Reading Time: 3 minutes

Who doesn’t love chocolate? At Fluro, we sure do! That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Merlin Entertainments, Cadbury World & Mondelez International recently to transform their rich history into a deliciously fun and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. This collaboration was not just about facts and figures but about creating magical moments that delight and educate visitors.

Merlin, Mondelez and Magic

When Merlin Entertainments came to us with the idea of spicing up their Cadbury World attraction, we knew we had something special on our hands. Our mission: to turn historical facts into engaging stories that would captivate visitors, especially families. We were ready to mix our theming expertise with a whole lot of creativity to make history as irresistible as their chocolate.

We worked directly with Theodore Papadopoulos from Merlin Magic Making, who came to us with the theme book. Theo was in direct contact with Mondelez International, who owns the Cadbury brand, and made sure that what we proposed was approved by all key stakeholders.

Merlin Entertainments and Mondelez International were great partners, making sure that the final design met their expectations, whilst giving us room for creativity.

Teaming up with the Cadbury Historian

Cadbury historian and Education Manager Colin Pitt was our tour guide to the past for this project. His passion, knowledge and insight were the secret ingredients we needed to help bring historical facts to life. With his help, we took a deep dive into the Cadbury story, from its humble beginnings as grocery shop in 1824, to its present-day status as the UK’s favourite chocolate brand. Colin’s passion for the Cadbury legacy was infectious and became the cornerstone of our theming project.

Colin Pitt, Education and Heritage Manager at Cadbury World, said 

“Working on the renovation of the Bournville Experience was a dream come true for me. It was fantastic to work so closely with the Fluro team to bring the rich history of Bournville village and the Cadbury family to life with such engaging visuals. Since the zone opened, we’ve had some really positive feedback from our guests, and we’re looking forward to continuing to be a part of the Cadbury legacy, welcoming lots of families to enjoy Cadbury World for many years to come.”

From Heritage to Have-a-go

The Bournville Experience zone was previously a rather dry collection of facts and memorabilia, featuring a basic timeline on a white foam board. The team at Merlin knew this area needed to be revamped, and it needed more than a light sprinkling of creativity.

Our attractions team transformed this space into an intimate and inviting experience rich with warmth, colour and graphic detail. The Bournville Experience now hosts engaging displays which bring Cadbury history to life with the love and attention it deserves. “Knowing how much this project meant to Colin” says Nikki Derry, Senior Attractions Designer, “it felt really good to be able to deliver an experience that reflected his incredible enthusiasm.”

The Have a Go Zone interactive zone allows visitors to try doodling in chocolate and chocolate tempering. While most of the Have a go Zone featured 3D theming, we added our touch with vibrant signage and fun table wraps. These enhancements made the zone more inviting and engaging, ensuring a sweet experience for all.

From theme book to reality, we helped to make the Cadbury World transformation happen:

Enhancing the Magic of Cadbury World’s Dark Ride

We also contributed to “Cadbury Chocolate Quest” the new indoor dark ride. This slow-moving, interactive ride offers visitors an immersive chocolate-themed adventure. Our theming contributions to this ride included wall graphics, pathway designs, queue line posters and operational signage within the area, ensuring that the ride was seamlessly integrated with the rest of the attraction.

The Importance of Theming in Museums and Visitor Attractions

Museums and exhibitions often grapple with the challenge of presenting narratives in a way that captivates and engages visitors of all ages. Traditional displays can sometimes fall short, failing to evoke the emotional and sensory connection needed to bring history to life. This is where creative theming is crucial. By integrating visually dynamic elements, theming transforms static information into a compelling story where visitors can experience the narrative. This makes learning the history more memorable, meaningful and much more engaging.

“Theming breathes life into exhibits, turning passive observation into an active, engaging journey through time,” says our Senior Designer, Nikki. “It’s all about making history not just visible but tangible, creating a multi-sensory experience that resonates with visitors.”

Ready to Transform Your Space?

At Fluro Attractions, we believe in the power of storytelling and detailed theming to create unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to revamp a museum, an exhibition, or any visitor attraction, we can help bring your narratives to life in a way that captivates and engages your audience. Contact us today to learn more about our theming services.