Opening on August 12, 2019, in the space formerly occupied by DisneyQuest, the NBA Experience was a sprawling 44,000-square-foot ticketed attraction designed for basketball enthusiasts of all ages. Located on the West Side of Disney Springs, the venue was a collaboration between Disney and the NBA, aiming to deliver an immersive, interactive celebration of the sport.
Upon entry, guests were greeted by the NBA Store, a retail space offering merchandise for every NBA team, including exclusive items not available elsewhere. The store featured dynamic displays, high-definition screens, and even custom jersey stations, allowing fans to personalize gear with their name and number.
The experience itself was divided across two floors, with a total of 13 interactive activities:
- Dribble! – Guests tested their ball-handling skills under the guidance of a virtual coach, performing timed drills and freestyle routines.
- Dunk! – Height-adjustable baskets and motion-capture cameras allowed guests to execute slam dunks, complete with slow-motion replays.
- Slingshot – Using oversized slingshots, players launched basketballs at hoops of varying heights in a fast-paced challenge.
- Shoot! – A buzzer-beater simulation placed guests in high-pressure scenarios, complete with crowd noise and countdown clocks.
- Combine – Guests measured their wingspan, vertical leap, and other stats, comparing them to real NBA and WNBA players.
- Draft – A photo-op recreated the excitement of being selected in the NBA Draft, complete with stage lighting and digital backdrops.
- Replay – A multi-screen station let guests review actual NBA footage and make referee-style calls using interactive tools.
- Players – A locker room-style exhibit showcased current team rosters, player stats, and highlight reels.
- Champions – Guests could pose with replica NBA championship and MVP trophies, surrounded by displays honoring legendary teams.
- Game Time – A short film explored the emotional impact of basketball through the story of a young fan and her father.
- Together – A 180-degree cinematic presentation told the inspirational story of an NBA superstar’s journey on and off the court.
- Arcade – From Pop-A-Shot to the latest NBA video games, this zone offered classic and modern gameplay.
- Trivia – A multiplayer contest tested guests’ knowledge of NBA and WNBA history, stats, and pop culture.
Despite its ambitious scope, the NBA Experience struggled to gain traction. It closed in March 2020 alongside the rest of Walt Disney World due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but unlike other venues, it never reopened. On August 16, 2021, Disney officially announced that the attraction would not return, ending its run after just seven months of operation.
In February 2025, Disney announced that the space would be taken over by Level99, an immersive entertainment venue featuring over 50 challenge rooms combining physical and mental puzzles. This marks a return to the interactive, game-based spirit of the original DisneyQuest, albeit with a modern twist.
The building exterior, once adorned with steel silhouettes of basketball players, began de-theming in early 2024, with decorative elements removed during overnight construction shifts.
The CityWorks Eatery & Pour House, located in the lower quadrant of the structure, remains open and operational.
