If you need a Stranger Things fix (just like us) as you wait for season 5 to be released, you’re gonna want to check out Toronto’s epic Stranger Things Experience. The pulse-racing adventure inspired by the sci-fi show is officially open at Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio, and we got to have an inside look when it premiered!
Let’s just say this: it’s a whole Stranger Things universe at the heart of Toronto. Suspenseful storylines, creepily accurate set representations and delightful 80s-inspired locations are just the half of it! Run, don’t walk to experience this adventure as it’s closing for good on August 20!
Read on for our full review of our journey into the Upside Down:
The retro atmosphere could be felt as soon as we got in: neon lighting, old school decor and replicated props from the show transported us straight to the Hawkins Lab in 1986, where we got to step into the shoes of our favorite characters. We participated in a mysterious sleep study organized by none other than Dr. Brenner. Of course, it went completely south, and we discovered El isn’t the only one with superpowers. The gang popped in to help save the town from the shackles of no other than Vecna, with their walkie-talkies and code-cracking skills.
The Stranger Things Experience is an exciting trip through the Upside Down that had us gasping in surprise, but one specific jump scare took the crown. To keep the mystery alive, we won’t say any more, but the special effects were simply otherworldly! And it makes sense, since the experience was developed with actual creators of the show, so it was a brand new storyline we could’ve never predicted.
P.S. Anyone know how to clean up demo grime?
After we won the battle against the evil that lurks at Hawkins, we were let loose in Mix-Tape, the 80s-inspired medley of locations! It’s a retro space that features some of the most iconic sets of the series, from Palace Arcade to the Byers’ living room (with those iconic Christmas lights!) and Rink-O-Mania. There’s even things we’ve never seen in the actual show, like a dedicated Hellfire Club section with (wait for it) Eddie merch. Our fav had to be the sleeveless jean jacket, but there were so many clothes to choose from — we were simply doe eyed.
After we strolled around Family Video Club, beat our scores at the arcade and snapped a few photos at the photo booth of the experience, it was time for the real deal: pies at Surfer Boy Pizza and ice cream at Scoops Ahoy! We tried the butternut sundae and headed over to The Upside Bar where we copped delicious themed cocktails to top it all off. The whole experience was *chef’s kiss* !
Once we hopped out of that ocean of flavor, we simply did not want to leave. Luckily, the Stranger Things Experience welcomes attendees to chill out at Mix-Tape as long as they want, and that’s exactly what we did. The seating area at the location served as a plus, since we couldn’t do much walking after gulping down all that yummy food. When it was finally time to head out, we left the venue with lovely souvenirs from Mix-Tape and even fonder memories of the experience itself.