the wall for a few moments.

Well, a new golden age of animation began in 1995 when a small company of innovators, lead by John Lasseter — a former Disney animator — created the first all-CG animated feature, Toy Story . The rest is history, and the future still in the making.

Pixar stands out not just as a mere animation company, but as the most innovative storytelling collective of our time. Like Walt Disney before them, Pixar captures the imagination of children and adults while telling stories filled with equal parts of humor, character, heart, and story — and pushing the envelope of concept while doing so, whether it be a tale of toys that come alive when the humans are away, or the myth of monsters in the closet being real with the twist that they're more scared of us then we are of them, or a world of talking cars, or a single robot and a cockroach left along on the planet, or an elderly man traveling to South America in a house lifted by thousands of balloons, or within the mind of a young girl as her emotions struggle to balance her life and happiness.

2015's Oscar-nominated Inside Out reigns as one of the most unique storytelling ventures by any platform — live action or animated.

Read More: Pixar Storytelling Works: 'Elemental' Writers Use All the Rules

Unlike other studios, Pixar's goal whenever developing and creating a new project centers solely on the development of the story. There is no secret Pixar formula. Their success is grounded in the willingness to keep pushing their stories and concepts to be better, even if they have to take two steps backward to go one step forward.

Their 22 Rules of Storytelling is just the tip of the iceberg as to how far they go to tell an amazing story.

John Lassetter, Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter, and other Pixar giants are this generation's Walt Disney. So needless to say, both as a screenwriter and father of two children equally obsessed with their stories, the thought of being a fly on the wall of Pixar Animation Studios was a dream I've had since 1995, which was right around the time I started writing screenplays. And while many dream of going back in time to see the likes of Walt Disney and his animators create the magic of yesteryear, I was thrilled to have the chance to make a more realistic dream come true.

In the summer of 2015, I was invited to Pixar Animation Studios. The dream came true, and this is my experience.

Note: Many elements within the studio have likely changed, but this is how it was in Summer 2015. 

An Exclusive Place to Visit

Now, it must first be known that while many have obviously been able to step behind the walls of Pixar, this is a studio that is not open to the public. There are no studio tours that you can pay for. You clearly have to know someone to get in and all too often you're not allowed beyond the expansive and famous atrium of the Steve Jobs Building. Thankfully I was .

Consider this a virtual and descriptive tour through Pixar Animation Studios. I took as many pictures as I could, and while my camera wasn't allowed beyond the doors leading to the animation and story offices, I'll do my best to articulate what that truly magical and awe-inspiring feeling was like.

Whether you're a screenwriter, filmmaker, animator, artist, film buff, Disney or Pixar fanatic, adult, or child, hopefully, you'll get a taste of what it is like to be a fly on the wall and witness the magic of Pixar first hand.

The Outside

Pixar Animation Studios is located just outside of Oakland in Emeryville, CA. When driving towards the studio, you'll likely be looking around wondering how such an iconic animation giant can be located near such a poverty-stricken community until suddenly you see the environment change as you get closer.

Emeryville, at least surrounding Pixar, is a charming neighborhood. In fact, you could look at Monster's Inc.  — and other Pixar films — and see many reflections of the town within the story.  It's a noted fact that their surroundings inspired the animators on many occasions.

As you drive through Emeryville, Pixar Animation Studios suddenly comes about.

You patiently await your turn in a long line of cars. I later learn that the reason for the traffic is the friends and family screening of Inside Out , which hadn't debuted yet. I had the chance to attend, but my boys were already jealous enough that I was visiting Pixar. To see the next Pixar movie — which they were eagerly awaiting — without them would have been just cruel.

You approach the gate, give them your name, perhaps say a little prayer under your breath hoping your contact inside didn't forget about you, and then you receive your pass.

It should be noted that this pass is still on my messenger bag that goes with me wherever I write. It is a badge of honor and an excellent conversation starter.

It should also be noted that I've been lucky enough to work at a major film studio, Sony, during my studio days as a liaison between incoming film and television production and the studio, and later as a studio script reader and story analyst. Heck, I even worked as a security guard before that to get on lot. So the studio experience was nothing new to me at the time I arrived at Pixar. I also had, as a writer, visited Warner Brothers, Universal, Dreamworks (part of Universal), and yes, even Disney.

But the experience of walking onto the Pixar lot was different. I can't articulate it as much as I should as a writer beyond saying that it was magical.

Once you park in the open lot, you proceed down this path...

The birds chirp. The grass is ever so green. And if you pay attention, you may even feel like you're floating as the anticipation builds.

Here's what first catches your eye as the treeline opens up...

Fans will instantly recognize the Luxo Lamp and Luxo Ball, two of Pixar's earliest icons that have appeared in almost all of their films.

The campus is beautiful.  In the back of the above picture, you'll see an amphitheater that they likely use for events.  To the right is a soccer field.

When you walk past the main building, which we'll get to soon, you'll see a full basketball court with sand volleyball courts behind it.

Nearby you'll find a charming and casual grill area.

And such a fun paradise wouldn't be complete without a lap pool and a fitness center (not pictured).

But the truth is, you likely wouldn't go beyond the Luxo Lamp and Ball without seeing the main Pixar Animation Studios building, which is rightfully called The Steve Jobs Building.

