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Friday, December 29, 2023

West Edmonton Mall Hasbro Rebranding - A Musing

 

https://globalnews.ca/news/6312424/west-edmonton-mall-galaxyland-hasbro/

When I first heard that Hasbro was going to do some rebranding, I was cautiously excited.

While the results were medocre, I still believe this could be a seriously fun concept with a little imagination.

So presenting …what if Hasbro was allowed to fully cut loose on rebranding West Edmonton mall.

 

Phase I: Equestrian Elegance - My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Fashion District

This will be the fashion district.  Since this will be mainly fashion and clothing, my framing device is My Little Pony: Equestria Girls:

Equestria Couture:

Overview: The flagship store offering a wide range of Equestria Girls-inspired fashion for children and teens.

Experience: Interactive dressing rooms with virtual mirrors allowing visitors to "try on" virtual outfits inspired by their favorite Equestria Girls characters.

Rainbow Threads Boutique:

Overview: Specializing in colorful and vibrant clothing inspired by the Mane Six ponies.

Experience: Interactive displays allowing visitors to mix and match different colors and styles to create their unique rainbow-themed outfits.

Fluttershy's Fabrics Emporium:

Overview: A boutique focused on softer and nature-inspired clothing, drawing inspiration from Fluttershy's character.

Experience: DIY stations where visitors can personalize their clothes with fabric embellishments and designs.

Pinkie Pie's Party Palace:

Overview: A store filled with lively and playful party-themed fashion items.

Experience: Regular in-store events with live music, dance, and interactive fashion shows for a party atmosphere.

Rarity's Runway:

Overview: A high-end boutique featuring elegant and couture fashion inspired by Rarity.

Experience: Weekly fashion shows showcasing the latest trends and designs, with opportunities for visitors to participate.

Twilight's Trends Bookstore:

Overview: A bookstore with a focus on fashion literature, design, and DIY guides.

Experience: Regular workshops and book signings by fashion influencers and designers.

Rainbow Dash's Active Attire:

Overview: A store dedicated to athletic and activewear inspired by Rainbow Dash's adventurous spirit.

Experience: An indoor climbing wall and interactive sports challenges for visitors to engage in active play.

Spike's Accessories Den:

Overview: A store offering a variety of accessories, from jewelry to bags, with a dragon-inspired twist.

Experience: Design-your-own accessory stations with guidance from "Spike" attendants.

Overall Theme:

A vibrant and colorful atmosphere inspired by the magical world of Equestria Girls.

Street performances, themed decorations, and periodic character appearances to enhance the magical ambiance.

Events:

Fashion Week Spectacular: An annual event featuring runway shows, pop-up shops, and fashion-related activities.

Character Meet-and-Greets: Scheduled appearances by Equestria Girls characters for photos and autographs.

This My Little Pony: Equestria Girls-themed fashion district in Phase I offers a diverse and immersive shopping experience for visitors of all ages, creating a magical and memorable atmosphere within the mall.

Other stores within Phase 1

Baby Bliss Boutique (Baby Alive):

Overview: A store specializing in baby-themed clothing, accessories, and interactive Baby Alive dolls.

Experience: Baby Alive demonstrations and a dedicated play area for young visitors.

Descendants Delights (Descendants Dolls):

Overview: A store featuring fashion inspired by Disney Descendants characters, including accessories and collectibles.

Experience: Themed events and fashion shows featuring Descendants-inspired outfits.

Jem's Glam Haven (Jem and the Holograms):

Overview: A retro-themed store offering glamorous and flashy fashion inspired by Jem and the Holograms.

Experience: Regular live performances by virtual holographic "Jem" and "The Holograms" characters.

 

Phase II – Transformers Tech Haven & GI Joe Adventure Center with a Dash of My Little Pony Magic

 

Phase II is known for two things:  being the tech area and having galaxy land.  As a result, going for an overall theme of transformers, but with a healthy sprinkling of other brands, especially GI JOE.

1. Transformers Tech Haven:

Main Attraction: Transformers Tech Coasters

Reimagine existing roller coasters and rides with Transformers themes, incorporating augmented reality elements for an immersive experience.

·       Optimus Prime's Cybertron Challenge: A cutting-edge virtual reality roller coaster.

·       Bumblebee's Adventure Race: An interactive racing experience for visitors of all ages.

