We had a variety of ideas on our things-to-do list during Kola’s visit to Arizona. One of those items on the list happened to be the Surprise Your Eyes Pop-Up Art Experience located in Scottsdale. I thought this would be a unique experience from the moment I saw it appear on my Facebook timeline months earlier. Kola’s visit was the perfect excuse to go check it out.
Our Experience
The Location
Surprise Your Eyes is located in Scottsdale at the Arizona Boardwalk. This location is actually chock-full of fun-filled family activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this venue. It’s definitely a good place to visit if you are travelling with a family to the Phoenix area.
Surprise Your Eyes is a 3D selfie attraction which allows you to take pictures within a 3D optical illusion backdrop. The website describes it as an “Instagrammer’s Paradise” which I wholeheartedly agree with. As soon as we walked in, we saw with our own eyes all of the photographic possibilities.
Anyway, we visited Surprise Your Eyes on a Tuesday in the early afternoon. Apparently, this was the perfect day and time to go because we had the place to ourselves the entire time we were there. We checked-in with the staff member at entrance. Then, we were off to see what all of the hype was about.
Let the Fun Begin
Our experience began with the mining cave backdrop. It took a moment for me to figure out the right angle, but I finally got the shot. Fortunately, they have decals on the floor showing you where to stand for the perfect shot. They also have sample photos posted on the walls in order to give you an idea of how to pose in order to get the picture right.
Once we got into the swing of things, we moved from one art backdrop to the next. We had a blast trying to achieve the 3D effect depicted in the sample photos. Kola appears in most of the pictures since I’m a bit camera shy, but I did take a few pics in order to prove I was there.
By the time we were done roaming the venue, we had a ton of photos to post online and add to our scrapbooks. I even took my nieces back a few months later so they could experience it as well. They seemed to enjoy the experience too (see the photos below).
Final Thoughts
Kola and I had a wonderful time taking photos during this activity. Even though I had read mixed reviews about this activity, I thought it was nice way to spend an afternoon. I just think you need to have realistic expectations of the place. It’s a fun photo opportunity and nothing more. Don’t expect it to be a thrilling amusement park ride. It’s not that type of place.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit.
Tips
- Purchase your tickets in advance. The website allows your to purchase your tickets online. They offer discounts at various times of the year. Additionally, I believe the tickets are open-ended. You can go any day and time.
- Wear comfortable clothes. You will be sitting on the floor and sometimes climbing the walls in order to get the best shot. Therefore, comfy clothes will be helpful when you are taking your pictures.
- It’s a safe place to visit. According to the website, they are following all of the CDC regulations in order to provide a safe place to explore. They advise that you wear masks and social distance. Additionally, they sanitize “high touch areas” to ensure everyone’s safety.
