As the Walt Disney Company marks its 100th anniversary, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing has unveiled the first look at its Wonder of Friendship: The Experience.
The Experience launches at 180 The Strand, London from 12-21 May 2023, before opening in Berlin and Paris.
Targeted at young adults, the Experience aims to transport fans into a new, socially sharable world of classic Disney stories. Guests are encouraged to explore their own friendships, while also celebrating dynamic duos such as Lilo & Stitch and inseparable pals like Mickey and Donald.
Groups of friends will be able to venture through 1,000 square metres of different experiences and installations set across four themed rooms including Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King, Mickey & Friends, and Lilo & Stitch. Using Snapchat’s Augmented Reality technology, visitors can bring Disney characters to life by scanning QR codes in each exhibition room.
“Nostalgia is a powerful, social emotional experience. The things that make us feel nostalgic tend to be those we have shared with the people we care most about,” commented Dr Miriam Kirmayer, clinical psychologist and friendship expert. “Reminiscing about shared memories increases the closeness we feel and encourages us to embrace that which initially brought us together. Disney’s Wonder of Friendship: The Experience gives friends the chance to reminisce and connect in a meaningful way as they explore timeless Disney characters and stories that they grew up with in a fun and dynamic environment.”
As well as the immersive installations, guests will also be able to attend various retail pop-ups including an experience powered by Creator Studio, where they can create an original piece of clothing using AR technology.
Sarah Fox, vp marketing and comms at Disney Consumer Products, EMEA, said: “Throughout our one hundred years, Disney stories have shown the importance of friendship and appreciating the differences in others, so we couldn’t think of a better theme to celebrate our milestone anniversary.
“From Alice in Wonderland’s flower walkway to Lilo and Stitch’s photo frame opportunity, there will be plenty of social media moments to share with your best friends and relive for years to come.”
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