Any Wide World of Sports info or experiences?

[tammydel]

I've promised my DH and DS (6) a trip to WWoS. I've been researching and found a little info.
Here is what I know:

I can get there via Disney transport from a bus from MGM.

Tampa Bay Bucs will have thier trianing camp there (Although the day I had originally planned to go to WWoS Bucs will be in Tokyo playing DH's favorite team the Jets).

The NFL Experience is now a multi sport activity. There is also a childrens version.

I can use plusses from park hopper plus tickets, although it seems that it is a poor use of a plus, admission is cheap and I can get a discount DVC or Annual Pass.

Any other info would be helpful. Anyone had do the NFL Experience or the current Sports Experience. Was it fun? Can non-experiencers follow along through the activities? How about the Kid's Zone?

We are hoping to catch a Bucs work out and do the Sports Experience and maybe a bite to eat at All Star Sports Cafe. We will probable go in the afternoon because as I am willing to go, I'm not crazy about burning morning hours there. I imagine we will have heat, but I can't imagine much crowds. Am I wrong?
I think the guys will love it and my daughter and I will try not to be such girly girls and enjoy it to. (I did think about sending just the boys, but hey, they are willing to eat with the princesses, so we will play ball!)
Thanks for any info!

 

[tammydel]

just bumping in hopes someone out there has any info.

 

[mathgeek]

I have actually been to WWoS, but if I recall correctly, it took forever for the bus to come. And yes, the pick-up was at MGM. I unfortunately didn't do any of the activities you're asking about so I have no info on them, but they do look like fun. I just went and walked around the property to see what it was like. I do recall a nice gift shop as well. It was worth seeing once, but unless there's a good activity like the ones you suggested I wouldn't go back. And I don't remember seeing much in the way of crowds except families at the sporting events going on (a softball tournament and a karate tournament).

 

[Mrs. Right]

Tammydel, good luck looking for the info you requested. I posted a similar request several weeks ago and didn't get much in the way of response. It seems that even the most knowledgable here at the DIS don't know much about it. You already have more info than I had been able to find. One thing you might check out: Seems like I read somewhere (can't remember where, transportation board, maybe?) that there is no Disney transport to or from WWoS after 4 PM(?). Have fun and be sure to tell us all about it. I think DS and I have decided to attend E-night instead of a Rays game since we're going to a K-Tribe game (Go Keys!) while visiting in NC on the way home.

Barbara

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I can't help with transportation as we drove and know nothing of the NFL experience(sorry!), but my family did attend an O'Rays game there about a month ago. A perk of our SP is free admission to O'ray games and DH and DS are baseball fans. They also went to the Princess breakfast that morning for DD !
There are a couple nice giftshops and the complex is really beautiful. We are hoping to catch some spring training next year.
Maybe someone will read this and know as I am sure my DH and DS would enjoy something like that.

 

[puffkin]

We were there in June 2001. In my opinion, it was a waste of time. It is all out in the open, and unless you are one of the athletes competing there, airconditioning is hard to find. My fiance is a huge football fan, and he wanted to try the NFL experience. We thought it would be like a mini-camp where they take you around in a group they test your skills and see how you compare to the NFL players. Instead it was stations that you could go through on your own. There wasn't really much element of competition and it was all out in the blazing sunshine. The only other things there was a store and resteraunt. Also the bus transportation to and from MGM took forever. Luckily we had UPH on that trip, so it didn't cost us anything, but I wish we would have spent the time in the parks. Hope this helps!

 

[Minnie824]

Well, I haven't been since Nov of 2000 but....

My DH is a HUGE sports fan, so of course we had to go on our honeymoon. Took the bus from MGM...waited a long time... went there and nothing was going on...no gift shop open and the restaurant was only half open. Then took bus back to MGM and waited over 40 min for bus. Once we got back we walked to Boardwalk for lunch cuz we were starving! Now, I'm sure some of this was because of the time of year we went, but still. I'm not sure if we'd visit again, unless we knew of some specific event being held there that we wanted to see. You may want to check the schedule of events....I think theres a link to it from Disneyworld website. Also...if you have a car, I would suggest driving there, or even taking a taxi. Have fun!

 

[NHDisneyKid]

I've been to the WWoS quite a few times, but I've never relied on Disney transportation to get me there. Every time we've actually had our own cars...

My experience is a little different than other peoples because I was there for a softball tournament in May, so we were actually participating in the event that some people have mentioned seeing. As far as the tournaments they run go, they're incredible. Very well organized, extremely nice facilities...we're actually returning in Sept for a national Coed softball tournament (and we're from NH, so it's a ways to travel).

The AllStar Cafe is nice, nothing too fancy, but when we were there, they had the Red Sox game on one of the huge screen TVs so we were happy with that. I believe the price was reasonable too...the gift shop is fun as well, every time I've been there it has been open, however I don't think they're open very late at night. Wish I could be of more help, if I think of more, I'll post.

 

[tammydel]

Thanks everyone for your help.
This seems to be one of the least know about Disney facilities!

I'll keep my ears and eyes open for any new info and will share what I find when we return.

In the mean time if anyone thinks of anything else, please share.

 

[rbuzzotta]

The only time we have been there was to watch the Bucs practice!!

I can't wait to do it again in a few weeks. This time I am bringing my Alstott shirt in hopes that I can have it signed. DH thinks I am crazy (but he enjoys it too). I got a picture of my 3 DD's with a few of the Buc's cheerleaders (since they are cheerleaders themselves).

Try not to miss it. It really is exciting (at least to me!! I love football!!)

 

[bobcat]

Is there an admission charge to watch any of the practices?

 

[tammydel]

Bobcat -

From what I read on the Buc's site there is a seperate place to enter and watching the practices is free.
Tammy