Do you think the resort arcades are still relevant?

[kane47]

With the explosion in the last 5 years from smart phones and tablets, do you think the days of the resort arcades are numbered? I know that for many years there have been handheld devices such as Gameboys, DX, PSP, etc… but the number of people owning these devices are tiny compared to the new devices. Everyone I know has a phone. The younger members of my family are addicted, lol. They are always playing games.

With arcades taking up many prime locations, do you see Disney removing them anytime soon to replace them with something that generates more revue such as a store?

 

[Jessica Meier]

I honestly think that instead of removing the arcades that it will evolve into a place for kids and grown up kids to go and play online games on systems like XBOX or Playstation type game systems. I am honestly surprised they have not put them in and promoted their games for those game systems.

 

[NYwdwfan]

My kids LOVE the arcades. It's a treat that they really don't see anywhere else. It's something to do for an hour after we get back to the resort and are looking to unwind. I am hoping they don't go anywhere.

 

[PUSH]

I like the arcades. Pretty much only the air hockey though. You can't replace the real thing with an app. It's just not the same.

 

[SyracuseOrange]

I like the arcades, especially Disney themed pinball games. It's one of the few extras in WDW that I'm eagerly willing to spend money on.

 

[bsiev1977]

I like the arcades, especially Disney themed pinball games. It's one of the few extras in WDW that I'm eagerly willing to spend money on.

There just aren't arcades anywhere anymore, really. There used to be a big Gameworks arcade in Vegas that I liked going to, but that's gone now.
Also, anywhere that there is an arcade now is mostly just the kind of games you get tickets from. To be redeemed for crappy prizes.
I'm happy to just find a place with a few decent pinball games at this point.
Anyway, it's like what the OP wrote. The proliferation of home video games consoles, as well as handheld portable options, has made the idea of a dedicated arcade location pretty much obsolete.

 

[lunchbox1175]

We always find time to hit up DisneyQuest, I could entertain myself for hours between the old classics and the nascar game, and Jen likes to work out her anger issues on the shooting games...better them than me.

 

[Master Yoda]

Less popular, yes. Obsolete, no. You simply can not replace the tactile feel or a real pinball machine, skee-ball, or air hockey table with even the most advanced home game system. Nor can you replace the environment of the arcade itself.

 

[ScoutN]

With 19 different hotel stays in the past 24 months all on property. Yes, they are very relevant on every level. They are always swarmed with people playing games. I would say Space Mountain Arcade is on the decline, though.

 

[ScoutN]

Less popular, yes. Obsolete, no. You simply can not replace the tactile feel or a real pinball machine, skee-ball, or air hockey table with even the most advanced home game system. Nor can you replace the environment of the arcade itself.

I have dropped over $100 ON AIR HOCKEY at that place since August. It is addicting. Led to me buying a table for home.

 

[captainkidd]

Relevant, yes. Waste of time at Disney, yes.

 

[Master Yoda]

Relevant, yes. Waste of time at Disney, yes.

Why?

 

[SyracuseOrange]

There just aren't arcades anywhere anymore, really. There used to be a big Gameworks arcade in Vegas that I liked going to, but that's gone now.
Also, anywhere that there is an arcade now is mostly just the kind of games you get tickets from. To be redeemed for crappy prizes.
I'm happy to just find a place with a few decent pinball games at this point.
Anyway, it's like what the OP wrote. The proliferation of home video games consoles, as well as handheld portable options, has made the idea of a dedicated arcade location pretty much obsolete.

Agreed. Call me old fashioned, but I like arcades too. Really, some pinball games is all I need as well. I'm going down to WDW this weekend for the first time in several years, and I'm hoping to find a few that I haven't played.

 

[Kia]

My son (5) is over the moon anytime we encounter one of these -- and our house is filled with every video game system out there --- it's another fun experience Waste of time? No - not for us - it's an activity my children enjoy and works good for a break

 

[wdwfan100]

Relevant? Absolutely. I have always enjoyed the arcades. I would think if Disney was not achieving their profit target, they would have all been re-purposed by now.

 

[Phonedave]

Less popular, yes. Obsolete, no. You simply can not replace the tactile feel or a real pinball machine, skee-ball, or air hockey table with even the most advanced home game system. Nor can you replace the environment of the arcade itself.

There are also some games that just do not replicate well at home. Normaly ones with oddball controls or multiple screens.

I think places like WDW hotels, where the arcade is an extra, not a primary source of income is about the only place left that an arcade can survive.

Gone are the days of games being in every 7-11, pizza place, and convience store. They just don't generate enough money in those locations to justify the rental. Brings back memories of knowing what games where in what stores along the roughly one mile long main street in town. Kids standing around putting their quarters "up" on the machine to reserve the next play.

-dave

 

[Master Yoda]

There are also some games that just do not replicate well at home. Normaly ones with oddball controls or multiple screens.

I think places like WDW hotels, where the arcade is an extra, not a primary source of income is about the only place left that an arcade can survive.

Gone are the days of games being in every 7-11, pizza place, and convience store. They just don't generate enough money in those locations to justify the rental. Brings back memories of knowing what games where in what stores along the roughly one mile long main street in town. Kids standing around putting their quarters "up" on the machine to reserve the next play.

-dave

Those were the days. We had an arcade and about three 7-11 style stores in bike riding distance from my house growing up. I can not even fathom the number of hours or quarters I spent there.

 

[Wisconsin]

Their days may be numbered but not for a while yet. Every time I walk into one at Disney they are fairly packed with poeple--and not just young folks. The key is to stocking the right mix of newer and older games.

 

[captainkidd]

Why?

Just my opinion. Arcades are everywhere. You can play video games at Chuck E Cheese. There's so much more to do at Disney than play video games. In this thread where it's about resort arcades, in some cases, I can see their benefit. Especially at the Values where there are less amenities. I was thinking more along the lines of arcades at the parks, like the one at the exit to Space Mountain.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

After over 20 visits, and having every game system known to the free world, we hit the arcades (and DIsneyquest) every visit. Plus, we do the MYW package and get the 100 credits.. (son is STILL trying to beat me at air hockey.... ain't gonna happen LOL) Plus, the arcades are always a good bet on bad weather or too hot days during everyone's stay