Get ready to have the lyrics of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” stuck in your head … again. On Friday, CAMP at Tysons Corner Center opens its Encanto-themed experience, its first interactive show at this location.
This Encanto-loving writer got a sneak preview of the new family-friendly experience and let’s just say your kids are going to love it.
Getting into the world of Encanto is an experience within itself. Patrons are gathered near the Magic Door, which acts as the speakeasy-style entrance to the 5,000-square-foot play and performance area. Once you sneak behind the bookcase lined with toys, you’ll find yourself in front of the Madrigal’s Casita with the characters from the movie.
Mirabel welcomes guests outside the door of Casita, introducing her family, as they sing “The Family Madrigal” with everyone. Then the magical door to Castita glows and opens for everyone to come in and explore.
Once inside, the cast escorts the group from room to room, singing songs, playing games, and interacting with the kids at every stop. There are a total of six rooms in the play area, including one for Mirabel, Isabela, Antonio, Luisa, Pepa, and Bruno.
Behind Isabela’s glowing door are more flowers than you can ever dream of. Take a ride on the spinning flower ride, pose on her hanging flower bed, make music on the interactive flower instruments while singing her duet “What Else Can I Do?” with the cast. A flower fight is also in the cards as the entire floor is covered in pink roses.
In Luisa’s room, which is not depicted in the movie, you can ride the donkey seesaws, lift “1,000-pound weights,” and play an endless game of skeeball.
While you’re not supposed to talk about Bruno, you are allowed to visit his makeshift room. Head through his mysterious door and down the glowing hallway to watch a live telenova with Bruno and his rats from behind the walls of the Casita.
Antonio’s magic room resembles the rainforest shown in the movie. Search his ivy-covered room to find familiar faces, like the jaguar and toucan, and climb the playset with forts that sits in the center. An obstacle course challenge through the hidden passageway and Antonio’s room awaits for guests who still have extra energy.
Once the hour-long session is over, guests end their experience through Tia Pepa’s door. Here, the weather-themed room — equipped with a ceiling of umbrellas and larger-than-life rain drops — changes from sunshine to rain as guests exit the experience. Finish the day with a family picture.
The interactive experience isn’t the only thing to do at Tysons Corner Center’s only toy store. In the toy store part of CAMP, families can find plenty of other activities that won’t break the bank. This includes a slime station called The Schmutz Bar, a CAMPiteather for live events, and rotating craft classes. The store will be able to host parties in the coming months.
The CAMP store is open 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, while hours for the Encanto experience vary by day. Tickets range from $30–$44 depending on the day. Children 2 and older and adults will need a ticket to enter the attraction. The experience is currently open through the end of April, though it is likely to be extended.
Feature image by Michele Kettner
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