2011 spring training game while staying at WDW

[JLitfin]

We are thinking about changing our reservation from late January to early March in order to do the Flower and Garden show at EPCOT. Plus, we would also like to attend a Spring Training Game.

Is it an easy drive to Sarasota, Florida to see a game? That's right we are Oriole fans. Or should we book a hotel in the Sarasota area before checking into BLT for a week at WDW. Thanks.

 

[erionm]

You'd be looking at about a 2 hour drive each way if you headed to Sarasota from WDW.

 

[hakepb]

According to google maps, it is about a 2 hour drive. That's certainly not impossible (I've heard of Tampa area residents working in WDW)

I've heard hotels can be really expensive around spring training sites, so you might want to factor that into your decision..

 

[arthur06]

it is actaully a very easy and pleasant drive... one thing I would try to do, unless you a very particular that you want a "home" game, is to see if they are somewhere closer. If its just the Orioles that you want to see, then maybe they would be at WDW, Kissimmee, or Winter Park.

However, that is a neat part of the state with alot of things to do there. If you hit an Orioles "home" game, then take some time to check out Siesta Key, that is our favorite Florida Beach. Also, there is an Amish Restaurant in the area (i think that are several) but our favorite is Yoders!

One other tip, if you are wanting to watch many of your favorite Orioles, try to get a game later in the spring. That way you get to see more Weiters, Markakis and Adam Jones instead of watching #82, #73 and #91 in Orioles unis!

 

[auntsue]

We just stayed at the BWV and drove to see our nephew play college ball in Winter Haven/Auburndale each day. It would have been about 45-60 minutes each way, if we didn't happen to get lost going and coming back every time, except for the last day.

Sarasota is about twice as far, but it can be done. For example, on Thursday we were able to drive to his 11:30 game, bring him back to WDW for dinner and mini golf, take him back to his hotel, and return to the BWV by 11:00 p.m. It was a very long day and a whole lot of driving, but so worth it to have him all to ourselves for six hours. It should be about the same amount of driving for you to go to Sarasota and back. If I could do it, I'm sure you'd be able to. Enjoy the game!

 

[JLitfin]

Thanks guys, for sure we are going to take in a game. Can't be in Florida and not attend a spring training game. Once the 2011 spring schedule comes out we will decide which stadium to visit and whether or not we will travel to Sarasota or attend a game closer to WDW.

Auntsue, which college does your nephew play for? My son plays for Towson University here in Maryland. We love our baseball.

 

[auntsue]

J...My nephew, Zak, plays for William Patterson in NJ, catcher position. He was down at the Central Florida Collegiate RussMatt Invitational for Spring Break.

He and his sister were born while my DSis, DBIL & older niece were living in the other half of our two-family home. When they moved out, it was two doors down with our (sis & me) parents in the middle house. It was wonderful. We don't have any kids, so they are like our own. So many wonderful memories. We see them much more often when we are in MD, only Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter when we are in FL.

 

[JLitfin]

J...My nephew, Zak, plays for William Patterson in NJ, catcher position. He was down at the Central Florida Collegiate RussMatt Invitational for Spring Break.

He and his sister were born while my DSis, DBIL & older niece were living in the other half of our two-family home. When they moved out, it was two doors down with our (sis & me) parents in the middle house. It was wonderful. We don't have any kids, so they are like our own. So many wonderful memories. We see them much more often when we are in MD, only Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter when we are in FL.

My middle son plays for Towson and is a pitcher sitting out this season. He has an injury to his elbow. He's being red shirted this season.

I see you are from Ocean City, MD, my other son attends Salisbury University and loves it there. He's hoping to get a job in OC this summer and stay down in Salisbury instead up coming home. I'm hoping he can find a job.

 

[stefanospops]

I'm a Blue Jays fan and just got back. I went to one game in Dunedin (also a 2 hour drive) but then went to see the Jays play the Tigers in Lakeland (not even an hour) and also saw the Jays play the Braves at Disney. One word of caution, if you are bringing your 5 year old son to a game that is two hours away, don't do it, no matter how much you think he likes baseball. That is, unless you want to endure, "Why are you taking me from Disney?" over and over again for the two hour drive there, the five innings you could manage to put up with the whining for, and the two hour drive back. Good luck!

 

[auntsue]

Jean...We go up to Salisbury several times in the summer to hit the mall, it's about a 40 minute drive. That's the closest mall that I know of, but it leaves a lot to be desired when compared to those of NJ or FL.

As far as jobs go, I do know they bring in many foreign 'students' from Europe each summer. A couple of years ago we went to sign up for Soc. Sec. and the place was filled with kids filling out papers (maybe tax forms, work papers, whatever). They arrived and left in buses. Also, every summer our local Food Lion always has signs up asking for bicycles for the kids. I know a lot of them work on the Boardwalk and in restaurants, but there are always Help Wanted signs around so I think your son should be able to find something. I think OC is always in need of workers in the summer. I wish him luck in his job search.