Facts about ESPN Wide World of Sports

This sports complex facility was founded in the 1997 and is formerly known as Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex before it became ESPN in February 25, 2010. The ESPN Wide World of Sports is a fully-functional huge sport facility housing the famous Champion Stadium with 9,500 seats, four and a half baseball fields, an indoor arena, tennis courts, track and field complexes, a softball quadruplex, and the new facility “Hess Sports Fields” to accommodate 10 more different sports.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is 220 acre big that includes 9 venues which come to host many professional and amateur events every year such as the World Baseball Classic, U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, Disney Soccer Showcase, AAU Super Showcase, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour Championships, U.S. Transplant Games, and many more.

Admission

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has a current admission of $14.50 and $10.00 for adults and kids (3-9 years old). However, some events which are held at Champion Stadium, HP Field House and Jostens Center require higher permit fees. One can use his permit entry to the whole complex. There is a ticket requirement to eat at ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill. Permit entry is not needed to access the Clubhouse Giftshop.

The Venues

Champion Stadium
It is one of the pioneer components of Wide World of sports. Built in 1997, this 9,500 seat baseball stadium is known in its old names, Cracker Jack Stadium and The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. It is Atlanta Braves’ spring training base and the Golf Coast Braves’ recurring home.

Hp Field House
Known formerly as Milk House, HP Field House is a 5,000-seat multipurpose arena. It owns a total of 70,000 square feet in a stadium style seating. Its highest row is 35 feet above the floor. It also has a small gymnasium behind.

Jostens Center
This is a 44,800-square-foot arena 36% smaller than HP Field House which was opened in the fall of 2008. It has a seating capacity of 1,200. It features six college-size basketball course, two roller hockey rinks or twelve volleyball courts.

Hess Sports Fields
It has eight multipurpose fields to host numerous different sports. Its two fields are made for night play, and four are equipped for international soccer dimensions. The fields have differing number of seats which sums up to almost 3,000 with supplementary grandstands.

Baseball Quadraplex
It has four professional baseball fields and one practice infield. Two of its fields are furnished for night play. The quadraplex has ten bullpens, master pitching machines, pitching, mounds, batting tunnels, and hitting tunnels.

Softball Diamondplex
It has six fields prepared for softball and baseball use. The four fields are in circle while the two are made adjacent.

Center Court Stadium
This is a ten-court tennis complex with up to 8,500 seats.

Cross Country Course
This course is composed of a 1.1 kilometer wooded trail, track and field complex, and multi-purpose fields.

Track and Field Complex
This complex is a 500-seat competition facility which is consisted by a mine lane track, two pole vault runways, three shot put rings, two horizontal runways, two hammer rings, two high jump areas, and a javelin runway designed after the specifications set by International Association of Athletics Federations.

Dining

The former Official All Star Café is now ESPN Wide World Sports of Grill. It is open on most events from 10 am to 8pm. It’s widely available at off-hours for reservations and other functions.
The PlayStation Pavilion is also located at the ESPN Grill. It has a number of PlayStation 3 consoles with a rate of $5 per minute.

Gift Shop

No admission required. Gift shops are available at Champion Stadium, HP Field House, the one beside the box office.

ESPN Innovation Lab

This is an innovation dedicated to advance sports television technology as part of ESPN’s re-branding course.

Other Facilities

The complex got free Wi-Fi internet access at quite a few locations. ATMs can be found at the main entrance, in the Champion Stadium and the HP Field House. Water fountains are also scattered throughout the complex.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Policies and Procedures

For all the athletes and spectators, there are policies and procedures that you need to bear in mind when you see or play sports in ESPN Wide World of Sports:

Spectator and Admissions: All spectators are obliged to purchase admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex by either daily individual admission tickets or length of event (LOE) passes that is valid for all days of the games schedule. These tickets are non-refundable, regardless of days your team competes.

Seating and Shade: Each of the diamonds had permanent bench style seats. You may bring your own tents and chairs provided that they do not get in the way with the field of play or games on the ground.

Coolers: Individual 1 gallon coolers and 5 gallon coolers per team are permitted. But, alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited.

Lockers or Storage: Be aware that there is no storage for team equipments at the venue. All teams should keep their equipments with them at all times. Any loss of equipments will not be of responsibility by the complex.