Tech Workshop Experience: Autobot Innovation Lab

·       Interactive workshops and exhibits exploring futuristic technology inspired by the Transformers universe.

·       Educational programs focused on robotics and tech advancements.

Shopping & Dining: Cybertron Marketplace

A retail area offering tech gadgets, Transformers merchandise, and futuristic-themed items.

Energon Café: A tech-themed eatery serving energizing and futuristic cuisine.

Interactive Zones: Decepticon vs. Autobot Arena

An augmented reality arena where visitors can engage in friendly battles, choosing sides between Autobots and Decepticons.

Transformers VR Pods: Individual pods offering virtual reality experiences, allowing visitors to step into the Transformers world.

2. GI Joe Adventure Center:

Main Attraction: GI Joe Mindbender's Mindbender

Revitalize the Mindbender roller coaster with GI Joe theming, incorporating elements inspired by Doctor Mindbender's mind control experiments.

Introduce story elements and immersive soundscapes during the roller coaster ride.

G.I. Joe Adventure: "Silent Strike"

The dark ride takes visitors on an action-packed mission alongside G.I. Joe's iconic ninja, Snake Eyes. Immersive environments with high-tech settings, including Cobra strongholds and urban landscapes.  Visitors enter through a high-tech G.I. Joe briefing room, setting the stage for a covert mission. Riders equipped with light blasters for an interactive element.

Interactive Experiences: GI Joe Training Camp

An interactive area where visitors can participate in obstacle courses, climbing walls, and team-building activities inspired by GI Joe training.

Merchandise & Collectibles: Joe's Surplus Depot

A retail store offering GI Joe merchandise, military-themed collectibles, and exclusive items.

Dining Experience: Sergeant Slaughter's Mess Hall

A themed restaurant featuring military-inspired decor and a menu with a variety of cuisines.

3. My Little Pony Magic Zone:

 

Magical Carousel Experience: Rainbow Dash's Flying Carousel

A vibrant and magical carousel ride inspired by My Little Pony.

Customizable flying pony figurines for children to take home as souvenirs.

Interactive Play Area: Ponyville Play Meadow       

A whimsical play area with My Little Pony-themed structures, slides, and activities.

Regular appearances by costumed characters for meet-and-greets.

Themed Snack Stop: Pinkie Pie's Sweets Emporium

A colorful snack stop offering pony-themed treats, candies, and desserts.

Integration:

Design cohesive signage and theming elements that blend the Transformers, GI Joe, and My Little Pony worlds, ensuring a seamless transition between the different areas.

Collaborate on special events where characters from these diverse IPs come together for unique and memorable experiences.

Other Rides of Note

 

Nerf Duel

A battle arena where it’s nerf or nothing!  Two sides compete to be the last person standing.

Phase III: Monopoly Marketplace & Nautical Paradise

This area of the Mall is known for the World Waterpark, the giant indoor lake .  so I think of two main themes:  Gi Joe and Battleship, but will mix in other material, particularly monopoly.

World Waterpark

This needs particular expansion

Toyland Reef:

Immerse the waterpark in vibrant colors and playful theming inspired by beloved Hasbro toys. Murals and decor feature iconic characters and elements from various Hasbro brands.

Playful Splash Zones:

Create interactive splash zones designed around Hasbro brands like Nerf, Play-Doh, and My Little Pony, offering a dynamic and engaging water play experience for younger visitors.

Adventure Islands:

Islands within the waterpark that represent different Hasbro universes, such as Transformers Island, Monopoly Marina, and G.I. Joe Outpost, each with unique theming and water attractions.

Hasbro's Aqua Arcade:

 An area with water-based arcade games and challenges inspired by classic Hasbro board games, providing a blend of water fun and friendly competition.

Key Hasbro-Themed Slides:

Nerf Blaster Barrage:

Type: Multi-Lane Racing Slide

Description: Race down this multi-lane slide equipped with water blasters, allowing riders to soak their opponents as they speed towards the finish line.

Play-Doh Plunge:

Type: Twisting Body Slide

Description: Experience the twists and turns of this vibrant slide that replicates the playful and malleable nature of Play-Doh.

My Little Pony Cascade:

Type: Family Raft Slide

Description: Glide down a family-friendly raft slide through a cascading waterfall, surrounded by colorful My Little Pony theming.

