UPDATE: The highly anticipated immersive entertainment venue, Sony’s Wonderverse, located at Oakbrook Center Mall in Oak Brook, Illinois, is set to close its doors on December 22, 2024, just 11 months after its grand opening. This sudden announcement has left visitors and fans of immersive experiences in shock.
According to a message posted on the venue’s Facebook page, the closure is part of a transition to a new concept, but specific details about what will replace Wonderverse remain unclear. The announcement urges guests with Wonderverse Play Cards or certificates to redeem them by December 21, just one day before the closing date.
The 45,000 square-foot space, formerly a Sears store, offered a unique combination of physical and virtual reality games, themed installations from blockbuster films like Jumanji and Ghostbusters, as well as a full-service dining experience at the Commissary Restaurant. The venue provided an escape into beloved movie worlds, featuring attractions like the Ghost Trap Speakeasy and immersive VR experiences based on hit franchises, making it a popular destination for families and movie enthusiasts.
In a statement, Wonderverse encouraged visitors to enjoy the venue’s arcade and immersive attractions until its final days, saying, “Dive into your favorite movies and TV shows with unique attractions and themed dining experiences.”
Despite its initial success, the exact reasons for the closure have not been disclosed, and organizers have yet to respond to requests for further information. Guests who have unspent credits are eligible for a refund to their original payment method, with requests directed to [email protected].
The closure raises questions about the future of immersive entertainment in suburban malls and reflects changing consumer preferences. As Wonderverse prepares to shut down, Oakbrook Center Mall has not commented on the transition or what new concept may emerge in its place.
As this story develops, many are left wondering: what will take Wonderverse’s place, and how will this impact the local entertainment landscape? Stay tuned for updates as more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.