The Steve Jobs Building

This is the core of the campus.  The original building.  Steve Jobs, if you didn't know already, was the former head of Pixar many, many years ago. He oversaw the design of this very building from beginning to end.

With the butterflies fluttering in your stomach, you take a deep breath and open the doors.

Ladies and gentlemen, the now iconic atrium that you've likely seen on many Pixar Blu-ray special features.

You first check into the security desk using an iPad system.

You're then greeted by some familiar faces.

To your right, as you gaze at the atrium, you'll see the Pixar Academy Awards as well as many other accolades they've received.

There's a Pixar Store where you will surely spend a lot of money on yourself and the family, as did I.

Beyond the store, you'll find many commons areas showcasing some amazing Pixar Animation art. What was most impressive, as well as very representative of how much of a fantastic community Pixar really is, was this display of each and every Pixar employee.

You'll see a mail room as well (forgive the poor picture quality).

And then, directly facing the front doors of the building, you'll see the amazing screening room that, at the time of this picture, was full of friends and families of employees, both adults and children, watching Inside Out before it hit the theaters.

And what would any grand atrium be without Cafe Luxo, where employees and guests can sit down for fabulous breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. In Silicon Valley tradition (in this case miles away from it mind you), for employees, the food is likely free.

Now, before I get to the magic and the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Steve Jobs Building, let's rewind a bit, back outside, past the giant Luxo Lamp and Ball, past the soccer field, and to Pixar's newest building.

The Brooklyn name comes from the New York theme that started in the Steve Jobs Building, back when it was the only building, and just called "Main." The wings divide easily as Upper West Side , Lower East Side , etc. So the building just to the west of it, once Pixar bought and remodeled it, was named West Village . Leased space a few blocks to the North was Jersey . When this new building was constructed, it was just natural to call it Brooklyn — thanks to former Pixar Camera Artist Craig Good for that explanation .

Here is a brief peek inside this immense building.

And the old school mode of transportation throughout each Pixar building...

Now that you've seen the sights of Pixar Animation Studios, I'll take you on an expanded descriptive tour, as cameras were not permitted beyond certain points that I was lucky enough to venture, but before I do that, here's some interesting trivia behind the design of the Steve Jobs Building.

Pixar thinks of this whole building as a brain . And as you know, each side of the brain is responsible for various functions of the whole.

That's how the Steve Jobs Building is primarily set up, with the left side of the building representing the more technical side of the studio while the right side of the building houses the creative offices.

So to your left, behind locked security doors, you'll have the various technical departments — servers, computers, functionality, etc.

And then to the right, behind locked security doors, you'll have all of the creative offices, which includes animation offices, development offices, story department, motion capture (the "acting room" where animators can film themselves or other beings for animation references), etc.

On the upper level of the off-limits area, there is a gallery of art for whatever film is about to be released. Again, this isn't open to the public and isn't even open to most guests. We walked through the endless gallery of conceptual drawings, models, and artwork. It's a visual feast as you watch the concept grow and evolve into what it would eventually become in the upcoming film — in this case, it was Inside Out .

It's magic. Present day magic encompassed by imagination. Imagination that seems to be ever-so distant and unfamiliar to most these days yet here we have hundreds of talented people that get to explore and "exploit" their imagination hour after hour for the later benefit of all.

No Pictures Allowed

So it's time to take you behind those locked doors now. We'll obviously focus on the right side of the brain of Pixar Animation Studios, and I'll do my best to convey the setting.

Behind those locked doors is a maze of Disneyland-like facades, with each section of the area representing its own theme. All with attached offices for animators, story department, etc.

Now, I say "offices" loosely because a majority of them are Disneyland-like exhibits. You know when you are entering a Disney ride, and the design of the area building up to the actual ride is an experience onto itself? That's  how many of these offices are .

Employees are given freedom to do with their offices as they'd like, within reason.

One office was built into a tiki cabin.

Another employee constructed a whole second floor to his office, complete with a bed, television, etc. I managed to find an earlier image of it online.

Most impressive was one where an animator utilized foam to create what appeared to be a Mayan Ruins facade. Both the outside and inside of his office resembles, in amazing detail, a Mayan Ruin, complete with ferns coming out of the "rocks."

So basically, it looks as if he works in a cave. It was amazing to see. And believe me when I say that it truly rivals much of what you'd see at Disneyland.

Next door, two animators turned their office into the cabin of an old plane that crashed into the jungle long ago. I walked in and felt like I was on the set of Lost . It was complete with real tree branches coming out of the walls and into the office — and, oh, it also had a mist machine to complete the image.

Spread throughout this side of the building are hallways leading to commons areas that each have different themes. Their video game area was under development at the time and will apparently have a spaceship facade in place.

And for you Wine and Spirits people out there, there are many bars throughout the area, each with their own themes as well. These are utilized for after hour celebrations and relaxation, and yes, they are fully stocked.

There was even a full replica of the classic Muppets Show stage where animators would make their own Muppets and display them.

My animator friend then guided me to his office and showcased where the real magic happens.

Pixar was working on a Saturday, which is unusual. They were in overtime putting the final touches of The Good Dinosaur .

My friend cued up a scene that he was animating for the film. Keep in mind that at this time, the film was still six months from its debut. I felt an instant jolt of guilt as my sons would have loved to have seen what was unfolding before my eyes.

