Disney World is tearing down one of its classic attractions
It’s true: All good things must come to and end. But that doesn’t mean we have to be happy about it when it happens! Disney fans are known for their devotion to the parks and their favorite attractions. So, when people learned that Disney is tearing down one of its classic attractions, many people took to social media to mourn the end of an era.
Disney recently announced that they’re tearing down DisneyQuest, their indoor interactive attraction, which first opened in 1998 in Disney Springs.
At the time, DisneyQuest was on the cutting-edge of technology, featuring an elevator manned by the Genie himself, along with five levels of interactive games and rides.
It was a favorite for kids who loved to build, design and, of course, play games! The arcade was always a favorite hangout, whether you wanted to try a classic game of PacMan or Tron, or you wanted to try your hand at a new game like Fix-It Felix or Guitar Hero.
And then there were the rides. You could take a spin on Aladdin’s Magic Carpet or a daring plunge on CyberSpace Mountain. And don’t forget the creepy Extra-TERROR-estrial Alien Encounter—I am not ashamed to say that I almost wet my pants from fear during that experience!
Of course, over the years, DisneyQuest has struggled to stay relevant. As video game technology has evolved, the classic games in the arcade seemed to lose some of their luster. Visitor counts have lagged, reportedly making it difficult for Disney to justify the continued cost of maintaining DisneyQuest.
Still, even though DisneyQuest was falling out of favor with kids, it is sad to see this classic attraction go. As these pictures shared on social media show, the once cutting-edge theme park is now already demolition scene.
The end of a magical era! Thank you #DisneyQuest pic.twitter.com/6DQJAl9wua
— Henry Simmons (@mixologist215) October 20, 2017
A couple #DisneySprings #DisneyQuest Demolition Pictures from earlier today https://t.co/ePW7GBAden pic.twitter.com/04OE5vylCT
— Jason (@disneygeekcom) October 23, 2017
"I'M GONNA WRECK IT!!!" #DisneyQuest #WaltDisneyWorld #WDW pic.twitter.com/S9zuRV9OzP
— themeparkreview (@ThemeParkReview) October 20, 2017
Wow. It’s hard to watch as part of your childhood or your children’s childhood is torn down, isn’t it?
But, not to worry. Disney has big plans for the future, including their new NBA Experience, which will open in 2019. Disney offered some information about the new attraction on their blog, including some renderings of what the exterior will look like.
According to the Disney blog:
“The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort will be a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on activities that put guests of all ages right in the middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA video productions and numerous interactive experiences, as well as a restaurant and a retail store.”
The Disney blog post about the NBA Experience renderings notes that the modern architecture of “new” NBA arenas around the country inspired the design for the building.
What do you think? Are you excited about this new attraction or are you sad to see DisneyQuest go?