Guide to Crayola Experience Orlando

Located inside of Florida Mall, Crayola Experience Orlando is a great rainy-day activity, a fun place to spend time instead of at a theme park, and a great place to spend a few hours with kids.

We have been to Crayola Experience Orlando a few times in the past, and even though it had been years since our last visit, my oldest remembered it all.

After talking for years about heading back to what we call the Crayola Factory, (we moved to another country, making it impossible) when we went back to visit family nearby, we found ourselves with a few hours before our evening flight out of Orlando International Airport.

Just 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport and less than 30 minutes to Disney World, Crayola Experience is a fun place for the kids to spend a few hours.

Keep reading this guide to Crayola Experience Orlando to decide if it is the right fit for your family.

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Getting to Crayola Experience Orlando

Crayola Experience is located inside the Florida Mall, 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32809.

Parking is available right outside of Crayola Experience, which is easy to spot due to the bright colors and giant crayons outside.

There are 2 entrances to Crayola Experience. The ticket counter is closest to the outside entrance, though visitors can also enter through the Crayola Experience store in the Florida Mall.

• Crayola Experience opens at 10 daily
• The Crayola Store follows the Florida Mall’s operating hours
• Advanced reservations are not needed

Lockers are available to rent on the bottom floor of Crayola Experience near the store.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket counter inside Crayola Experience.

The latest time to purchase a ticket is an hour before closing, and the latest time to enter Crayola Experience is 30 minutes before closing. Neither option gives enough time at the Crayola Experience.

Children 2 and under are always free. Annual passes are available to purchase and make sense for anyone visiting more than once a year.

✅ Purchase your Crayola Experience Orlando tickets now!

Entering Crayola Experience Orlando

Near the ticket booth, is someone to scan your ticket and hand you a bag. Each bag is filled with 2 Crayola Experience tokens and a voucher.

The tokens can be redeemed at 2 stations upstairs. One token can be spent on making your own crayon. The other token can be spent on Model Magic, a kind of air-drying clay.

Those who want can spend both tokens on making crayons or Model Magic. Additional tokens are for sale for $0.50 each.

The voucher inside the bag is for a new exhibit featuring Scribble Scrubbies. Each voucher is good for 1 Scribble Scrubbie.

Regular ticket holders do not have a choice for what Scribble Scrubbies they receive. Annual ticket holders have the option of the general admission toy or a different one.

The bags are a great place to keep your artwork and souvenirs as you explore the Crayola Experience.

FYI: Each person entering Crayola Experience receives a bag. That means adults get tokens and vouchers as well. We split ours between the kids so they could receive extra items without the need to purchase more tokens.

What is there to do at Crayola Experience Orlando?

With over 25 attractions, there is something fun for everyone (even adults) at Crayola Experience Orlando.

Besides coloring, kids can create their own artwork, learn about how crayons are made, and play on the playground.

For an additional price, kids can mine for gems, play video games, and make a wax hand.

In addition to the activities below, there are lots of facts and crayon artifacts located throughout the space.

Cool Moves

The first exhibit is on the bottom level of the Crayola Experience. Guests do not even need to purchase tickets before playing with Cool Moves.

For Cool Moves, crayons are projected onto the screen that copy your moves. Jump, and the crayon jumps. Raise your hand, and the crayon raises its hand.

Climb the stairs or take the elevator up to the 2nd floor to begin your day at Crayola Experience.

Wrap it Up

As soon as you climb the stairs or get out of the elevator, the first exhibit you see is Wrap it Up.

One of your tokens can be used at Wrap It Up to design your own crayon.

First, find the machine with the crayon color that you want. Then use the machine’s buttons to design your label.

You get to choose the name for your crayon and an emoji to be included on the label. Those who do not want a picture on their label can opt not to have one.

The machine will print out your personalized label and a crayon in the color that you chose. Take both the label and the crayon to the machine by the wall and follow the directions to wrap the label around your crayon.

As we were at Crayola Experience with 2 adults and 2 kids, the adults gave their tokens to the kids so they could make multiple crayons.

That "Artist" shirt is a hand-me-down, but here is a colorful option with availability in many sizes.

Shows at Crayola Experience

Near the Wrap it Up station is a monitor that displays the show schedule for the day. Shows include Chaos and Creativity in the Crayon Factory Theatre, Crayon Factory in the Crayon Factory Theatre, and Silly Show at Crayon Cafe.

All of the shows take place multiple times throughout the day.

When we visited Crayola Experience in the past, all the shows were live, though this time, they were video-recorded.

Apparently, due to short staffing, shows are usually available only by video recording. If there is enough staff, they will have a live show.

Having seen both the video recordings and the live versions of these shows, we much prefer the live version, though the kids had no problem watching the videos.

Chaos and Creativity

Taking place in the Crayon Factory Theatre many times throughout each day, Chaos and Creativity is a silly video cartoon about running the Crayola Experience.

Crayon Factory

The stage inside the Crayon Experience is set up with equipment to make crayons, though currently, the Crayon Factory show is a pre-recorded video.

Visitors can learn how crayons are made in the Crayola Factory while learning fun facts about Crayola Crayons.