Equipment Drop Off: You may leave your equipments at the designated equipment site near the bus drop off zone and load it onto an equipment cargo. This service is a courtesy of the complex to its guests.

Concession Stands: Teams and Spectators will find concession stands conveniently located throughout the property.

ESPN Wide World of Sports is truly an interesting place to visit for a sport fan! For more convenient accommodations in case you need to stay long in Orlando, Florida you can check out Discount Vacation Rentals Online’s rental page for beautiful and affordable house rentals near ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Have a wonderful and memorable sporting experience!

Where to Find the Baby Care Centers

Disney World Baby Care Centers are found at four parks. At Magic Kingdom, it is situated near the First Aid Station, in the middle of Casey’s and the Crystal Palace. This is the busiest among the four. It has all the things you need: medicines, baby foods, diapers, etc. Besides, there are four sections in the place which can cater to the different needs of the infant. This BCC has a complete set of facilities for your little ones, such as sinks, nursing room, changing room, and many more. While waiting, you may sit and watch TV.

On the other hand, another resting place for babies is also found in Epcot, to be found at Odyssey Center between Test Track and Showcase Plaza. Your child can find comfort in this huge Disney World Baby Care Center. There is a play room with toys and books, changing room, feeding area, nursing room, and rest rooms. You can also buy diapers, and other merchandise at their kitchen area.

Moving on to another theme park, you can likewise change and feed your child at Hollywood Studios. It is situated inside the Guest Relations near the main entrance. You may serve the needs of your tot here, yet this place is mainly for minimal purposes. This also has complete amenities, and baby items are bought at Movieland.

The fourth Disney World Baby Care Center is at Animal Kingdom. Just take a short walk and bring your cute child to the left of Tree of Life in the building before crossing the bridge into Africa. It is the largest center among the four. Buy your baby’s diapers, wipes, lotions, and the like at the entry room. The big center is painted vividly, and crafted with wildlife theme, and you and your wide-eyed tot will be amazed by just looking at its designs. Like the aforementioned BCC’s, the place also has entertainment room, feeding and changing area at the back room, and nursing room, too!

Taking your baby to an escapade will surely not be a problem. With BCCs in Walt Disney World, your family vacation is a pleasure to hold!

More or less 70 teams of paddlers, local and foreign will be witnessed to accomplish a single goal. They will gather in Orlando all the way from North America, and as far as Nova Scotia.

It will be exciting to witness competing teams driving their boats forward and rowing to the rhythm of pounding drums. The boat is 40-foot canoe furnished with dragon head and tail that holds 20 paddlers. Inspired by the great record performance and mass spectator, the participants will move their paddles in row with precision, competing right away to the finish line.

Everything is about teamwork, strength and body-endurance. Loud drums and big-sounding cheers of crowd will be heard echoing across the Lake.

How Dragon Boat Festival Came into Being

The Dragon Boat Festival is a customary water-sport fest originated from the Ancient Chinese. As for Chinese custom, dragon represents wisdom and is a powerful symbol of spring rain growth in Chinese culture. Thus, Disney World created this event to refresh one’s mind and body for amusement and health.

Highlights of the Festival

The opening ceremony of the Walgreen’s Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival will set the fire of competition through live performances, demonstrations and team introductions. The event will embrace racing, pre and post event celebrations, as well as other activities offered by Walt Disney World Resort. There are also shore-side entertainments like food, beverages, merchandise, entertainment and kids’ play areas for everyone. The event is open to the public and for all ages.

The Highlights are:
• Athlete’s Village
• Exhibitor’s Village
• Mixed, Men and Women Division Races
• Industry Challenges
• Breast Cancer Survivor Division
• Video Replay from Start to Finish (electronic)
• Wonderful Spectator/Viewing Areas
• Food Concessions
• World Class Equipment
• Awarding (Medal and Trophy) Ceremony

Witness the power of the dragon to combine with the magic of Disney. This is certainly a fun and exciting experience just right for you and your whole family. It will give you a kind of entertainment that you will never forget. So never miss the intense excitement that this Festival will bring.

To know complete details, fees and registration, visit the organizer’s site here.

