Category: Sports

Braves Spring Training Games at Disney Begin Today

Atlanta Braves spring training games get underway today at Champion Stadium when they host the Washington Nationals – their National League East division rivals.

This year marks Atlanta’s 21st season of conducting spring training workouts at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

Atlanta’s rather impressive lineup contains several seasoned veterans and a bevy of talented newcomers, so watching this team this spring should be an exciting proposition for Braves fans.

Atlanta’s spring training home schedule is an attractive one with games against perennial MLB playoff clubs like the Nationals (Feb. 26, March 1), the St. Louis Cardinals (March 3, 17), the vaunted New York Yankees (March 9, 24) and the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros (March 8).

Disney character appearances and special moments such as kids running the bases after every game are some of the in-game entertainment opportunities that make Braves spring training at Disney a unique experience.

From a concessions perspective, Braves fans will be able to sample several new food and beverage options this season including the new Latin Rice Bowl (chicken or pork), which is available on the third-base patio at the stadium.

For those Braves fans who enjoy specialty craft beers, there are four new offerings this spring at the stadium.

Chopsecutioner, the first new craft beer, is produced by the Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, GA. This beer has a citrusy, hoppy flavor which is nicely paired with the beef brisket from Barbecue Smokehouse.

Bell’s Oberen Ale wheat beer from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan is available and should be paired with the chicken nugget basket from Champion Stadium’s Home Plate Grill.

Una Mas Amber Lager from Left Coast Brewing in California is the third new craft beer, which goes great with the buffalo chicken sandwich at the stadium, while Dock Light IPA from 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg, Florida rounds out the new craft beer selections. It should be paired with mini-hotdogs and brats from Slider Station on the third-base patio at the stadium.

Braves fans can purchase individual spring training game tickets at www.espnwwos.com/braves, through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. Tickets range from $15 (general admission berm seating in left field) to $59 (lower level reserved seats).

We’ll see you all at the ball park!

February 26, 2018
Eagles Star Quarterback Nick Foles Celebrates Super Bowl Title at Walt Disney World

It was a fairytale scene Monday, complete with its own castle, as Super Bowl hero Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles starred in a milestone moment – a celebratory “I’m Going to Disney World!” parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park.

In front of the majesty of Cinderella Castle the day after the Eagles’ 41-33 improbable Super Bowl victory, park guests and Eagles fans lined the famous street as a smiling Foles waved from a float he shared with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other beloved Disney characters. Balloons and a blizzard of confetti in the Eagles’ team colors completed the happy scene.

“World champions,” shouted Foles. “To be at Disney World is unbelievable.”

Afterward, Nick Foles and the gang spent some time enjoying Disney World, experiencing several signature Disney attractions and interacting with Mickey and Minnie.

It was a magical experience for the hero of Super Bowl LII who passed for three touchdowns and caught a fourth touchdown pass (unprecedented for a quarterback in Super Bowl history) in Philadelphia’s upset victory on Sunday night in Minneapolis. A backup quarterback for most of the season, Foles stepped into the starter’s role in December and turned in a stunning performance in Sunday’s big game. His heroics helped him deliver Eagles fans their first world championship in franchise history and earned Foles the game’s Most Valuable Player award.

After the Super Bowl victory, Foles looked into the TV cameras and announced he was “Going to Disney World,” an iconic line that is part of a TV ad airing nationally.

Foles’ trip Monday to Walt Disney World Resort continued a rich Disney history that began in 1987 when New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms first uttered those famous words “I’m Going to Disney World!” Thirty-one years later, the post-championship celebrations that take place at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida or Disneyland Resort in California remain an enduring reminder of the power of magic that happens at Disney Parks.

February 6, 2018
Eagles MVP Nick Foles Is “Going To Disney World”

Sunday night Philadelphia clinched its historic Super Bowl title in Minneapolis and in historic fashion, moments after the victory, the Eagles star Nick Foles was asked what he is going to do next and he shouted those five immortal words: “I’m going to Disney World!”

