With the Orlando-area growing at the speed of light, there’s nothing better than discovering new attractions! Recently, we at
Magical Vacation Homes got to see all of the excitement inside
NBA Experience at
Disney Springs in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
After enjoying HOURS of entertainment inside of this two-story complex, we were ready to get behind the keyboard and type away about all of the activities we enjoyed during our visit. Here’s OUR list (in no particular order) of our favorite attractions inside of NBA Experience!
DRAFT COMBINE
This should be your first stop when entering the NBA Experience (after some photo-ops, of course. We’ll get to that later). The Draft Combine is where you showcase your “skills and abilities through a series of drills, tests, and measurements”. We absolutely loved this spot because it actually helps you learn about yourself!
You run through three tests, wingspan, vertical leap, and shooting. Our personal favorite test was the vertical leap as it shows you how high your reach is when you jump and shoot, which can be well close to 7ft high (mind you, our group was an average of 5’7)!
This spot is ideal to visit before any other engaging basketball activities since it gives you the chance to practice some shots. Once you finish here, you’re ready to take on everything else!
SLINGSHOT!
Yes, it’s exactly what you think it is. No, it’s not as easy as it looks. Situated on the second floor of the NBA Experience, this activity features a row of (you guessed it) slingshots! With these, you’ll be timed to make as many shots into the hoop with your basketball as you can while you compete alongside other players.
The concept is simple, place your basketball into your slingshot and aim correctly to make the basket! It takes a lot of concentration with a dash of skill, and I will admit, I could not get a single point!
Why is it one of the best, though? Although it may be one of the harder activities, it’s definitely unique and keeps you wanting to come back and play over and over again.
PLAYERS
Newbie to basketball? We were, too! Don’t let that discourage you, though. On the first floor, you can learn about practically any team you can think of on a variety of touchscreens inside of the PLAYERS room.
This is the perfect spot to gain plenty of knowledge on wins, losses, team players, team colors, and more!
You’re also greeted with the uniforms of nearly every team possible as you walk around the room. It almost feels like a museum of sorts as you’re walking around this oval-shaped corner.
NBA Trivia
Wow, we couldn’t get ENOUGH of this room. From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by 25 touchscreens with MagicBand-scanning abilities. Ready or not, here comes the trivia!
Everyone in the room is set to a timer where they have to answer any trivia questions that pop up on the screen. This room not only gets you thinking but gets you extremely engaged with everyone else. We thought this spot was ideal for larger parties, families on reunions, and even a group of friends! It’s an awesome way to play with everyone at the same time and track your score. Will you be the MVP of NBA Trivia?
Photo-Ops
Who could EVER pass up a good photo-op? We sure couldn’t, and that’s why it was one of our favorite things to do! What’s so great about your NBA Experience is that you can still utilize Photopass your entire way through. Simply scan your MagicBand or card onto the Mickey, watch it glow green, and get ready to pose.
The particular photo spot pictured above is extra special, as it shows off your customization upon entering the experience! As you begin your NBA journey, your ticket is your customized key to you as a player. There are multiple customization stations inside of the complex that allows you to create your own nickname and select your favorite basketball team. Once these are chosen, it stays with you during your visit and these custom pieces pop up at the best places, like this photo op spot!
Once you scan your card or MagicBand, watch as your favorite team is showcased on the screens behind you, along with your nickname, to show that you have just been drafted! It’s a special little touch that we fell in love with and it gives each person a unique photography experience.
We remember seeing four photo spots throughout the experience that were PhotoPass ready, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take photos anywhere else. There are plenty of locations that are great for memorable pictures for the entire family!
SHOOT!
It wouldn’t be an NBA Experience without the crowds cheering you on as you dribble on the court. In SHOOT, get immersed in the world of NBA as an instructor coaches you on the court, helping you with your shots as time drops on the clock. This spot is both exhilarating and challenging as you’re being “watched” by everyone in the stands rooting for you to bring points on the board.
Again, this is another spot to notice the small detailing of your favorite team projected onto the floor as you enter! From start to finish, you have the opportunity to represent who you love the most, and what better way to finish it off than by being on a real-life court?
We have to say, as guests who did not know much about basketball, we truly learned a lot and had so much fun doing so. The NBA Experience isn’t just for those die-hard fans of basketball as it easily appeals to anyone of all interests and ages. Need a place to have fun with the family before checking into your
Magical Vacation Home, after a fun day at the parks, or while spending a day at Disney Springs? Look no further than NBA Experience!
You can
purchase tickets online for only $34 (plus tax) for adults and $29 (plus tax) for children ages 3-9. Visit anytime as they are open 7 days a week and from 12 p.m. to as late as 11:30 p.m. on Friday’s and Saturday’s (Sunday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-11 p.m.).
Keep an eye out as we cover more exciting things from Disney Springs and beyond during this holiday season in Orlando. There are many more exciting things in store, we promise you that.
And as always, until next time, have a Magical day!
This is the perfect spot to gain plenty of knowledge on wins, losses, team players, team colors, and more!