I watched as he utilized the software to manipulate the images in any way, shape, or form that he choose. He went on to demonstrate the process of injecting the character emotion, heart, and soul that we've seen in so many amazing Pixar films. Animation is clearly not just about moving animated pictures. It's so much more. The attention to detail that Pixar exhibits is impressive, and I can't put into words how utterly enthralling it was to see how they do it.

As a writer, it was the perfect visual interpretation of the writing process that goes on in the writer's mind. We envision different emotions, actions, character types, etc. And we play with various differences. We try things out, delete them, and start anew until we see what works. In the case of animators, they are doing the same exact thing, but without the words. The software gives them instant visual answers.

A Dream Come True

As a storyteller, as a kid at heart, as a film lover, and as a father of two boys that love movies just as much as I do, this experience was a dream come true.

As I mentioned before, imagine going back in time and getting a tour of Walt Disney Studios during those golden years. Imagine being able to peek behind the curtain. I did that during my visit in the summer of 2015. I walked through a magical world of imagination.

And if you happen upon anyone that works there, I highly recommend you put a foot forward and try to step into that magical realm called Pixar Animation Studios .

And, yes, my favorite picture of the day...

Learn more about Pixar in ScreenCraft's  The Secret Screenwriting Themes Behind All Pixar Movies !

Ken Miyamoto has worked in the film industry for nearly two decades, most notably as a studio liaison for Sony Studios and then as a script reader and story analyst for Sony Pictures.

He has many studio meetings under his belt as a produced screenwriter, meeting with the likes of Sony, Dreamworks, Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers, as well as many production and management companies. He has had a previous development deal with Lionsgate, as well as multiple writing assignments, including the produced miniseries  Blackout , starring Anne Heche, Sean Patrick Flanery, Billy Zane, James Brolin, Haylie Duff, Brian Bloom, Eric La Salle, and Bruce Boxleitner. Follow Ken on Twitter  @KenMovies

For all the latest ScreenCraft news and updates, follow us on  Twitter,   Facebook , and  Instagram .

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Pixar Experiences at the Disneyland Resort

Celebrate some of your favorite pixar stories with exhilarating attractions, exciting character encounters, sweet treats, souvenirs and more, immersive worlds.

Hop aboard incredible attractions and meet some of your favorite Pixar Pals along this charming boardwalk!

Gear up for fun in a world fueled by the characters from the Disney and Pixar film Cars .

Thrilling Attractions

Radiator springs racers.

Zoom through Cars Land on a high-octane ride with the Radiator Springs crew.

Incredicoaster

Join some of your favorite Supers in a mad dash to catch teleporting baby Jack-Jack!

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind

Visit Headquarters for a whimsical ride with Riley’s colorful memories.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage

Explore the deep on this undersea journey with Nemo and friends.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters

Help Buzz stop Zurg in an out-of-this-world showdown!

Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!

Follow Mike and Sulley through Monstropolis as they race to save Boo.

Turtle Talk with Crush

Chat with everyone’s favorite tubular turtle—Crush!

Incredible Character Encounters

Meet pixar pals at pixar pier.

Hang out with familiar friends from the Disney and Pixar films The Incredibles , Toy Story and more!

Meet the Residents of Radiator Springs

Make a pit stop and catch up with some Pals from the Disney and Pixar movie Cars .

Delightful Dining

Lamplight lounge.

Indulge in a waterfront drink while surrounded by Pixar studio memorabilia.

Alien Pizza Planet

You have been chosen to enjoy the best pizza and pasta in the galaxy!

Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

Dig into these snowcapped, lemony-yellow sweets.

Flo's V8 Cafe

Fuel up at Flo's free-wheeling eatery.

Super Shopping

World of disney.

Find all things Pixar at this interactive store overflowing with toys, apparel and more.

Knick’s Knacks

Get a kick out of these Pixar-themed treasures, knickknacks and keepsakes.

Little Green Men Store Command

Explore a galaxy of apparel, toys and other Disney and Pixar merchandise.

Sarge’s Surplus Hut

Browse an official supply of toys and merchandise for racers of all ages.

Bringing Pixar Stories to Life

Pixar place hotel.

Relax in a comfortable, contemporary setting as you delight in some of your favorite Pixar worlds and characters. Plus, you’ll find carefully curated artwork and décor inspired by the artists who crafted these beloved stories.

Make the Most of Your Visit

Disneyland mobile app.

Navigate the parks, pay for merchandise, order food and more!

Disney Genie Service

Let Disney Genie service summon the attractions, entertainment and dining you love most.

Disney PhotoPass Service

Capture magical moments—and get everyone in the picture!

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How To Teach Phonics: Everything You Need to Know

Reading groups: everything you need to know, product review of the ultenic p30 grooming kit, reading anxiety in children: everything you need to know, iep meetings and parent-teacher conferences: everything you need to know, college disability services and accommodations: everything you need to know, spam vs. phishing: how are these unwanted messages different, how to charge your iphone properly, encouraging your teenager to read: everything you need to know, 8 ways to service an air conditioner, 3 ways to get a tour of pixar studios.