Silly Show

A small stage at the end of the cafe is home to the Silly Show.

Currently, a pre-recorded video, the Silly Show, is a taping of what used to be a live performance.

Silly Show talks about the science behind Crayola products. In the past, during live shows, they asked for volunteers. My daughter won Silly Putty for participating.

Be a Star

The Be a Star exhibit includes making your own coloring sheet.

The machine takes your picture, and you can choose the background. Then, your coloring sheet is printed out.

Kids who want to color their coloring sheets immediately can head to the Colossal Caddy, where lots of crayons are kept. Otherwise, stick the paper in your bag for later.

As is true for everything at Crayola Experience (besides activities that require a token or voucher), kids can make an unlimited number of coloring pages at Be a Star.

Model Magic Modeling Madness

Kids can use their token to pick out a color of Model Magic from the vending machine. Either the modeling magic can be saved for later, or there are tools to play with on the tables.

Kaleidoscope

Head to the Kaleidoscope exhibit, where you can dance in front of the screen that will turn you into shapes.

The idea is that your video will be emailed to someone, but no one has ever received our videos from the Kaleidoscope exhibit.

Colossal Caddy Coloring

In the center of Crayola Experience, near the front, is Colossal Caddy. Filled with crayons, Colossal Caddy is a place to sit and color the coloring sheets provided on the table or the personalized coloring sheet you designed at Be a Star.

Create and Play

My kids could have sat in the Create and Play section all day.

Create and Play includes a set of tablets where kids can choose an app to play. Options include drawing, games, and videos.

Color Playground

Designed for kids 5-12, the Color Playground includes 2 giant crayons to climb up and a net to climb across.

Around the playground, there are a few benches for parents to sit on.

Kids must take off their shoes when playing on the Color Playground.

Drip Art

Each kid chooses 2 crayons to melt onto paper as it spins to create a design.

In addition to picking the crayon colors, kids can control the speed of the spinning and change it as they want.

The paper sits inside the machine until the wax is cool, and then kids can store them in their bags for later.

Melt and Mold

Again, kids can choose 2 crayons for their project, just like the drip art station.

This time, the crayons are melted into a mold and then cooled.

For now, kids can choose between a car mold and an emoji mold. Those who want to make both can, as long as they get back in line.

Rainbow Rain

In the back of Crayola Experience Orlando, near Cafe Crayola, is an entire wall with a screen on it. The screen displays paint being poured.

Kids and adults can stand on the footprints on the floor and move around under the paint. If a person is in the way of the paint, it will move off of them.

Texture CRAYze

Find the tools you need to rub crayons over various textures to make designs and pictures at the Texture CRAYze station across from Cafe Crayon.

Paint Palette

Kids can sit at the tables at the Paint Palette and use the watercolors to paint on the coloring sheets available on top of each table.

A giant drying machine is set up next to the Paint Palette so that kids can quickly dry their masterpieces and store them in their bags.

Scribble Scrubbies

Have you heard of Scribble Scrubbies?

This exhibit was not here the last time we visited Crayola Experience Orlando, but after receiving a set of Scribble Scrubbies as a birthday gift, my kids were thrilled to see that there is now a voucher for a Scribble Scrubbie inside the bag each person receives upon entry.

For those who do not know, a Scribble Scrubbie is a small toy, generally shaped like an animal, that kids can color on and then wash off.

The faster that kids wash off the color, the quicker it comes off. Those who let the color sit for a long time may have a more difficult time getting the marker off the Scribble Scrubbie.

Sinks and dryers are located inside the Scribble Scrubbie room.

Each person receives 1 voucher for a Scribble Scrubbie, and for general ticket holders, there is only one choice.

Annual ticket holders get 2 choices: the general admission Scribble Scrubbie, or a different option.

Boxes of Scribble Scrubbies are sold inside the Crayola Store and also inside the Scribble Scrubbie exhibit.

You Design

Inside the You Design room, kids can choose to design a car or clothes for a fashion show.

After coloring in their picture, the picture is scanned and the image shows up on the screen.

Scribble Square

Located in the center of Crayola Experience Orlando, near the playground and the Trading Post, there are a few large objects that are connected to the ground.

These items can be colored with markers.

The walls around Scribble Square are chalkboards, and chalk is available for kids to draw on the walls.

Trading Post

In the center of Crayola Experience Orlando, near the Snack Shack, lies the Trading Post.

We tend to skip the Trading Post as we don’t have time to complete all of the included activities each visit, but those who want to add on activities can do so at the Trading Post.

Kids can dip their hands in wax and take home a wax hand, play arcade games, or mine for gems in the Trading Post.

Rockin’ Paper

One of the exhibits that my daughter remembers from years ago is the Rockin’ Paper exhibit.

Kids can choose a bug to color in and then punch it out of the paper and connect it as the directions say.

When finished, a staff member will help put the creations on stage, where they will dance along to the music.

Silly Selfies

Take a selfie and choose how to animate it at the Silly Selfie station.

Stomp and Play

The floor changes as kids stomp and jump on the pictures projected onto it in the Stomp and Play Room.

