DisneyQuest Finished?

[DVCfamily]

A little bird told me Disney was getting rid of that fantastic five story, got it all, arcade where all the games are free with park admission? This can't be true? My kids will hold a sit in if it is. Anyone know the story?

[KNWVIKING]

Yes, DQ will not be around much longer. The closing was finalized when Paul Pressler was released from The Gap. As a favor from Eisner, handed down to Iger, DQ will be convertered into a retail/wholesale center for all the Plush Pressler stuck TWDC with before he left for the Gap.

It will be loosely based on Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer's Island of Misfit Toys. The store name most often heard at the water cooler is " Five Stories of Leftover Crap".

[DVCfamily]

Wow... DisneyQuest was so unique, litterally the "Disneyland" of arcades. What a crime to replace it with something as common as a glorified "outlet store". Boo Hiss to Disney!!!

[PoohsPal]

Viking! You've got to be nice to those who don't know not to believe a wrod that you say!

DVCFamily - I do recall rumors that said it was oging away. However, I also recall rumors that the first rumors were wrong. I'm sure someone, besides teh Viking, will add some info soon. Please feel free to ignore our resident pot-stirrer. ;) Or, realzie that he's kidding 99% of the time and laugh. :)

[TW1]

Who's kiddin who?

DQ offered a unique environment that is going away in place of a five story retail box. Sure I'll go, I can't help myself, but really, DTD could use something more interesting that another retail outlet couldn't it?

I really find it hard to believe the imagineers couldn't make DQ generate more cash.

[OL60]

Holy Mackeral Batman

I will have to watch this thread with great interest as I always wanted to go to DQ but had issues with the price of getting in...

If it is going away - I may have to suck it up and pay the cost

[KNWVIKING]

I just finished talking with a bus driver. Seems plans have changed.

In an attempt to increase shareholder value by reducing expenses, WDW will recycle the D and the Q.

Dairy Queen will be opening this summer.

[katk1975]

Jim Hill published an article in April '06 saying that DQ is slated to close in Jan '08 and would be converted to an ESPN Zone. Disney denied the rumor.

As to the misfit toys... :lmbo:

[TW1]

As I kid, we'd drive past a DQ and I would scream out, "I want a brazier burger!"

Only trouble was I had trouble pronouncing it, and always yelled out brassier.

Older brothers would be p-ing their pants howling with laughter while dad tried to keep the car on the road with mom aiming the back of her hand in my general direction.

Anway, back to our regularly scheduled thread.

[DVCfamily]

Viking! You've got to be nice to those who don't know not to believe a wrod that you say!

DVCFamily - I do recall rumors that said it was oging away. However, I also recall rumors that the first rumors were wrong. I'm sure someone, besides teh Viking, will add some info soon. Please feel free to ignore our resident pot-stirrer. ;) Or, realzie that he's kidding 99% of the time and laugh. :)

PoohsPal,

I see what you mean now about Viking.... I'll laugh. That being said, I do hope to get some straight info about loosing DQ.

[OL60]

Dairy Queen will be opening this summer.

I want to be the first one to try and catch a bite of ice cream dropped from 5 floors up...only have to decide to use cup, cone, or mouth

[DVCfamily]

Jim Hill published an article in April '06 saying that DQ is slated to close in Jan '08 and would be converted to an ESPN Zone. Disney denied the rumor.

As to the misfit toys... :lmbo:

This is what we were told by a Castmember last trip.... ESPN Zone... I had forgotten that part.

[KNWVIKING]

Never happen.


There's no D or Q in ESPN

[jiggerj]

Well sorry to say but I will be HAPPY to see it go!

[TW1]

I do hope to get some straight info about loosing DQ. :ROTFL: Now you're the one being funny.

"Straight info" :ROTFL: that's a good one DVC Family! I'll stick to rumor and inuendo, much more reliable.

:cheers2:

[Leftcoaster]

Holy Mackeral Batman

I will have to watch this thread with great interest as I always wanted to go to DQ but had issues with the price of getting in...

If it is going away - I may have to suck it up and pay the cost
I think that has been the problem with DQ. I've gone there a few times because I have a premium AP but, would not go in if I had to really pay for it.

[handa]

One of the regrets of the last trip: no visit to DisneyQuest for what we also believe to be the last time.

However, when I'm buying into that New York styled, 5 story DOWNTOWN DVC property, I'm sure that will pass almost as quickly as the realization that us SSR owners are also squatting on DI Property!

Chris

[tjkraz]

Jim Hill published an article in April '06 saying that DQ is slated to close in Jan '08 and would be converted to an ESPN Zone. Disney denied the rumor.


And the denial was pretty much to be expected. To admit anything else would have only hurt business. "It must not be worth going there if Disney will be closing it soon."

That's not to say that the rumors are necessarily true, but the article was very convincing. I'd say the most telling aspects are:

1. DisneyQuest was supposed to have franchises in a dozen major cities. Being able to share expenses among multiple units was key to covering ongoing development expenses.

