Wonderverse- step into the film! in Oakbrook

Tonight, Frank, Cary and I went to Oakbrook ( probably the greatest shopping center in the greater Chicagoland area) to get a glimpse of the new attraction there. It is called  Wonderverse” and is an indoor amusement center with immersive games, a well-stocked bar, and some great food. When you drive up to the building where it is housed ( watch for the LL Bean signage), you see an elevator. Climb aboard and go to the Wonderverse location.  Tonight, they did a Christmas in July theme, so we were greeted by Santa Clause and some elves. We all donned stocking caps- either naughty or nice embroidered, and since it was a press opening, we were given a card/ticket that had value on it. I am told that the actual price range is around $29 per person, depending on games played. They do have bonuses on the more you spend the more you save.

Tonight, being a special night, we did not order off the menu, but I did sit and talk with the chef who explained that a number of items being served as a sampling were from the menu. They do have salads, shareables ( the salmon bites are amazing) and the fried mac n’ cheese balls are delicious. They have fried pickles, so I know I will return plus we had a steak slider that was sheer perfection. They also had cheese and meats with crackers in the bar area and a sweet table, but the six items on their menu will make your dentist happy- they are something else.

There is a game room with lots of attractive games including skiball ( with a different name) and in that room, they have bumper cars. It is a little small and with the five cars, there is no escape- you WILL be bumped. There is also the Escape room, the Jumanji ( where you don a 30 pound vest and retrace the film scene. If you are a “Ghostbuster” fan, and you love Virtual Reality, you will love the five minutes shooting down the ghosts- I have never done VR before. It is coooool! I did a lot of shooting and I felt that I was IN the film. A very cool 5 minutes. They also have a version where you are in a car.

As I said, it is immersive and there is plenty to do. One can never say that they went to Wonderverse and were bored. If they do, they were not immersed in what Sony has created.

Wonderverse is open: Sunday thru Thursday from noon until 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from noon til midnight

The Ghost Speakeasy has the same hours. We did not experience this one, but I am sure it is right up there with the others and the lounge area also has live entertainment. To see what is on schedule visit www.wonderversechicago.com

The address is 2310 Oakbrook Center– plenty of free parking.  312-971-9155  they also do parties and have special rates.

SPECIAL NOTE  After 8 p.m. MUST BE 21

Tonight’s crowd was mixed as it was press. I am thinking that this is the perfect place for those in the 21-48 age range. I am sure that companies will find it an attractive place for team building, but I also think movie buffs will have some fun. I know I did!