My favorite presents are experiences and time spent together. So, as a part of her Christmas gift, I surprised my daughter and her friend with an experience together. The first clue, we were headed to Area 15. The exhibits outside were climbed on and enjoyed for a short while, before the cold encouraged us to head inside.
When we walked into the building, they were impressed with all the exhibits and events on display. Each one bringing an excitement that it might be the reason why we were there. Could it be axe throwing? Maybe a virtual reality experience? My daughter thought we might be revisiting the Omega Mart, but we kept on walking.
Then they saw the sign!
To say they were excited would be an understatement!
As they saw the sign, their eyes lit up with excitement, obvious even with masks. Then a conversation began about how watching the movie any other way, from this time on, will be a disappointment. The awe continued as we entered the room and chose our seats. With a light Christmas Eve crowd, we were able to claim a sofa in the second row with the screen directly in front of us.
Projections encompassed the room with bare trees, grave stones and iron fencing on the walls, and a full moon above. To add to the fun, Jack Skellington striped fabric made fun table runners. Mini candy canes left for us to enjoy.
Specialty cocktails were on the menu, one for each of the seven Holiday Doors in the movie. Since our tickets included drinks, I enjoyed a Halloween-themed witches brew cocktail. It came with dry ice and bubbled! They enjoyed a couple sodas and shared a popcorn. Jack Skellington jackets were also worn by the waitstaff.
The immersion experience began
The lights lowered, signaling the movie’s beginning. Then, the images upon the walls began to shift. The trees turned into buildings, but it still had a Halloween Town feel. Glad I know the movie well, although not as well as the other two, so that I could enjoy all the aspects of the immersion. As the movie continued, the walls changed with the location. Different projections displayed for Dr. Finklestein’s Lab, Oogie’s Lair and Christmas Town.
With every visit to Christmas Town, the walls would shift to snow covered buildings with snowmen and Christmas decorations. To further the experience, a breeze blew through and the temperature even dropped. Lights flashed and booms sounded overhead while the residents of Christmas Town blasted Jack out of the sky.
The experience was great! Fun was had by all in attendance. A few more pictures were taken on the way out. The nonstop conversation about favorite parts made me smile the entire drive home. I love creating moments that will be enjoyed and remembered for years to come.
