Even though we are only four months in, 2024 has been pretty interesting to say the least. While I could name many crazy things that have happened, a pretty notable event was the infamous Wonka Experience in Glasgow, Scotland. This event blew up on TikTok in late February for being one of the biggest rip-offs in history.
Prior to the date it took place, the experience had been advertised as a magical walk-through event that is based off of the classic movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Many thought of the event as a nice family-friendly activity, prompting them to spend £35 (about $45 USD) on each ticket. The event’s website featured many impressive photos that were supposed to depict what the event had to offer. Fans were severely disappointed when they arrived and realized quickly that the photos they had seen online were all AI generated. In contrast to the colorful and lively photos provided, the venue was actually a bare and dull warehouse. The experience gave off the same vibes as an underfunded Candyland-themed- school–dance-with-the-tacky-decorations-and-half-full-cups-of-lemonade. Many promised items appeared to be absent, including the chocolate fountain and “enchanted garden.” What visitors did see was a lot of embarrassed actors who obviously did not know what they had signed up for. One actor in particular had gone viral for portraying a “sad Oompa Loompa.” She had later claimed that she had no idea that the event was going to be what it actually was and just needed a job.
The Wonka Experience was quickly brought to an end when the police had been called by angry paying visitors who greatly regretted spending any money at all on the atrocity. The event was eventually shut down shortly after police arrival. This catastrophe has prevented the company behind the experience from holding any more events any time soon (for the better).
Since its debut, the experience has gained a lot of traction on the internet. It has even gone so far as to have been mentioned on Saturday Night Live, and to have another replica event in Los Angeles run by famous comedians in order for Americans to be able to take in the hilarious atmosphere themselves.
Sarah Ramos had this to say about the whole situation: “ I don’t understand why it was even a thing in the first place. Who is actually going to that?” I thought she made a very good point because I was also wondering the same thing. While this whole situation is very funny, I sincerely hope that who ever was in charge of the Wonk Experience never tries to host an event again- or at least hires a better event planner with a bigger budget next time.
