Looking for something fun and thrilling to do on New Year’s Eve? Walt Disney World’s DisneyQuest is having a New Year’s party that should not be missed! As a former cast member at “the quest” (Big ups to any CP’s who might be reading this) I’m extremely excited about the festivities.
I’ve always felt DisneyQuest was a hidden gem at Downtown Disney; it is an indoor interactive theme park that offers a one of a kind gaming experience. There are 5 floors of virtual reality rides and 3D encounters fueled by Disney innovation and imagination. Some of the games may feel a little antiquated by today’s standards but I think that is a part of DisneyQuest’s charm, all I got to say is Donkey Kong for life.
The party starts at 8:00 p.m. and goes until 1:00 a.m. Throughout the night you’ll have access to all of DisneyQuest attractions, video games and a DJ Dance Party (I’m sure they’ll be bumping some Jonas Brothers and Hanna Montana); you and your family will be able to throw your hands in the air, and wave them………… wave them like you just don’t care, if you feel that’s necessary. The night will also feature a New Year’s Eve countdown with party favors. You’ll also receive a coupon for a personal pizza and soda at FoodQuest up on the fifth floor. For desert head down to the Cheesecake Factory which is located on the fourth floor, if my memory serves correctly.
Tickets for this family event are available online for purchase or by calling 407-WDISNEY (407-934-7639). Advance purchase tickets are $39 per person (including tax). Day of the event tickets are $45 (including tax.) Tickets may also be purchased at the DisneyQuest Box Office located just outside the main entrance to the building.
Here is a list of the attractions in DisneyQuest:
Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for Buccaneer Gold – Sorry ladies, Johnny Depp is not featured in this ride, if my memory serves correctly. Inhabit a world where blade meets blade, booming with swashbuckling action. Steer your pirate's ship, fire cannons at marauding buccaneers and race for the gold! (Guests must meet a minimum of 35" to ride)
Virtual Jungle Cruise – Plunge down a prehistoric river on a raft with Wayne Szalinski from “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” right into the Dinosaur Age. Try desperately to avoid dangerous obstacles in the running rapids. With a touch of 4-D, you may even get splashed!
CyberSpace Mountain – Design your own roller coaster on a computer, with special assistance from Bill Nye the Science Guy. Make it as scary as you want. When you're done, jump in a simulator and ride your creation in full 360° motion& if you dare! The ride is filmed and can be purchased on DVD. (Guests must meet a minimum of 51" to ride)
Buzz Lightyear's Astroblasters –This is my favorite ride in the entire building. Pilot your own futuristic bumper car "Astroblaster". The only problem is you're in a battle and always under attack! So you must fight back by scooping up "asteroids", loading them into your blaster and firing away at the other cars. It's an asteroid-blasting game unlike any other! (Guests must meet a minimum of 51" to ride)
Animation Academy – Be a Disney animator! An instructor takes you through the process of drawing a Disney character step by step. You'll delight yourself when you see what you are capable of creating! You can also purchase your drawing at the end of the class!
Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam – Hip check your friends in a life sized Mighty Ducks pinball game. (Guests under 48" tall should see a Navigator for assistance.)
Ride the Comix – Battle super villians as you fly through a virtual reality comic book world!
Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride – Fly through the alleys and streets of Agra bah on a hunt to find the magic lamp and save the Genie! -Insert Robin Williams Genie quote or song here -
And don't miss the classic arcade games in the Replay Zone. Find old favorites like Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Mario Bros, Frogger, Space Invaders, Tron (oh yeah), Spy Hunter (oh yeah again), Centipede, Asteroids, Q-bert and Donkey Kong. I reiterate, Donkey Kong for life.
If you are looking for less screaming kids (and I include myself into that mix) and more of a relaxing, refined evening; right next door to DisneyQuest is Cirque du Soleil (did I just squeeze another Downtown Disney reference into this post, man I’m good at this). There will be two performances of La Nouba, one at 6:00 p.m. and at 9 p.m. There will be New Year’s Eve champagne toasts and guests will receive a limited edition La Nouba pin created for the New Year’s Eve event. This pin is only the second official Disney trading pin created for Cirque du Soleil! Tickets range in price form $67 to $133 (plus tax) for adults and $54 to $109 (plus tax) for children ages 3 to 9; don’t worry; there’s no screaming during the show. More information can be found by calling 407-939-7328 and visiting La Nouba’s website.