Indeed, the hero of Super Bowl LII will soon be on his way to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida after becoming the latest NFL star to utter those iconic words as part of a national TV campaign following his team’s Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. He played a huge role in Philadelphia’s triumph, throwing three touchdown passes and he, himself, catching a touchdown pass, becoming the first quarterback in Super Bowl history to do that. In the end, Foles helped propel his team past the Patriots and into the Super Bowl record books.

Once he arrives at Walt Disney World Resort, they will pay tribute to him and the Eagles with a magical celebration at Magic Kingdom Park on Monday at 2:40 p.m.

Foles will be the star of a hero’s parade down Main Street, U.S.A., with popular Disney characters, festive music and lots of confetti. Afterwards, he will enjoy some fun time in the park, experiencing some of Walt Disney World Resort’s signature attractions.

If you happen to be at Walt Disney World Resort on Monday, head to Magic Kingdom for all of the merriment and fun as they celebrate the Eagles and their amazing Super Bowl accomplishment.

February 5, 2018
NFL Pro Bowl Week at Walt Disney World Resort

The Super Bowl teams are set for the biggest game of the year and that means the Pro Bowl isn’t too far away. Walt Disney World Resort will be kicking off NFL Pro Bowl Week and there are plenty of ways to catch the action.

All of the key Pro Bowl Week activities take place at our ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and many are free and open to the public, including the team practices. The AFC and NFC teams are training Wednesday starting at 10:30 and Thursday-Saturday starting at 11:30 am.

Fans can also cheer on their favorite players from the AFC and NFC as they go against each other in unique competitions at the 2018 Pro Bowl Skills Showdown. Tickets are limited – register here.

In addition to watching the players practice, fans can test their own football skills the NFL Pro Bowl Experience – a free, interactive fan zone with fun activities for the whole family. Open daily at 10 a.m. starting Wednesday, the NFL Pro Bowl Experience gives fans the opportunity to get even closer to the action with new football-related activities, immersive exhibits and sponsor activations.

After watching the pros, fans can get a look at the future at one of the NFL’s premier youth football events – the NFL FLAG Championships on Friday and Saturday. Fans interested in exclusive access to NFL-themed games and activities, youth football clinics and more, must register for the NFL Fan Mobile Pass.

The Pro Bowl fun extends beyond the field, too. There’s a Pro Bowl Fun Run Series at the Track & Field Complex at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Saturday at 1 pm. The event features distances for runners of all ages and abilities, and participants will receive a finisher medallion, a race bib and a commemorative item, plus post-race refreshments. Runners can also expect to see some of their favorite Disney characters, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and mascots along the way. Spots are still available here.

With complimentary parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, fans can partake in all of the exciting Pro Bowl action all week long! Fans can also head over to Disney Springs to catch the NFL Pro Bowl All-Star Pep Rally starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 27. The Pep Rally will feature special entertainment, games, NFL Cheerleaders and Mascot appearances, and more!

Those are just some of the many Pro Bowl Week activities here. To learn more ways to get in on the action or to purchase tickets for Sunday’s game at Camping World Stadium, visit http://www.nfl.com/probowl.

January 22, 2018
American Wins Disney Marathon For First Time Since 2004

No one does marathons like Disney and this past weekend runners started out 2018 with a 26.2-mile run through all four Walt Disney World theme parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna.

It was an action-packed race weekend that included the Walt Disney World 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race and Half Challenge, 5th Anniversary Dopey Challenge, runDisney Kids Races, and the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo.

Victory was especially sweet for runner Nick Hilton, who not only became the first American to win the race since 2004, but also qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the 2020 Summer Games.

Crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 17 minutes, 52 seconds, Hilton is only the fourth American to win the race. The last American winner was 14 years ago. A Brazilian runner had won the race six of the past seven years.

Celebrating 25 years of running magic with everyone’s favorite host, Mickey Mouse, at the most magical race on Earth, runners took on the exciting Walt Disney World Marathon. The marathon included plenty of surprises, entertainment, and Disney magic along the way.