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This fantastic event promotes women’s perseverance, empowerment, health, fitness and determination. It enhances passion to running. Running relieves stress, gives you time to yourself and practice self-esteem. It’s a perfect blend of enjoyment, excitement,relaxation, adventure and weekend getaway—all together.

Why Join the Disney Princess Half Marathon?

This challenge is also ideal whether you are a first timer or seasoned runner. But what is the most interesting about this challenge, is that you will be in a company of thousands of women from all over the world of different ages giving you the inspiration to focus on your goal. Among the advantages of joining this challenge are: you will gain and develop self-confidence, meet new friends from different places and revive the spirit of womanhood.

The Disney Princess Half Marathon is an ideal vacation destination event for families looking for fun, outstanding and healthy retreat. It will be a full blast to every participant to run through the castle and get cheered on by family and friends. Every pace they will take will be magically memorable! It gives chances to every woman to experience the thrilling fun brought by the happiest place on Earth.

Every woman ages 14 and above has the opportunity to run. Men participants are also welcome to accompany their wife and children but they are exempted to get into and be one of the top runners. Of course only women are eligible for awards; there are no men’s categories. They will just have to assist their women to this race and to have fun seeing them persevere.

The event will take place at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on February 24-26, 2012. It is a 13.1 mile course of the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Theme Park that is set to celebrate women who prove that anything is possible in life’s fairytale.

Prizes await the lucky winners of the challenge. Finishers will receive a Princess Crown Medal. No matter you win or you lose, the best thing is that you took part in the country’s most popular women’s event.

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Get healthy and have fun!

Just as the sun starts to rise, Disney Expedition Everest Challenge 2012 is on the go! Spectacular fireworks will enlighten the Disney sky to commence the contest. It will start at the Butterfly Parking Lot of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Be sure to run fast along with your group members and bring home the first place! The road to victory is only 5,000 meters long laid with obstacles to slow you down. This is a test of strength and endurance. You must be at least 9 years of age in order to become a participant to this challenge.

The excitement of Disney Expedition Everest Challenge 2012 fires up as it adds new features! You will become an explorer and search for the hidden clues that will confuse you before going to the finish line. Solve the clues as you race along the tracks. Water stops are provided to quench your thirst. There are also medical staffs to ensure the health and safety of all.

The grandeur of Disney Expedition Everest Challenge 2012 does not stop there. After the exhilarating awesome marathon, you will go wild and ecstatic as the premiere theme park in Orlando will kick off a non-stop party during the Awarding Ceremony on the 6th of May. It will be held at Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland U.S.A. It will reel until midnight!

Go and indulge yourselves with fantastic attractions that will happen at Kali River Rapids, Dinosaur, Dinoland USA, and Expedition Everest. Dance along with other racers and jive to the music played by a disk jockey. You may also purchase their mouthwatering foods and drinks. For sure, this will be the most unique and fun-filled running event.

Hurry now and take part in this Disney challenge. Everybody will be given the full chance to enjoy the day and to bring home wonderful freebies! Here’s the list of the giveaways that each participant will receive:

• Champion Race Tech Shirt
• Personalized race bib (register before April 6, 2012)
• ChronoTrack B-Tag Timed Event
• Special 5th Edition Expedition Everest Challenge Finisher medal
• Post-race refreshments
• Admission to an exclusive post-race party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

To register for this event and be informed with fees, click here.

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Must See Events at the International Flower and Garden Festival 2012

Are you planning to reinvent your garden but you do not know how to do it? Well, worry no more and join the program. Sponsored by HGTV, popular horticulturists and landscapers will support the event to impart knowledge on tourists. These designers will aim to impart knowledge on effective ways to beautify your gardens, tips on enhancing and transforming your gardens without spending much. Designers include Genevieve Gorder, Lisa LaPorta, Kim Myles, Vern Yip, and many others.

As many as 100 topiaries around the theme park will enthrall the guests of Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. It comes in many designs and characters that you would love but wonders how they are being created. Here you can see Disney characters, sand castles, playground toys, animals, and other genres that you would see as spectacular. The topiaries will stand as high as seven to eight feet tall.

Epcot will feature our beloved movie characters from Toy Story such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Lotso. Moreover, Cars characters Lightning McQueen and Mater are edified out of plants.

