Stranger Things – The Experience {Why you should go!}

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Are you a fan of the TV show Stranger Things? All things 80’s nostalgia perhaps? If so, find the nearest Stranger Things – The Experience, and make reservations as soon as possible! Those of you may have been watching my most recent stories on Instagram, have already gotten a sneak peak of this attraction. And several of you have asked for more information on how you can visit, and why you should go to Stranger Things: The experience. This totally interactive experience is currently available in New York City, Atlanta, San Francisco, and London.

I was thrilled to be invited to the New York City location, so I could try out this one of a kind experience and share my thoughts with you.

Your adventure starts when you’re given the chance to join a “sleep study” at the Hawkins Lab. You may learn to develop your own powers – and maybe even team up with a few of your favorite kids from the upside down! As Eleven would say – this experience is truly “Bitchin!”

Here are a few things you may want to know before your visit…

What Happens?

Be ready to have some fun and jump into being a participant in a “sleep study” at Hawkins Lab! I don’t want to tell you too much, because no one likes a spoiler! But I can tell you that the best part of this experience does not allow photos or video. Part escape room vibe, and part immersion into a Stranger Things story line – you will have the most fun if you come ready to participate and have a laugh.

Hint: the people near you in line are likely to end up in your “study group” and you may find yourself working together! And that makes this adventure perfect for sharing with a couple of friends! The experience is definitely enhanced by those around you really getting into it!

Is it possible you will end up fighting some demo-dogs or a demi-gorgen in 3D? I guess you’ll just have to see how busy the Hawkins Lab is when you visit! But I can attest to a lot of drama on the day I participated in the “sleep study” there! Wink, wink!

Be Sure Not to Miss:

The after “sleep study” experience area, called the Mixtape! After you finish the Hawkins Study, you will enter an area perfect for retro 80’s photo ops, Stranger Things location fun, interactive performers, Shopping, themed Food and more! Be sure to allow time to relax in this area of the experience un-rushed! Get a picture with the employees of “Scoops Ahoy,” try some “Surfer Boy Pizza” or  Stranger Things themed Cocktails! Or, pose for a photo in one of several iconic Stranger Things locations.

The New York location my family visited, even had authentic props and costumes from the series on display. We spent a couple of hours just enjoying the vibe in this over the top 80’s paradise!

Should you get VIP Passes?

That depends on how much time you have. Our family had VIP passes, and that moved us through the line at least an hour ahead of those that arrived at the same time as we did, but that did not have the VIP pass. Because the first part of the experience is curated for smaller groups to experience one group at a time, you may need to wait for a few sleep study groups to go before your party is called. If you have time to spare and don’t mind waiting, the VIP pass isn’t essential. However, it does come with a few extra perks besides priority access into the experience.

The VIP pass at the location I visited, also gave each bearer a complimentary drink, a special Stranger Things gift, and a discount coupon for any merchandise we bought.

Should you Dress for the 80’s?

You definitely don’t have to – but it’s totally encouraged! When we visited, about 50% of the people we saw were dressed 80’s style or in Stranger Things themed clothing. There was even a family we saw that had rigged all their matching t-shirts with mini lights – that blinked like the Christmas lights in the Beyer house! It was a riot! And we saw a lot of people that were members of the Hellfire Club too.

But if dressing in theme isn’t your style – no worries! You wont be out of place dressed in whatever is most comfortable for you. Stranger Things – The Experience is also held indoors, so you don’t need to worry about inclement weather. Do wear comfortable shoes though, because you will want to move around a little in the first part of the experience in the sleep lab!

Should You Buy Tickets Ahead of Time?

100%. Many locations are completely selling out of reservations for the experience and starting wait lists for certain dates and times. In fact the location I visited in New York City, has completely sold out it’s available reservations for the rest of it’s run. So if a location near you has availability when you want to go, I wouldn’t recommend waiting until the last minute to book the reservation.

Check Out this video for a closer look at our experience:

Bottom Line:

While it’s not essential that you be a fan of Stranger Things to enjoy this experience, it will absolutely add to the experience if you are! Beyond getting to bask in retro 80’s nostalgia at every turn, fans of the series are going to leave feeling really connected to their favorite characters. And maybe even, as though they themselves have gotten to fight the powers of the upside down! The experience was thrilling and surprising – and I absolutely thinks it’s a must do for any fan of Stranger Things!

Use this link to book your own Stranger Things – The Experience  presented by Netflix & Fever.

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