Only 2 short years after opening, Disney has announced that the NBA Experience at Disney Springs is closing permanently.
The NBA Experience was an interactive entertainment venue which allowed guests to see what it is like to be an NBA superstar. It had a variety of basketball games and activities, letting guests put their skills to the test.
With 2 Floors and 44,000 square feet, The NBA Experience opened on August 12, 2021, and had 13 interactive elements and hands-on activities including shooting, dunking, being a referee, and the draft experience.
The Walt Disney World website describes The NBA Experience as follows:
“Enter an immersive world where all of your basketball dreams are just a layup away.
Inside this impressive venue inspired by modern-day NBA arenas, you can enjoy 13 unique experiences that merge the magic of Disney with the thrills of the NBA. Step through the Player Entry Tunnel—welcomed by the roar of an excited crowd—and embark on the full player journey, from training to competitions to championships and beyond.“
Disney hasn’t given a reason for the closure at this time, however, Disney said the closure was a mutual decision with the NBA and does not impact the company’s relationship with the NBA or their business partnership with the Orlando Magic.
Even though Disney Springs reopened in May 2020, the NBA Experience has unexplainedly remained closed during this reopening phase.
While Disney hasn’t given a reason for the closure, it was obvious that from the start guests were never really interested in the NBA Experience. It never really caught on and the large building was practically empty 90% of the time.
Even though Disney has a good working relationship with the NBA, it didn’t really seem like a good fit and it wasn’t the kind of experience that the majority of Walt Disney World visitors were looking for.
This leaves the question of what Disney will do with the huge space where the NBA Experience currently sits. The former home of Disney Quest holds a valuable spot on Disney Spring’s West Side and is large enough to hold multiple experiences.
The popular sports bar “City Works” which is located on the ground floor of the same building will remain open even with the NBA Experience closing. City Works is run separately from the NBA Experience and at least for now is safe.
Disney has said it “will share an update about the future of the NBA Experience location at a later date.” Stay tuned for more soon.
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Your Thoughts:
I want to know what you think about the NBA Experience closing…
- Are you upset about it?
- What should Disney do with the existing space now?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Mike E Gunthner
Friday 27th of August 2021
bring back the Disney Quest, arcade was fun 2011 during a rain to play since the water parks is closed due to lightning in the area. (in Aug)
Sandra
Sunday 29th of August 2021
@Mike E Gunthner, I say bring Disney Quest back along with the Comedy Club and The Adventurers Club. These are awesome