Disney is opening an immersive experience outside of its theme parks to celebrate the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary in 2023.
The new temporary experience, called Wonder of Friendship, is available in London from 12 May through 21 May. It will later open in Berlin and Paris, with more locations to be announced.
Wonder of Friendship will offer 1,000 square metres of immersive installations across four themed rooms inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Lilo & Stitch, The Lion King and Mickey and Friends.
Designed for young adults, the attraction will encourage visitors to explore their own friendships while celebrating pals such as Lilo and Stitch and Mickey and Donald.
Using Snapchat’s augmented reality (AR) technology, guests will bring Disney characters to life by scanning QR codes in each exhibit room.
In a statement, clinical psychologist and friendship expert Dr Miriam Kirmayer said: “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.
“Reminiscing about shared memories increases the closeness we feel and encourages us to embrace that which initially brought us together.”
Based on Alice in Wonderland, the ‘Garden of Mystery’ features towering flowers, Bread-and-Butterflies, Mome Raths and the Queen’s Card Guards.
Wonder of Friendship
In ‘Ohana Bay’, inspired by Lilo & Stitch, guests will experience island life, while The Lion King-themed ‘Orchestral Oasis’ is a jungle-themed room.
At the Mickey & Friends-themed ‘Wonderverse’ room, there will be interactive statues of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto.
“Throughout our 100 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,” said Sarah Fox, VP of marketing and communications at Disney Consumer Products, EMEA.
Wonder of Friendship is heading to Berlin, Germany from 9 to 18 June, and to Paris, France, from 30 June to 9 July.
Images: Disney
