Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation


Disney's
Wide World of Sports

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Disney World travel writers John and Donna Gross at WDW!

John and Donna Gross
Authors of "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."

"The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal

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NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online.

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Disney to shift gears marketing Richard Petty Driving Experience
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-petty-driving-experience-072709,0,6972324.story

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Runners Face ‘Challenge’ for Exclusive New Disney Medal

Finishers of two fall races to earn one-of-a-kind medal; events to feature expanded race options; registration now open

Disney Sports is creating a one-of-a-kind bonus medal for runners who complete the Fall Race Challenge, competing in two of Disney’s three fall endurance events at Walt Disney World Resort. Runners that record an official time for Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K and either the Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K will receive the bonus medal in addition to individual race medals - a total of three race medals for running two races. Registration for all three fall events is now open.

"Disney is dedicated to providing guests with new, interactive features to make their race experience more fun, more exciting and more memorable," says Disney Endurance Series Director Kathleen Duran. "We are always looking for new ways to differentiate our Disney events by creating unique, immersive experiences."

Disney’s fall lineup includes expanded race options. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13k event will feature a 5k and an exclusive post-race party. Disney’s Race for the Taste 10k event will include a new 3k race designed for casual runners and those looking to compete in their first endurance event.

The Disney Endurance Series fall lineup includes:

Expedition Everest Challenge presented by Champion (Sept. 26, 2009): This second-year event is the first urban adventure race in Disney’s Endurance Series. The two-person team competition features a 5k, scavenger hunt and an obstacle course designed to challenge runners physically and mentally. There is an exclusive post-race party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the finishers. A portion of all entry fees will benefit the Himalayan Youth Foundation and Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (Oct. 11, 2009): This race takes runners through Disney’s Hollywood Studios and around the 11 pavilions of Epcot World Showcase. Guests have access to a post-race picnic that includes food samples from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, live Disney entertainment, music, games and face painters.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K (Oct. 24, 2009): This road race returns for its third year and the journey includes a haunting course through the vacant streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The event includes an exclusive post-race party with family and friends.

To register for these and more Disney Endurance Series events including the Walt Disney World Marathon (Jan. 7-10, 2010), visit disneyenduranceseries.com.

About Disney’s Endurance Series

Disney’s Endurance Series gives recreational athletes of all ages and abilities the chance to walk, jog, run, bike and swim their way "around the world." From marathons to road races to triathlons, athletes from across the country and around the world compete to stay in shape, achieve personal-best times and raise donations for charitable causes. Popular Endurance Series events include the Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon (January), Disney’s Princess Half Marathon (March) and the Disneyland Half Marathon (September). (Source: Press Release, 05/04/09)

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Waldorf Astoria Golf Club opens near Disney
http://www.golfweek.com/news/2009/oct/26/waldorf-astoria-golf-club/

ESPN Innovation Lab Opens Today at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=113977&siteid=1

Inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Set to Satisfy a Runner’s Palette in 2010
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=113978&siteid=1

Children’s Miracle Network Classic Creates Innovative Wine & Dine Walk Along Walt Disney World Fairways
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=113954&siteid=1

Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort Presidents Celebrate NBA Finals with Friendly Wager
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=113163&siteid=1

ESPN to open new research facility at Disney's Wide World of Sports
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disney-espn-sports-052609,0,5846696.story

Disney to use Xtreme (Fishing) Glove
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20090513/BUSINESS/905130340/1003/business

Disney's Winter Summerland miniature golf (with video)
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/04/
disneys-winter-summerland-miniature-golf-with-video.html

Area teams train at Disney's Wide World of Sports
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090401/NEWS01/904010467/1008/rss01

Bucs pulling out of Orlando and their Walt Disney World training camp
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-bucs-camp-03122009,0,192922.story

Disney's Princess Half Marathon champion Liza Hunter-Galvan breaks mold
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fitness_exercise_health/2009/03
/disneys-princess-half-marathon-champion-liza-huntergalvan-breaks-mold.html

Disney Makes Fan Experience a Whole New Ballgame During Braves Spring Training Season
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112416&siteid=1

ESPN The Weekend Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods Returns to Walt Disney World Resort Feb. 27-March 1
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112398&siteid=1

