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Over Christmas break, I wanted to take the kids into the city to see the tree in Rockefeller Center. But I also wanted to do something else, something new (new to us at least) and different. I looked into the three pop-ups that are currently going on, Candytopia, Color Factory and the Trolls Experience. Honestly, we went to Trolls because it was the one of the three that wasn’t sold out for our date and it was close to Rockefeller Center. We had a great time at the Trolls Experience NYC and I’m excited to share our review with you.
Trolls Experience NYC
What is the Trolls Experience?
The new trend in urban fun seems to be the pop-up. A pop-up is best described as part museum, part experience, and something that is running for a limited engagement. These activities show up in a city for a finite time, so you will miss out if you don’t plan a visit. Some of these shows travel to different cities throughout the US, so check the websites or join the mailing list if you are interested in future dates.
The Trolls Experience is an interactive experience geared for kids and lovers of the 2016 movie, Trolls. I bought a timed ticket the day I wanted to visit, but of course peak times could sell out so it is recommended you buy tickets well in advance. I bought a regular admission ticket but there was a VIP upgrade as well.
The Trolls Experience is centered around the idea of being invited to Poppy’s Best Day Ever party, and getting ready for that fiesta. Walking through the different exhibits is like being transferred into the land of the Trolls!
What do you do at the Trolls Experience?
On the day of our visit, we had a 2pm ticket, but arrived early to check out the gift shop and actually we were able to enter the space about 15 minutes early. When you arrive, you wait to be greeted by the first handler. She ushers you in, gives each guest an invitation to Poppy’s Best Day Ever party and explains the different areas you will visit. She explained that at each area we would complete tasks and then be given a memento of that station. She also gave us a small plastic bag to collect our little trinkets.
We then headed upstairs to get ready for Poppy’s party at the first station – Hair We Go. Here we each chose a Trolls hair mask, and baby girl opted to get a Trolls nose painted on! It was so cute. Each kid was also given a tattoo of their choice.
We then took some photos of us dressed up like Trolls, and headed to the next area, Branch’s Musical Mashup. Here we played an interactive game that was all about making music for the trolls. This was cute and got the kids running around a little!
After music, we headed into the Caterbus (not a real bus) to collect confetti for Poppy’s party. It was basically confetti blowing all over the place and the kids running around trying to catch it! Of course they loved it, although I don’t think we actually caught all that much confetti. Check out the video below!
The last station, Critter Creek, was a giant interactive wall game. Like playing a game on a giant iPad! We had to tap the different creatures – inviting them to Poppy’s party. We tried really hard to break 100 and we scored 102!
There was another little game in that area, and after playing several rounds it was time to head into Poppy’s Best Day Ever party! We were given 3-D glasses and after counting down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… it was time to head into the party! This was an awesome 360 degree, 3-D dance party with all the trolls and of course their signature Justin Timberlake song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling.” We had a great time dancing along with all our favorite trolls!
And that was pretty much it. After the dance party, of course there was an “After-Party” which consisted of taking a souvenir photo and sticking all of our mementos that we collected into a keepsake scrapbook.
At the very end, we had a meet and greet with Poppy! This was a really cute photo op!
Where is the Trolls Experience NYC?
Wanting to visit the Trolls Experience in New York City? Its centrally located at 218 West 57th Street. This location is easily accessible by the NQRW subway at 57th and Seventh Avenue, the E & F train at 57th and Sixth Avenue, a short walk from the Columbus Circle Subways or you can take the M57 or M31 bus. It’s also not too long a walk from Grand Central Station or the Port Authority bus terminal.
The Trolls Experience would make a great indoor stop on a Rockefeller Center trip, or after a visit to Central Park.
What ages would like the Trolls Experience?
