The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World is an athletic center and venue that hosts athletes of all ages in tournaments and competitions at the Walt Disney World resort.
I was very familiar with Disney trips to visit the popular theme parks, but I was surprised to learn that many families visit Disney to participate in sports events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
There are different venues and sports events throughout the complex that happen at different times of the year. Sports fans visiting central Florida should check out the annual events and see if you can fit it into your Disney trip.
What is Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a premier site for amateur sports in the nation. It hosts over 70 different sports a year and hosts more than 100 entertainment and sporting events annually.
AAU clubs from across the nation, and the globe, gather at Walt Disney World for their events. There are 8 different venues throughout the complex. Each able to host different sporting events.
- AdventHealth Areana: indoor area customizable to your event
- Athletic Center: indoor area with basketball courts and cheer competitions
- Baseball Quadraplex: outdoor baseball fields with lights and practice field
- Marathon Sports Fields: football, soccer, and more outdoor events
- Softball Diamondplex: featuring 6 fields
- State Farm Fieldhouse: multi-sport facility indoors that hosts volleyball courts, cheer and dance, basketball
- The Stadium: features 9500 seats for a professional feel for youth baseball
- Track and Field Complex: premier training facility and host
- Tennis Complex: Hosts clay courts championship
Dining at ESPN Wide World of Sports
ESPN Wide World of Sports has a few dining options. ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill is a quick-service dining restaurant located across from Champion Stadium. The menu items include burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
There are also concessions located throughout the complex and teams may pre-order catering and boxed lunches. If you are looking for coffee there is an on-site Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea at the ESPN Wide World of Sports welcome center.
Where to Stay When Visiting ESPN Wide World of Sports
The on-site Disney resorts that are close to the complex are the All-Star resorts. Pop Century and Art of Animation are also a short drive. Bus transportation is not provided unless set up by your organization.
Tips for ESPN Wide World of Sports
ESPN Wide World of Sports is a great place to visit with your family during your Disney vacation but here are a few tips and things to know before you visit.
- There is a general admission fee at the box office of $19.50 (Ages 10+) and $14.50 (Ages 3-9).
- Depending on the event, length-of-admission tickets are available and special events may require additional charges.
- Bus transportation is not always available. During specific events bus transportation can be found from Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
- General Parking is available free of charge.
- Check out the event page for pricing and more event specific information.
- The event page also gives you options for signing up a team for a specific tournament.
- Game Day photos photographers can be booked in advance to capture the moments on the field. Learn more here.
Athletes participating in a competition do not receive theme park admission. That would need to be purchased at an additional cost.
7 Reasons to Visit the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
This is all amazing and the facility is great, but I really wanted to know why I would visit with my family during our Disney World vacation.
After touring the facilities and learning more about what inspires the people behind the scenes at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex I understand why adding a visit would enhance your Disney trip.
Support Youth Sports Around the Globe
ESPN Wide World of Sports hosts athletes from over 70 countries all around the world. It brings cultures and people together around their love of sports.
During your Disney vacation you could watch young soccer athletes from all over the world participate in the Disney Cup International event. This event held in July is a great way to support athletes from all over the world.
Inspire Your Kids to Do Their Disney Best
Disney is all about dreams and magic, and doing your best. At the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex the passion and determination of these young athletes collide with the Disney magic and it is amazing.
To watch the drive of these athletes and the value that Disney shows them is incredible.
We expect Disney magic at the parks, but the little Disney touches make the time spent at the complex extra special.
Disney offers game-day photography services for teams as well as team meals and equipment drop off options. It’s the little touches that inspire kids to do their Disney best!
Not Your Typical Ball Park Food
I am always looking to find great food options when we visit Disney World and the ESPN Wide World of Sports delivers.
They have a Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company locations through the complex. They offer coffee and pastries as well as healthier options for the athletes and their families.
Inside the complex they also have the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Grill that has burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and more. It also has a SportsCenter desk for live ESPN broadcasting from the complex.
During my visit I had the opportunity to taste 4 Rivers Smokehouse. They offer two concession venues inside The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports complex and you don’t want to miss it. The menu includes brisket, pulled pork, and delicious desserts.
Soccer Camps for Locals
One of the questions I was asked before I visited the complex was are there activities for the locals to get involved. IdeaSports is a way to play and get involved at the complex. IdeaSport is a soccer academy that runs day camps and overnight camps through the year. They offer training for boys and girls ages 5-19. Learn more here.
Support the Dreams of Your Kids
Disney is all about Dreams. It is about bringing your dreams to life. At the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex playing at a large arena where the professionals have played brings many young athletes dreams to life.
As a parent the complex allows you to share in the big dreams of your kids. To help them become part of the magic of Disney all while following their passion for sports.
RunDisney Events
Another way to get involved with ESPN at Disney is to participate in a RunDisney event. I have heard about these events but I didn’t know much about them. I learned that there are 4 events held at the Walt Disney World resort annually and each weekend offers something for everyone.
From kids races, to 5k and 10k races, to half and full marathons there are so many ways to participate in the RunDisney events. As a family we are going to try to participate in the 5k and work as a family to promote health and wellness along with our love of Disney.
Sets the Standard with Next Level People that Are Passionate and Love What They Do
As always anything that has the Disney name creates magic and an environment like no other. As I toured the facility and spoke with many people about what they do I could feel the energy and excitement.
Visiting ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is like no other sporting facility in the world because of the people.
The people behind the scenes helping to create the magic and the moments that the athletes and their families will forever remember. Their passion and love for the taking the complex to the next level and creating an incredible experience shines through in all corners of the complex.
If you love sports and there is a particular event happening during your visit you may want to include a visit to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Take a look at the most updated events page to see what is happening during your visit.
A visit to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will enhance your Disney vacation in surprising ways. You will see the special Disney touches and watch as lives are inspired daily on and off the fields.