Introduction:

Pixar Animation Studios, located in Emeryville, California, is the creative force behind unforgettable animated films such as Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Up. For movie enthusiasts and animation fans, getting a tour of this imaginative place would be a dream come true. While visits to Pixar Studios are not open to the general public, there are a few ways you might be able to get a glimpse inside. In this article, we’ll explore three avenues to secure a coveted tour of Pixar Studios.

1. Leverage Professional Connections:

One way to secure an exclusive tour is through industry connections or colleagues. This requires you to either work in the animation industry yourself or know someone who does. If you have any contacts within Pixar or its parent company, Disney, they might be able to grant you access by arranging a personal invitation or scheduling an official visit. Don’t be shy about reaching out to those contacts – they might just be your ticket into Pixar’s magical world.

2. Participate in Charity Auctions and Events:

Pixar occasionally participates in charity events and auctions where they offer private tours as coveted prizes. By attending one of these events and making a donation at the auction, you get the chance to win exclusive access while contributing to a worthy cause. Information about upcoming auctions and charity events can typically be found on Pixar’s website or social media channels, so make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities.

3. Attend Special Public Events or Open Houses:

While rare, Pixar has been known to host periodic open houses or special public events that offer guided tours of their campus. These occasions usually coincide with the celebration of important milestones or anniversaries for the studio or its films. To stay informed about these exclusive events, follow Pixar’s official website and social media channels closely for announcements and details on how to register for a chance to get a glimpse inside the walls of this animation powerhouse.

Conclusion:

While it can be challenging to find your way into the creative hub of Pixar Studios, the three options outlined above offer potential routes for fans and enthusiasts alike. Utilize your professional connections, participate in charity auctions, or stay vigilant about announcements for exclusive public events. With persistence and some luck, you just might find yourself on a guided tour through the halls of Pixar, experiencing the magic up close and personal.

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Home » Entertainment » My Incredible Pixar Studios Tour Experience | #Incredibles2Event

My Incredible Pixar Studios Tour Experience | #Incredibles2Event

Posted on Last updated: May 1, 2018

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When an email hits your inbox inviting you to the Pixar Studios for the Incredibles 2 movie event, you don’t worry about the details, you just reply YES. And you might be heard yelling, “Honey, where is my Super Suit?” because you think you’re hilarious. But you obviously say yes to that invite- this is Pixar, after all; the place that has perfected storytelling in my generation. Here’s my Incredible Pixar Studios tour experience that includes an in-depth tour of the Steve Jobs building atrium, the Incredibles 2 art gallery, and a rare look inside the Pixar Archives.?

In case you are wondering: no,?I never thought this would be where blogging took me. I mean- literally- never thought this would be an actual picture of me.

Yeah- this was A MOMENT for the Dis-nerd in me. Photo: Allison Waken, allfortheboys.com

When I first started writing it was for the love of Disney and running the Disney races, so, sure, you could make the Disney connection. But in my?wildest dreams did I see myself? walking a Hollywood red carpet with Superheroes or accessing someplace as magical as the Pixar Studios.

I say this to my kids all the time, but it is so true. Blogging has changed my life and in some ways carved out my life’s path. And I totally didn’t expect that to happen when I created my first Blogger account.

I didn’t expect anything to happen, to be honest. I thought it would be an online journal of my ramblings and that no one would read it.

Yet, here we are, millions of pageviews later… !?(and oh my word- THANK YOU GUYS for every single one of them!)

And two weeks ago I flew to California to tour Pixar Studios and learn about the Incredibles 2 movie .

Page Contents

Pixar Studios Tour Experience

Blogging and this community created adventures and opportunities for me, sure, but even more so it’s been a source of pure joy. And that’s exactly what I felt and how I responded as we drove through the gates of Pixar.

I was Joy from Pixar’s Inside Out,?clapping ( nope, not kidding, I clapped and bounced in my seat like a little kid! No shame in my Pixar-loving game! ) when this became my view for the first time.

I mean, can you blame me?

It’s a pretty cool world to be part of and I’m so happy I started talking to strangers on the internet so many years ago. (Yes, kids, I know. Do as I say- not as I do!)

I’ll be the first to admit I was making core?memories on this trip! I’m jumping on the train of thought to take you back with me for my Pixar Studios tour experience.

Are Pixar Studios Tours Available to the Public?

Don’t show your?Anger, but no, the public cannot go on a Pixar Studios tour. We were invited to a special press event to discuss the 20th (yes! 20th- can you believe it?) Pixar Studios Animation film, The Incredibles 2.

The Pixar Studios campus is a working studio and in order to protect their creative processes, the public doesn’t have the opportunity to take tours.

I know. It is a little heartbreaking to share that news. But moving on to better news…

Is Rainbow Unicorn From Inside Out As Cool As She Seems?

YES. She’s even COOLER than you can imagine.

As we gathered in the courtyard of the Steve Jobs Building to take pictures, I spied her through the windows and, yep, you guessed it clapped and bounced up and down like a little kid. I couldn’t wait to get inside and hug her neck!

[tweetshare tweet=”I loved you in Fairy Dream Adventure, Part 7. Okay, bye. I love you.- Joy, Disney Pixar’s Inside Out. And me. I totally said it to Rainbow Unicorn too. #Incredibles2Event ” username=”noguiltlife”]

What’s the Story Behind the Luxo Jr. and The Pixar Ball Statues?

