It seems like there are two kinds of Walt Disney World vacations. In the first kind, guests try to cram in as much as possible into the smallest time frame possible — often trying to see everything in four or fewer days. On these trips, “free time” is a laughable thought as every second is carefully planned to maximize the vacation dollar.
The second kind of Disney vacation is the exact opposite in every way. Maybe you’re only spending four days in total in the parks, but you’re spending a week or longer in the Sunshine State. These trips are designed to be a theme park trip, yes, but also a relaxing escape from the real world. And sometimes, on such a journey, you find yourself with an evening or two open, and nothing to do.
Sure, you could just go to bed early or catch a movie at Disney Springs, but why not try something a bit more unique?
Arcades and arcade-themed bars have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, offering something to do when going out beyond just eating and drinking. Disney has arcades big and small at its own resorts, with some offering the newest redemption games, racers, and even some Disney-themed pinball machines. But, if you want the full experience, you’ll have to go off-property.
If you’re a hard-core 1980s gamer or just someone looking for a unique night outside your hotel room, here are the seven best arcades and bars near Walt Disney World.
Player 1 Video Game Bar
Image: Player 1 Video Game Bar
As close to Disney as you can get without hearing the Mickey Mouse Club theme song, Player 1 Video Game Bar is located just outside the Disney Springs entrance to the resort — behind the famous Crossroads Shopping Center.
This is the quintessential arcade bar experience, for anyone familiar with the genre. There’s a five-dollar cover charge for anyone who wants to play games, but once you’ve paid up, everything in the bar is set to free play. That’s a good thing considering the sheer amount of classic arcade machines available to play.
Additionally, there are console games throughout the bar that are also ready for your use — just in case you wanted to challenge a friend to some Wii Bowling on your night out.
Don’t be mistaken: This is still very much a bar, although its main offering is craft beer. In the evenings, it is strictly 21+. However, if you’re with the family and just want to enjoy some classic gaming, they do open early on weekends.
Gods and Monsters
Image: Gods and Monsters
If you venture a bit further out from property, and make your way to International Drive — just down the street from Universal’s Endless Summer Resort and Fun Spot America, you’ll find Gods and Monsters. Primarily a comic book store, Gods and Monsters is a hub for for all things nerdy and niche — including video games.
It’s also, most importantly, home to a speakeasy called Vault 5421 — a post-apocalyptic-themed bar the features intricate design work, modern board games, and a handful of retro arcade games. They do a fair amount of events, such as theme nights and cosplay parties, so make sure to check the schedule when you’re in town.
If you’re looking for an arcade that includes every single classic machine, this isn’t the place for you. But, if you want somewhere with a unique vibe you won’t find anywhere else, Vault 5421 at Gods and Monsters should be on your list.
Joysticks Arcade Lounge
Image: Joysticks Arcade Lounge
Just a bit further up I-4 in downtown Orlando sits Joysticks Arcade Lounge. Unlike Player 1, which is more of an arcade that serves beer, Joysticks is a full-on bar that just so happens to also have video games.
Yes, the games are plentiful and, yes, the bar itself is themed to video games and nerd culture more broadly. However, Joysticks is strictly 21+ at all times. And, its location in downtown Orlando tends to attract more locals and partiers than some other spots on this list — giving it a rowdier vibe. Of course, sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of feeling you want from a night out.
If so, Joysticks is a must-visit. The theming in the bar is fun, and the free games (there’s no cover charge if you’re drinking) make it a worthwhile proposition.
GameTime
Image: GameTime
Now, yes, if you arrive at Walt Disney World via I-4, you will likely drive right by Dave and Buster’s — the national arcade chain we all know so well. Sure, if you’re in town and have some loyalty to D&B, it’s a worthwhile stop.
But, if you want more unique experience, you can head to Ocoee, Fl. to check out GameTime — a Florida-only arcade chain that includes modern arcade games, bar food, mini-bowling, and other fun entertainment.
Unlike some of the other arcades on this list, GameTime is pay-per-game — where, similar to Dave and Buster’s, you load credits onto a card. Also unlike those other arcades, GameTime is strictly about modern, high-tech games. They have the modern shooters, racers, Crossy Road, and everything else you’d expect at a non-retro arcade space.
GameTime is a bit further away from Disney property, but it’s also the most family-friendly location on this list. So, if you and the loved ones need a day’s escape from Walt Disney World property, it’s a great place to go.
Arcade Monsters
Image: Arcade Monsters
Located about an hour away from Walt Disney World by car, Arcade Monsters in Oviedo, Fl. is, arguably, the best pure arcade in central Florida. Yes, that’s a bit of a hoof — particularly if you don’t have a car. However, the journey is absolutely worth it when the destination includes this many classic arcade games (including a Fix-It Felix Jr.!), console games, and modern pinball machines.
The space itself is in an unassuming strip mall with a non-description sign, but once you enter, you’ll see something that looks like a modern update of the arcades you remember as a kid – with a bit of DisneyQuest flair thrown in. Plus, after you pay a one-time charge, the games are all set to free play, and a window in the back offers food and drink.
With blacklight neon colors, classic arcade carpeting, and projectors showing real video game competitions happening in-store, the vibe is exactly what you want from a game space. That, combined with the calendar of events and specials makes this place the best spot to spend a few hours or a half day — especially if it’s raining.
The Pinball Lounge
Image: The Pinball Lounge
If video games aren’t your thing, and you’re more into the old-school analog challenge of pinball, take a trip just a bit further into Oviedo than Arcade Monsters — to the Oviedo Bowling Center, of all places.
After you park and walk in, make your way to the back of the bowling alley for a place that can only be described as pinball heaven: The Pinball Lounge.
The Pinball Lounge hosts dozens of machines, both classic and modern, all well-maintained and ready for play. The selection rotates, but traditionally the owners maintain a great variety of high-quality and updated games. While the games are traditionally set to pay-per-play, on Friday nights, The Pinball Lounge offers a free-play night with a cover charge.
Pinball isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’ll find nowhere better in Central Florida than The Pinball Lounge.
The Void
Image: The Void
Maybe you don’t want to venture too far from Disney property, but the hotel arcades still aren’t offering the excitement you’re looking for. Believe it or not, Disney Springs features what many consider to be the future of arcade gaming: The Void.
A lot of people don’t realize where or what it is, but The Void is a mixed-reality VR setup that has to be experienced to be believed. After paying and checking-in to their scheduled session, guests don helmets and backpacks that transport them into the world of either Star Wars or Wreck-It Ralph — giving them a mission to complete. To do so, they must make their way though a virtual world, but one augmented with real-life railings and wall switches and buttons that exist in the real world just where they should in the virtual world.
It’s hard to explain, but the end result is one of the most immersive experiences you can have anywhere in the world — and you don’t even need park admission. Sure, you can drive an hour up the road to enjoy entertainment from decades past — but if that’s not for you, the bleeding edge is at Disney Springs.
