Movies & Entertainment

Celebrate 30 Years of Toy Story with a Limited-time Pixar Studio Experience

Pixar Animation Studios is inviting D23 Gold Members for an extraordinary event this July: an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Emeryville, California campus. Marking an incredible milestone—30 years of feature filmmaking—this event celebrates Pixar’s groundbreaking legacy, from its pioneering debut Toy Story to beloved hits like Monsters, Inc., Inside Out, and Coco. Plus, the studio’s upcoming film Elio adds excitement to the lineup, making this event an absolute must for Pixar fans.

A Day Packed with Pixar Magic

The day begins with a delicious breakfast served on the Pixar campus, offering guests a chance to fuel up before their immersive experience. Following this, attendees will embark on a comprehensive tour of Pixar’s animation department, where the magic of digital storytelling happens daily. The tour also includes visits to the Pixar Archives—a treasure trove that houses memorabilia, artwork, and historical artifacts documenting Pixar’s rich history. Guests will stroll through art galleries showcasing exquisite concept art and character designs, soaking in the creativity that fuels the studio.

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Credit: Pixar Animation Studios

Celebrating 30 Years of Toy Story

One of the most anticipated moments of the day is a special presentation celebrating the 30th anniversary of Toy Story, Pixar’s very first feature film. Released in 1995, Toy Story revolutionized the film industry as the first-ever full-length computer-animated movie. It introduced us to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and a world where toys come to life, sparking imaginations worldwide. A Pixar archivist will guide guests through fascinating insights and stories behind the making of this iconic film, shining a light on how Toy Story laid the foundation for Pixar’s future successes.

Lunch, Shopping, and Keepsakes

After the presentation, attendees will enjoy a lunch buffet on campus before having the chance to shop at the exclusive Pixar Studio Store. Usually closed to the public, this store offers unique Pixar merchandise that fans can only find here. It’s a perfect place to pick up souvenirs to remember this special day. Finally, each guest will receive a commemorative gift from D23 to mark their participation in this unique event.

A smiling man and woman stand outside the Pixar Studio Store, holding large shopping bags. The man holds a big green caterpillar plush toy, and the woman is wearing a Toy Story-themed dress—just steps from where Pixar offers guided studio tours.
Credit: D23

Ticketing and Attendance Guidelines

Tickets for this unforgettable experience go on sale at 10 a.m. PT on Friday, June 13, 2025, exclusively at D23.com. Each D23 Gold Member may reserve a ticket for themselves and one guest. Tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly to secure your spot.

Strict guidelines will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. All attendees must present valid D23 membership cards, government-issued IDs, and matching names on tickets and IDs. Guests must be at least 12 years old, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Only one vehicle per group will be allowed to park on-site, so attendees should plan to arrive together.

Don’t Miss This Once-in-a-Lifetime Pixar Experience

For any Pixar enthusiast, this exclusive D23 event is a dream come true—a chance to walk the halls where some of the most beloved animated stories of all time were created. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate three decades of Pixar magic and see the studio up close.

Mike Ramirez

Mike Ramirez is a theme park fan born and raised in Mexico City. From a young age he's loved to learn all there is to know about the history of the Disney parks and rides. Whether it’s riding The Haunted Mansion, geeking out over the MCU, or singing along to show tunes, he's all about celebrating the magic of storytelling and imagination.

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