In the late 1990s, The Walt Disney Company set out to revolutionize the concept of theme park entertainment. The idea? Bring immersive Disney magic to major cities through a new kind of indoor, interactive experience. That concept became DisneyQuest—a five-story digital playground filled with virtual reality, arcade games, and immersive storytelling.
The first DisneyQuest opened in 1998 at Downtown Disney in Orlando (now Disney Springs). Guests could design their own roller coasters, steer pirate ships in VR, and explore ancient temples without ever stepping outside. Attractions like CyberSpace Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold showcased Disney’s early push toward tech-driven entertainment.
DisneyQuest Chicago Opening Offers a New Kind of Disney Experience
As part of Disney Regional Entertainment’s expansion plans, the second DisneyQuest opened in Chicago on June 16, 1999. Located in the North Bridge development on Michigan Avenue, the Chicago location brought many of the Orlando experiences to the Midwest. For many visitors, this introduced Disney’s unique brand of themed entertainment outside the parks. It formed part of a broader strategy to bring DisneyQuest to cities such as Philadelphia, Toronto, and international markets.
Our featured video—now available on our Archive Project YouTube channel—presents the full broadcast of that grand opening day. Disney characters, including Buzz Lightyear (zip-lining in!), showcased what was described as the future of entertainment.
Challenges for DisneyQuest and the Collapse of Expansion
Although the buzz—literally, Buzz Lightyear zip-lining into the grand opening—was real, DisneyQuest Chicago struggled to attract consistent crowds. High ticket prices and growing competition from home consoles quickly impacted its appeal. Disney ultimately closed the Chicago location on September 4, 2001, just over two years after opening. Like many companies, Disney reassessed corporate risk and cut non-essential ventures as a result of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Disney Regional Entertainment, which oversaw DisneyQuest, was disbanded shortly after. That closure prompted Disney to cancel all future DisneyQuest projects, halting the expansion entirely.
While Chicago’s venue closed early, the Orlando location operated until July 2, 2017. Over nearly two decades, it served as a nostalgic favorite among Disney fans. Guests often turned to DisneyQuest during stormy Orlando afternoons, making it a go-to spot in bad weather. Eventually, the building transitioned into the NBA Experience, which also ended operations in 2020 after less than a year.
From DisneyQuest to Level99: A Full-Circle Moment
Now, nearly 25 years after DisneyQuest opened in Orlando, the same space is preparing for a new chapter. In 2026, Disney Springs will welcome Level99, an immersive entertainment venue that originally launched in Massachusetts. Although not operated by Disney, Level99 promises physical challenges, art-driven puzzles, and digital games spread across more than 60 rooms.
Clearly, the connection runs deep. DisneyQuest attempted to redefine out-of-home entertainment in the late ’90s. Today, Level99 aims to do the same—this time using a proven model in the very place where Disney once led. In many ways, Disney is handing over the reins to a new generation of interactive creators.
DisneyQuest’s Legacy Lives On
The DisneyQuest Chicago opening remains a notable chapter in Disney’s history of innovation. Although the concept didn’t unfold as planned, its influence endures. Audiences continue to crave immersive, interactive experiences. Today, the technology finally matches the ambition that fueled DisneyQuest from the beginning.
🎥 Watch the full DisneyQuest Chicago Opening Day Special now on the SamsArchiveProject YouTube Channel!
