Monday, February 9, 2009

Tokens and Time-Warp


This evening, I entered the world of Disney Quest. For those that are unfamiliar with this Disney-owned venue - located in Downtown Disney - it is a 5-story building, home to dozens of arcade and virtual reality games.

It was a very rewarding experience, hanging out and D.D.R.-ing with my husband and bro-in-law. Still, I could not get over the reality that would have been, had we not had the gift of this free venture. My precious mother-in-law is a Disney Cast Member (The Dis' way of saying "staff") and therefore has regular (and greatly appreciated!) perks like park entrances and discounts. One of the many seasonal blessings is a set of tickets to DQ (don't get confused now...I know you're all suddenly dreaming of Oreo Blizzards!). And, don't get me wrong, it's a great place. A clever twist on normal Disney attractions, it is a brilliant way to rein in those, not typically wowed by giant, cartoon-like, costumed characters. Still...at the end of the day, it doesn't seem that original. Loaded with classic video games (free with ticket for endless place) and outdated VR experiences, it is not really more than a glorified Chuck E. Cheese's (hoorah for Suh-wheet 80's birthday parties...you
know you had one). I for one would not be willing to dish out the $40 per person, due this establishment, on a "normal" visit. Had we catered our own day out, we'd have reached a grand total of $120, plus tax, for our little trio. And while I reveled in being able to relive childhood favorites like Ski-Ball and Pac-Man (though I missed the ever-popular "Wack-A-Mole"), I'm not sure I could have justified the investment beyond typical arcade admission.

So, thank you Betsy: it was a blast to be treated. Thank you Danny for being a fun big brother and being will to DDR with me. Thank you, Beloved, for being such a wonderful husband and preferring me today.

But Disney...please help the middle class and consider lowering your prices, at least in this locality.

(And for those reading...know that this comes with all the love in my heart..I am a Disney Fanatic, after all!)

2 comments:

sooprgrll said...

You'd think since Disney owns so much that they could do a little recession special! But...I'm jealous anyway of your Disney time.

coconomad said...

depending on when you could all traipse down here, again, we might just be able to give you a hook-up with the parks...we've got some "ins," you know:)