Yorkdale is like a second home to me and it just got better! Now you can relive your favourite sitcom moments at The Friends Experience, which has finally arrived in Toronto.
There are a couple ways to learn about Friends, aside from watching it over and over again: watching a virtual tour from On Location Tours or visiting the set on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in LA. The virtual tour was fun given pandemic restrictions. Sitting on the orange couches used in the show and reunion special was a dream come true, but it took many years for me to get to LA.
If The Friends Experience comes to your city, it’s super convenient! Not only has it transformed my favourite mall, but it also has a huge space dedicated to the best show. The WB Tour features many different movies and TV shows, whereas The Friends Experience focuses exclusively on Friends.
The space is structured like an episode of Friends. It starts with the opening credits where you can sit on the couch in front of the fountain. As you go inside, you can explore the show’s history with signed scripts and replicas of The Rachel haircut. I like how the walls have illustrations of the characters’ dating history, including Ross and Rachel’s on-and-off relationship and Rachel’s long letter which Jennifer Aniston hand wrote herself. Front and back!
You’ll love stepping inside rooms that look like Monica’s kitchen and Joey and Chandler’s living room. There are so many photo ops! It’s fun to pretend you’re carrying a couch up the stairs and recreate the iconic “Pivot!” moment. On the way out, you can pose with a mug at Central Perk and go behind the counter like Gunther.
I was biased because I kept comparing it to my recent experience at the WB Tour. The WB Tour is more authentic and has better lighting. However, my bucket list includes a Madame Tussauds tour, so clearly I like Hollywood experiences that may not include the real thing.
The Color Factory is definitely my favourite Instagram museum so far. I’d love to check out The Friends Experience in New York too because it’s a permanent location and even bigger than the travelling exhibit in Toronto!
If you love the show and you love doing things for the ‘gram, you’ll love The Friends Experience. Seeing Hugsy in the gift shop was pure joy!
The Friends Experience will be at Yorkdale until January 2, 2023. Get your tickets here!
Disclaimer: I received free tickets to the media preview for The Friends Experience.