What on earth is this Lonely Dog Immersive Experience?! These words came into my mind, when I first heard about this experience over the summer. Well, I finally made my way to the Orlando Premium Outlets (that’s where it’s located) to check out this unique experience. Read on, to see if it’s worth your time and $$$!
The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience is based on New Zealand artist Ivan Clarke’s artwork turned novel: Lonely Dog. It’s a world where dogs are the main characters, living their lives in a quaint seaside town called Alveridgea. The premise is dogs and cats living side-by-side, but not as equals. Cats are the ‘top dogs’, so to speak. It’s a divided society and the charming character ‘Lonely Dog’ brings you along on his journey of danger, intrigue, and redemption. All portrayed through stunning artwork and immersive installations. To read more about the Lonely Dog story, click here.
What can you expect at The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience? The main attraction is a captivating 360 cinematic immersive theater experience, that takes you inside the main character’s life journey. If you’re not familiar with immersive experiences, it’s wall to wall screens (including some floor screens) that bring you inside the story. It’s a delightful blend of art, technology, and storytelling. You are free to walk around in this very large room or sit at one of the many benches, as you enjoy the 30 minute show. This colorful video and artwork is brought to life by the storytelling and music.
The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience starts every 30 minutes. We bought our tickets on-site, without a reservation for $29. It was a Monday in the early afternoon, so there was not a lot of people around. If you are wanting to visit on the weekend or holiday break, you may want to get a reservation. Also, be sure to check online for any discounts!
After the immersive theater experience, you are free to walk through the other attractions. They have an art gallery of Ivan Clark’s whimsical paintings of the cast of Lonely Dog. And if you’re getting inspired to be creative, they have an art studio where you can create your own masterpiece!
They also have some really cute selfie spots in the ‘selfie salon’. Yes, you can take your picture with Lonely Dog or get a shot of you in the clouds! Or maybe take a dip in the ball pit….easy getting in….hard getting out! Or maybe leave that to the kiddos! They also have a Virtual Realty experience, which takes you all the way up in the sky and down deep to the depths of the sea, right alongside Lonely Dog.
The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience also has a small cafe, with snacks and refreshments, available for purchase. And on the weekends they open the bar area, called Coco Kitz, where you can have a cocktail and enjoy live music performances. Interested in buying the novel, Lonely Dog? Grab one at the gift shop or another cute souvenir of this unique experience. They also have event spaces available to rent for parties or other events…
My thoughts: I think The Lonely Dog Immersive Experience was very cute…however, I felt it was on the pricier side for the experience. So, definitely try to find a Groupon or other discount. I do think this is best suited for your tweens and younger kids, in my opinion. Some teens might get bored… This is an artsy/musical attraction….so if you and your family enjoy those types of activities, I’m sure you’ll have a delightful time.
Because I love doing new and different things, I am glad I did this experience. However, it’s a one and done for me. (If I had to do it over, a weekend experience with live music, would be my preference).
Orlando’s full of fun adventures, for adults and kids alike, that’s why I love living here! Interested in more Orlando tourist attractions?! Click here! Do you have a favorite attraction you think I should visit? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
Xo Autumn