Danskin Women's Triathlon at Disney: Race and registration dates confirmed
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/fitness_exercise_health/2009/01/
danskin-womens-triathlon-at-disney-race-and-registration-dates-confirmed.html

Florida  State Completes Stellar Field for 2009 Old Spice Classic at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112103&siteid=1

Bastos Dominates Walt Disney World Marathon - Again
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=111979&siteid=1

Participants and Spectators to Experience ‘More Magic’ at Largest Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Ever
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=111941&siteid=1

Top U.S. Youth Soccer Players Named to Disney’s Soccer Showcase All-Star Team
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=111902&siteid=1

Future NFL Stars to Compete in 2008 Pop Warner Super Bowl at Disney
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=111769&siteid=1

Our automotive editor takes on Disney's latest wild ride
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-indydrive2008nov20,0,6458250.story

Expensive rush: Indy comes to Disney Speedway
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-
indy2008nov20,0,951201.story

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Unveils 12th Edition of Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Champion Stadium
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=111703&siteid=1

Disney plans huge bowling alley
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/BUSINESS/
809250311

"Ken Potrock, 49, senior vice president of global sports enterprises for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, which includes oversight of Disney's Wide World of Sports complex... spoke recently with Sentinel Staff Writer Scott Powers." http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/local/newsletter/orl-talking1708jun17,0,167055.story

Bowling coming to Disney's Wide World of Sports: "Planned for 100 lanes, stadium-style seating and a restaurant, the facility would be complete in about 18 months. When not used for tournaments, the stadium would be open to the public, Disney officials said Monday."
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bowling1008jun10,0,6760879.story

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Walt Disney World Speedway

"The Indy Racing Experience is now operating daily at the Walt Disney World® Speedway and now you have a place to ride or drive in an IndyCar Series car throughout the year!

Race fans can take a 3-lap ride around the 1-mile tri-oval in our 2-seater piloted by an Indy Racing League driver at a rate of $109/tax. Or they can get behind the wheel of an actual IndyCar that participated in the Indianapolis 500 and take on the 8-lap driving experience for $399/tax.

The Indy Racing Experience is open more than 350 days a year and operates daily from 4 p.m. to dusk. For more information call (888) 357-5002 or visit us at indyracingexperience.com." (Source: Indy Racing Experience, 01/27/09)

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"The first 2,500 age 14 and younger attending each of the Tampa Bay Rays three games April 22 to 24 against the Toronto Blue Jays at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex will receive limited edition Rays mini baseball bobbleheads of Disney characters."
(http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080320/BLOG43/870128715)

"Disney World offers free taxi rides to and from each of it's three golf facilities for guests staying at a Disney property... All four of the championship courses have recently installed new TifEagle Bermuda greens that were silky smooth this week."
(http://www.worldgolf.com/blogs/brandon.tucker/2008/01/16/free_taxi_rides
_for_golfers_one_of_the_r)

"Two grannies are among a team of women gearing up for one of America's most famous marathons": the 26-mile Walt Disney World race in Orlando, Florida."
(http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/Grannies-in-training-for-Walt.3651763.jp)

"A group of young athletes was kicked out of Walt Disney World in the middle of the night Saturday... because of a fight between some of their athletes."
(http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/12/9/pop_warner_teams_thrown_out_of_disney.html)

"For the third time in five years, the baseball stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex has a new name. From now on, just call it Champion Stadium." Disney has entered into an agreement with Hanesbrands, Inc. and will sell Hanes and Champion clothes at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, resorts, ESPN Zone restaurants and stores nationwide.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-ballpark0107nov01,0,1001377.story

"Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart is... for players looking to finish the season in the top 125 on the money list. That’s what they must do at the Palm and Magnolia courses at Disney World near Orlando to keep their playing privileges for 2008." (http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.aspx?page=15101&select=24234)

The Richard Petty Driving Experience: For information, guests can contact the Richard Petty Driving Experience at 800/BE-PETTY or visit http://www.1800BEPETTY.com.

"Walt Disney World® Resort has entered into an agreement with M.D. Tennis, Inc., to offer tennis lessons, tennis clinics, and private instruction to Walt Disney World® Resort guests." 