They had a location in Chicago for a few years. It is now closed. They broke ground on another in Philly, but it never even opened. The DTD location is the only one.

2. DQ hasn't had a new attraction in, what, 5 years? 7 years? It's been quite a while now.

3. They do NOTHING to market DQ. I don't think it's even mentioned in the WDW TV videos they pipe into guest rooms. If it is mentioned, it's a passing reference as they hock Cirque and all of the shops at DTD.

Disney COULD just keep it open as-is. But if they do that, the harsh reality is that the crowds will just continue to dwindle. Without new attractions or even marketing, attendance is going to remain on a downward spiral. There's no economic basis for thinking otherwise. Attendance won't magically spike upward on its own--that just doesn't happen.

So, it's days are undeniably numbered. Whether it has months or years left remains to be seen.

Perhaps the best solution would be to move the ESPN Club into the DQ building and KEEP most of the unique DQ attractions. I've been told that the other ESPN Clubs (actually called ESPN Zones) in the US are mostly multi-story restaurant / arcade facilities. I'd love to see them keep the classic arcade games plus the great virtual attractions like PotC. They can scrap other things like the animation studio and build a toy in favor of dining tables and TVs.

[yecats48884]

You all just crack me up!!!!!! This forum is some of the best entertainment I have all week!:jumpingbe Unfortunately, I have yet to make it to DQ. My son just loves it!:drive:

[OL60]

Dang - Viking has done made it so when I am reading this thread I read it as Dairy Queen and not Disney Quest when DQ pops up... :hahahaha: :hahahaha: :hahahaha:

[KNWVIKING]

That's ok....wait till I convince you MF doesn't mean Maintenance Fees.

[OL60]

That's ok....wait till I convince you MF doesn't mean Maintenance Fees.

Means Mouse Friendly doesn't it? :woohoo:

[KNWVIKING]

Or maybe his "Mother"

[PoohsPal]

It can mean Mouse Fest!

[KNWVIKING]

Yeah...... Fest is a four letter word.

[idratherbeinwdw]

:Pokepoke: :shhh::viking: :eek: :tapedshut
:fresh:

[KNWVIKING]

:Pokepoke: :shhh::viking: :eek: :tapedshut
:fresh:


Guilty as charged.

[katk1975]

:corn: :ale:

[OL60]

I have always accused my wife of wanting to fest Mickey...

[KNWVIKING]

Mickey Fester ?

[handa]

Mickey Fester ?

Least scary member of the Addams Family ever...

[doombuggy]

Back to our regularly scheduled thread......

This rumor has been going around for quite some time. Who knows? I have never been in there and have no clue as to revenue it does or does not bring in. It does have a Cheesecake Factory however.....

[OL60]

It does have a Cheesecake Factory however.....


MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM - cheesecake - MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

:jumpingbe :jumpingbe :kickingco :bouncingg

[tjkraz]

It does have a Cheesecake Factory however.....

I thought the Cheesecake Factory closed some time ago. Or am I getting my wires crossed?

The menu posted on Allearsnet.com (which hasn't been updated for over 2 years), lists the only dining option as "Food Quest." There is no mention of cheesecake on the menu posted.-

[RweTHEREyet]

We watched Wishes with a special family last night and then went with them to the handicapped area across from Hall of Presidents to watch Spectromagic. The husband works in CRO. We talked about many things, among them DisneyQuest, a subject he brought up. He said he knows a CM that works at DisneyQuest and that all the CM's had been called together to specifically discuss the rumors surrounding DQ and they were told that none of them were true, including the ESPN Zone rumor. There were told of a lot of refurbing that would be going on, but no closing.

Take that for what it is worth.

[Leftcoaster]

I thought the Cheesecake Factory closed some time ago. Or am I getting my wires crossed?

The menu posted on Allearsnet.com (which hasn't been updated for over 2 years), lists the only dining option as "Food Quest." There is no mention of cheesecake on the menu posted.-


Last time I remember, it was a mini version of cheesecake Factory. They did have some of the cheesecakes there and I believe some food items but not like you would get at a real, full fledged Cheesecake Factory.


Yummmmm, just had some tonight.

[DSNY FN]

I hope they don't close it we went for the first time last Dec and loved it.

[Ken Dickinson]

Lots of rumours here but no press releases like about the 3rd and 4th Cruise Ships or physical evidence like the CR asbestos removal/tear down.

Disney is still selling annual passes which grant access to Disney Quest the purchasers would have to given advance notification of any closure to avoid a major law suit so as long as they sell APs with DQ rights I bet it has at least 12 months of operation left at any moment in time.

[doombuggy]

I beleive they are doing some painting to the outside of the building - I read this on Sunday, but the booklet is at home.....

[greenban]

Lots of rumours here but no press releases like about the 3rd and 4th Cruise Ships or physical evidence like the CR asbestos removal/tear down.

Disney is still selling annual passes which grant access to Disney Quest the purchasers would have to given advance notification of any closure to avoid a major law suit so as long as they sell APs with DQ rights I bet it has at least 12 months of operation left at any moment in time.

