Dave & Buster’s officially opens Orlando video game arcade and restaurant on International Drive

in Entertainment, Food

One of Orlando’s most active nighttime streets just got even more fun as the popular arcade, restaurant, and bar chain Dave & Buster’s has opened a new location in the former home of Race Rock. Located on the west side of International Drive, Dave & Buster’s officially opens today offering visitors plenty of unique gaming opportunities and plenty of food and drinks to enjoy.

I attended a VIP pre-opening event Saturday night benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida and sampled the food, drinks, and plenty of video games throughout the huge venue.

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

As with anywhere on International Drive, the busy night made parking an issue, with the new D&B lot long filled up before I arrived. But other than that small problem, the night was trouble free as I played plenty of video games, won some tickets, filled up on food, and left ready to turn around and do it all over again.

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Gameplay is easy when loading up money onto “Power Cards” and video games are reasonably priced. For $20, I easily spent more than an hour playing video games. Those interested in winning prizes from the huge selection will note that ticket games are a bit more expensive to play. But prizes are a-plenty ranging from small candies all the way up to a Playstation 3 for 35,000 tickets!

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave and Buster’s offers a variety of games, with many unique options I’d never seen before. I particularly enjoyed the enclosed NASCAR racing game (with real remote control cars), Frightfearland shooting game battling evil clowns in an amusement park, and giant “The Price is Right”-style spinning wheel for tickets.

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Out of the food I sampled from the Dave & Buster’s restaurant, the Philly Cheesesteak egg roll stood out to me as the most unique and enjoyable, though perhaps not the healthiest option around. But there’s plenty to choose from on the menu.

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

Dave & Buster's in Orlando

A centralized bar allows adults who aren’t big into gaming to enjoy a few drinks and socialize. Though I suspect the ticket games will entice any adults who aren’t good at video games but enjoy gambling. There’s no gambling for cash at Dave & Buster’s, but many of the machines are similar to casino games.

It pays to pay attention to deals offered by Dave & Buster’s before going. Every Wednesday features half-price games. The “eat & play combo” offers food and a $10 game card for only $15.99. And the Dave & Buster’s rewards program gives $10 for gameplay just for signing up, with more bonuses down the line.

More information and operating hours can be found on the Dave & Buster’s web site.

More photos from Dave & Buster’s on International Drive in Orlando:

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