NBA Confirms Talks With Disney About Use of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

It’s been reported that the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World was the clear frontrunner to house the NBA for the remainder of its 2019-2020 season, and the NBA has just released a very interesting statement on Twitter. Executive Vice President of Communications Mike Bass confirmed that the NBA and the Walt Disney Company are “engaged in exploratory conservation”.

Read the full text below from the official NBA Twitter account:

NBA Statement

With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ declaration that live professional sports are essential services, as well as former Cast Member turned Sports Commentator Keith Smith’s piece in Yahoo Sports calling the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex an “ideal spot” to salvage the 2019-2020 NBA season, the Twittersphere has been speculating about upcoming announcements for weeks now.

In his article, Smith explained that he favored the complex because it has the capacity to house all of the players, coaches, trainers, officials, broadcasters, and other essential personnel in one location, limiting their exposure to the outside world, and therefore, the coronavirus. Smith also outlined possible options for accommodations including Disney’s Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts, as well as Disney’s Riviera Resort if more higher-end housing was needed.

The Visa Center within the complex can accommodate as many as six full-sized basketball courts, or be configured stadium-style with one primary court, and it broadcast-ready, making it a great option for practice as well as games.

Aside from the practical logistics that the complex can provide, the Walt Disney Company and the NBA already have demonstrated an effective way of working together with the opening of the NBA Experience at Disney Springs last summer.

WDW Reportedly Reworking Hotel Spaces To House NBA Teams For Remaining 2020 Season

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Throughout the pandemic, sports have ceased to exist, and many leagues are trying to find ways to finish off the season. The NBA has been considering Walt Disney World as their designated location to finish out the 2019-2020 season.

Back in April, Cast Member-turned-Sports Commentator Keith Smith proposed the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Walt Disney World as an ideal “bubble-like” location. Logistical components of setting up the NBA at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex would include the ability to create a contained “bubble” of playing venues and lodging within private Disney property, not to mention the already-existing positive relationship between the NBA and Disney. 

Walt Disney World has been reportedly re-working some of their hotel spaces to best accommodate the NBA to finish their season, according to sources by Keith Smith. (It’s unknown what exact resorts are involved in this re-working.)The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has also undergone some changes in anticipation of hosting the NBA, and possibly even the MLB.

However, this is not a completed deal, according to an NBA source. Smith has been posting facts about the Walt Disney World property this afternoon, such as the size and logistics that would go into this transition if it becomes a finalized decision.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium has also tweeted this afternoon regarding the future home for the NBA season. He too was another commentator on this matter back in April.

Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger has been in talks with the NBA, giving advice on how the company has dealt with its theme parks, theaters, and ESPN since the COVID-19 outbreak. Although nothing is confirmed yet, the possibility of this becoming a reality is quickly drawing near.

Cal Ripken is Bringing Baseball Academy to Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Via the Disney Parks Blog;

“Cal Ripken Jr., one of the most accomplished professional baseball players ever to put on a uniform, is coming to Walt Disney World Resort and he is bringing his successful youth baseball academy with him.

That means young baseball players (ages 6-18) can come to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex next year to compete in high-level youth baseball tournaments.

In addition to being on their field of dreams at Disney, these young players will get a chance to have a whole lot of fun. For instance, the players will be treated to a dazzling opening ceremony and have free time in the parks to experience new and popular attractions, such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opens Aug. 29.

Ripken played 21 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and was a 19-time All-Star shortstop.  He earned the nickname “The Iron Man” after setting the professional baseball record for most consecutive games played (2,632). “

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Father’s Day At Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Whether Dad’s ideal day is spent enjoying sports and the great outdoors, experiencing exciting attractions or sampling delicious cuisine, there is something for every dad at Walt Disney World Resort this Father’s Day.

Here are just a few of the options for making Dad’s day the best one yet:

Dining Options

  • At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Flame Tree Barbecue will offer a limited-time Dad’s Platter with brisket, pulled pork, chicken and ribs. Restaurantosaurus will offer a “burger and brew” combo featuring a jalapeño popper burger. And a Father’s Day cupcake will be available at select locations around the theme park.
  • A prix fixe menu will be offered at Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot, featuring a grilled 10-ounce top sirloin steak, a grilled shrimp skewer and loaded mashed potatoes, as well as choice of appetizer and dessert.
  • Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will offer a Father’s Day prix fixe menu that includes oak-grilled, bone-in ribeye and fire-roasted bone marrow as well as an optional wine pairing.
  • Special offerings will also be available at Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District and Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
  • Celebrate the man of the hour with Morimoto Asia’s Orange Gator & Waffle Cone – made with succulent tempura sake marinated alligator, wok-tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, and served in a crunchy house-made waffle cone. 

Activities/Recreation

  • Ride the Waves at Typhoon Lagoon Dad can learn how to master the waves at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park with private surfing lessons. Instructors teach participants everything from standing on a surfboard to riding the waves in the park’s large wave pool.
  • Disney World is home to the ESPN Wide World of Sports, which hosts many different sporting events from baseball to cheerleading tournaments throughout the year. The AAU Gymnastics National Championship will be taking place over the 2019 Father’s Day weekend if your dad wants to see some action.
  • Sail the Seven Seas on the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage Ahoy Mateys! This swashbuckling cruise across Seven Seas Lagoon is perfect for Dad and his little mates. Captain Hook and Mr. Smee from Disney’s Peter Pan make appearances as the ship sets sail. Departing from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this voyage offers snacks, beverages, and pirate fun.
  • There are three main golf courses that have 18-hole championship layouts: Magnolia Golf Course, Palm Golf Course and Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. The 9-hole layout at Oak Trail Course is recommended for beginners and families with children. At Oak Trail, you can try your hand at FootGolf, which combines a 9-hole golf course with soccer balls. For mini-golf fans, pick from a Winter Summerland course that features Santa and his elves year-round, or the Fantasia Gardens course that stars hippos in tutus, marching broomsticks and ballerina ostriches.
  • Fishing on Bay Lake Even sports fishermen’s dreams really do come true at the Walt Disney World Resort, where trophy-sized largemouth bass in the 14-pound range sometimes lurk in lakes and canals almost within casting distance of Cinderella Castle. 
  • Epcot is easily the best Disney park to find the widest selection of beers. It’s no wonder why “Drinking Around the World” is a popular thing to do for adults ages 21 and up.
  • Explore the Savannah on Wild Africa Trek This African expedition experience is just right for dads with an adventurous spirit, and there’s no passport required. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, dad can explore exotic African wildlife in a natural habitat on a privately guided, three-hour journey through a savannah. 
  • For families with a Park Hopper ticket, we recommend hitting Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. If you have a Base Ticket, Magic Kingdom is a solid option so that you can conquer the three Mountains, or head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Tower of Terror, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (during which your dad has a chance to volunteer as a costumed extra in the show!).

No what your dad is into, there is always something fun and exciting for dad’s of all ages at Walt Disney World.

Don’t let another Fathers Day go by without experiencing a Disney Father’s Day!

Visit WDW This Father’s Day!