Pictures vary from popcorn to underwater and from cracking ice to hidden pictures.

Toddler Town

For those too young to play in Color Playground, Toddler Town is a great alternative.

With smaller climbing areas, toys to play with, plus a giant Lite-Brite, Toddler Town is aimed at kids aged 2-4.

Remember Lite Brite?  While I can't find a giant one for purchase, the Classic Lite Brite is still for sale.

Food Options inside Crayola Experience Orlando

Visitors are not supposed to bring outside food into Crayola Experience Orlando. There are a couple of food options once inside.

We have always opted to eat at the Florida Mall. You can get a stamp upon exiting that allows you to return to Crayola Experience for the rest of the day.

The Florida Mall has a few restaurants in addition to the food court. We always end up at Shake Shack.

For those looking for a kid-friendly option in the mall, there is a restaurant inside American Girl Doll where kids can bring their dolls to the table.

If you would rather eat a meal or a snack inside the Crayola Experience, here are your options.

Cafe Crayola

Currently, due to staffing, Cafe Crayola is only open on the weekends. That could change at any time.

Food options at Cafe Crayola include items such as hot dogs, pizzas, salads, and gluten-free options.

Snack Shack

Light snacks, drinks, and treats are always available in the Snack Shack located in the center of Crayola Experience Orlando.

Shops at Crayola Experience

Of course, there are multiple places to purchase all things Crayola at Crayola Experience. One of the stores is outside, but the others are located past the ticket booth.

The Crayola Store

Inside the Florida Mall, connecting the mall with the Crayola Experience, is The Crayola Store. In addition to selling crayons, markers, clothes, coloring books, and just about every type of Crayola item you can imagine, there is a giant wall of crayons in the back of the Crayola Store.

Visitors can design their own crayon box with any of the crayons that they like.

Trading Post

A few souvenirs are available to purchase inside the Trading Post, and that is where kids can mine for gems, make a wax hand, design candy, or play games.

Scribble Scrubbies

Inside the Scribble Scrubbie exhibit, there are boxes of Scribble Scrubbies for sale. Scribble Scrubbies are also available for sale in The Crayola Store.

Crayola Experience Tips

• Visit on a weekday afternoon for a less crowded experience.
• Bring a bag to hold the plastic bags each person is given.
• Don’t spend your tokens immediately. Take the time to decide what you want.
• Store heavy bags in a locker or your car.
• Leave for lunch or dinner. The Florida Mall has many restaurant options.

Looking for more fun things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks?  Purchase a sightseeing flex pass that is good at 20+ family-friendly venues.

Crayola Experience Orlando FAQ

Crayola Experience Orlando Wrap-Up

For those looking for a fun indoor activity in Orlando with kids, Crayola Factory is a nice way to spend a few hours.

We drove to the Crayola Factory from the Tampa Bay area, and it made a good day trip.

While the Crayola Experience gets crowded, this past visit was not. I credit that to visiting in the afternoon on a weekday when school is in session.

Normally, we visit on weekends and holidays, and we have to wait in line for some of the exhibits.

When we arrived at Crayola Experience, there was a school bus parked outside. Field trips may be visiting, but schools tend to leave by lunchtime, so Crayola Experience should be emptier in the afternoons.

I try to walk around in a circle so we do not miss anything. If you have limited time, decide what exhibits are most important.

For us, the kids come home with enough souvenirs that I do not feel the need to buy anything else, but for anyone who needs art supplies or gifts, The Crayola Store has great options.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near Crayola Experience

We haven’t ever eaten in Cafe Crayola. It wasn’t even open during our last visit. The Florida Mall has plenty of restaurant options.

In addition to the options below, there is a food court with lots of choices in the Florida Mall.

American Girl Doll Bistro

Kids are welcome to bring their dolls, who get a special seat at the table.

Food and drinks, including alcohol, are served at the American Girl Doll Bistro. Of course, there are kid-friendly options such as chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.

Fun dessert options are available at American Girl Doll Bistro, as are mocktails, juices, and tea.

Shake Shack

For those looking for a quick service meal, Shake Shack has burgers, fries, and shakes. While I can pass on Shake Shack’s fries, their mushroom burger is amazing.

Five Guys

Another quick-service burger option is Five Guys. Five Guys offers an unlimited amount of burger toppings, and their fries are delicious.

Sushi Yummy

My kids are obsessed with conveyor belt sushi, and Sushi Yummy has a conveyor belt that delivers its sushi to the guests at the sushi bar.

Hotels Near Crayola Experience

For those who want to stay near Crayola Experience and Florida Mall, there are plenty of options within a 10-minute drive, including the options below.

Florida Hotel and Conference Center

A hotel connected to Florida Mall, the Florida Hotel and Conference Center has 3 on-site dining options, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and access to shops, restaurants, and everything Florida Mall has to offer.

Red Roof Inn Orlando

A budget-friendly option, Red Roof Inn Orlando is located near the Florida Mall, is pet-friendly, and has a swimming pool.

Orlando Palms Hotel

A 4-star hotel within walking distance of the Florida Mall, Orlando Palms Hotel has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and 24-hour desk.

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