Is Disney Quest worth the extra time and $$

[toothboy2k1]

New to the boards so please indulge me -- my 10-yr-old son and I are spending a week in July (at BWI, his choice) in what is our first and likely only journey to WDW. I have Park Hopper Plus tix, which does not include DQ. My son is a big fan of video games, but is DQ worth the time and admission? I'm worried particularly about time, given the crowds I'm expecting (trip is July 7-14). I want to get the most out of this trip that I can.

Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for any help you can provide a rookie.

 

[disneydiz]

A 10-year old boy who loves video games will LOVE DQ. A lot of the games are not your typical video games -- there are four different sections. Adventure has a lot of really neat virtual reality gamesa; the Creative area has creative games -- roller coaster, music, etc.; Retro/Play again -- a lot of 1980s games; and then a "carnival" type area where you can win prizes, including a Buzz "bumper" car game. My son absolutely loves it and can easily spend 4+ hours in there.
It might be a good idea to go during the "hottest" part of the day and stay away from the parks during the afternoon. It is usually open from 11-11:30.

 

[harleyquinn]

On every trip my DH and I simply have to have at least one entire day for DQ. There are so many reasons to go. It's a wonderful break from the heat of the parks, but it still has the park atmosphere. On our last 7 day trip, we actually went twice and still got everything done at the parks. I highly believe its worth the time and money (gets discount tix from Ticketmania!)

I might be confused, but DQ is usually ok as a Plus...we always had the UPH though, so now everything's different...

My suggestion is to go, esp since your son likes video games, but remember its not ALL videogames, there are some really fun things I'm sure you'll enjoy as well.
Good luck deciding!

 

[pampam]

I recomend that you do not do DQ, if you have to pay extra for a ticket. This is your first and likely only trip to WDW. You will only be there for a week. Believe me, there is sooo much to do in WDW. If you want to make memories and bond with your son, do the million other things that you can do. Then, and only then, if you have the time and $$ go to DQ. That being said, we love DQ, but than, we usually go to WDW for 3 weeks. It takes us about 5 hours to do DQ.

 

[SteinsLaFemme]

The plus ticklets include DQ (or water parks or PI).

 

[kath1210]

Another vote here FOR DQ. We always go for at least a 1/2 day. My kids and DH love it - especially Pirates of the Carribbean. To my DS13, DQ is a huge part of WDW. (I am not much into the "rides." I often just bring a book. ) It's SO nice to be there when it's hot and crowded in the parks. We also love to eat at the Cheesecake Factory Express.

If you are using the "old" Park Hopper Plus passes, DQ is not included. Getting an Ultimate Park Hopper (while staying on-site) used to be the only way to get DQ as part of a package. The new Magic Your Way Plus tickets allow DQ as a "plus." You can get discount tickets for $24 at www.ticketmania.com. The usual price is $36-38 I think, so that's a nice discount. I have never had a problem with tickets from Ticketmania.

Have a great trip!!

 

[2minny]

If it's free then go, if you have to pay for those expensive tickets, don't waste your time. We went last trip and did not enjoy it...especially knowing the price tag! There were a few fun things, but overall the parks and water parks are MUCH more fun!

 

[band_man]

Another vote for if it is free go, if not .. DON'T. No way this place is worth what they charge to get in.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

A vote for AGAINST... I couldn't stand how crowded it was, how many screaming kids were there, and the long lines for the virtural reality rides.

 

[qtwns]

We just got back and did DQ for the first time this trip. DH and my 3 DSs loved it. I liked parts of it--Pirates is great. DQ HAS nicer motion sickness bags than Mission: Space if your get my drift...I christened Cyber Space Mountain! But if your son loves these kinds of things, you need to go! The technology of the rides is so cool and it is an adolescent boys dream. This was my kids' and husband's favorite new thing to do at WDW.

 

[ArielsMommy]

DH and I went last Sept and we had a blast! We especially liked making up our own songs in the booths. They were super funny. We still laugh about them all the time. I would take the time to check it out, like a previous poster said, during the hottest part of the day. HTH

 

[mm lover in Ia]

My 9 yr old DS says it is an absolute must every trip. Especially Pirates of the Carribian.

 

[babla]

For my 2 sons (ages 11 and 14), DisneyQuest is the only MUST DO on our trips. In fact, they would probably go there all 7 days, if I didn't insist they get out in the sunshine and ride some rides.

 

[sk!mom]

DD8 and I went to DQ a few weeks ago because it was included on our convention Parkhoppers. SHe loved it but I would not go if we had to pay the admission price. We did all the cool stuff in about 3 hours one evening. She does not play video games so we skipped all of those. To me it would not be worth the high admission price especially on a first trip when there is so much that you have never done that doesn't cost extra.

Three years ago we went to DQ with our son who was then 16 because we thought it would be a must for a video nut like him. He agreed that it wasn't worth the price.

 

[HaleyB]

We love DQ and don't mind paying to get in. We spent at least 7 hours on our last trip and I had to drap my son (and dh) out because my littlest was falling asleep. We will go at least once on our next trip and we are only going for 5 days (well as of right now, 5 days).

 

[HaleyB]

I have a question, why do you think this will be your only trip to WDW?

 

[lfama]

You *have* to go! You pay the price of admission, yes - which is only around $35/ticket, I believe - but once inside, you don't have to pay extra for games. The games are AWESOME. Lots of virtual reality. The Buzz Lightyear bumper/cannon game is not to be missed!

 

[mom2riceboys]

Another vote for DQ. We just returned from WDW on the 24th. My DS is also 10 and he said DQ was his favorite part of the trip! He and DH spent a whole day there. The next morning DS asked to go back again! I think any 10-year-old boy would have a blast at DQ.

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

My 12 year old grandson would live at DQ if possible. On our May trip I purchaased a annual pass for him. He went every day. I highly recommend purchasing tickets from Ticketmania. If you sign up for the Mousesavers newsletter, they are even cheaper than the advertised price. The Mousesavers' price cannot be posted.

 

[toothboy2k1]

Thanks to all who took the time to reply, I really appreciate it. The vote, if I counted correctly (ignoring the dimpled chads), it was 12-4 in favor of DQ. I could use a quick clarification since you folks are definitely in the know -- according to the official WDW site, my Park Hopper tickets allowing me to visit more than one park each day are not good for DQ. Just wanted to make sure I read it correctly, that I would have to go up another level to hit DQ as part of the package. It seems like it would be worth a visit during the heat of the day (we're hitting it in July and yes, I am dreading the crowds).

Thanks again, you're all very kind.