Disney - Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendship: our thoughts on this long-awaited immersive experience

By Mulder, Paris, CentQuatre Paris, 03 july 2023

Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendshipis a limited-time immersive exhibition celebrating the power of friendship through the lens of Disney's iconic dynamic duos. Nestled in Paris, this magical pop-up transformed the usually critical industrial space into a captivating wonderland for Disney fans and young adults alike. Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendshipinvites visitors to embark on a 1,000 m2 journey, lasting around 45 minutes, during which they can interact with their favorite Disney characters like never before.

Visitors are greeted by enthusiastic hosts who guide them through various themed rooms, each featuring characters and scenes from classic Disney films. From Alice in Wonderland to Lilo & Stitch, The Lion King and Mickey & Friends, the exhibition offers a retro-futuristic ambience. While some rooms stand out for their immersive journeys, others rely on Snapchat's augmented reality features, which unfortunately don't always live up to expectations due to technical issues and poor lighting, especially for those without a Snapchat account.

However, the true essence of Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendshipréside in the experience itself, which encourages visitors to enjoy the Disney magic and leave their screens behind. The exhibit seamlessly navigates between light and dark, engaging visitors in fun challenges, swings and visually pleasing spaces. Throughout, visitors carry a friendship key, which they tap at key-shaped stations to answer questions about their friendships, reinforcing the theme of the wonders of camaraderie that permeates all rooms. At the end of the experience, visitors can see the results of their answers and take a memorable photo together, creating a lasting memory of their visit.

The highlight of Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendship is not only the immersive journey, but also the innovative gift store that offers a glimpse into the future of shopping. Equipped with VR headsets, visitors can create their own Disney-themed t-shirts or turtleneck sweaters, adding a touch of personalization to their memories.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the unconvincing Snapchat elements, Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendshipresults in an adorable pop-up exhibition suitable for teenagers and Disney fans of all ages. Its wholesome, vibrant atmosphere, combined with photo opportunities at every turn, ensures that visitors leave with a plethora of photos capturing the joy of spending time with beloved friends and Disney characters.

What's more, it's worth noting that the exhibition is specifically aimed at young adults over 18, dispelling any notion that it's just for kids. The incorporation of multi-sensory pop-up installations and augmented reality technology creates an engaging and interactive experience that resonates with visitors of all ages, evoking nostalgia while celebrating Disney's 100th anniversary.

Disney 100, Disney Wonder of Friendshipis a delightful journey that transports visitors to a world of friendship, magic and beloved characters. This enchanting exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to soak up the wonders of timeless Disney tales and celebrate the importance of friendship in our lives. So, if you're a Disney enthusiast or a young adult looking for an unforgettable adventure, head to Paris before this magical experience disappears.

See our photos on our Flickr page

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville