North Texas is rapidly establishing itself as a formidable player in the interactive entertainment sector. The region is renowned for being the birthplace of major video game franchises like DOOM, Duke Nukem, and Borderlands. In Arlington, Six Flags Over Texas is revitalizing its classic rides and introducing a new record-breaking giga-coaster. Meanwhile, Frisco is home to one of just three Peppa Pig theme parks globally and is preparing to launch one of the first new Universal Studios parks outside of Florida and California.
Dallas is now home to one of two inaugural sites of a fresh interactive entertainment venue inspired by popular television franchises and a slew of movies. This venue, known as Netflix House, spans 100,000 square feet within Galleria Dallas and opened its doors in December. It features two primary experiences centered around the hit series Stranger Things and Squid Game, along with interactive games, retail outlets, and dining options influenced by various other Netflix productions.
The second Netflix House is located in the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia, showcasing experiences based on the comedy-drama Wednesday and the live-action adaptation of the beloved anime series One Piece.
The North Texas Netflix House is anchored by two immersive walkthrough attractions that utilize cutting-edge storytelling techniques, live-action gameplay, and dark ride elements, making them difficult to classify into any single genre. The experiences invite guests to engage in the thrilling challenges of Squid Game or delve into the eerie mysteries of Hawkins without facing any actual peril.
In the Stranger Things experience, visitors can explore familiar locales such as Eddie Munson’s trailer while navigating through the haunted remnants of Hawkins. This setup is impressively crafted to resemble a makeshift version of Netflix’s studios, featuring a striking red square at the entrance adorned with images from the streaming giant’s most beloved shows, hinting that more properties may join the experience in the future. Subtle nods to other Netflix series, like the tech-horror Black Mirror and the romantic drama Bridgerton, are cleverly integrated throughout the venue.
Squid Game: Survive the Trials is the more straightforward of the two main attractions. This experience plunges guests into the deadly realm of the South Korean drama, where individuals burdened by insurmountable debt are pitted against one another in a series of childhood games with lethal stakes for the losers. Participants assume the roles of competitors, exploring meticulously crafted replicas of iconic Squid Game sets, from the players’ quarters to the viewing room where the masked Frontman oversees the deadly contests.
Conversely, Stranger Things: Escape the Dark is more narrative-driven, yet equally captivating and immersive. Here, visitors become members of a search party dispatched to find three missing residents within the haunted landscape of Hawkins, bridging storylines between Season 4 and the highly anticipated final season that debuted in November.
It is advisable to enter these attractions with minimal prior knowledge for the best experience. As with all walkthrough attractions, immersing oneself in the environments without foreknowledge enhances the sensory engagement. Both experiences allow guests to traverse authentic locations from their respective franchises, including the Red Light/Green Light field from Squid Game and Castle Byers from Stranger Things. The production team excels at fostering a competitive atmosphere that encourages exploration and participation, rivaling even the most advanced attractions at Disney and Universal theme parks.
For those with the stamina to venture upstairs—where an elevator is available for convenience—the entertainment continues beyond the main attractions. Netflix has filled this expansive mall space with interactive games and experiences linked to nearly every major franchise available on its platform. The RePLAY Arcade features additional games inspired by popular Netflix titles, including a cooperative reaction game based on the animated anthology Love, Death & Robots, carnival-style games from the animated series Big Mouth, and a floor-based dexterity game drawn from the reality competition Floor Is Lava. Even the reality series Love Is Blind has been transformed into an arcade game.
No theme park experience is complete without a stroll through a concession stand and gift shop. Netflix House offers both, packed with references to the streaming service’s most beloved shows. Guests can indulge in treats at a Scoops Ahoy! ice cream stand, enjoy beverages inspired by various series at a bar, and browse a gift shop brimming with Netflix merchandise, including the option to purchase a Squid Game contestant uniform (assuming the right size is in stock).
Reservations are required to access the main attractions, and planning at least a week in advance for weekend visits is recommended. This marks a significant leap forward for any media empire venturing into new entertainment territories, particularly one that began as a DVD rental service.