Moreover, celebrate the beautiful music of the past as Flower Power Concert Series will include rendition of our retro bands. To those who love and miss the 60’s and 70’s music, it is your chance to sing along with the large crowd and be hippie for a moment. The performers are Jose Feliciano, The Guess Who, Chubby Checker and the Wildcats, Starship starring Mickey Thomas, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Davy Jones, and Herman’s Hermits. The Flower Power Concert Series shall take place at American Gardens Theater nightly on 5:15, 6:30, and 7:45 in the evening.

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Prepare yourself for a bunch of beautiful memories and magical moments!

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Program

FRIDAY (January 06, 2012) will be the Kids’ Races. All pre-registered kids ages 13 and below can be a part of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. They can participate in these three different categories: the infant diaper dash, 100m dash, 200m dash, 400m dash, the Mickey Mil, and Disney Family Fiesta 5k featuring the Three Caballeros.

SATURDAY (January 07, 2012) will be the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. This is a 13.1 mile run that will lead the runners through Magic Kingdom Park going to a thrilling finish at Epcot®. This is always a special event, and it will even be made more special as they celebrate the 15th anniversary of the half marathon race with special edition of commemorative Donald Duck medal for all the participants. There will also be another simultaneous events, such as the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge.

SUNDAY (January 08. 2012) will be the highlight of this weekend happening. This will feature a magical 26.2 miles of running and walking. The whole course will pass you through all the four wonderful Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The starting line is at Epcot going to the Magic Kingdom Park, to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, until you reach the finish point at Epcot. There will also be a Walt Disney World Marathon Relay on the same day that it will be held simultaneously.

Walt Disney World Marathon Commemorative Items

By joining this event, you have the chance to collect Walt Disney’s commemorative items even if you don’t grab the top places of the race. It’s in the bag! The promise of joy and magic of this event will spread throughout the race and for everyone to enjoy. As you celebrate the magic of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, you can get special commemorative items that will help you preserve your magical experience.

There are a lot of items you can choose from, like special edition commemorative pins, Mickey Ears, Donald Duck medal, Goofy bags, and more. Certificates and photos will also be given to all the racers.

Registrations and Accommodations

Do not miss the chance to join this Disney World annual event. You can have yourself and the kids join the upcoming event by registering online. Be counted now. Check the event’s Registration page here.

For this advent, you can choose to stay longer to Orlando, Florida to check out more of the beauty of this place. Rent a wonderful vacation house where you can take peaceful and comfortable respites after tiring days from events and attractions. DVRO can provide you needed access from the vacation home to Central Florida’s major destinations. Take full advantage and enjoy the city of Orlando.

To commence your steps, begin by planning the itinerary for a Disney World holiday experience. There are a lot of exciting attractions waiting to happen and be remembered by the theme park guests, for life!

How can Disney World be the Best Gift this Christmas?

During the Christmas holiday, Disney becomes the merriest place on earth. It hosts certain events that celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Epcot, for instance, has various celebrations on Christ’s nativity according to cultures and traditions around the globe.

Furthermore, let your family experience shows and entertainment that would amaze and excite them. Disney World is transformed into the best haven during Christmastime. Who would like to gaze at wonderful firework displays and lights illuminating around the theme park? This is your family’s chance to witness and involve themselves into parades, merrymaking, dances, music and magic filled encounters inside the theme park.

It is recommended that as soon as possible, you must arrange reservations at Disney World so there will be a guaranteed seat in the park’s attractions and dining options on your special day. Disney World is visited by thousands of tourists so it is expected that you must book your trip ahead.

The best way to make gifts even more remarkable is to use the element of surprise. At Dream Makers, you may select Disney goods and mementos for your kids. Your selections will be delivered with bouquets directly to recipients while dining or checking out shows and attractions. Sounds sweet, isn’t it?

Make their holiday even more special by availing the Disney Gift Card. With this, your loved ones will have access to shopping areas and dining locations by just having a personalized card. Besides, the Disney gift card can be used in going to events at Disney World’s theme parks, Downtown Disney, water parks, and resort.

What is a Disney Gift Card and How to Avail It?

1. There are plenty of card designs you can choose from. Select a design that will make your loved ones happy. There are also a wide collection of Christmas themed designs.

2. It can be customized, so you may insert your personal message on the card.

3. Once you had emailed them and informed your address, it will be delivered directly to you. Suddenly, it’s magic!

After all, the most important gift that you can give this yuletide season is to let them feel that they are valued.

