Let me start by saying I don’t watch Squid Game. I have a low gore tolerance. Of course I know bits and pieces from the mega-hit series – and I discovered by doing it that, whether you like the show or not, Squid Game: The Experience at Luna Park Sydney is well worth doing.
Luna Park worked with Netflix to bring the show to life in Sydney, the way they’ve also done in New York and Madrid. Luna Park hired actors from NIDA (the National Institute of Dramatic Art) as the front man and guards, so they play their parts well. When you arrive, you throw on a singlet with a pocket for winner chips, and then get led by the pink, masked guards into a dormitory-style room with rows of stark metal bunk beds – the type of room I know the players sleep in the show. And so it begins.
Here you go, I’ll answer your FAQs…
How many challenges are there in Squid Game: The Experience, Sydney?
There are a total of six to seven challenges (depending on how you count it), all played in different rooms, starting with a claw challenge to pick your numbered singlet, followed by things including a Korean tile-flipping challenge, a marble challenge, a memory challenge and, yes, 'Red Light, Green Light'.
What happens if you lose a game in Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney?
Thankfully you’re not “eliminated” if you fail a game. You simply miss out on winner chips (or, if you show sufficient shame and remorse, you might be rewarded with some some lighter loser chips by one of the guards). Considering there are seven games to undertake, if you fail a game, you still have plenty of other chances to gain chips.
Is Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney like the show?
Yes. Sets, characters, many games and the music are modelled on those in the show. And there can only be one winner in the experience, the way there is in the show. At the end, your total chips are weighed, and the player with the most chips wins a prize (not loads of cash – but at least you don’t risk death, either).
Is Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney scary?
It can feel intimidating to be led by the faceless guards into unpredictable situations, and the front man is strict, but it’s not freaky or violent like the show. The worst thing that can happen is you can fail to adequately follow instructions and get told off, or fail a game and not receive chips.
Are the challenges in Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney hard?
Some of the challenges are more difficult than others. Considering there is a range of physical and mental challenges, there's something for everyone to succeed at. When I played, everyone got some winner chips.
Is Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney suitable for kids?
It’s designed for adults and older kids, but Luna Park says they recommend it for kids aged eight years and over. They advise that parents should use their judgement about their own kid’s ability to participate in physical and strategic games.
When is Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney on?
Squid Game: The Experience is open most days, with session times set at 15-minute intervals across various times of day. You can find all dates and times and book over here.
How much does Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney cost?
Squid Game: The Experience costs $44. You can go to Luna Park Sydney and only do Squid Game, or you can pay more to also buy a Luna Park Ride Pass or Coney Island Pass (see prices here).
Can you make group bookings for Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney?
Yes, you can make group bookings. For bookings of 10 people or more, or to book a private event, click here.
How long does Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney take?
The games take about 45 minutes from start to finish. That said, you can stretch your experience out by ending at the Night Market, where you can enjoy Korean snacks.
Is Squid Game: The Experience accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, apart from the Memory Steps game (alternative navigation through this game is offered to wheelchair users).
Does Squid Game: The Experience in Sydney have the Red Light, Green Light game?
Yes, it’s housed in Luna Park’s huge, open Big Top space, and it was my favourite part of the experience. The room is dark, with white shapes in rows covering the large floor, and a dramatic stage at the front. It’s the type of room you walk into and gasp.
Is it OK to do Squid Game: The Experience if you haven’t watched the show?
Yes, I don’t watch the show and I still really enjoyed it. While sets, characters and themes are modelled off those in the Netflix show, there is no presumed knowledge required to undertake the experience or games.
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