We recently jumped at the opportunity to explore Yas Island’s brand-new Stranger Things: The Experience, and it’s every bit as immersive and exciting as the hype led it to be. From start to finish, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported directly into Hawkins, featuring thrills, twists, and a ton of 80’s nostalgia scattered throughout your adventure. If you’re as eager as we are for the next batch of season 5 episodes to drop, then keep reading to see why you should be making a beeline for this one-of-a-kind tribute to the series.
Stepping into Hawkins Lab for the first time
Our journey began as soon as we entered, with so many little nods that any Stranger Things fan would catch and geek out over (like we did). From the eerie lighting to the subtle soundscapes, this Fever original experience recreated Hawkins Lab with such meticulous detail. We were given the role of new participants in a Hawkins Lab sleep study, only to realise we have unusual powers, mirroring Eleven’s telekinesis. We used our newfound “powers” to tackle challenges as we navigated chilling corridors, battling the terrifying Demogorons with help from our trusty new friends, featuring some of the most iconic Stranger Things characters. There may have even been yelp or two thanks to the thrilling jump scares.
The cast’s brilliant performance took the immersion to the next level. Each encounter feels incredibly dynamic and their reactions made it so easy to forget that it was staged. There was clearly a lot of care and thought put into crafting the story, and it truly felt like a love letter to the fans. The overall “story” walkthrough lasted around 40 minutes, giving us plenty of time to fully enjoy and immerse ourselves into the experience.
Our adventure didn’t stop there. Once our walkthrough ended, we were free to explore the 80’s themed Mix-Tape area. We loved challenging each other at the retro arcade, and my personal favorite was indulging in a delicious scoop of ice cream from the notorious “Scoops Ahoy!” after enjoying a slice from “Surfer Boy Pizza” and a few tasty themed mocktails from the “Upside Down Bar.”. We took our time exploring the area, completely soaking in the Stranger Things vibes, grabbing exclusive merchandise, and snapping photos in recreated sets like the Byer’s living room, complete with its famous Christmas lights.
Stranger Things: The Experience is an absolute must-visit for any fan
Even if you haven’t caught up with the latest season, this experience is still very much enjoyable. It features the perfect blend of nostalgia, interactive storytelling and plenty of thrills to keep you immersed. Stranger Things: The Experience truly delivers on every level, whether you’re a die-hard fan, or just looking for a unique outing in Abu Dhabi. Tickets are available on Fever, and we’d recommend getting yours now before this experience vanishes into The Upside Down!
Don’t miss your chance to save Hawkins – become the protagonist of your own episode by getting your tickets to Stranger Things: The Experience here!
