By Isiah Christie
Whimsical joy is a major part of the optimal summer experience, stimulating feelings of positivity and excitement that only such a warm, carefree time can encourage. And the American Dream Mall – which is the second-largest mall in the United States – certainly has a myriad of attractions and sights that help. Among them is its rather-new “Bubble Planet” – opened in July of 2024 – which has been warping the human mind from its establishment to its recent one-year anniversary.
Bubble Planet is a psychedelic experience, intended to face the human lens with a decision of whether to perceive or simply enjoy. It is the ninth location opened on North American ground, after Toronto, Phoenix, Tempe, Bellevue, Seattle, Oakland, Washington, D.C., and the bordering New York. Co-produced by exhibition and family entertainment distributor, Exhibition Hub, and global live-entertainment discovery platform, Fever, it is described as “a brand new surreal experience” with “stunning photo opportunities”. Initially designed with the intention of grabbing at the human senses and immersing visitors into fantasy-oriented, interactive landscapes, Bubble Planet has caught the attention of all ages in its pursuit of gaining worldwide popularity as a unique, metaverse-based theme park.
The experience includes ten unique rooms, all tied to a differing theme that diversifies the overall experience. The variety is endless – among activities are a bubble ball pit, a children’s favorite; an LED room that simulates underwater travel with bright lights; a virtual reality room, nicely utilizing the advanced potential of technology; and an infinity experience that urges visitors to connect with their sensations and emotions at their core. Bubble Planet’s attention to psychological adventure is what makes it so unique in a mall full of options – it isn’t your run-of-the-mill roller-coaster or old-school carousel, rooted in simplicity and an experience already encountered. It’s eccentric, distinct and perfect in a world where sensory overload is a constant byproduct of digital stimulation.
“People are getting more savvy about what they want to see. People want to be transported. The public is after opportunities to experience something new and find deeper meaning,” Exhibition Hub executive producer, John Zaller explained. He knows that attention must be demanded in the modern world – and Bubble Planet is surely confident of its ability to attain that.
