Disney World to close DisneyQuest in 2016

If you're a Disney nut, and a gamer, then this next piece of news is gut-wrenching. Walt Disney World is announcing that it is closing down its indoor interactive theme park, DisneyQuest, sometime in 2016.

The building is a big landmark in Downtown Disney. It featured hundreds of arcade-style games, an intuitive "create-a-roller-coaster" experience, several VR simulators, and even a Buzz Lightyear themed bumper car shooter ride.

The move is all part of the ongoing expansion to Downtown Disney, which will soon be called Disney Springs, and DisneyQuest will be replaced with the previously announced NBA Experience.

Walt Disney World has been undergoing LOTS of changes in the past year, including closing down attractions like Epcot's Maelstron, Hollywood Studios' American Idol Experience, the Studio Backlot Tour, the removal of the Sorcerer's hat, and even taking out the Magic of Disney Animation.

I went to DisneyQuest several times when it first launched in 1998 and I even made a return trip a few years ago. The "5-story arcade" concept was great, but even I have to admit it felt a little outdated following my recent visit. Nonetheless, it's a shame Disney didn't try to renovate. DisneyQuest had an amazing retro-arcade section which had some old-timey classics that are hard to find including the original Tron, Space Invaders, and Centipede.

[Orlando Sentinel]