In one of the biggest surprises on the Pixar Studios tour, we learned that the famous replications of the bouncing lamp, Luxo Jr., and the ball he plays with were not native to the Pixar campus when it opened in 2000.

A traveling Pixar exhibit visited Austraila, where the two statues were created by the Austrailian museum hosting the exhibit. After the exhibit returned to the US, Austrailia decided they really didn’t have a need for the giant lamp and ball (go figure!) and offered them to Pixar.

They’ve been a must-do photo stop since 2008- and the lamp even turns on at night!

What’s Inside the Steve Jobs Building?

Inspiration, magic, and cereal. Yes, cereal!

There’s a room full of it for the animators, creators, and staff to help themselves to as they wish. I got a huge chuckle out of this.

You walk through the doors and into an open atrium that was created to inspire collaboration and co-mingling of the folks that work here. All restrooms, the mail room, a Pixar store and the cafe are located on this ground floor.

It’s the best kind of space that lets the outside in because it’s created with walls of windows. I felt like it would inspire those that work there to think outside the box.? I honestly never wanted to leave this space because it was that warm, welcoming, and inviting.

Incredible Pixar Artwork Is Everywhere

This atrium is a delight to the eyes and Incredibles 2 movie artwork was on almost every wall. I was a little bit obsessed with every mural and wanted to find a way to take it all home with me.

Spoiler: nothing made it home with me. Ha. The Pixar Archives or a charity auction are the usual destinations for these items once they have lived their life in the Steve Jobs Building.

Huge mural on the theater wall in the atrium of the Steve Jobs Building. Photo: Pixar

The Incredibles 2 movie was well represented on the main floor of Pixar Studios Steve Jobs Building. Photo: Pixar

The Incredibles 2 Art Gallery Tour

This was a highlight of my time at Pixar. There are two galleries that rotate artwork from the movies; we were lucky enough to tour both the Coco gallery ( Coco is a gorgeous movie , see it if you haven’t!) and the Incredibles 2 art gallery.

If you know me, you know I love spoilers and trying to figure out plot points in advance. While there might have been some spoilery things on the walls of the Incredibles 2 art gallery, I didn’t pick up on any of it. And trust me- I was looking!

Here are some spoiler-free images provided by Pixar.

The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

This wall was particularly exciting – and not just because we got to see Edna! Though you know I adore Edna Mode and her signature style.

This is what’s called a color script, which is similar to a storyboard. Instead of showing the actual scenes like in a storyboard, it shows the emotions of the movie through color. The darker areas show the more ominous scenes where the brighter areas are where things are more exciting or happy.

Color scripts are used to map out the pacing and emotion for the entire film. If you stand back, you can get a visual of how the emotional aspect ebbs and flows of the movie. Very cool!

Creating Our Own Super

You aren’t going to leave Pixar Studios 2nd floor without using your creative side! I think it’s a rule or something. And the bloggers were not getting an exception to this “rule” (that I totally just made up).

We created Supers!

We learned about concept art from?Pixar artist Alonso Martinez and even had some hands-on crafting. I think this officially means I am a Pixar artist, right? I mean, I created in the studio… so…

Yeah, yeah, yeah- I won’t wait for my paycheck or anything.

Character Artist Alonso Martinez at Incredibles 2 Long Lead Press day, as seen on April 4, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Marc Flores)

Press create their own Super at Incredibles 2 Long Lead Press day, as seen on April 4, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Marc Flores)

And yes, I did an Incredibles Disneybound for the Incredibles 2 Event . That was not an opportunity I was going to pass up! You can check out how I put it together- including how to make that Incredibles logo necklace!- in the link above.

What’s in the Pixar Archives?

Everything amazing is in the Pixar Archives! It’s the storage house for all the historical work of the Pixar Studios.

We were granted special access to the Pixar Archives as part of the Incredibles 2 event. I can’t tell you where to find this building because it’s a huge secret, but I can show you a little bit of what’s inside.

Exhibitions archivist Melissa Woods and Archives Manager Juliet Roth at Incredibles 2 Long Lead Press day, as seen on April 5, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Marc Flores)

The ladies we met have the special task of curating and collecting the hundreds and thousands of items that go into creating a Pixar movie. Animators notes, sketches (some complete with coffee stains and doodles!), concept art, 3-D molds and statues used to create characters and final artwork can all be found inside the walls of the Pixar Archives.

Most items were stored in boxes or files which means the archives are basically a large storage facility with special temperature controls to keep the artwork pristine.

Sometimes contents from the Archives go on tour, so there’s a chance you can see some of this amazing collection on the road someday!

Archives Manager Juliet Roth at Incredibles 2 Long Lead Press day, as seen on April 5, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Marc Flores)

The entire Pixar Studios tour experience was just as Super- and of course- as Incredible- as I hoped it would be. Breathing the air on the Pixar campus seems to infuse the soul with inspiration and I am so thankful that I was able to experience this event.

And just wait- there’s so much more to come! From costuming to an interview with the director and producers to learning about Baby Jack-Jack’s powers: the Incredibles 2 Event was full of awesome information.

In the next few weeks, I’ll share more from the creators of The Incredibles 2. You won’t believe the layers and steps that go into making a Pixar film!

Until then, I’ll be over here perfecting my superhero pose.