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Are you ready to find out the Walt Disney World Holiday events? Brace yourself for this wonderful line up of activities to love inside the theme park.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

From November 8 to December 18, the road of Magic Kingdom will be filled with several Disney characters and entertainers, giving you live entertainment every night, plus spectacular fireworks display! It is a great opportunity to take a picture with the Disney characters, so better bring your cameras. They will be everywhere! Besides, the wonderful Cinderella Castle will even be wonderful with its transformation as Castle Dream Lights. The Christmas spirit will be felt through the magical snow fall on Main Street USA.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

In Arkansas, Jennings Osborne was fond of decorating their home with Christmas design. And now, the tradition was brought to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as one of the Walt Disney World holiday events. On November 10-December 7, and on December 9 to January 7, 2012, the streets will be full of dashing lights, twirling carousels, angels and Santa Claus. More so, the multicolored lights will complement into the holiday tunes. Truly, this section of Disney World will be more fantastic!

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade

Experience another Christmas feeling as you celebrate Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom from November 10, 2011 through January 3, 2012. Don’t miss Mickey’s festive parade along with his friends. Life-sized puppets will joyfully rock the streets with their dances and sways, too.

Festival of the Season

The holiday events will take place even in Downtown Disney on November 9 to January 8, 2012. In Festival of the Seasons, the theme park will be revamped for better commemoration of Christ’s birth. There will be live entertainment by Christmas carolers, and performances on Latin, jazz, and pop rendition on our well-loved Christmas songs. Besides, the deejays will play upbeat songs for the groovy road dance party. If you are fortunate enough, you may catch Santa Claus and get up close and personal. Take a picture with him and let him know your wish list!

As holidays are for sharing and giving, buy some presents for your beloveds from various shopping venues, such as Once Upon a Toy, World Disney and Disney’s Days of Christmas.

Holiday around the World to Candlelight Processional

On November 25 until December 30, 2011, Epcot theme park will celebrate Christmas in a 5-day event called Holiday around the World to Candlelight Processional. The choirs, fireworks, lights and story-telling sessions will make the spirit of Christmas come alive. There are 11 different pavilions in the theme park representing different nations.

Famous celebrities will be invited to narrate Christmas story accompanied with angelic choir singing on rhyme with a 50-piece orchestra. You can also avail of the free lunch and dinner packages as you enjoy the program.

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Happy Holidays!!!

Not your Ordinary Movie House

With 24 immense movie screens, AMC Downtown Disney 24 offers each moviegoer an extraordinary film experience for the place itself is world-class! As you enter into this theater, you will be sitting prettily in a huge leather loveseat. It is too cozy that you may even recline while watching your favorite movie.

AMC Downtown Disney 24 never gets left behind with the technological innovations of a moving picture in a modern era. Each floor-to-ceiling screen is equipped with THX Surround Sound and Sound Dynamic Digital Sound for each film scenes to be very realistic. This ear-tingling and advanced sound system is even coupled with very clear display, which makes this place a venue for movie goers. In the United States, AMC’s Auditorium One is the first to have an Enhanced Theater Experience (ETX™), which provides state-of-the-art facilities such as the 3D technology, and a 12-channel audio and digital projection.

Ever wondering what are the movies currently shown in AMC Downtown Disney? Click here to take a look at the recent films and purchase tickets.

A Dining Experience within a Theater

Watching your movie will not be complete without chewing something yummy. In AMC Downtown Disney 24, you may order meals and cocktails through the Fork & Spoon. With a friendly accommodation from waiters, this dining experience will also make sure that you shall not only be engrossed with the movie, but also with the menu that they offer. There is a table in front of the loveseat, so you can eat comfortably.

Mementos for Sale at the Marketplace Concessions Stand

They also sell new things as remembrance for your best movie experience. You may choose from any of concessionaire’s booths, or you may proceed to the food and beverage sections for a choice of delectable grabs to fill empty stomachs.

Next Destination: MacGuffins Bar

After a mixture of emotions from the movie you saw at AMC Downtown Disney, you may share your very thoughts with anyone in the MacGuffins Bar. There, you can have much fun chatting and enjoying beers and there great wine list to complete the happy experience.

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