Disney, Pixar and Disney Jr. provided travel, accommodations, and activities. All opinions are my own.
Exploring Google Headquarters and Miles from Tomorrowland: A Memorable Experience
A Glimpse into the Googleplex
Last week, I had the chance to tour the legendary Googleplex in Mountain View, California. This sprawling campus is a fascinating blend of innovation and fun, a fitting reflection of Google’s dynamic culture. The name “Googleplex” is a clever fusion of “Google” and “complex,” with a nod to the mathematical term “googolplex,” which represents a 1 followed by a googol (10^100) zeros!
As I strolled through the campus, I was struck by the omnipresent Google logo and its vibrant colors, from the walls to the Adirondack chairs.
One standout feature of the campus is the network of bicycles provided to employees for zipping between buildings. These bikes are decked out in Google’s iconic color scheme, making even a simple ride feel special.
The campus is filled with quirky artwork and life-sized statues, including the ever-popular Andy the Android.
There are ping-pong tables, cozy sitting areas, and even a pool table that caught my eye.
But the true highlight? The bathrooms. Equipped with heated seats and bidet functions, these toilets are a marvel of modern convenience!
While the Google experience was incredible, we came to meet some pretty amazing people who don’t all work at Google.
Meeting the Miles from Tomorrowland Team
The Googleplex visit was part of a broader adventure that included attending a special panel featuring the creators behind the hit animated series, Miles from Tomorrowland. I had the pleasure of meeting Sascha Paladino, the Creator and Executive Producer of the show. Beside him was Dr. Yvonne Cagle, a real-life astronaut and consultant for the series, wearing a NASA jumpsuit. Also present was Isis Anchalee, a software engineer known for her viral blog post “You May Have Seen My Face on BART” and the hashtag #ILookLikeAnEngineer. I was honored to be in the midst of these incredible individuals, including Angela Navarro, a Google Engineer, and Diane Ikemiyashiro, the Director of Original Programming at Disney Jr.
Watching my first episode of Miles from Tomorrowland was a delight. My sister is a big fan, and I’ve even caught my 10-year-old nephew watching it alone! The show’s engaging storyline and positive message make it a hit with children of all ages.
Fun Fact about Miles from Tomorrowland
Here’s an interesting tidbit: Miles from Tomorrowland is inspired by Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Meeting Sascha Paladino was a highlight. His pride in the show and its message was palpable.
An Inspiring Encounter with Dr. Yvonne Cagle
Having spoken to astronaut Joe McBride on the phone, meeting Dr. Cagle in person was a bucket-list moment. She spoke passionately about the importance of role models for children, sharing, “There were no role models for me.” Her resilience and achievements are truly inspiring. One quote that stood out was, “There are no setbacks, only sailing,” likening life’s challenges to a sailboat navigating a winding path.
Don’t Miss the Special Episode
Miles from Tomorrowland will be celebrating World Space Week with a special Halloween-themed episode airing on Saturday, October 10th on the Disney Channel. This episode kicks off a series of new episodes, airing alongside Captain Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Tune in for “Ghost Moon” and “Stormy Night in a Dark Nebula,” where the Callistos embark on thrilling space adventures.