Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that the studio’s first immersive entertainment destination, Wonderverse, is coming to the Chicago area this December.
Wonderverse will allow guests to enter imaginative worlds from popular films, television series, and video games such as Uncharted, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Zombieland, and more. Located just outside of Chicago at the Oakbrook Center, one of the country’s most visited shopping malls, the 45,000 square-foot transformative space will host a hybrid of physical and immersive multi-media experiences, interactive installations, dynamic attractions, and themed dining experiences.
“Wonderverse is an exciting expansion for Sony Pictures’ growing location-based entertainment experiences,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures. “Experiences like Wonderverse provide audiences the opportunity to enjoy our brands in new ways by immersing themselves in some of their favorite stories.”
“We’re thrilled to be the first location for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Wonderverse and have it as our largest entertainment option at Oakbrook Center”, Tim Geiges, Senior General Manager of Oakbrook Center said. “We often hear from guests how they love our mix of entertainment, so we’re excited to offer a completely new experience for them to enjoy, especially as we approach the colder months.”
Wonderverse will host a variety of featured activities ranging from escape rooms to virtual reality and racing simulations to bumper cars.
At the Commissary Bar, led by Pernod Ricard’s mixologist Jane Danger, guests can enjoy specialty cocktails and mocktails as well as light bites. Wonderverse will also feature a full-service dining experience. Commissary Restaurant, led by industry veteran Chef Scott Donaldson, will offer a full menu of food, desserts and cocktails.
Additional highlights of what to expect at Wonderverse include:
- UNCHARTED: THE PURSUIT
Based on the action-packed blockbuster UNCHARTED movie, explorers work to unearth hidden treasure, solve challenges, and complete quests across three thrilling escape rooms: The Heist, The Hunt, and The Return. You can outsmart one of the individual rooms or complete all three for a connected storyline experience.
- GHOSTBUSTERS VIRTUAL REALITY ACADEMY
The Ghostbusters VR Academy is your chance to be a real Ghostbuster with two distinct virtual reality experiences. Enter the ARENA, suit up and get armed with proton packs as you outsmart mischievous spirits and join forces with fellow trainees to capture ghosts. In a separate attraction, BLITZ, hop into the driver’s seat of the ECTO hovercraft, a vehicle exclusive to the Academy. Compete to see who’s the fastest, most skillful driver in a high-speed race.
- PACIFIC PLAYLAND
Enter Pacific Playland, inspired by the decrepit carnival in ZOMBIELAND. Show off your game among the undead. Master arcade classics, win prizes, and stay alive.
- ZOMBIELAND BUMPER CARS
In this bumper car ride, one car is chosen as Patient Zero. Avoid getting bumped or you’ll become a zombie. Navigate the chaos, stay uninfected, and escape the outbreak.
- JUMANJI: REVERSE THE CURSE
Like the characters in the movie, you will be thrust into the game in a virtual reality pursuit to find the stolen jewel, stop the spread of evil, and “Reverse the Curse.”
- BAD BOYS RACING CLUB
Surrounded by a Miami-inspired skyline with illuminated photo-ops, get ready to ride like the BAD BOYS in this collection of racing simulators that take you on a high-speed chase to victory.
- THE GHOST TRAP
Join your fellow Ghostbusters in the hidden speakeasy The Ghost Trap. Some say this bar is haunted. It’ll be up to you to figure out if it’s true or not. Raise a toast with spirits and find magic and the paranormal around every corner.
- 21 JUMP STREET POP-UP BAR
In this exclusive limited time pop-up bar experience, head back to school for cocktail chemistry or join an art class for a “paint and sip” night complete with drinks inspired by house party booze classics.
Guests can preview Wonderverse starting December 2023 ahead of the official opening in January 2024. Located at 100 Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook, IL 60523 on Level 1, entry to Wonderverse is free with attractions priced for all to enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance, as availability can become limited. Guests under the age of 16 years must be chaperoned by an adult at least 21 years of age. Guests under 21 years of age will no longer be admitted after 7 p.m. for Wonderverse to become an adult-only experience at 8 p.m.
For more information and to sign up for updates, please visit WonderverseChicago.com.