With special entertainment experiences every half mile along the course, from full marching bands to a 100-member choir to nostalgic Disney movie soundtracks and exciting meet & greet opportunities with beloved Disney characters, the four-park celebration was nothing short of spectacular.

Along with the adrenaline-charged feeling of triumph, every runner received a commemorative finisher’s medal and special 25th anniversary Mickey Mouse ears to wear after crossing the finish line at Epcot.

Congratulations, runners! Check out more race weekend highlights in our video below.

January 10, 2018
UCF Knights Honored with Parade at Magic Kingdom

They may not have won the national championship, but UCF has won the respect of the nation as well as recognition from Walt Disney World. The mouse welcomed University of Central Florida Knights, Sunday, after their impressive undefeated season this year.

It was black and gold as far as the eye could see at Magic Kingdom Park as they celebrated UCF’s amazing football season with a magical parade at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The parade for Orlando’s hometown team follows a January 1 victory in the Peach Bowl that capped the Knights’ undefeated 13-0 season. Along with University of Central Florida student-athletes, today’s Magic Kingdom Park celebration included UCF cheerleaders and The Marching Knights, the university’s official band.

As you can see, the parade route down Main Street U.S.A was decorated in University of Central Florida colors, including black-and-gold balloons on lamp posts. And many guests wore UCF black-and-gold team shirts and jerseys to honor the team.

January 8, 2018
Bulldogs and Sooners Take a Timeout For Disneyland Before Rose Bowl

With only days until Georgia faces Oklahoma in the 104th Rose Bowl No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners and No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs enjoyed the tradition of going to Disneyland before their game at the Rose Bowl.

Walt Disney created the tradition in 1959 and for decades teams have visited the Happiest Place on Earth prior to the famous bowl game.

Before meeting on the field for the first time ever, the teams met earlier today for their first official pregame appearance, in a ceremony at Disney California Adventure park, hosted by former all-pro and host of ESPN SportsNation, Marcellus Wiley. During the ceremony, Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley and Georgia head coach Kirby Smart were welcomed by Disney California Adventure Vice President Patrick Finnegan in front of the rocking new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! along with Tournament of Roses President Lance Tibbet.

Representing the University of Oklahoma were tight end Mark Andrews, offensive lineman Orlando Brown, defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and defensive back Steven Parker. Representing the University of Georgia were running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and linebacker Roquan Smith.

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield was sick and did not accompany the team on its visit to the Park on Wednesday. But coach Lincoln Riley said he wasn’t worried about his Heisman Trophy winner’s absence. “He’ll be ready to play”, he said.

After the ceremony, players and coaches from each team experienced Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and went on to enjoy even more Disneyland Resort fun.

The teams will face off in the Rose Bowl Game on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Oklahoma finished the regular season with a record of 12-1 and claimed the Big 12 Conference title, while Georgia defeated Auburn to win the SEC Championship, also finishing with a 12-1 record.

December 28, 2017
Braves set to begin final spring training at Disney

The Atlanta Braves will return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort for Spring Training from February 26-March 24, 2018.

Your can enjoy the thrill of Major League Baseball combined with a family friendly Disney atmosphere as they watch the Braves take on the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and more.

Disney character appearances and special moments such as kids running the bases after every game are just some of the many in-game entertainment opportunities that make Braves spring training at Disney a grand slam.

Spring training game tickets go on sale Dec. 11 at www.espnwwos.com/braves, through Ticketmaster outlets 800-745-3000 and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

The Braves’ first home game comes Feb. 26 against the Nationals. The Braves will play their final home game at the Disney facility on March 24 against the Yankees. They will conclude spring training in Florida against the Tigers in Lakeland on March 25, four days before opening day.

Atlanta wraps up its exhibition schedule with two games at SunTrust Park on March 26-27. The Yankees visit on Monday, while the Braves Future Stars game is Tuesday.

November 26, 2017