The flickering lights of the Byers’ alphabet wall have spelled out a new message, and it’s not from the Upside Down. Millie Bobby Brown, known to millions as the telekinetic powerhouse Eleven, has traded the eerie woods of Hawkins, Indiana, for the sun-drenched shores of Abu Dhabi. As fans brace for the final chapter of Stranger Things, its star is embarking on a new adventure, leaving many wondering: what does her new role as Yas Island’s ambassador mean, and how does it connect to the thrilling new Stranger Things: The Experience?
If you’ve been piecing together scattered announcements and trying to figure out ticket prices, showtimes, and what this immersive event actually entails, you’re not alone. The information is out there, but it’s fragmented. That’s why we’ve created this definitive fan’s playbook. This is your one-stop guide to everything you need to know about Millie Bobby Brown’s partnership with Yas Island and how to plan your ultimate adventure into the world of Stranger Things.
From Hawkins to Abu Dhabi: Millie Bobby Brown is Yas Island’s New Ambassador
The connection between the global superstar and the premier entertainment destination is more than just a clever marketing tie-in; it’s a strategic, year-long partnership. Miral, the official developer behind Yas Island, announced that Millie Bobby Brown has become the destination’s newest brand ambassador, a role designed to showcase the island’s vibrant and diverse attractions to a global audience.[1]
This collaboration between Millie Bobby Brown and Yas Island kicked off with a high-energy marketing campaign. The official announcement highlighted a trailer showing the actress exploring the island’s most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.[1] By bringing her signature curiosity and spark, Millie Bobby Brown’s new brand ambassador role serves as the perfect bridge, inviting fans of her on-screen world to explore the real-life adventures waiting in Abu Dhabi. This partnership perfectly sets the stage for the island’s most anticipated new attraction for fans: a direct portal to Hawkins itself.
Stranger Things: The Experience – Your Deep Dive into the Upside Down
For those looking for unique fan experiences, this is the main event. Stranger Things: The Experience is an official, immersive attraction that drops you right into the heart of the show’s supernatural mystery. Forget watching from your couch; this is your chance to become part of the story.
According to the official event website, this is a groundbreaking experience that blends stunning audiovisual effects with live actors to bring the world of Stranger Things to life.[2] Visitors embark on an intimate, guided 45-minute journey through some of the series’ most iconic sets, starting with a visit to the infamous Hawkins Lab.[2] Here, you’ll “volunteer” as a test subject, unlock your own powers, and come face-to-face with the demogorgons and other terrors lurking in the Upside Down. After surviving the lab, your adventure continues in the Mix-Tape area, a free-roam hub dedicated to 80s nostalgia and fan-favorite locations.[2]
What to Expect: A Walkthrough of Hawkins Lab
Your journey begins the moment you step inside. The atmosphere is meticulously crafted to make you feel like you’ve been transported back to the 1980s. As a new volunteer at Hawkins Lab, you’ll be part of a new storyline that runs parallel to the show, interacting with familiar characters (portrayed by live actors) and uncovering secrets hidden within the facility.
The goal, as stated by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Experiences, is to “transport guests to the thrilling world of Hawkins”.[3] Expect to navigate through intricately designed sets, solve puzzles, and use your newly “unlocked” powers to help Eleven, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max, and Will save the town from the encroaching darkness of the Upside Down. This interactive narrative is what truly sets it apart, making it one of the most compelling things to do in Abu Dhabi for fans of the series.
After the Adventure: The ‘Mix-Tape’ 80s Hub
Once you’ve successfully escaped the clutches of the Mind Flayer, the experience shifts from suspense to celebration in the Mix-Tape area. This 80s-themed hub is a loving tribute to the show’s most beloved hangouts.
