Disney Encanto x CAMP: A New Immersive Experience Near Washington, DC
We don't talk about Bruno, but we will talk about Disney Encanto x CAMP, the magical immersive experience at the new CAMP store at Tysons Corner Center in Virginia. This paid experience invites visitors behind the Magic Door of the toy store and into the Madrigal family's Casita, where they'll enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and magic behind every door.
My 9-year-old daughter and I attended a preview of this dazzling experience. Read on to learn all about it, then find more indoor places to play in our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and More Indoor Fun for Kids in DC.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
The plaza outside the Casita includes a face-painting station and plenty of souvenirs for sale.
All About Disney Encanto x CAMP
The CAMP store is so fun to browse that my daughter was hesitant to leave when we were called for our Encanto experience. But as soon as we entered the spinning Magic Door (which blended in with the store's shelves), she was transfixed. We were greeted by friendly, high-energy costumed staff members who sang songs from the film; some of them even strumming guitars. They continued to serenade us every 15 minutes or so as we explored the Casita and its elaborately decorated rooms.
We loved the fact that we were able to look around at our own pace, but were also offered guided experiences to take part in. My daughter enjoyed listening to storytime in Mirabel's room, watching a puppet show in Bruno's room, and joining a dance party and singalong in the courtyard. But she was also thrilled by all of the interactive activities she could enjoy on her own, like sliding down a twisting slide in the courtyard, playing Skee-Ball, walking along a balance beam through Bruno's secret hallway, and more.
RELATED: Free Museums Near DC to Visit with Kids
Animals are hidden throughout Antonio's rainforest.
Our favorite room was Isabela's Insta-worthy, flower petal-filled bedroom. There, my daughter tossed petals into the air with one of the characters and rode on a spinning merry-go-round and spinning flowers. She also loved the climbing structure, slide, and hidden animals in Antonio's rainforest. It seemed like there were surprises everywhere we looked, and we never felt rushed.
All of the kids in the Casita with us, who ranged from toddlers to tweens, seemed to have an equally great time. The staff members made sure to give each child personal attention, and they were able to bring even the most shy kids out of their shells. Some of the children participated in a scavenger hunt that they were given at the beginning of the experience. Even the grown-ups—myself included—were singing along and having fun! I highly recommend visiting.
Length of the Experience
As I mentioned, visitors are allowed to explore the Casita at their own pace, so the length of the experience will vary for each family. The website estimates that it will take about an hour, and that's approximately the amount of time my daughter and I spent there.
RELATED: Best Museums for Kids in the DC Area: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums
Staff members guide kids through fun activities like putting together Bruno's vision puzzle.
Tickets and Information on Visiting Disney Encanto x CAMP
Tickets for Disney Encanto x CAMP start at $30 per person and should be purchased online in advance, as they sell out quickly. Everyone age 2 and older needs a ticket. Tickets are sold in 15-minute increments, and up to 25 people are admitted per time slot.
When purchasing tickets, you can select certain add-ons for an additional fee. A photo printout with an Encanto-themed background (taken in front of a green screen at the end of the experience) costs $20. Face paint and gems cost $28 ($38 if you add a flower crown). You can also pre-purchase a a magic candle for $30 that unlocks more magic throughout the experience. Or, pay $25 in advance for $35 worth of Encanto merchandise at the end of the experience, which your kids will certainly beg for.
Disney Encanto x CAMP is wheelchair-accessible, but strollers are not recommended, as there are some tight spaces. Limited stroller parking is available on site.
More About the New CAMP Store at Tysons Corner Center
Like all CAMP locations, the new CAMP store at Tysons Corner Center is a fun retail space selling unique toys, games, art kits, and more. It offers CAMP's signature slime creation station, The Schmutz Bar, as well as a performance space for live events and two birthday party rooms.
All photos by author Jennifer Marino Walters.
Places featured in this article:
CAMP - Tysons Corner Center