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Beth, our travel agent, writes about fun Disney stuff:

"You can add any of four Richard Petty Driving Experiences to your Disney Travel Company Package. The first gets you three laps around the track as a passenger (professional driver behind the wheel). It's $99 + tax.

The second option is 3 laps with YOU as the driver. (The pro goes along for the ride.) It's $349 + tax.

Option three is 18 laps with you as the driver (and the pro along). You do 8 laps, take a break, and then do 10 laps. The break time is used to asses your skills and tell you how to improve. The cost is $699 + tax.

The final option is the ultimate for all you NASCAR wannabees: 30 laps, done in three 10-lap sessions with a break in between each. The pro is still along as your "co-pilot," but you're in total control. You'll be $1199 + tax poorer, but have the thrill of a lifetime under your belt.

Maybe you'd prefer to watch the Atlanta Braves do laps around the bases, Spring training style. Not a problem! You can add game tickets to any package from March 3 - April 1. There's a game roughly every other day. Tickets are roughly $20, depending on what section you pick. Then come back in the summer to watch the champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers get ready for a new season."

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Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex is located between U.S. 192 and Osceola Parkway. Take the Magic Kingdom exit off 1-4. Guests can experience over 30 amateur and professional sporting activities. The Atlanta Braves hold their spring training at the complex and the Harlem Globetrotters workout here as well. Facilities accommodate wrestling, volleyball, track-and-field, tennis, football, soccer and lacrosse.

Tickets are available for purchase at TicketMaster (407/839-3900) or visit the Wide World of Sports ticket office. For more information about tickets or the calendar of events, call 407/363-6600.

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Walt Disney World Golf

Steve writes:

"... my parents are hoping to go golfing (at least once) on one of the Disney courses while we are there. Do you have any information on the golf courses or do you know where I can get some? Thanks and keep up the great service."

For some helpful information on WDW golf, click here.

The second round of miniature golf on the same day at WDW is half off.

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Philip writes:

"I will be traveling to Disney world Jan. 4th, and I have tee times while I'm there. I am traveling by myself and am not renting a car. I will be staying at All Star Movies and am wondering if there is a way to get to Lake Buena Vista and Osprey Ridge without paying for a taxi? Thanks for all your tips and help. They have been very useful in saving me money on booking my trip."

The Osprey Ridge Golf Course is located at the Bonnet Creek Golf Club, which is located between Fort Wilderness and the Downtown Disney resort hotels. Taxi service to and from the golf course is offered at no charge to resort guests.

The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is located near Saratoga Springs Resort. The golf course is within walking distance of most of the Downtown Disney resort hotels. Resort guests receive free taxi service to and from the golf course.

Notify Guest Services that you need transportation to the golf course. Glad to have been of service.

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Marcel writes:

"Bonjour Monsieur John Gross,

We will be at Disneyworld around the end of January early February with the grandchildren and the children. The 'boys' would like to play golf at Disney once or twice. I did not see any specials yet on your 'unbelievably informative' material. How do we go about it (transportation, etc.)?

We are staying at Kissimmee therefore cannot use guest privilege at Disney... we are looking at the possibility to play... on some of Disney's golf courses......but wow... it is very expensive. They have something called 'twilight time' at a reasonable price.... are there other discounts or specials for nonresidents at Disney. I am returning to your book...wow enough reading for a month...to look for answers myself"

You can take a taxi or use your rental car if you have one. You can map the route if you're driving by using Mapquest.

Beth, our travel agent, can make arrangements for limo transportation as well. I'm sure your hotel desk will also be able to help you get there as well.

Playing on Disney golf courses is expensive. There are big discounts at Eagle Pines, Palm, Osprey Ridge and Magnolia after 3:00 PM. The cheapest course is nine holes at Oak Trail: adults = $38; 17 and under = $20. Fees vary according to season.

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members also get a discount. You're only going once within a year, so the AP is too expensive. And the Vacation Club entails an investment starting at $11,000 - $13,000! For some helpful information on WDW golf, click here.

You can call (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) for more information. For golf courses off Disney property, click here.

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Disney is now allowing guests to reserve tee times in advance at Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Courses. Just stop by the course and pay in advance. You can also celebrate birthdays at Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens. Parties of 10 or more can call 407-WDW-BDAY (939-2329) for details.

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