Go See Incredibles 2 on June 15!

Written and directed by Brad Bird (?Iron Giant,? ?The Incredibles,? ?Ratatouille?) and produced by John Walker (?The Incredibles,? ?Tomorrowland?) and Nicole Grindle (?Sanjay?s Super Team? short, ?Toy Story 3? associate producer), Disney?Pixar?s ?Incredibles 2? busts into theaters on?June 15, 2018.

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Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.

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Disney's DCappella Review | A Must-See Tour For The Disney Fan! | No-Guilt Fangirl

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[…] are my Incredibles 2 fans at? I had no idea this was them- but yeah, DCappella spent some time at Pixar Studios recording this one for the […]

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Saturday 21st of April 2018

I would love to go on this tour! Can't wait for the second movie!

LA Dreaming

eat sleep pLAy

How to Tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank

Have you ever dreamed of getting to tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank? This is one of the hardest studios in Los Angeles to get to see. There are only three studios that offer tours that anyone can buy tickets for. Those studios are Paramount , Sony and Warner Bros . The main ways that you can tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank are through D23 Events, Disney Movie Insider Rewards, and Adventures By Disney.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.

What is D23? It is The Official Disney Fan Club! Earlier this year I attended the D23 Expo which I highly recommend. You can be a general member for free or a gold member for a price. For $99.99 a year, plus shipping and taxes, you can join the club. There will be a few free member events throughout the year but most activities require you to spend more money to attend. However, if you really want to tour the studio you’ll most likely find the price tag worth the investment.

At least two times a year club members can purchase tickets to tour the studio. This tour always sells out though so you do have to pay close attention to when it goes on sale. The best way to stay informed is to check the D23 events page on their website often. The pricing starts at $99 and goes up from there. Pricing is more for general members (the free membership), and it is more expensive for weekend tours as well. You can find tickets and available tour times through the D23 event page when availability permits.

What does this tour entail? According to the D23 website, you can expect a 2 and 1/2 hour tour which includes a visit to Walt Disney’s Office and the archives.

Disney Movie Insiders Rewards Program

Did you know that you can earn points for watching Disney movies in theatres and by purchasing Disney Movies on DVD and BluRay? Once you create an account with Disney Movie Insider Rewards and start earning points you can redeem them for great rewards. One of the rewards is to tour the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. This reward costs 12,000 points so it will take a while to earn enough.

  View this post on Instagram   It was all started by a man with a dream and his mouse #WaltDisney #MickeyMouse #disneystudios #waltdisneystudiosburbank #waltdisneystudios #burbank #visitburbank #disney #disneygram #disneylife #disneyphotography #disneyig #disneyfan A post shared by Michelle Mink (@la.dreaming) on Jul 12, 2019 at 9:01am PDT

Adventures By Disney

Adventures By Disney is a way to travel while having Disney take care of everything. There is a four-day tour of Los Angeles. This experience gives you access to the park in a unique way and provides a tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. You even get to tour Imagineering. These trips and experiences with ABD can be very pricey but you certainly get some spectacular experiences. You can see pricing and details here .

Interested in checking out other Disney places in LA? Check out my Guide to LA For Disney Fans .

About The Author

Michelle Ares is the founder and creative director of LA Dreaming. I have a passion for Southern California and love sharing my adventures and experiences with you. I love to travel, find new places to check out, and watch movies. You can follow me on Instagram @la.dreaming

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The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour – Presented by D23 – March & April 2024

Continue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company by visiting the heart of the magic with The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23! The series of tours in March and April will give D23 Members the rare opportunity to enjoy a two-and-a-half-hour walking tour of The Walt Disney Studios. This exclusive experience includes a visit to Walt Disney’s office suite, the Walt Disney Archives, and Legends Plaza. Additionally, on weekend tours, you can get a glimpse of the Animator’s Office exhibit, open only on Saturdays for D23. You will also have the opportunity for your own private visit to the Archives, where you may even run into someone from the Archives team!

Join your VIP tour host on a stroll through the original Animation Building, where beloved animated films—including Cinderella , Lady and the Tramp , and The Jungle Book —were created. See the historic soundstages used for filming such Disney live-action movie classics as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea , Mary Poppins , Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 . And explore the beautiful Legends Plaza, which honors those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. Many guests will also recognize exterior spaces on the Studio lot, which have been featured in productions from the Mickey Mouse Club and The Absent-Minded Professor to Saving Mr. Banks , Muppets Most Wanted, and ABC’s black-ish !

Then, explore the rich legacy and historical collections of The Walt Disney Company during a tour of the Walt Disney Archives. To complete this epic experience, take a tour of Walt Disney’s restored 3H office suite, filled with original furnishings, awards, and items from the master showman’s personal collection. Upon exiting the suite, all guests will receive an exclusive gift to commemorate this memorable experience.

Guests will also have the opportunity to shop at the Disney Studio Store and Employee Center to purchase items that are only available on the Studio lot!

DETAILS Check-in will begin outside the Hyperion Bungalow at The Walt Disney Studios 30 minutes before your tour. Please do not arrive early.

