Pixar’s Up is a classic favorite for many reasons: the lovable characters, the heartwarming (and heartbreaking) moments, and—obviously—the whimsical flying house. Anyone who’s seen the movie has to admit they’ve marveled at the thought of floating through the air in a home tethered to countless balloons. And while that scenario definitely seems fantastical, Airbnb actually brought it to life with a perfect, real replica—and you have the opportunity see it yourself.
This experience is part of Airbnb’s new Icons Program, launching this summer. Along with the Up house, it involves entering to win an overnight stay at 11 “extraordinary experiences from the world’s greatest icons.” From spending the night at the Musee D’Orsay to hanging out in Doja Cat’s living room, there are plenty of unforgettable listings you have a chance of booking.
What does the “Up” Airbnb Experience Entail?
Located in Abiquiu, New Mexico, the Up house is, of course, hosted by none other than Carl Fredricksen himself. If you’re a fan of the film, you’ll be pleased to know that the home’s interior is an exact duplicate (because it’s Carl’s actual residence, naturally).
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“I don’t always like visitors, but I guess it’s pretty nice to have them now that it’s just me and Dug,” the listing’s description reads. “So, come stay in my cozy home I made with my dear Ellie. My greatest adventures have happened here, and I learned that the best ones are always with someone you love, so bring your pals to kickstart your very own Adventure Book and watch as my house drifts off before you depart.”
So if you thought this house wouldn’t actually get off the ground, you thought wrong—lifted by over 8,000 balloons (and apparently a very large crane), you get the full, floating experience.
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The hot air balloon home comes with a few tasks for you to check off as part of the adventure. You start your trip as a Junior Wilderness Explorer, which involves going on several miniature adventures to earn “badges” throughout your visit. Don’t worry, they don’t require too much work—the badges include Stargazer (completed by stargazing from the lawn) and Early-Riser, a task that promises the “greatest breakfast in the world” of bran flakes and a “special surprise” waiting for those who head out on an early-morning excursion.
The house itself is filled with delightful details from the film: everything from magazines to trip souvenirs will have any Up fan reminiscing. You’ll even find Ellie’s detailed Adventure Book in the living room. If you’re lucky enough to nab a visit of your own, you’ll have a living room, two bedrooms, and one bathroom for you and any adventurers you take along.
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How to Enter to Win an Airbnb Icons Program Stay
If you’re thinking this trip has to cost a fortune, don’t worry—you don’t need money, just a little (OK, a lot of) luck. From May 1 to May 13, you can enter to win a booking through Airbnb’s official website. The Request to Book process includes choosing your dates, adding your guests, and answering a question about why you want to go. You just need an account and the app to participate; making a request doesn’t cost anything.
Here’s how Airbnb selects the winners: “First, we’ll randomly choose a set of potential guests. Next, we’ll review their answers for unique perspectives and connections to the icon. Then, we’ll invite selected guests to book.”
Make sure you don’t limit yourself to just one extraordinary experience: The Icons program features plenty of opportunities for you to try your hand at a stay. You could win a night of live stand-up from Kevin Hart and his friends at a secret speakeasy or even stay in Prince’s Purple Rain house. If you’ve ever wanted to go on a reggaeton world tour or race a Ferrari (who hasn’t?), Airbnb is giving you the opportunity.
Keep an eye on Airbnb’s website as they continue to announce new locations and Icon experiences for this year. It’s starting off quite strong with these 11, but it’s only up from here, with additional listings on the way.
