With over 20 attractions spread across its 15 football field-sized space, including virtual reality experiences, indoor go-karts, trampolines, bowling, arcade games, axe throwing, restaurants, and more, Dezerland Park sounded like paradise for a gamer dad like myself. This 850,000-square-foot indoor entertainment venue bills itself as “Florida’s largest indoor attraction,” so my expectations were high for my recent visit there with my wife and kids.
I run a website called The Virtual Reviewer, where I post reviews of new virtual reality devices, games, and simulation experiences. So, I knew Dezerland’s VR arena and extensive gaming options would be right up my alley.
After entering the venue, which has free admission and parking, visitors purchase reloadable game cards to take part in the various attractions and activities. We loaded up our cards and set out to explore the massive complex, eager to put their impressive lineup of technology and entertainment to the test during a long Saturday spent pushing our skills and senses to the limits.
Hitting the Accelerator: Go-Karts and VR Arena
Our first stop was the fast-paced go-kart track, with speed and difficulty options suitable for all ages and skill levels. As an avid gamer, I appreciated the statistic tracking system that allowed you to race against your own best time. I put the pedal to the metal, going all out trying to set a new personal record, while Jenette opted for the beginner course to work on her racing fundamentals. After about 15 intense minutes that left me covered in sweat, I punched the air in victory as my previous best time flashed up on the screen, soundly defeated.
Eager to move on to even more exhilarating virtual pursuits, we headed straight for the cutting-edge VR arena. Boasting one of the most advanced systems I’ve ever experienced, players strap on VR goggles and vests and work together to battle aliens and other enemies across expansive 3D maps. Equipped with haptic feedback and fully customized phaser guns, this multiplayer co-op experience offered complete immersion in fantastical worlds full of crumbling ancient ruins, zombie-filled cities, and alien planets.
After getting our bearings in the spacious arena during a sample round, we geared up for a lengthy mission to eradicate a planet full of vicious extra-terrestrial foes. Despite intense battles with relentless waves of aggressors, our four-person squad came out victorious after a hard-fought 15-minute fight to the death. Catching our breath as the virtual landscape dissipated before our eyes, we all agreed this was one of the most thrilling and engaging VR experiences we had ever taken part in.
I especially appreciated the custom phasers, which set this experience apart from more passive VR entertainment. Interacting tangibly with the virtual environment makes it genuinely feel like you are part of the world rather than merely observing it.
Family Bonding and Battles
After working up a vigorous appetite battling space monsters, we took a lunch break and refueled at the on-site food hall. With a wide array of cuisines to choose from, even our picky eaters found plenty to enjoy. Plus, reasonable prices make it easy on the wallet after splurging on games.
Fortunately, the action at Dezerland extends far beyond high-tech thrills. In search of more old-fashioned fun to balance out the VR excitement, we made our way to the beautifully equipped boutique bowling alley. With neon lights, modern screens, and flashy decor, this upscale take on a timeless game made for an enjoyable few matches that were as aesthetically pleasing as they were amusing. After closely contested games that saw the lead change hands several times, John emerged victorious, no doubt thanks to the tips I’ve given him over the years.
We were excited to participate in another skill-based activity, and this time we decided to try laser tag. The game uses advanced electronic guns and vests that are seamlessly integrated with an elaborate inflatable maze spanning over 3000 square feet.
As we navigated the labyrinthine battlefield full of twists, turns, and obstacles, our family of four divided into teams for an epic showdown. Although John considered himself an expert due to his hours spent playing online shooters, I showed him that I still had a few real-world tricks up my sleeve as Jenette and I led our team to victory. We laughed and playfully teased each other as we recounted the most dramatic shootouts on our way to the arcade for more gaming action.
Lost in Arcades
As self-proclaimed gaming geeks, we all got utterly lost for hours amongst the sea of screens, buttons, wheels, and joysticks of the sprawling arcade. Harboring well over 300 games, including vintage pinball machines and modern consoles, the stunning selection catered extensively to all interests. I relished a nostalgic game of PacMan while John tested his skills on the dance machines, eventually attracting quite a crowd with his smooth moves. Although Jenette lacks our video game obsession, even she was entertained for ages by the massive array of talon games perfectly suited for her age.
