Arcade Monsters

Image: Arcade Monsters

Located about an hour away from Walt Disney World by car, Arcade Monsters in Oviedo, Fl. is, arguably, the best pure arcade in central Florida. Yes, that’s a bit of a hoof — particularly if you don’t have a car. However, the journey is absolutely worth it when the destination includes this many classic arcade games (including a Fix-It Felix Jr.!), console games, and modern pinball machines.

The space itself is in an unassuming strip mall with a non-description sign, but once you enter, you’ll see something that looks like a modern update of the arcades you remember as a kid - with a bit of DisneyQuest flair thrown in. Plus, after you pay a one-time charge, the games are all set to free play, and a window in the back offers food and drink.

With blacklight neon colors, classic arcade carpeting, and projectors showing real video game competitions happening in-store, the vibe is exactly what you want from a game space. That, combined with the calendar of events and specials makes this place the best spot to spend a few hours or a half day — especially if it’s raining. 

The Pinball Lounge

Image: The Pinball Lounge

If video games aren’t your thing, and you’re more into the old-school analog challenge of pinball, take a trip just a bit further into Oviedo than Arcade Monsters — to the Oviedo Bowling Center, of all places.

After you park and walk in, make your way to the back of the bowling alley for a place that can only be described as pinball heaven: The Pinball Lounge.

The Pinball Lounge hosts dozens of machines, both classic and modern, all well-maintained and ready for play. The selection rotates, but traditionally the owners maintain a great variety of high-quality and updated games. While the games are traditionally set to pay-per-play, on Friday nights, The Pinball Lounge offers a free-play night with a cover charge.

Pinball isn’t for everyone, but if it’s for you, you’ll find nowhere better in Central Florida than The Pinball Lounge.

The Void

Image: The Void

Maybe you don’t want to venture too far from Disney property, but the hotel arcades still aren’t offering the excitement you’re looking for. Believe it or not, Disney Springs features what many consider to be the future of arcade gaming: The Void.

A lot of people don’t realize where or what it is, but The Void is a mixed-reality VR setup that has to be experienced to be believed. After paying and checking-in to their scheduled session, guests don helmets and backpacks that transport them into the world of either Star Wars or Wreck-It Ralph — giving them a mission to complete. To do so, they must make their way though a virtual world, but one augmented with real-life railings and wall switches and buttons that exist in the real world just where they should in the virtual world.

It’s hard to explain, but the end result is one of the most immersive experiences you can have anywhere in the world — and you don’t even need park admission. Sure, you can drive an hour up the road to enjoy entertainment from decades past — but if that’s not for you, the bleeding edge is at Disney Springs.