The Trolls Experience is targeted for “kids of all ages”. My daughter, who is 7 (and does love the Trolls Movie) LOVED this activity. Like she can’t stop talking about it and did not want to wash off her Trolls nose paint or trolls tattoo! My son who is 9, almost 10, said “it was fun” and he enjoyed doing it, but this is probably not the activity I would have picked if it was just him and I. Kids age 2 and up need a ticket, and I’m sure there are many toddlers who would enjoy this experience, but if your child is shy around characters, or does not like loud music, this is not for them. I’d think kids age three to seven are probably the prime age for the Trolls Experience.
Trolls Experience NYC cost and How to Buy your Trolls Experience Tickets
I ordered my Trolls Experience tickets online and printed them at home. There is the option to purchase tickets when you arrive, but you do run the risk that the time slot you want is sold out.
The General Admission tickets we purchased cost $40 each (adults and children) and included the experience, a souvenir picture, a scrapbook, a Trolls Tattoo, Trolls nose paint and a Trolls hair mask. There was also a complimentary coat and stroller check on site.
There is also a VIP ticket upgrade called the “Hair We Go Experience”. This package includes a premium hair mask (which is more like a wig than a paper mask), and a half-face (forehead to nose) make-up design by a make-up artist. This upgrade costs $50 per person and must be purchased IN-ADDITION to your general Admission ticket. Be sure to purchase both tickets for the same timed entry slot!
Trolls Experience Review
All three of us really enjoyed the Trolls Experience. It was something different, fun, and upbeat. The Trolls Experience was the perfect indoor activity after walking around Rockefeller Center. The staff working each station was super friendly (they are obviously trained actors/performers not just random staff workers) and made each guest feel special as they were going through the stations. We all enjoyed dressing up as Trolls and the 3D dance party at the end was REALLY NEAT.
However, as the parent, and the person who paid, I had a hard time with the $136 price tag for what was less than an hour activity ($40 per person plus tax/service charge). I know its New York City, and the hot new thing, BUT I think I would not have had as much of a hard time swallowing the price if the experience was longer.
Now my kids, when they go to museums or sightseeing, they also will stay longer than the recommended time. But since at the Trolls experience you are ushered though the stations, so there wasn’t an option to extend your stay, or spend more time in one area. But it was a guided tour and we did go home with a fun photo and little scrapbook. With that said, it took us less than an hour to go through!
I think it’s just important to understand the cost for what it is. I’m curious what other readers think and how the cost:time ratio compares to some of the other NYC pop-ups (the Trolls Experience is the most expensive of the current NYC popups).
Currently, the Trolls Experience is slated to be around until May 2019, but when talking to one of the workers on-site he mentioned it could be around up to a year depending on its success! Also its unclear if this is going to be a NYC-only event, or if it will travel around?
Have you been to the Trolls Experience NYC? I’d love to hear your thoughts – leave a comment below!
HEADING TO NYC? YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Visiting the Museum of Mathematics
Visiting the NY Hall of Science
Afternoon Tea at the American Girl Store NYC
How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan
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Thank you! I have been wondering about this, but it’s so expensive! I think we’ll skip – especially with Lu’s leg. I’d love to hear about it if you do Candytopia…
apparently candytopia is over! It had been here since the fall, so I guess we missed it?!?!?!
That looks fun!!
I have yet to see trolls but that sounds like a fun experience
Awww, cute!! Looks like such a blast for the kiddos.
My daughter would love this! But I’m with you–the cost for the time allowed seems excessive. We like to hang around museums for as long as we like, too. It looks fun, though!
Looks like you guys had fun! I love interactive experiences like that, especially for kids. They stay engaged and have so much more fun that way!
This looks like so much fun! I would have loved this when I was a kid!
Oh my gosh, my kids love the Trolls movie! I wish we could have known about this when we were in New York City. It would have been so much fun.
Any suggestions for hotels nearby? I’m thinking of making a trip to NYC for this. We’ve never been and would LOVE to go, I’m just concerned about the stay and transportation.
I have some good ones near by! There are a few hamptons in the times square area that offer a great value. I can email you!
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