• Children under the age of 10 are not able to partake in this experience .
• All guests under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend this D23 event.
• D23 General and Gold Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and one (1) guest. One ticket must be under the name of the purchasing Member and one must be under the guest’s name. Each guest attending the tour must have a ticket in their name and in their possession for entry.
• If you only purchase one (1) ticket, you may not bring a guest to the tour. If you purchase two (2) tickets, one ticket should be under the Member’s name and one ticket should be under the guest’s name. Please do not enter the Member name for both tickets. Any guest that arrives that does not have a ticket in their name will not be allowed onto the Studio lot.
• D23 Members will be required to provide their full first and last names, as well as the first and last names of their guest when purchasing tickets. Only the exact names provided when purchasing tickets will be permitted to enter for the tour.
• Due to the popularity of this experience, D23 Members are eligible to purchase tickets for only one Official Walt Disney Studios Tour each calendar year.
• D23 Members will be required to enter their D23 Membership login details when purchasing tickets. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card, tickets, and photo ID may not be admitted to the event. Membership card may be a physical card or a digital membership card found in the D23 App .
• D23 Members who do not bring their photo IDs and tickets will not be admitted to the event.
• Ticketed Members and guests who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. D23 Members must be present or guests will not gain admittance to the event.
• Please note, The Walt Disney Studios is a working studio lot. We reserve the right to alter the tour itinerary at any time due to work activity on the lot. All D23 events are subject to change without notice. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.
• Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) will not be permitted inside Walt Disney’s office suite. Guests will need to provide their own wheelchair to be accommodated in this space.
• Photography is permitted in most locations of the tour, but recording of any kind, including video recording, is not permitted at any time on the tour. Flash photography is not permitted in the Archives or Walt Disney’s office suite.
• You will be allowed onto the Studios lot only 30 minutes prior to your confirmed tour. Early arrivals will be asked to return at the correct entrance time.
• Please Be Advised: Masks are recommended for all members of your touring party. Please make sure to bring a mask to your tour as they will not be provided at the Studio. Once you arrive on the Studio lot, we will communicate the current rules for wearing your mask.

All D23 events are subject to change without notice. All ticket sales are final. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds regardless of reason (including without limitation, due to illness, change in travel plans, etc.) and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED – Permission to Film/Photograph/Record: Filming, photography, and other recording will take place during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises for the event, you irrevocably consent to and authorize Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., its parent, affiliated, and subsidiary companies, and their respective successors and assigns (collectively “Producer”) to photograph and make sound recordings of you and any children accompanying you (as may be applicable) and to use such photographs and recordings throughout the universe, in whole or in part, for any purpose whatsoever in all known and hereafter existing media and in any language in perpetuity. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Producer.

The Walt Disney Studios, Burbank CA

Taylor Swift Officially Takes Over Pixar, Company Heads in New Direction

in Music , Pixar

Taylor Swift took over the world on Friday with the release of her highly anticipated surprise double album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” and The Walt Disney Company was no exception.

On March 14, Swift’s The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) (2023) took over Disney+ . After a successful theatrical release last fall, the beloved singer collaborated with the House of Mouse to distribute the most complete version of the concert film. The Eras Tour movie includes “cardigan” and “Long Live” as well as four surprise songs from her performances at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles: “I Can See You,” “You Are in Love,” “Death by a Thousand Cuts,” and “Maroon.”

Swift previously worked with Disney+ for Folklore: The Long Pond Studios Sessions  (2020). Now, Pixar is throwing its hat in the ring, hoping to capitalize off her massive success.

When “The Tortured Poets Department” dropped at midnight on April 19, Pixar Animation Studios had its own surprise for fans. In an X (formerly Twitter) thread , the animation giant shared black-and-white posters of its iconic characters paired with each track from Swift’s album, starting with “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” paired with Sid from Toy Story (1995):

the tortured poets department (pixar’s version) a thread 🧵:

the tortured poets department (pixar’s version) a thread 🧵: pic.twitter.com/nw8uUWDZC7 — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

Next up was Sadness from Inside Out (2015) with “Down Bad” and Ember and Wade from Elemental (2023) with “But Daddy I Love Him.” The latter was already a Disney nod from Swift, who was born in 1989, the same year The Little Mermaid   premiered.

pic.twitter.com/Q3HEo4zfk7 — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

Next came Charles Muntz, the villain from  Up  (2009) with “Fresh Out The Slammer. “Florida!!!” was paired with a flamingo from Knick Knack , a Pixar short film from… 1989.  The bird also appeared as an easter egg on a TV channel in  Toy Story 2  (1999).

pic.twitter.com/HEyFaTQJSo — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

Boo from Monsters, Inc. (2001) is up next with “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” One of Pixar’s most iconic couples, WALL-E and Eve, was aptly paired with “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can).”

pic.twitter.com/iif6ADkDmg — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

Prepare to have your heart broken because a young Carl and Ellie from  UP  were paired with “LOML” while the elderly, widowed Carl was paired with “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.” Ouch.

pic.twitter.com/gIQqeVuNnB — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

Let’s lighten things up a bit and look at Flick from A Bug’s Life (1998) with “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” and Merida from Brave  (2012) with “The Alchemy.”

pic.twitter.com/5cV9lDUmj6 — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

The last combination is no surprise. Lightning McQueen from  Cars  (2006) was paired with “The Bolter.”

pic.twitter.com/0vJ58JlAd7 — Pixar (@Pixar) April 19, 2024

Stay tuned to find out if Pixar’s social media team can whip something up for the 15 surprise songs that Swift released at 2 a.m.!

