Wembley Park, London, is now home to a meticulously crafted world where visitors can step directly into the beloved films of Pixar. The newly opened Mundo Pixar Experience offers an immersive journey through 14 sets from classics like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up, inviting fans of all ages to experience the magic firsthand.
The exhibition, which officially opened on , allows guests to “shrink to toy-size” in Andy’s bedroom from Toy Story, dance amidst the vibrant decorations inspired by Coco’s Día de los Muertos celebrations, and explore the shimmering underwater world of Finding Nemo. The attention to detail is striking, with the exhibition aiming for “about 98% authenticity,” according to Pixar creative director Jay Ward.
“We are film-makers and we love to really lavish attention to detail on our movies, which you can tell when you watch them again and again,” Ward explained. “Same thing with Mundo Pixar – we want to give a lavish amount of details and hidden Easter eggs and fun things.” While the sets largely replicate the original film graphics, some “creative liberties” were taken to enhance the visitor experience and provide unique photo opportunities.
The experience isn’t simply about visual replication; it’s about recreating the feeling of being *inside* these iconic films. Visitors can even find themselves recreating scenes, with Ward noting that guests have been playfully mimicking the feeling of being a lifeless toy when “Andy’s coming.”
Mundo Pixar arrives as immersive entertainment continues to gain momentum. Recent successes, including immersive experiences dedicated to Van Gogh, pop-up events for Netflix’s Stranger Things, and walk-through sets based on Studio Ghibli films, demonstrate a growing appetite for interactive and experiential entertainment. This trend reflects a desire for deeper engagement with beloved stories and characters.
Ward believes the exhibition’s appeal is particularly strong for families who have grown up with Pixar’s films since the release of Toy Story in 1995. “There’s something universal about our storytelling that has a deep emotional connection,” he said. “It has an authenticity to it. These stories resonate with people. It may be toys or monsters or fish, but it’s a human story that you can relate to.”
The opening of Mundo Pixar coincides with an active period for the studio. Pixar is preparing to release Hoppers next month, an original film described as “wild, very funny and very unorthodox,” and Toy Story 5 is slated for release in June. The exhibition could serve as a powerful promotional tool for these upcoming releases, reigniting excitement for the Pixar brand.
The studio is also navigating a broader shift in audience habits, including increased at-home viewing and potentially shorter attention spans. Ward acknowledged a growing discussion around “sequel fatigue” in Hollywood, particularly in the lead-up to Toy Story 5, but emphasized Pixar’s commitment to balancing established franchises with original storytelling.
“The sequels are beloved [intellectual property] that people know,” Ward said. “Have you a little bit less of a risk in making a sequel? In some regards – but it also helps fuel the desire for new originals.” He noted that interest in older films, like 2006’s Cars, often resurges as new generations discover them through their parents.
Pixar is adapting to these changes while maintaining its focus on high-quality, full-length films. Ward acknowledged the potential for shorter attention spans and the need to ensure storytelling remains engaging in an increasingly distracted world. “I do think that attention spans tend to be shorter. People are distracted. People are looking at a mobile device while they’re watching a movie now, which is incredible,” he said. “I hope we’re not at that point. [But] if so, do we find a smarter way to do that? So it doesn’t feel like you’re beating people over the head with something.”
Mundo Pixar Experience, located at Fulton Road, Wembley, HA9 0TF, is expected to run for approximately 45 to 55 minutes and welcomes visitors of all ages. The exhibition represents not just a celebration of Pixar’s past successes, but also a glimpse into the studio’s ongoing commitment to innovation and immersive storytelling.
