Disney’s House of Mouse – Scenic Design and Fabrication by Illusion Design and Construct
Project overview
In collaboration with MATTE Projects, Illusion Design and Construct brought Disney’s House of Mouse to life for the launch of the Mickey & Friends MIRL (Mickey In Real Life) campaign.
Designed to resonate with Gen Z audiences through immersive and
immersive experiences, the London event on October 17th marked the campaign’s global debut, setting the stage for a worldwide tour.
The House of Mouse event highlighted Mickey & Friends in contemporary, relatable scenarios that bridged nostalgia with modern-day relevance. Attendees engaged with a variety of creative spaces that introduced beloved characters through innovative and interactive set designs.
Key scenic elements
fabricated
and installed by Illusion Design and Construct included:
The Main Stage, including a bespoke mirror ball DJ booth for the event’s live performances- Canvas Wrapped Screen Surround to frame the content on display throughout the event
- Step and Repeat Walls to provide a backdrop for the red carpet moment
- Gaming Longue and Vanity areas to capture those Instagramable moments.
By combining innovation and craftsmanship, the team delivered a seamless event experience while ensuring all elements were adaptable for reuse across future tour locations.
Challenges and Solutions
Efficient Design Execution
Late project onboarding presented a condensed timeline, necessitating an efficient and streamlined approach. Key steps included:
Structural Integrity: Timber designs were engineered to be stable, freestanding, and safe, and they were used at multiple venues without support from the fabric of the building.- Adaptability: Scenic designs were simplified without compromising quality, enabling rapid production and easy transport.
- Durability and Reusability: All elements were designed for efficient assembly, disassembly, and transportation to ensure seamless deployment at subsequent event locations.
Site-Specific Challenges
A primary challenge involved integrating large canvas wraps into a roller-skating rink environment while maintaining safety and functionality. The team developed a method of constructing this to have as few visible joins as possible, ensuring that the high-end seamless finish was maintained.
Construction and installation
The first major milestone in the construction and installation process was getting the technical drawings signed off so we could begin off-site fabrication. Once fabrication started, we moved on to painting and finishing samples, allowing completed items to be sent to our spray booths for finishing.
Eight weeks after beginning construction in the workshops, we commenced onsite installation. The first step of the installation was to set up the two spacecraft in their entirety, allowing the technical departments to begin their work and the Bridge Command actors to start rehearsing. Once this was completed, we installed the bar and front-of-house areas.
Key materials and technology used for this project included AutoCAD drafting with V-ray rendering, CNC cutting, and plasma cutting.
Collaborative Workflow
Effective collaboration was essential to the project’s success. Key practices included:
- Dynamic Communication: Daily meetings with producers, designers, graphic teams, and technical directors ensured alignment and expedited decision-making.
- Detailed Design Process: The Clients’ 3D Rhino models were translated into fabrication drawings by Illusion’s drafting team, with designs tracked meticulously to maintain workshop schedules.
- On-Site Efficiency: The installation team accommodated last-minute design adjustments while ensuring timely and cost-effective set-up and de-rig.
Outcomes and Client Satisfaction
The event garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from both Disney and MATTE Projects. Guests praised the immersive and interactive elements, while the flexibility of the scenic designs ensured the success of future stops on the global tour.
Client Testimonial:
"Working with Illusion was a seamless and rewarding experience. Their talented team brought creative concepts to life with precision and care, delivering exceptional results while staying mindful of budget and timeline constraints."
—
David Vollucci, Executive Producer, MATTE Projects
Why Choose Illusion Design and Construct
This project underscores Illusion’s expertise in delivering high-quality scenic environments under challenging timelines. By prioritising collaboration, innovation, and precision, Illusion created a visually striking and logistically efficient event that set a benchmark for Disney’s House of Mouse tour.
If you’re seeking expert scenic fabrication or set design for your next project, get in touch. Stay tuned for more insights and case studies on our blog.