Based on official details, you can grab a slice at Surfer Boy Pizza, indulge in a USS Butterscotch sundae from Scoops Ahoy, or even try a unique, themed cocktail at The Upside bar.[2] It’s also the perfect place for photo ops, with recreations of the Byers’ living room, an old-school arcade, and other memorable scenes. For those wanting to take a piece of Hawkins home, the area features exclusive Stranger Things merchandise not available anywhere else, from Hellfire Club t-shirts to show-inspired collectibles.[2]
The Complete Visitor’s Guide: Planning Your Trip to Yas Island
Navigating the logistics of a new event can be confusing, but we’ve consolidated all the essential information to make your planning seamless. This is your practical guide to securing tickets, finding the location, and making the most of your visit.
The experience is designed to be a cornerstone of a larger adventure on Yas Island, a destination packed with world-class theme parks and attractions. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist planning a trip, here’s how to prepare for your journey into the Upside Down.
Tickets, Times, and Location: All You Need to Know
To avoid disappointment, it’s crucial to know the specifics before you go. All details are sourced from official announcements to ensure accuracy.
- Location: The experience is conveniently located within Yas Mall on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.[3]
- Tickets: Tickets start at Dhs 75. It is highly recommended to book in advance. You can purchase tickets directly from the official Stranger Things: The Experience website. For package deals that may include other Yas Island attractions, you can check the official Yas Island website.
- Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday – Friday: 4:00 PM to 9:40 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM to 9:40 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 7:40 PM
- Accessibility: The venue is confirmed to be wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There and Where to Stay
Getting to Yas Island is straightforward. If you’re driving, its location within Yas Mall means there is ample parking available.[3] Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available throughout Abu Dhabi and provide direct access to the mall entrance.
For visitors looking to stay nearby, Yas Island offers a wide range of hotels to suit various budgets, from luxury resorts to family-friendly accommodations. Staying on the island provides the added benefit of being just minutes away from not only the Stranger Things experience but also the other major theme parks and attractions.
Beyond the Upside Down: Explore More of Yas Island
While the chance to visit Hawkins is a major draw, your adventure doesn’t have to end there. As highlighted in Millie Bobby Brown’s ambassador campaign, Yas Island is a universe of entertainment in itself, making it easy to book a full itinerary of fun.[1]
After you’ve saved Hawkins, consider extending your stay to explore these other world-class attractions:
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, this theme park is a must for thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts.
- Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi: Step into the worlds of your favorite cartoons and DC superheroes in this massive indoor theme park.
- Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi: Cool off at this Emirati-themed waterpark with over 40 rides, slides, and attractions.
- Yas Marina Circuit: For motorsport fans, a tour of the track that hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an unforgettable experience.
By combining your visit to the Stranger Things experience with these other Yas Island attractions, you can transform a single event into a multi-day adventure.
Your Adventure to Hawkins Awaits
The partnership between Millie Bobby Brown and Yas Island marks an exciting new chapter for both the star and the destination, culminating in an unmissable event for fans. From the immersive, narrative-driven journey through Hawkins Lab to the nostalgic fun of the Mix-Tape hub, Stranger Things: The Experience delivers a truly unique and thrilling adventure.
With this guide, you now have all the information you need in one place. You know the story behind the ambassadorship, what to expect from the experience, and all the practical details required to plan your visit. The flickering lights are calling.
Don’t wait for the gate to the Upside Down to close. Book your tickets through the official links, gather your party, and get ready to become the hero of your own Stranger Things story. And be sure to share this guide with other fans planning their ultimate Abu Dhabi adventure!
Disclaimer: Event details, including dates, times, and prices, are accurate as of the time of publication but are subject to change. Please verify all information with the official event and venue websites before your visit.
References
- Miral. (N.D.). Millie Bobby Brown becomes Yas Island’s newest ambassador. Miral. Retrieved from https://www.miral.ae/en/media-center/press-releases/millie-bobby-brown-becomes-yas-islands-newest-ambassador
- Netflix & Fever. (N.D.). Stranger Things: The Experience – Abu Dhabi. Stranger Things: The Experience. Retrieved from https://strangerthings-experience.com/abudhabi/
- Blooloop. (N.D.). Stranger Things: The Experience coming to Yas Island. Blooloop. Retrieved from https://www.blooloop.com/theme-park/news/stranger-things-the-experience-yas-island/