Which Disney or Pixar movie best suits “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift? Share your pick with Inside the Magic in the comments!

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Classic film lovers: See James Dean’s apartment and more on new TCM tour at Warner Bros.

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In 2021, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour created new interactive exhibits focused on the company’s recent history, unveiling areas dedicated to the DC Comics universe and the “Harry Potter” franchise.

This week, the popular Studio Tour in Burbank is doubling down on its more distant past.

Warner Bros. is now offering a Turner Classic Movies-branded version of its studio tour that will bring guests to previously off-limit areas of the lot, including vintage animation buildings, a mini rose garden and an apartment that once housed James Dean. The 90-minute tram portion of the jaunt — about 30 minutes longer than the studio’s standard tram excursion — will allow guides to go deeper into the history of the studio’s catalog to deliver factoids related to such films as “Casablanca,” “My Fair Lady,” “Rebel Without a Cause,” “Auntie Mame” and many more.

“We’re off the leash,” says Brad Taylor, a 15-year tour guide veteran with Warner Bros., noting that the TCM excursion will include time for guides to chat with visitors about their favorite films.

“We get to talk to the guests and really hang out with people who have the same passion that we do,” Taylor says. “I find that ‘classics’ guests are less about behind-the-scenes and more, ‘I can’t believe this is where we are.’ It’s just the look on their faces when they realize ‘Casablanca’ filmed here, or James Dean stood right here.”

The launch of the TCM tour arrives during the network’s 30th anniversary and close to 12 months after classic film fans were given a scare. In June, Warner Bros. announced that layoffs would hit TCM, including some of the network’s top executives, prompting concern from prestige directors such as Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson and Martin Scorsese. After garnering national attention, key cuts were reversed and Warner Bros. sought to assure fans that TCM would continue to be handled with care.

Long live TCM! Our culture would be worse off without movies on TV

Without Turner Classic Movies and other channels for movies on TV, we’d lose the instructive pleasures of the happy accident, the unexpected discovery.

Aug. 1, 2023

TCM network hosts — Eddie Muller, Jacqueline Stewart, Ben Mankiewicz, Alicia Malone and Dave Karger — recorded new video segments for the outing. The tour will take guests into the lot’s Property House, an area not visited by the standard tour. Here, visitors can get glimpses of materials for a full set, including items for a complete Oval Office setting, but expect guides to highlight vintage items, such as a throne from the Errol Flynn pirate film “Captain Blood.”

Danny Kahn, vice president-general manager of the studio tour, says there have been numerous requests over the years from guests to delve a little deeper into the studio’s animation history. That’s why the TCM tour will for the first time take visitors to an area of the lot once known as “Termite Terrace,” which from 1955 to 1964, says Taylor, housed the animation department, a building with a sloped roof designed to capture sunlight. Animation legend Chuck Jones, says Kahn, had an office in the Termite Terrace area in the 1990s despite Warner’s moving animation production elsewhere.

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The most important theme park ride ever created? It may just be the Universal Studios tram tour, which dates to the silent film era. Once primarily a behind-the-scenes tour, the trek has evolved to define the modern theme park.

Aug. 3, 2023

Another unique tour locale is the exterior of the Dean apartment. When Dean resided there during filming of “East of Eden,” it was actually across the street from the lot, the apartment nesting above a pharmacy. But gradual studio expansion has led to the area now being on Warner Bros. property.

“That was an actual drugstore with apartments, and the studio rented it for him,” Kahn says. “I think it was to keep an eye on him and keep him on a short leash.”

The tour will also give tram riders a look at executive life at the studio, allowing them to briefly walk around a rose garden. The manicured spaces once held a tennis court as well as offices and personal screening rooms for the likes of studio mogul Jack Warner, with many of the structures dating to the 1920s. “It’s a really historic area of the lot that hasn’t really changed a lot in all these years,” says Kahn, noting the area is still in use by studio principals. “Jack Warner, when he ran the studio, privatized the first floor. That was a massage parlor that he had beneath his office.”

TCM Classic Films Tour

Where: The Warner Bros. Studio, 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank 91505

When: Most days, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $95 for adults; $82 for children. A SoCal resident discount is available for $75

Info: (818) 977-8687 or wbstudiotour.com

Staples of the tour, such as a journey around the backlot city streets, a visit to the “Friends” set and cafe and recent additions highlighting the studio’s modern franchise films are included in the TCM trek, as is a pre-tour reception with beverages and pastries. All told, expect the tour to last about 3½ hours. A tour spokesperson says the first TCM-branded outing is scheduled for Wednesday, with trams expected to depart daily after that date. Adult tickets are $95, but there is a Southern California resident discount available for $75.

“It feels so good to have TCM here,” Kahn says. “People understand that the TCM brand is synonymous with classic film.”

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Todd Martens joined the Los Angeles Times in 2007 and covers a mix of interactive entertainment (video games) and pop music. Previously, Martens reported on the music business for Billboard Magazine. He has contributed to numerous books, including “The Big Lebowski: An Illustrated, Annotated History of the Greatest Cult Film of All Time.” He continues to torture himself by rooting for the Chicago Cubs and, while he likes dogs, he is more of a cat person.

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