Arcade centers have become vibrant hubs of entertainment, GameTime is one example of a company leading the way in redefining arcade experiences. We were delighted to take a journey through their immersive family entertainment hub for an unforgettable blend of gaming, dining and more.
An Inside Look at GameTime
General Manager Dustin Gatward, introduced GameTime in Kissimmee, Florida, as an entertainment venue that goes beyond the traditional arcade. With over 100 exciting games, a scratch kitchen and a full-service restaurant, GameTime transforms arcade entertainment into a complete experience. Located in the heart of an entertainment district, the Kissimmee venue caters to both vacationing families and local guests.
Contrary to the stereotype of fun centers being for young kids, GameTime aims to please all ages. From circus games for little ones to mini-bowling, a roller coaster simulator and more, there’s something for everyone. Fun Across America host Nate Reinhart and I had a blast playing the King Kong of Skull Island VR game – so much so, we recommend that everyone try it! The good times extend to a full-service dining experience for lunch and dinner, and a lively sports bar with over 60 HDTV screens.
What makes this even more special is that you can enjoy this same amount of fun at any of their locations including their Happy Hour or their “Play with your Food” promotions that include a play card with a meal, available at all six Florida locations including Daytona, Fort Myers, Kissimmee, Miami, Ocoee (Orlando) and Tampa.
Excerpt adapted from Barry Zelickson’s special report for RePlay Magazine.
Our Favorite Parts of GameTime:
Unique gaming experiences such as VR, simulators and over 100 games total.
Great food offerings from the scratch kitchen, sports bar and full-service dining.
Various locations across Florida and occasional special promotions for visitors.
In The Game is one of the great brands owned and operated by the Family Entertainment Group, LLC (FEG). (FEG also owns and operates the Bonkers and Max Action Arena brands.) Our host, Nate, had fun exploring both of their locations in Florida and Illinois. In The Game – Orlando is a 7,000-sq.-ft. facility with attractions, arcade games, mirror maze and a 7D dark ride, located in ICON Park, a 20-acre entertainment complex with over 50 other attractions, shops and restaurants.
Exploring In The Game – Orlando: Fun at ICON Park
Randy Schneider, director of food and beverage, highlighted the family friendly environment. As he explained, “It’s all about a fun, clean environment for parents to bring their kids or for adults to hang out.” Since this location is in Orlando he says, “We have people coming from all over the world, all different cultures and all different ages.” Whether it is a family with children or a group of adults coming here for a convention, In the Game has them covered. Another great aspect of this location is their dedication and support to causes such as Give The Kids The World Village. In The Game donates games, technical support and their time, giving back to this important cause and others.
In The Game Hollywood Park: A Legacy Location Transformed
Next, we went to Crestwood, Illinois, to visit a long-legacy location that FEG acquired and converted into In The Game Hollywood Park. It’s not “just” an arcade, but stands out as a large indoor/outdoor, full-fledged family entertainment center. Nate was met by National Coordinator of Talent Randy Ireland for a walk-through of their large offering of outdoor attractions, including a giant fun slide, themed mini-golf, Himalaya amusement ride and electric go-karts. Inside, the fun continues with games, mini bowling, bumper cars and a Sky Tykes ropes course.
Nate’s exploration also delved into their scrumptious culinary offerings. As Ireland explained, “When you go to a family entertainment center you are expecting fair food. It’s not the reason that you come there.” But at In The Game, “We want you to sit down and eat a burger here and then come back for that burger again.” In The Game aims to redefine expectations by offering a menu crafted by an executive chef. Whether it’s burgers, pizza or seasonal delights, In The Game ensures that dining is as much a part of the entertainment experience as the games themselves. It was clear to Nate that FEG and its In The Game brand is all about fun and entertainment and he plans to go back for the winter pizza dough, as well as the vacuum he saw in their redemption store.
Excerpt adapted from Barry Zelickson’s special report for RePlay Magazine.
Our Favorite Parts of In The Game:
In The Game goes behind just being an arcade with a huge variety of fun attractions.
Support a great cause by visiting the locations and have fun doing it!
Special menu crafted by an executive chef and a great emphasis on dining.
Check out our full visit to In The Game on YouTube!
When our host, Nate, arrived at the doorstep of WhirlyBall Twin Cities, he was greeted by owner Nick Lambrecht, who welcomed him with the enthusiasm that defines this unique establishment. Nick, a WhirlyBall aficionado, brought the concept to Minnesota after a fateful game in another state left him wondering why his home state didn’t boast such exhilarating fun. This is Nick’s second location, opened in the summer of 2019, located across from the Mall of America. His first site is located in Maple Grove, Minn.
What is WhirlyBall?
Originating in the ’70s in Salt Lake City, Utah, this high octane sport melds basketball, lacrosse and hockey, all while driving electric “WhirlyBugs,” specially designed bumper cars. The court becomes a battleground of skill, strategy and unpredictable maneuvers as players zip around, creating an adrenaline-packed experience.
