Must Do?: Evan and Dirk-- DisneyQuest

Evan and I were talking the other day about DisneyQuest. He is thinking that he might want to go with Dirk one afternoon/evening while Laura and I shop at Downtown Disney. Here is some information. Please let me know your thoughts.

What exactly is DisneyQuest?

According to the official Disney Web page, "Create your own adventures in this one-of-a-kind indoor interactive Theme Park bursting with games that give "state-of-the-art" new meaning. Discover five floors exploding with cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3-D experiences — all fueled by Disney innovation and imagination. The entry portal, Ventureport, leads to four different zones: the Explore Zone, a virtual Adventureland; the Score Zone, for superhero quests; the Create Zone, for artistic endeavors; and the Replay Zone for nostalgic fun. Anyway you cut it, you're in the Zone at DisneyQuest!"

DQ is entirely contained in a large, five-story building. You might call it the video arcade/virtual theme park/entertainment center of the future, or you might just call it fun! It opened on June 19, 1998.

When are the best times to go?

As with many things Disney, it's great to get there at opening time for the smallest crowds. However, crowds are manageable at almost any time except from 9 p.m. to midnight, or on a foul-weather day. Generally, if you go to DisneyQuest on a weekday, in the morning, or between the hours of 4:30 and 7 p.m., you should have no trouble with crowds. Your mileage may vary, though!

Are there any extra charges once I'm inside?

Your admission includes unlimited use of all attractions, except a few arcade-type games in which you can play for a small fee and potentially win a prize like a DVD. (There are no longer games that give tickets to be redeemed for prizes later.)

You'll also have the option to purchase any artistic items you create in the CreateZone (e.g. at the Animation Academy, Magic Mirror, Living Easels or Sid's Create-a-Toy). Playing with these attractions is free in itself, however, and there's no obligation to buy your creation afterwards.

 
What are the "zones" inside DisneyQuest?

DisneyQuest is divided into four "zones:"

• Explore Zone, a virtual adventureland where guests are immersed in exotic and ancient locales.
• Score Zone, a superhero competition city where guests can match their gameplaying skills.
• Create Zone, a private "Imagineering" studio for artistic self-expression and invention.
• Replay Zone, a carnival on the moon where guests experience a retrofuturistic spin on classic rides and games.When you enter DisneyQuest, you'll board the Cybrolator, an elevator with a few surprises. It will let you off at the Ventureport, which has gateways to each of the four zones. Just choose a zone and start exploring!
  

What games and attractions are available?

Plenty! Here are just a few:
CyberSpace MountainWith the help of Bill Nye the Science Guy, design your own roller coaster on a touch-screen computer. Physics are no object -- this is a roller coaster in space. When you're done, you can jump into a simulator and actually ride your creation in full 360-degree motion! Anyone can create a coaster, but you must be 51 inches tall to ride the simulator.
Virtual Jungle CruiseClimb aboard a life-sized rubber raft with your friends and family, pick up a paddle and start rowing. On the screen in front of you, you'll see yourselves moving down a river during the age of the dinosaurs. The raft will pitch and roll along with the river, and watch out -- you may get splashed!
Aladdin's Magic Carpet RideStraddle a magic carpet, put on a virtual reality helmet, and you're transported into the world of Aladdin. Collect precious jewels along the way on your search for the magical scarab, and when you find it, you'll have to reckon with Jafar and rescue the Genie!
Ride the ComixMistress Khan, Leader of All Supervillains, instructs you in the pre-show for this attraction. You'll wear a virtual reality helmet and use a laser sword to do battle with supervillains in a 3-D comic strip world. (Here's a picture.)
Invasion! An ExtraTERRORestrial Alien EncounterIn your virtual-reality spaceship, you and your friends will team up to steer the ship over an alien planet, rescue the human colonists there, and destroy hostile aliens.
Buzz Lightyear's AstroblastersThese are the bumper cars of the future. Two people team up in each car -- one to steer and one to shoot balls at the targets on the other cars. If you're hit, your car will spin out of control! There's a 51-inch height requirement for this attraction.
Animation AcademySit at an electronic drawing pad and take a lesson in drawing a Disney character from a live instructor. You can purchase your drawing when it's finished, if you like.
Mighty Ducks Pinball SlamIn this pinball game, you are the ball! Stand on a giant-sized joystick and watch your progress as you steer yourself among the other live balls on an enormous screen. There's a 48-inch height requirement for this attraction.
Pirates of the Caribbean - Battle for Buccaneer Gold  This attraction, based on Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom, allows you to steer a pirate ship while the rest of your group mans the cannons. Travel over a virtual waterfall and capture gold from the other pirate ships! There's a 35-inch height requirement for this attraction.