The Disney Traveler

Recently, my husband and I stopped with our triplets at the arcade at the Beach Club Resort during a rain storm.  I wasn’t sure how my kids would react (they’re almost 3 years old), but we gave it a try anyway.  As it turns out, they loved it!  I thought we’d have a few more years of living arcade-free, but they haven’t stopped talking about the “bowling game” since we left.  We’ve gone back twice since!  I thought it would be a good idea to share my list of the top three arcades on Walt Disney World property. 

1. Food ‘n Fun Center at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: I loved this arcade as a child, and I still love it now.  There is an extremely wide variety of games for preschoolers straight up through adulthood (my husband and I love the street luge video game).  There are many games for young children where they can win tickets to exchange for small prizes.  From a parent’s perspective, the best part about this arcade is that it’s connected to a counter service snack bar that serves everything from hamburgers and chicken fingers to fruit and frozen Cokes.  There is a large seating area with tables and chairs and a television, which usually shows Disney programs.  It’s a great place for the whole family to take a break from a day at the Magic Kingdom.  Just hop on the monorail and get off at the first stop.  When you feel re-energized, get back on the monorail and return to the Magic Kingdom just four stops away.  If you’d prefer, there is a nice walking path between the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary, but let’s face it, kids love to ride the monorail, and it’s air conditioned!

2. Space Mountain Arcade at the Magic Kingdom: I like the arcade in the Space Mountain attraction in Tomorrowland, because it’s big and has a wide variety of games.  There is also an area for guests to pose and purchase pictures of themselves riding a Space Mountain rocket.  It’s a great place to cool off for a bit during the hot Florida days (or hide from rain showers).  If you have older children who want to ride Space Mountain as well as children who are too small to ride the rollercoaster, the arcade is a great place for the smaller kids to play while they wait for their older siblings to finish riding Space Mountain.

3. Toy Story Pizza Planet at Disney-MGM Studios: Not only do small kids think they’re really at the Pizza Planet from the Toy Story movie, but they also love the games (including the large rocket where they can try to capture an alien with “the claw”).  Older kids love the variety of games, and parents love the seating area on the second floor that overlooks the arcade.  It’s a perfect place to grab some pizza and refuel before you head back out to the fun at Disney-MGM Studios.  Just don’t go on Star Tours immediately after eating your pizza!

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