WhirlyBall is known for its social and inclusive nature, making it an ideal activity for friends, family, and corporate team-building events. The combination of skill, strategy, and the lighthearted fun of navigating WhirlyBugs makes this sport a memorable and enjoyable experience for participants of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-time player, WhirlyBall promises an adrenaline packed adventure that fosters camaraderie and laughter in a one-of-a-kind setting.
In addition to their three WhirlyBall courts, the Bloomington facility also has laser tag, traditional and hyper bowling, private event spaces, two full bars and a rooftop patio. They have recently added escape rooms to their entertainment mix. WhirlyBall Twin Cities promises a full blown entertainment extravaganza.
And it’s not just about the games – the Bloomington facility surprises guests with a top-notch food and beverage program. From scratch pizzas to culinary delights, it’s a feast for the senses. WhirlyBall Twin Cities is more than a venue; it’s a destination for unforgettable experiences, delicious bites, and endless fun!
Excerpt adapted from Barry Zelickson’s special report for RePlay Magazine.
Our Favorite Parts of WhirlyBall:
The unique and exciting sport of WhirlyBall
Wide arrange of entertainment, food and activities.
Perfect place to have fun for family and friends.
Check out our full adventure on YouTube!
Looking to visit WhirlyBall, Twin Cities?
Address: 2405 E Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55425
Stepping into Up Your Alley in Schererville, Ind., is like entering a realm where entertainment knows no bounds. With over 50,000 square feet of excitement, this adult-centric playground is not your typical hangout. General Manager Ross Carmody said their focus is on providing an experience that caters to everyone, especially the grown-up crowd. As you will see in our Fun Across America episode, they have achieved that goal.
As Nate explores, the expansive facility boasts a bar with one of the largest TV screens around, along with epicurean delights and refreshing drinks. But that’s just the beginning. Up Your Alley goes above and beyond with axe throwing, arcade games, 20 bowling lanes, laser tag and the captivating Cyber Sport.
Cyber Sport, a WhirlyBall variant that was developed by Lasertron, offers a unique twist with different cars and scoring targets. With illuminated team colors and a high-tech projected scoreboard, it’s a futuristic take on the classic game. As Nate attests, “It is harder than it looks,” adding a layer of challenge to the thrills.
Ross proudly declares Up Your Alley to be the premier entertainment destination in northwest Indiana, and Nate wholeheartedly agrees – it’s a guaranteed good time. From the delectable food to the array of activities, Up Your Alley stands alone in offering a one-stop-shop for an unforgettable night out.
Excerpt adapted from Barry Zelickson’s special report for RePlay Magazine.
Our Favorite Parts of Up Your Alley:
The awesome team experience of CyberSport
Various activities such as axe throwing, bowling, arcade games and more
Great location to hang out and enjoy food & drinks.
Check out our full visit to Up Your Alley on YouTube!
Looking to visit Up Your Alley?
Address: 1048 Indianapolis Blvd, Schererville, IN 46375
In today’s adventure lets head to Lincoln Park, Illinois, where we find one of Spin Art Nation’s seven locations. While some of their other locations offer a smorgasbord of attractions, this one is all about bicycle spin art. You might remember spin art from your trips to a county or state fair, where you and a bunch of folks squirted paint onto a spinning canvas. Well gang, Spin Art Nation has cranked the fun dial up to eleven!
A Unique Artistic Experience
The moment you step in, you’re encouraged to unleash your inner artist. You pick a name for your nametag, don a “minion suit” (as described by associate producer Sarah Kingsburg) and you’re ready to create your masterpiece. But here’s the twist: it’s a team effort. It requires one member to sit on the bike and pedal, while the artist gives instructions to the biker on when to start, stop and how fast to go. All this happens while the artist chooses their inspiration along with the paint, glitter and whatever else they need to begin creating their masterpiece. It’s like a creative symphony on wheels!
During our visit, each bay was buzzing with different groups, from families to corporate teams and it clearly was a hot spot for date nights too. What sets this place apart is how it pulls everyone into the experience. Once the “minion suits” are on, and the goggles are in place, every artist, bicycle companion, and the cheering crowd are transformed. Their sole focus becomes the group they’re with and the art they’re creating.
When the adventure is over, you carry home your priceless artwork in a big box, just like a leftover pizza, for you to enjoy the next morning. Time is booked in hour increments which provides enough time for each guest to get changed, create a masterpiece, get cleaned up and hit the road with work of art in hand. The costs vary based on the size of the canvas, and the best part? You can walk away and let someone else handle the mess.
Excerpt adapted from Barry Zelickson’s special report for RePlay Magazine.
Our Favorite Parts of Spin Art Nation:
Great group experience and teambuilding opportunity.
Experience creating art from start to finish and getting to take it home!
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create art in a unique location.
Check out our full visit to Spin Art Nation on YouTube!
Looking to visit Spin Art Nation, Lincoln Park?
Address: 2828 N Clark St Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60657
