Where to watch NFL Playoff game? (SSR questions)

[Laurabearz]

I planned the trip to make sure I didnt hit Super Bowl, but our beloved Bears are in the playoffs... Gotta watch the game on Sunday 15th....

We are staying at SSR, but spending the morning at DHS... We are kicking around the ESPN Club, but wondering what time we would have to get there for a 1pm kick off.. Family of 5, and we would most likely just stay for the first half, then either head back to the room or to the Turf Club..

I know there is a tv in Turf Club Bar... do you think a NFL Playoff game would be the default?

Any other spot you can recommend... I like the idea of "TV Hopping" to another resort... even non DVC...

Thanks for the insights!

 

[Cee]

I would head to the ESPN Club at the BW. I bet they have ALL the playoff games blaring...lots of TVs in there! Have a blast!

 

[DieHardJoe]

One of the most comfortable places to watch a big screen is in the Solarium at the Beach Club. It's right across from the Market. We watched a football game in there a couple years ago. The only problem we had was finding someone who could help us turn it on (I can't remember if there's a remote or if a CM has to set the channel). Of course, it is a common area where people go in to chat or just hang around, and it can get a little noisy, but our last trip we went in there for about an hour just to relax and were pretty much the only ones in there.

Another comfortable spot was a small lounge area over in Kidani. Not sure if there's a cover charge or anything, but the bartender is right there and can change the channel for you if no one objects.

Good Luck, and enjoy the game.

 

[Disneypirate85]

I'd stick with the ESPN thought...Just a better crowd and if you get a little loud noone will complain, Shawn

 

[londonderrydisneyfan]

If it's a big game ESPN will fill up early so you may want to have a backup plan.

 

[JWG]

I planned the trip to make sure I didnt hit Super Bowl, but our beloved Bears are in the playoffs... Gotta watch the game on Sunday 15th....

We are staying at SSR, but spending the morning at DHS... We are kicking around the ESPN Club, but wondering what time we would have to get there for a 1pm kick off.. Family of 5, and we would most likely just stay for the first half, then either head back to the room or to the Turf Club..

I know there is a tv in Turf Club Bar... do you think a NFL Playoff game would be the default?

Any other spot you can recommend... I like the idea of "TV Hopping" to another resort... even non DVC...

Thanks for the insights!

First and foremost, GO BEARS!!

Second, I'd also suggest ESPN, BUT a couple of things about that:
- This could be coincidence, but during our trip last month, we saw more Bears clothing then we did for any other team of any major sport. We don't think IL was on some sort of break or anything either (12/11-12/19). So, it may be a popular game if that's still true.
- We've seen lines to get into ESPN for Monday night football in the past. You'd want to get there early and eat slow (enjoy a nice drink before your appetizer and then meal)

Otherwise, I'd imagine other DTD restaurants with a bar (and not themed to prehistoric times or the damp jungle) may also have it on?

(Go Bears!)

 

[Laurabearz]

Do you think noon is early enough?

 

[ADP]

I'd go to the DTD bars. ESPN will be slammed.

 

[Laurabearz]

Where in DtD?

Remember, we are a family of 5, so the kids can't actually sit AT a bar in one of the restaurants in DtD, as appose to being allowed at the tables at ESPN Club Off hand I can't think of any place with a good set up.... thoughts?

And Slammed is good... adds to the thrill of it all, esp for the kids. We plan on leaving around half time of the first game, so it wont reach peak rowdiness until later in the evening...

So I guess we are leaning towards ESPN... I wonder if Noon is earlier enough? Kick off starts at 1... hmmmm my guess is everyone is thinking noon though, so perhaps we need to hit it around 1130...

 

[cutakenta]

I would go to buffalo wild wings only about 1 mile from SSR.

 

[cutakenta]

Buffalo Wild Wings
LAKE BUENA VISTA (#3205)
12511 State Route 535
Orlando, FL 32836-6724
Phone: 407-827-0444

Store Hours:
Daily: 11AM to 2AM

 

[Laurabearz]

I thought about BWW, but we dont drink and drive, and I am not springin for cab fare both ways...

