A Sense of Wondra
By Naperville Magazine
Appears in the January 2026 issue.
By Jeff Banowetz
Explore this new immersive experience and more at Woodfield Mall
You don’t expect to gain an appreciation of nature by staying indoors. But a new immersive experience at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg celebrates the outdoors through light, art, storytelling, and whimsy, showcasing moments of awe in the natural world.
The 11,000-square-foot exhibit called Wondra opened in November, and the all-ages experience is set for an open run. It’s the first of its kind, envisioned by Merlin Magic Making, the creative branch of the London-based Merlin Entertainment, which has produced immersive guest experiences in places ranging from hotels to theme parks for more than a decade. It recently worked on an undersea exhibit at Sea Life Florida and helped create Hyperia, the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the United Kingdom. Next year, it will bring the world’s first “space-themed indoor family roller coaster” to the Legoland resorts in California and Florida.
Wondra, however, isn’t a ride. It’s a series of artistic exhibitions that people can explore at their own pace. “The attraction is rooted in the idea that people are drawn to nature, and we all crave more of it in our lives,” says Liz Cummings, the creative lead for Merlin Magic Making. “With this new attraction, we are excited for guests to explore a vast array of nature’s wonders amplified in one amazing journey.”
Wondra’s interconnected exhibitions range from more intimate spaces of about 400 square feet to larger spaces of more than 1,000 square feet that emphasize the speed of nature. Each exhibition uses different technologies to create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
“Throughout the creation of Wondra, we’ve had to completely rethink how we bring an attraction to life—working differently with our teams to deliver faster while still bringing the depth, quality, and signature Merlin magic our guests expect,” Cummings says. “This includes bespoke scenic props, reimagining existing materials into something completely different, and using motion tracking to create personalized, reactive moments.”
Light and sound are used in each space to help with the transformation, giving each exhibition its own personality. “There are various music elements enhancing the experience, which is a narrative around exploring the natural world like never before,” Cummings says. “For guests looking to explore even more, they can add on a VR experience for a 360-degree-moving adventure.”
Wondra begins with a walk underneath the stars, followed by the room called Cloud Nine, where guests can watch a cloud come to life as it floats by. Other immersive rooms include the Jungle Trail, where visitors spend time under a canopy of trees as it transitions from day to night. In the Enchanted Garden, small actions you take create a ripple in the flower-themed room (mirroring the butterfly effect); the Crystal Caves transform light into various color patterns, while the Luminous Reef allows you to interact with simulated bioluminescent creatures amid an ocean atmosphere.
Visitors can explore each room and the entire exhibit as long as they like, but Cummings says that most people spend about 45 minutes to an hour touring the experience. Wondra is open, with some exceptions, six days a week (all but Tuesday), from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. While tickets are available for purchase at the door, online reservations are recommended. Ticket prices vary by time slot, but range from $19 to $26 for adults and $13 to $20 for kids ages 2 to 12. Group and senior discounts also are available.
“Wondra is imaginative, meaningful, and designed to connect people of all ages to the wonder of nature in a whole new way,” says Tom Mcelwee with Fever, the live-entertainment company that’s involved with presenting the exhibit.
For more information, visit wondraexperience.com.
While at Woodfield
• Enterrium: This recently opened entertainment venue offers bowling, billiards, pinball (30-plus machines), and more than 150 arcade games. enterrium.info
• It’s Sugar: Get a rush at this store chock full of goodies. itsugar.com
• Rocket Fizz: Shop for candy and soda pop or have Zoltar tell your fortune. rocketfizz.com
• Yu Kids Island: The young-uns can burn off some energy at this indoor playscape. yukidschicago.com
• Legoland Discovery Center Chicago: This haven for brick fans includes Lego-themed rides, a play area, and 4D cinema. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago
• 60 to Escape: Flex your clue-solving skills in these themed puzzle rooms. 62escape.com/schaumburg
• Improv Comedy Club: If you’re looking for laughs, this is the spot. Check out who’s performing at improv.com/chicago.
• Seasons 52: Enjoy the seasonally changing menu at this fresh grill and wine bar. seasons52.com
Photos: Jen Banowetz
