The Toy Coach Visits the Trolls X CAMP Experience in NYC

On November 17, 2023, the highly anticipated third installment of the Trolls franchise, Trolls Band Together, was released. But it didn't come alone; that same day, CAMP, a family-experience company, launched their Trolls X CAMP experience at their flagship 5th Avenue location in New York City.

CAMP: Pioneering Immersive Play

In December 2018, CAMP began its journey as an immersive retail experience for all to combine play, entertainment, and products in New York City. They wanted to create a unique, hybrid experience for people to be able to both shop and play. Their website, CAMP.com, is an extension of this vision, showcasing engaging activities for families, expertly curated product collections, future play trends, and more. 

Since its opening, they have expanded to other major cities, such as Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.! But that's not all. CAMP also offers rotating themed experiences, such as Bluey X CAMP, Disney Encanto X CAMP, and the widely loved, Trolls X CAMP.

The Trolls X CAMP Experience

Trolls X CAMP is an hour-long, immersive play experience where families can step into the world of Trolls. From Bergen Town to Trolls Forest and Mount Rageous, this experience brings the beloved places and characters from the franchise to life. While it is marketed towards families with kids, it is mostly loved by children ages 3 to 8 and suggests dressing comfortably so you can run around, dance, and play!

©Camp NYC, Inc. & DreamWorks Trolls © 2023 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

When you enter the experience through a speakeasy-style passageway, you enter the 4,500-square-foot space dedicated to the Trolls Band Together movie. From this area, you can explore various offerings such as the Troll-hair-filled tunnel, climb and play in Bergen Town, Troll Forest, or Vacay Island's pool noodle jungle gym. There's even Rhonda, the living bus, that gives you the chance to enjoy an interactive video game. 

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

On weekends, the Trolls X CAMP experience offers something special: a trip to Mr. Dinkles' Sparkle Spa to get your troll makeover. On weekdays, this area is utilized as a pretend play salon with toys and mirrors for your family to explore. 

Finally, the experience ends with a Trollpop concert, featuring live performers and 3D concert graphics on jumbotrons. 

Inclusivity

One of the best parts of the Trolls X CAMP experience, and CAMP experiences in general, is their dedication to all families. Their experiences are designed with inclusivity in mind, with their website stating that the experience is ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible. They also have noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses available for anyone with sensory sensitivities. They even noted that they will be releasing a sensory-friendly program soon!

Looking Back

Since its opening in November of 2023, the Trolls X CAMP experience has received approximately 95,000 guests. The last day to experience this event was on October 20th, 2023. 

You can still shop Trolls merch on the CAMP website here.

Curious about what experience is coming to CAMP NYC Next? It’s Bluey X CAMP! To learn more about this experience, click here!

Key Insights For The Toy And Game Industry

For the toy and game industry, the Trolls X CAMP experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing transformations in the industry. No longer are one-offs, single-use concepts, or limited-scope toys as widely accepted and loved as they may have been in the past. Toy and game lovers now look for items that multi-use and offer immersive play and a story to back it all up. Additionally, the dedication to making toys and games that are inclusive for all is becoming more and more important for all creators across the industry.

For aspiring toy and game creators, this is a wake-up call to focus deeply on the desires of your target audience, such as CAMP and the creators of Trolls did, to bring both your and their dreams to life. To get started on this journey, join Toy Creators Academy by clicking here!