This summer, Disney+ is diving into something totally unexpected. It might just be the coolest throwback activation yet. In collaboration with Swimply—the pool-sharing platform that turns private backyards into personal oases—Disney+ has launched the Disney+ Dive-In Theater. This immersive experience brings fan-favorite films to life, one backyard pool at a time.
Starting July 29, select Swimply pools in Los Angeles will transform into themed environments inspired by Disney+ throwback titles like Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Camp Rock, and even Alien. These go far beyond poolside movie screenings. They are fully immersive mini-worlds where guests swim right into the story. That’s what makes this collaboration stand out.
Swim, Shrink, Sing, or Scream
Each experience is carefully crafted to match the tone of the film:
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (July 29 – August 1) features a giant cereal bowl pool complete with floating Cheerios and towering backyard props, all accessed by a “shrink ray” tunnel.
Camp Rock (August 6 – 9) recreates the summer camp vibes with bunk assignments, bracelet stations, a fire pit, and a performance stage to belt out your best Demi Lovato hits.
Alien (August 14 – 17) goes full sci-fi thriller with fog-filled pools, Weyland-Yutani crew recruitment, green-tinted lighting, and flight suit photo ops—perfectly eerie and unexpected for a poolside setting.
Each activation merges themed decor, photo ops, and interactivity to blur the lines between reality and fiction. It’s part of Disney+’s broader Throwback campaign. Designed to celebrate the films and series that defined the ’90s and 2000s.
Our Take: This Is Interesting
Disney+ is testing the waters—literally—with small-scale, immersive activations far from their typical theme park or studio settings. They’re leaning into nostalgia and exclusivity while crafting unique, localized experiences. It feels like a boutique version of something you’d expect from Imagineering.
If the format proves successful, we could see these Dive-In Theaters expand beyond Los Angeles. For now, local fans can request access through the Swimply app or website.
