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The NBA Experience Is Open at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World

Opening Ceremony

A brand new attraction is open at Disney Springs. The NBA Experience held its Grand Opening on August 12. There were plenty of NBA and WNBA superstars on hand to celebrate the day, including Grant Hill and Kareen Abdul-Jabbar. Also in attendance were CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger, and Adam Silver, who is the current NBA Commissioner. Mickey and Minnie were there as well to get the party started.

I was part of a hosted media group. We were invited to attend the Opening Celebration, and then to try our hands at the various activities inside The NBA Experience. You do not have to be a basketball fanatic in order to have a good time inside! I know a fair amount about basketball, but my knowledge has to do with high school games. I am by no means an expert on the NBA. I still had a blast.

NBA Experience Exterior

The NBA Experience is broken up into different activities. Some of these are physical, to make you feel like you are a star player. Others do not require you to try to make a basket. There are activities for all skill levels and all ages.

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Dunk! allows you to dunk like a pro. If you don’t think that you can reach the basket, that isn’t a problem. The basket is adjustable, so you can set it to your perfect height. You’ll be able to make the shot every time without breaking a sweat. If you want the challenge, move the basket higher. How you play is up to you.

Dunk

Shoot! could require a little bit of skill, but anyone can have fun with it. You’ll play on a court that feels real, and shoot against the clock. There is a virtual crowd there to cheer you on.

Shoot

Dribble teaches you a skill. You will warm up, and then learn the basics of dribbling. It’s actually a little bit encouraging, I did better than I thought I would.

Dribble

Slingshot was my favorite activity. You will put a ball into a slingshot, and then release it and hope that it goes into the basket. This was fun and challenging. I talked with a Cast Member who told me that there is a lot of skill involved, and that she has gotten quite good at it.

Slingshot

Arcade has a couple of different activities. You can race the clock and try to score as many points as possible. You can play Pop-A-Shot, which is perfect for guests of all ages. You can also try your hand at some NBA related video games.

Arcade

Combine was I think the hardest skill that I tried. You’ll start with being measured for your span and your reach. You’ll then try to make several shots. Your stats will show on the wall next to you. You have to get the shot just right, which I could not seem to do.

Combine

Trivia is just that, an NBA and WNBA trivia game. You’ll play against the others in the room. The questions are random, so you can’t learn the answers and then go back and beat everyone else in the room.

Trivia

Champions is a great way to learn more about the NBA and the WNBA. There are screens where you can look up past championships, learn stats from the games, watch videos, and more.

Champions

Replay will let you become the ref! You will watch a clip from a game and then decide whether or not the ref made the right call.

Replay

Theaters will allow you to watch two different ten minute films. You will be able to be part of a player’s world, or experience pro basketball through the eyes of a fan.

Theaters

There are also activities that are designed to make you feel like an NBA or WNBA player.

Draft will allow you to be the number one draft pick! You will learn which team has drafted you, and then there’s a picture opportunity with Adam Silver (he’s wax). You’ll then see your picture, “wearing” the team’s hat, in the My Disney Experience App.

Draft

Players will take you inside a locker room. You will then see what one looks like. During the season, you will also be able to see real time stats of current games.

Players

Trophy Moments offers great picture opportunities. You can feel like an MVP when you have your picture taken with both the NBA MVP Trophy and the NBA Championship Trophy.

Trophy Moments MVP

The NBA Experience is also filled with other things that you will want to check out. You can measure your hand against the size of a basketball great’s hand. You can literally measure up against a couple of players. If you’re worried about germs after touching everything, don’t be. There are plenty of Purell dispensers on hand. Another nice touch is the hooks and the cup holders that are near some of the games. This gives you a spot to leave your things as you play.

Measure Up

The NBA Store is located right next to the NBA Experience. You’ll find plenty of team related items, as well as Disney’s take on things. One thing to keep in mind, you will not find food or beverages for sale inside the NBA Experience. You can leave and purchase something to eat elsewhere, and then return.

Merch

Tickets for The NBA Experience cost $29 for those three through nine, and $34 for ten and older, plus tax. All activities are included with your ticket. If you’re looking for a break from the theme parks or something to do on a rainy day, this could be the answer. Remember, you don’t have to be a basketball expert in order to have a great time.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.