Hi Ken:

Advanced notice like the 1 month Oners of the DVC got regarding No Smoking?

Just think of all the December DVC Ressies getting cancelled and Waitlists matching up!

-Tony

[KevGuy]

Well hopefully it won't be shut down for a while, I plan on going on my next trip and my kids were looking forward to creating their own coaster an dthen riding it lol. Oh and at Cheesecake up here where I live the Kobe burger is to die for lol. I hope that is there too. Sheesh, I just buy into SSR and now they wanna shut down stuff close by lol, do they know who I am!!! :tsktsk:

[greenban]

EXCITING NEWS!!!

This is copied from the DVC Member website, www.dvcmember.com

New Smoking Area Policy

Recognizing the needs of our smoking guests, both foreign and domestic, Disney Quest (located in Downtown Disney, will become the smoking allowed area for all of Walt Disney World on July 1, 2007. During the past two days, since our Non Smoking Policy was announced, we have been inundated with phone calls from concerned tobacco using guests.

The Five Story Disney Quest will be divided as follows:

Level 5: Chewing Tobacco (chaw) products only. Spittons and cups will not be provided. Guests must bring their own, or use gravity in the central viewing area.

Level 4: Cigarettes only including bindees.

Level 3: Pipes only

Level 2: Cigars, Cigarellos, etc.

Level 1: Substances legal in Oregon, California and foreign nations only, especially Jamacia Man!

We feel this response shows Disney's commitment to all of our guests, and also may help keep Disney Quest open for the next five years, when a new DVC resort, Eagle Pines will be announced.

The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios, and balconies, and designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change. Smoking is currently prohibited in all lobbies, restaurants, and convention spaces. This policy will allow us to better accommodate the large numbers of Members who request non-smoking accommodations and complements our efforts to provide our Guests with the healthy living options they are requesting.

Operations Senior Vice President Erin Wallace is quoted in the above article.

-Tony


Whoops! Now the posting is gone from the member website, wonder what that means?

Stay tooned

[doombuggy]

DisneyQuest Refurbishment:
Exterior painting of DisneyQuest will continue through the next couple of months. The DisneyQuest exterior logo and side mural will also get a paint touch up.

[Starr W.]

EXCITING NEWS!!!

This is copied from the DVC Member website, www.dvcmember.com

New Smoking Area Policy

Recognizing the needs of our smoking guests, both foreign and domestic, Disney Quest (located in Downtown Disney, will become the smoking allowed area for all of Walt Disney World on July 1, 2007. During the past two days, since our Non Smoking Policy was announced, we have been inundated with phone calls from concerned tobacco using guests.

The Five Story Disney Quest will be divided as follows:

Level 5: Chewing Tobacco (chaw) products only. Spittons and cups will not be provided. Guests must bring their own, or use gravity in the central viewing area.

Level 4: Cigarettes only including bindees.

Level 3: Pipes only

Level 2: Cigars, Cigarellos, etc.

Level 1: Substances legal in Oregon, California and foreign nations only, especially Jamacia Man!

We feel this response shows Disney's commitment to all of our guests, and also may help keep Disney Quest open for the next five years, when a new DVC resort, Eagle Pines will be announced.

The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios, and balconies, and designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change. Smoking is currently prohibited in all lobbies, restaurants, and convention spaces. This policy will allow us to better accommodate the large numbers of Members who request non-smoking accommodations and complements our efforts to provide our Guests with the healthy living options they are requesting.

Operations Senior Vice President Erin Wallace is quoted in the above article.

-Tony


Whoops! Now the posting is gone from the member website, wonder what that means?

Stay tooned


Grenbanned, it's good to see you. I have really missed your humor since you got the boot!

[tiggerguy2000]

They told me last November that Disney Quest was closing that week but it's still open.They are putting a ESPN Zone like in the Boardwalk but much bigger.Something else will also be going in but I have not heard what will fill the space.

tiggerguy

[dvcconvert]

They told me last November that Disney Quest was closing that week but it's still open.


--->Any chance your 'source' also drove a bus???
:scary: :Paranoid: :ROTFL:

[willy39]

As far as I am concerned, they need to close Disney Quest or do some major maintentance. I use to LOVE DQ but last December was a major dissapointment. Half the games were broken and the place seemed rundown. DQ of today is not what I expect out of Disney. If I did not get in for free with my AP I would have been furious at wasting the $35 admission or whatever it is now. Anyone else find the same problem of the place being run down with broken games all over?

[greenban]

Our last DW visit was August of '06. Some of the fancy lighting effects were out, but I am noticing burnt out bulbs all over Disney now. All the games and attractions were working. But the food offerings were limited, and not to clean and nice looking counter service areas.

BTW we only went because it was a free admission with the APs as well. But (I used to work in a pinball arcade) nearly every machine was in good working order!!

I hope to hit it again in July and will report back!

-Tony

Of course there is the rumor I heard that DQ was being transformed into the DTD area DVC, the DQ-DVC for 2008.....

More on that later....;)