Status of DisneyQuest?

[Keyser]

I'd heard some rumors a while back that DisneyQuest in Orlando might close. However, a friend who returned from WDW a week ago was talking about some of the games there, though, and mentioned a "new" (well, since I was last there 2.5 years ago) VR game - Pirates of the Carribean. I'm not sure what game it might have replaced (Hercules?).

I know that originally, when Disney thought they'd have DQs all over the country, they'd planned to develop new games and update the offerings over time. I'd gotten the impression, though, that once those DQ plans went away, they'd pretty much just decided to keep the Orlando location, but not really add to it over time. I imagined they'd pretty much leave it running with minimal maintenance until it became stagnant and wasn't making enough profit. So I was surprised that they'd have a "new" game (one they'd have devloped - obviously just updating standard arcade games isn't that expensive) in there.

Disneyquest was probably my favorite part of WDW, so I'd hoped it would still be there whenever I next return. Does anyone have any more information on what the status is? (Is PoC even that new of an addition - maybe it was an "almost ready" holdover from before the grand DQ plans were scrapped?) Is Disney continuing to invest in DQ, or is it pretty much just waiting to die?

 

[DoeWDW]

We were last at DQ in early October and had a great time playing the Pirates game. It did replace Hercules. I think the Pirates game has been there at least 6 months and probably quite a bit longer (the memory ain't what it used to be...LOL!).

I have a DS 15 who LOVES DQ and would also like an update. Did the Cheesecake Factory lease run out yet? Are there any plans for changes?

 

[WDWHound]

Pirates of the Carribean was installed at DQ Orlando approx 3 years ago. It's not new, but it is a great game.

I think the whole VR park thing never really panned out for Disney. I would not be suprised if Disney Quest gets closed in the next couple of years. They certainly aren't doing anything new with it. Many of the games that were cutting edge at the time they were created are starting to look a bit outdated.

 

[Another Voice]

The business unit that was supposed to oversee the build-out of DisneyQuests and Disney Clubs throughout the country was shut down well over a year ago. The entire concept of Disney “regional entertainment centers” has been abandoned. DisneyQuest WDW is pretty much a last of its kind facility, so there will be no new games.

The rumors are that WDW is looking to put in the showcase version of the ESPN Zone in the building provided everything can be worked out with all of the people involved (as I understand it the business arrangements are rather a tangle). Anything left over from DisneyQuest itself is being eyed by Disneyland to fill in the Innoventions building in Tomorrowland, which is quickly being abandoned by the couple of sponsors it has left.

Much like The Disney Institute, DisneyQuest is considered a “failed” project and so no one dares whispers its name. Projects like this just tend to have a lingering death as simple inertia keeps things going, but no one will risk a hit to their career by trying to fix “a lost cause”. It’s likely DQ will stay open until someone from a “hot” division comes up with some surefire plan for the building.

 

[grinningghost]

When I purchased our Ultimate Park Hopper passes for August, I did it because DQ was included. That was the only reason. I'm going with a couple teenagers and they live for that stuff. When I heard it might be closing, I called Disney and asked. The woman I spoke with seemed genuinely surprised at the question and said she hadn't heard anything at all about it. Of course, she probably wouldn't have told me if she did, but it seemed she didn't. She told me I could get a refund on my UPH's if it did close before my trip. So who knows?

 

[alvernon90]

I investigated this a while back, and came to the conclusion that I needed to make a return trip much sooner than planned because of the danger that Disney Quest would be, at a minimum, changed dramatically.

The main piece of evidence was a rumor started here saying that Cheesecake Factory was going to be closing down in early 2003 to make way for an ESPN Zone restaurant. This makes more synergy sense for Disney. It would also allow them to keep most of the sports-type games while moving the other games to the Disneyland resort in California.

When I called Cheesecake Factory headquarters to speak to an executive about it, he refused to give an outright denial that Food Quest was shutting down soon. He said things like, "We are just tenants, so the decision is not in our hands," and "We intend to be there for as long as Disney Quest exists." Another thing to note is that this year is the five year anniversary of the opening of DisneyQuest, so it would be a round number for Cheesecake Factory's lease to expire on.

Because I could get no denials and because it just plain makes sense for Disney, I assumed that the change is more likely than not to happen. I'm guessing that they will keep some games there, but have no idea which ones will stay and which ones will go.

If seeing Disney Quest in all its current glory is important to you, I recommend that you get down to Orlando pronto.

Here is the earlier thread on the subject:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=292849

 

[Keyser]

Well, it seems my hopes are dashed... Thanks to everyone for the quick replies, though.

 

[Snow Brite]

When we were there in May I wanted to take my video game addicted 6 year old, but could not justify the cost for the three of us. It was quite hefty. If it is "failed" then you would think they might try lowering the price, including it as a "plus" on hoppers and other incentives. I don't remember the exact cost, but even with a Disney Club Discount it was prohibtive enough to turn us away.

 

[Sian]

Don't know if this is significant but DQ was added as a fifth plus on 7 day park hopper plus passes sold in the UK last May.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

That would be GREAT. Maybe that's why they don't do it...it might siphon off people who would otherwise go to PI.