What it's like at Netflix House Dallas
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A clock is chiming. Vecna is calling you to the mall.
Why it matters: Malls aren't just for shopping anymore. As department stores close physical locations, shopping centers are turning to experiential offerings to attract customers.
- Netflix House Dallas, which opens Thursday, replaces a two-story Belk at Galleria Dallas.
The latest: Netflix stars, including "Stranger Things" actor David Harbour, attended a preview event Tuesday night.
- Attendees got a sneak peek of the two experiences on the first floor of Netflix House. Visitors can step into the fictional Hawkins from "Stranger Things" and participate in the life-or-death trials of "Squid Game."
The big picture: Traditional malls are transitioning into lifestyle hubs. Many have opened theme parks and rides, much like Minnesota's Mall of America.
Zoom in: Grapevine Mills has transformed from an outlet mall into an entertainment destination. It's home to Meow Wolf, Legoland Discovery Center and Peppa Pig World of Play.
- Plus, it has a two-story aquarium that's surprisingly nice.
What to expect: Netflix House Dallas fills two stories and more than 107,000 square feet.
- There's an arcade with Netflix-themed games upstairs. Think: Dance Dance Revolution but to "KPop Demon Hunters."
- Visitors can peep Queen Charlotte's tall wigs and one of her gowns in a "Bridgerton"-themed display near the souvenir shop.
- A sprawling food hall offers snacks, burgers and pizza, including a delicious pickle pie. The fully stocked bar offers themed cocktails.
How it works: The first floor is dedicated to the two experiences: "Stranger Things: Escape the Dark" and "Squid Game: Survive the Trials." Separate tickets are needed for both activities.
- "Squid Game" participants are given a numbered bracelet that is used to track their progress through the trials. The games are like the ones in the show — except they don't result in death.
- Still, "Red Light Green Light" feels as anxiety-inducing as if lives were on the line.
Inside the room: "Stranger Things" visitors are added to a search and rescue operation through Hawkins to find three missing people. Equipped with a flashlight, you walk through the police station, a classroom, Eddie Munson's home and Castle Byers.
- It's dark and creepy, with actors portraying characters throughout the excursion. It turns into a trip into the Upside Down with an encounter with the show's villain, Vecna.
- Expect jumpy moments. It's more of a show than an interactive experience like "Squid Game."
If you go: It's free to enter. Tickets for each experience start at $39. Plan for about an hour for both.
- The arcade, food hall and shop are open for walk-in visits.
- It opens at 10am every day and closes at 10pm Monday through Thursday, midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 8pm on Sunday.