The ultimate highlight though was the row of stellar VR setups with a variety of games to transport players to fully realized virtual worlds. After waiting patiently in line for his turn, John stepped up to try Beat Saber, a rhythm game that has become an instant phenom in the VR community. Gripping the two sabers, he slashed away at oncoming crystalline cubes, gracefully mastering even difficult songs on his first attempt.
I couldn’t resist taking my own crack at virtual stardom after and stepping up for a round of Rock Band VR. Shredding away at my virtual guitar, I envisioned the pyrotechnics and raucous crowds I would surely be performing for if this experience translated to the real world. Power sliding across the stage, I definitely got a bit overzealous and would have ended up in the front row of seats if not anchored safely to the spot by my headset.
After transitioning from fantasy thrills back to the real world, we decided to conclude our day with a tour of the renowned auto museum connected to Dezerland Park. As a car nut who loves tinkering with automobiles, their extensive collection of vehicles, from classic cars to famous movie and TV transports, was breathtaking. Meandering slowly past endless rows of gorgeous and iconic vehicles in mint condition truly put the cherry on top of another all-around top-notch entertainment venue established by the Dezer family here in Orlando.
Exit Chaos
As we gathered our things and made the long walk across the sprawling complex back towards the exit after 11 hours of nonstop fun, smiles covered all our exhausted faces. Our game cards were completely drained after enjoying everything from VR battles to indoor go-kart races, trampoline bouncing, bowling beatdowns, mouthwatering meals, and far more during a visit that exceeded even my own lofty expectations. From high-tech Hollywood-style action to traditional games of skill updated with modern twists, Dezerland Park truly has it all for visitors searching for variegated indoor entertainment options.
However, the grin slowly faded from my face as we approached the front to leave, only to be greeted by gridlock and chaos rather than farewell fanfare. The lobby bottlenecked aggressively as visitors attempted to redeem prizes, and employees struggled to keep up with sorting refilled cards and processing payments. Forced to inch through the fray for nearly 40 frustrating minutes just to cash out our remaining credits and gift card balances before returning our equipment, my earlier elation evaporated.
Finally escaping what felt like an eternity, I took a deep, calming breath of the fresh evening air once we passed through the parking lot and left Dezerland Park in the rearview mirror. Replaying highlights of the day’s adventures brought back fond memories of careening around corners during go-kart races and fighting monstrous aliens alongside my kids in epic VR quests. However, that final sour note provided by woefully inefficient exit procedures slightly tarnished an otherwise glowing review.
Though I commend the incredible entertainment options provided across Dezerland Park’s beautifully equipped 850,000 square feet of indoor attractions, failing to ensure an equally well-orchestrated departure reveals critical oversights during the construction of such an ambitious venture. With massive visitor capacity comes immense responsibility to guarantee seamless entry and exit to avoid the disorder we experienced. Hopefully, steps will swiftly be taken to fix faulty infrastructure and optimize navigating the mega venue’s sprawling footprint when calling it a day.
The Verdict
Despite the disappointing exodus that delayed our evening festivities, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed another jam-packed day full of exhilarating indoor adventures at rapidly developing International Drive’s premier entertainment hub. As a proud Orlando resident and virtual reality fanatic who reviews new devices and experiences online constantly, I highly recommend Dezerland Park as a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike.
The cutting-edge VR arena with customized accessories for fully immersive battles solidifies Dezerland as one of the most innovative destinations for next-generation virtual entertainment in Florida. Beyond marquee tech offerings, the venue also provides no shortage of classic physical amusements, from go-karts to bowling, suitable for all ages. Truly an indoor playground spread across 15 sprawling acres, with free admission and parking no less, this brand-new entry to Orlando’s roster of world-class attractions has firmly cemented itself as a premier rainy-day getaway spot for my thrill-seeking family.
From old-school pinball machines in the arcade to the latest VR technology like advanced haptic vests and phasers in the arena, Dezerland Park is where nostalgia meets the future. Despite the frustrating farewell, the wealth of top-tier gaming options and the overwhelmingly grand scale of this entertainment super hub outweigh isolated shortcomings. When seeking shelter from Orlando’s unpredictable weather while satisfying adventure cravings, Dezerland Park is my new go-to indoor paradise, perfect for hardcore gamers and casual fun seekers alike.