Pixar Studios From the Eyes of a First Time Visitor
My most recent press trip involved a visit to San Francisco to visit Pixar Studios. I’ve never visited the city or Pixar before so I was very excited. See Pixar has a very special place in our home. My oldest son is a huge Toy Story fan. He’s been in love with Buzz and Woody since he was about two years old. Before he ever laid eyes on a Disney film, he became a Pixar fan. He’s gone back and forth about giving up his pals from Toy Story but when the new movie was announced he went right back. I’ve been dreaming about a visit to Pixar, just so I could get some photos of his favorite characters to bring home to him.
Our visit started outside the studio gate so we could all get photos of the sign. Then we went for the iconic lamp and ball sitting in the courtyard of the campus. I’ve seen so many photos from my blogger friends there before and I couldn’t wait to get my own.
The Ball and Lamp in the Courtyard
I stood in awe not sure how to pose or what to do looking at both the items sitting there, perfect photo props that sum up Pixar by themselves. They are gigantic and within minutes I feel the tug at my heartstrings. I’m at home or at least I feel like I’m home to spend time with distant family that has shaped my life in a way that’s hard to explain but everyone in my group understands it.
The Atrium Community Space
We walk in and there stand Buzz and Woody, the forever friends who helped my son understand so much about life, friendship, caring for his belongings, and spark a level of imagination that I could never ignite in him. Built from Lego blocks these figures are simply amazing.
Baby Jack-Jack greeted us on the counter where visitors ask for information and obtain passes when visiting the studio. The Steve Jobs Building is where we spent most of our time. The space was created to be inviting and promote mingling amongst co-workers. All the offices are on the sides of the building but common areas like restrooms and eating spaces are in the middle close to the atrium.
Incredibles 2 concept art, seen in the Steve Jobs building atrium, as seen on March 26, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Incredibles 2 concept art, seen in the Steve Jobs building atrium, as seen on March 26, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Incredibles 2 concept art, seen in the Steve Jobs building atrium, as seen on March 26, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Everywhere you look we could see Pixar employees in impromptu meetings at different tables around the atrium. It appears the company promotes the use of the space in a way that’s different from any company I’ve seen before.
Gallery Displays
On the second floor are galleries of concept art and figures from recent movies. On one side were pieces from “Coco” which were absolutely stunning. The other side held items from the upcoming film “Incredibles 2”. It was there we saw some sweet concept art and got our first look at the new villain in the film.
The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Brianne Moseley reviews comps against art in the Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
The Incredibles 2 art gallery, as seen on March 8, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Relaxation Spaces
Can you believe the Pixar campus has a swimming pool? Well on the days we visited, San Francisco had a cold front so it was cooler than we wanted, and of course, no one was swimming. I’m sure though in the summer that pool gets a lot of use. I would surely dip my toes in the water to relax.
Everything about this section of campus looked like it was created to help you relax and de-stress. I think it’s such a cool concept for a company to have for their employees. I loved exploring and seeing all they had at their disposal.
Calling All Supes (Bloggers)
We couldn’t leave the Pixar campus without getting some group photos at these popular spots on campus. We had a blast during our two-day visit to Pixar. There was so much to see and so much I haven’t shown, so be such to check the #Incredibles2Event hashtag for more post from the ladies in our group.
In INCREDIBLES 2, Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose superpowers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible.
INCREDIBLES 2 opens in theatres everywhere on June 15th!
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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