Transformers Tidal Wave:

Type: High-Speed Aqua Coaster

Description: Embark on an aqua coaster adventure inspired by Transformers, featuring high-speed drops and thrilling twists.

Monopoly Money Rapids:

Type: Adventure River

Description: Drift along a river filled with twists and turns, encountering surprises and challenges inspired by the world of Monopoly.

Other Locations

Hasbro Maritime Expedition

·       An immersive boat ride exploring the nautical worlds of Hasbro's properties, including Battleship, G.I. Joe naval missions, and water-themed adventures.

·       Themed boats with interactive elements for an engaging experience.

Battleship Command Center

·       A play area inspired by Battleship, featuring water-themed games and challenges for children and families.

·       Water cannons and interactive elements for a splash of fun.

G.I. Joe Aircraft Carrier Lake Spectacle:

·       Construct a large-scale G.I. Joe aircraft carrier replica at the center of the lake.

·       Interactive exhibits on the carrier deck showcasing G.I. Joe vehicles, equipment, and historical moments.

 

Cobra Frogman Synchronized Swimming Shows:

·       Regular performances featuring skilled synchronized swimmers dressed as Cobra frogmen.

·       Choreographed routines set to music and narrated to tell a story, combining entertainment and aquatic artistry.

Cobra Underwater Headquarters:

·       Design an underwater-themed area beneath the lake's surface, accessible through glass tunnels or virtual reality experiences.

·       Interactive exhibits showcasing Cobra's underwater operations.

Monopoly Food Court

A food court with different sections themed after Monopoly properties. For example, a Mediterranean-themed eatery for "Mediterranean Avenue" and a dessert shop for "Boardwalk."

Phase IV: Hasbro Haven - Entertainment Retreat

 

This Hasbro Haven in Phase 4 provides a relaxed and diverse entertainment experience for visitors who prefer a more laid-back atmosphere. It caters to various interests, from gaming and puzzles to theater and literature, creating an inclusive space for visitors of all ages.

Clue Mystery Theater:    

Mystery Dinner Shows: Regular interactive dinner theater experiences inspired by the classic game of Clue.

Escape Room Adventures: Clue-themed escape rooms for visitors seeking a challenging and immersive experience.

Monopoly Casino & Lounge:       

Casino: A Monopoly-themed casino with classic casino games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette.

Monopoly Lounge: A comfortable lounge area with themed cocktails, Monopoly board games, and live entertainment.

Nerf Shooting Range:

 

Nerf Shooting Gallery: A safe and engaging shooting range with Nerf blasters for visitors to practice their aim.

Target Challenges: Various shooting challenges with Nerf targets and obstacles.

Scrabble & Sip Cafe:

Bookstore Integration: A bookstore with a cafe featuring Scrabble-themed decor and word game nights.

Literary Events: Author meet-and-greets, book clubs, and poetry readings in the cafe.

Puzzle Paradise:

Jigsaw Puzzle Center: An area with large communal tables for assembling jigsaw puzzles featuring Hasbro characters and themes.

Puzzle Competitions: Regular puzzle competitions with various difficulty levels.

Connect Four Lounge:

Gaming Lounge: A relaxed area with oversized Connect Four games, chess, and other classic board games.

Board Game Nights: Host themed board game nights for visitors to enjoy together.

Monopoly Boutique:

Retail Space: A Monopoly-themed boutique offering merchandise, collectibles, and unique Monopoly-inspired items.

Family-Friendly Movie Nights:

Theater Screenings: Host family-friendly movie nights featuring Hasbro-themed movies or classic family films.

Snack Stations: Provide themed snacks and beverages for a cozy movie-watching experience.

Seasonal Events:

Game Nights: Regular events with a rotation of board games, card games, and trivia.

Themed Evenings: Seasonal events tied to holidays or special occasions, with unique decorations and activities.

Art Corner:

Community Art Wall: A space where visitors can contribute to a collaborative art project.

Hasbro Art Exhibitions: Regular art exhibitions featuring fan art inspired by Hasbro characters and games.

Other Notes

Seasonal Pop-Up Shops:

Introduce seasonal pop-up shops featuring themed merchandise based on Hasbro properties during specific events or holidays.

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