The former NBA Experience on the West Side of Disney Springs outdoor shopping and entertainment district at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is finally becoming a new venue: Level99.
Construction walls went up around the base of the location on October 21, 2025, signaling the beginning of the transformation. The walls feature artwork with the Level99 logo and promotional graphics for the attraction, while additional advertising now plays on the large LED display on the front of the building.
City Works in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
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Unlike the demolition and rebuild that took place from DisneyQuest to the NBA Experience, Level99 will repurpose the existing structure through an interior transformation. The building also currently houses the still-operating City Works Eatery & Pour House on the ground floor, which will remain open during construction.
What Is Level99?
Level99 is described as a “social gaming experience”—an attraction built around interactive, team-based challenges. It features over 60 themed challenge rooms where guests work their way through physical, mental, and puzzle-based trials in a timed setting. Complete one challenge, move on to the next—akin to a “real-life video game”.
The bar area at a Level99 Location – YouTube, Level99
A description of the Level99 experience on the Disney Springs website reads: “Gather your group for a day of fun at a place designed to test your skills. Work together to conquer the challenge rooms, earn rewards, and climb the coveted leaderboard. From solving mysteries in an ancient temple to walking a pirate’s plank to beating a giant pinball game—there is something to discover behind every door. Your team will only have one to four minutes to beat each challenge, so be prepared to act quick!”
In addition to gameplay, the 45,000-square-foot venue will include a two-story bar serving signature craft cocktails and a full-service kitchen with Level99’s Detroit-style pizza. While no official opening date has been announced, hiring has already begun. Fan expectation for the opening is Spring of 2026, but the website simply teases: “Coming to Disney Springs.”
What Does Level99 Replace?
Level99 takes over the space formerly occupied by the NBA Experience, which opened in August 2019 to replace the much-loved DisneyQuest.
Disney Quest in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
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DisneyQuest operated from June 1998 to July 2017—nearly two decades—offering a massive indoor attraction with motion simulators, virtual reality “rides”, and classic arcade favorites. Admission included unlimited play, giving it a strong nostalgic fan base. Quest also included a quick service snack location where food and beverages could be purchased separate from admission.
DisneyQuest was demolished after closing in 2017 to make way for the NBA Experience. However, the NBA-themed attraction never gained traction. It closed in March 2020 along with other lockdown-related closures, but never reopened. Since then, the building has largely sat unused—aside from the lower-level City Works restaurant—until now.
Level99 – A Brief History
Level99 was created by Matthew DuPlessie, founder of 5 Wits, an escape room-style attraction company he launched in 2004. Level99 takes that idea to the stratosphere —combining immersive storytelling, physical adventure, and game mechanics into a massive, replayable experience.
Construction walls in front of Level99 in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
The first Level99 opened in Natick, Massachusetts in 2021 and quickly gained popularity. Since then, additional locations have opened in Providence, Rhode Island, and Tysons, Virginia, with a fifth location coming soon to West Hartford, Connecticut. Disney Springs will mark the brand’s debut inside a major themed entertainment destination.
A Necessary Upgrade for Disney Springs
The NBA Experience was a bust from the beginning. While it featured a museum, memorabilia, and a handful of interactive stations, the concept failed to connect with theme park guests and never drew strong attendance. Why pay to do on vacation what you can do for free at your local school or church gym? Its closure was no surprise.
The NBA Experience in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
Level99, on the other hand, already feels like a better cultural fit for Disney Springs—something that captures the spirit of DisneyQuest without copying it. Recommended for ages 10 and up, Level99 appeals to families, teens, and adults alike. It offers something interactive, adventurous, and social—exactly what Disney Springs has been missing in this location since DisneyQuest closed.
Construction walls in front of Level99 in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
While diehard fans would love to see DisneyQuest return, Level99 is positioned to offer something fresh, modern, and far more engaging than the NBA Experience ever was. If it succeeds, it could bring a whole new level of energy to the ever evolving West Side of Disney Springs.
Will you visit Level99 at Disney Springs? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
I appreciate why they can’t (yet) but the most sensible thing to replace the NBA Experience with would be a full-on ESPN Sports Book. (smile)