 

[a742246]

One of the most comfortable places to watch a big screen is in the Solarium at the Beach Club. It's right across from the Market. We watched a football game in there a couple years ago. The only problem we had was finding someone who could help us turn it on (I can't remember if there's a remote or if a CM has to set the channel). Of course, it is a common area where people go in to chat or just hang around, and it can get a little noisy, but our last trip we went in there for about an hour just to relax and were pretty much the only ones in there.

Another comfortable spot was a small lounge area over in Kidani. Not sure if there's a cover charge or anything, but the bartender is right there and can change the channel for you if no one objects.

Good Luck, and enjoy the game.

The Beach Club Solarium would be a good place. I would get there at least a half hour early and speak to someone about keeping the game on. You are about 10 minutes away from ESPN.

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

Miller's Ale House
12371 Winter Garden Vineland
Orlando, FL 32836

 

[kansas_wazzu]

Another comfortable spot was a small lounge area over in Kidani. Not sure if there's a cover charge or anything, but the bartender is right there and can change the channel for you if no one objects.

Good Luck, and enjoy the game.

Kidani might be out of your way, but, yeah, the bar off the restaurant is nice for catching games. I was there a couple of months ago and there was usually just a handful of tired dads sitting there watching whatever games were on. No cover. Nice and quiet. No loud bozos.

I think that sneaking off to the Kidani bar after the kids and wife fell asleep for a Sam Adams Winter Lager was one of my trip highlights.

 

[WDWBlue]

Where in DtD?

Remember, we are a family of 5, so the kids can't actually sit AT a bar in one of the restaurants in DtD, as appose to being allowed at the tables at ESPN Club Off hand I can't think of any place with a good set up.... thoughts?

And Slammed is good... adds to the thrill of it all, esp for the kids. We plan on leaving around half time of the first game, so it wont reach peak rowdiness until later in the evening...

So I guess we are leaning towards ESPN... I wonder if Noon is earlier enough? Kick off starts at 1... hmmmm my guess is everyone is thinking noon though, so perhaps we need to hit it around 1130...

ESPN would be the best atmosphere. We saw Steve Yzerman do a live radio show there in 2005.

11:30a probalby would be a safer bet for a place holder.

 

[hlyntunstl]

I love the ESPN Club to watch games and you don't have to worry about missing a play while you're in the restroom It's a lot of fun.

I would suggest getting there between 11:30/11:45. Not sure how bad it will be for the playoffs with the smaller pool of teams but better safe than sorry.

 

[cutakenta]

I thought about BWW, but we dont drink and drive, and I am not springin for cab fare both ways...

It might be cheeper to eat and drink there, well I am 100% sure it is cheeper to eat and 200% sure it is cheeper to drink there. Take a bus to DTD and walk. It might only take 10 minutes to walk. I always see people walking up and down the street.

 

[mouse]

We have watched many football games at ESPN. You MUST get there early. It will probably help that most of the tv screens will have the playoff game on, unless there is some other sporting event of note during that time frame. Many customers stay for the entire game. We have on several occasions. I think they expect it. So if you don't get in before the game starts, your chances are slimmer of getting in at all. We just are sure to tip appropriately for tieing up a table for so long. If you can't get in ESPN, there is also a lounge next to the Yachtsman Steak House with a big screen tv. A short distance away, there is Martha's Vineyard, which is a nice bar and lounge at the Beach Club next to Cape May Cafe. They have a couple of tvs. Also, the lounge at Wilderness Lodge next to Artiste Point restaurant has a big screen tv. I can't think of any bar/lounge at DTD where you could watch a football game, but I could be wrong about that.

 

[Laurabearz]

I think we have decided, unless it gets freakishly warm, we are setting up camp at ESPN Club. At least until halftime....

Before the game starts we can eat, and take turns with the kids monkeying around on the Boardwalk

And as a former Server myself, we will more than take care of ours, no worries!

It will be a good memory for the family esp if(when) the Bears go all the way...