MagiQuest opens in Lombard

Inside the new MagiQuest that opens Thursday at Yorktown Center mall in Lombard, computer technology, elaborate scenery and live actors merge to create a Medieval adventure game.

Greeted by Renaissance-style guides who help novices, visitors must purchase a computerized wand that helps them complete any of 20 quests and four adventures offered inside, including slaying a digital dragon.

While geared toward children and young teens, parents also can join the tasks that evoke a "Harry Potter" feel. Visitors develop a character and their wand helps keep track of all the spells and quests they complete.

The wand is used to communicate with computerized characters, bring paintings to life, open treasure chests and illuminate jewels and caldrons.

Aurora resident Lisa Byrne stopped in for a VIP preview Wednesday with her sons Riley, 11, and Brady, 10. Although she thought a younger set might enjoy MagiQuest a bit more, she was pleased to see her sons getting into the groove.

Taking a break from wielding his wand at treasure chests that open with a flick of his wrist, Brady said he liked the venue's interactive style.

"In a video game, you just get to push buttons and here you actually have to run around," he said. "If I had to tell me friends about this, I'd say it's awesome."

The 19,000-square-foot entertainment zone stands next to Lucky Strike lanes on the mall's lower level. It is the 15th U.S. location to open and a second entertainment venture for Jim and Kirsten Legner of Clarendon Hills.

The couple already owns Amazing Chicago Funhouse Maze at Navy Pier. And Kirsten grew up shadowing her entrepreneur father, who once owned entertainment ships at Navy Pier.

"I love when we get the wows from kids," said Kirsten Legner. "When a customer says 'You've made a difference,' that just feels so good."