Disney doesn't want to give the competition a sporting chance. In 1997, it branched out with the multimillion-dollar ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (known as Disney's Wide World of Sports in a previous life), a 200-acre facility. The Mouse hit a home run with a 7,500-seat baseball stadium -- dubbed Cracker Jack Stadium in 2002 -- that's the spring-training home of the Atlanta Braves. In addition, there's a 5,000-seat field house featuring six basketball courts, a fitness center, and training rooms; major-league practice fields and pitching mounds; 4 softball fields; 12 tennis courts, including a 2,000-seat stadium center court; a track-and-field complex; a golf driving range; and more. The Hess Sports Fields include baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and football fields, while the Jostens Center (a state-of-the-art multisport field house) practically doubles the complex's capacity for indoor sporting events. Future additions include a 100-lane bowling center (one of the largest bowling facilities in the U.S.). A variety of events, from tennis tournaments to band competitions, has been held here since the center opened. For information about events taking place during your stay, call tel. 407/939-1500 or visit www.disneyworldsports.com.
So, if you and your kids are sports nuts, you won't have to forgo your fix while in Orlando. Even taking the above into account, Disney isn't the only show in town.
The Multisports Experience -- The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World has an expanded multisports venue that lets you test your skills at football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Outside of pandemic measures, it's open on select days. For information, call tel. 407/939-1500.
If you're a true sports fan, your best bet is to request in advance a package of information about the facilities and a calendar of events. Write to ESPN Wide World of Sports, P.O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000, or call tel. 407/939-1500. Online, check out www.disneysports.com.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
