Disney World - Any tips for Sports Tournament Travelers?

[Anonymous]

We are going for a lacrosse tournament - wondering if others have BTDT and can offer some suggestions on itinerary planning under this type of scenario?

We're staying at the All Star Sports Resort b/c its where the team is and I don't see us changing that. We'll add on a few days after the games are over to see the park.

We've been to Magic Kingdom years ago and liked it, so we have some idea what to expect at Disney, just curious about the idea of Disney while at a tournament and didn't know if other PPs had experienced.

[Anonymous]

DD has played in a tournament over Christmas the last two years. We stayed in a condo complex both times - required by the tournament - but not the All Star Sports Resort. This was convenient for meals - we could cook our own meals or meet up with the team and potluck. The players were not permitted by the coach to visit the attractions while games were still going on - it's just too tiring to go to an amusement park and play your best. (They could go once the team was finished with the tournament.) We have experienced horrific traffic both times, and game fields were up to 40 miles from the WWS complex , so it could take 90 minutes to get to a field between the distance and the traffic.
I would advise allowing plenty of time to get to/from games, and just plan for easy down time between games - meals, rest, maybe a bit of time in the hot tub. Depending on the season, the pool may or may not be an attraction - but our players were not allowed in the pool for more than 30 minutes (swimming is a big energy drain).
Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP - very helpful. We are required (I believe) to stay in All Star. Not sure if our games are on-site or not.

I wish we could stay in a condo; I've read the food court at the All Star is not that healthy, but I figure I can supplement from the grocery store.

[Anonymous]

If this trip is in the next few months, be aware that Disney just pulled the mini-fridges from all WDW resort rooms (not DVC units) because of a possible manufacturing defect. You can request a minifridge if you need it for medication, but it's not guaranteed. They're trying to get new fridges in as quickly as possible, but there's no official completion date yet. (Since you mentioned getting stuff from the grocery.)

Have you seen your event's park ticket pricing yet? When I've done sports stuff at Disney the park ticket discounts have been significant. Definitely something to take advantage of!

Can't speak for the All-Star resorts. I was at Art of Animation recently and pleased by the food court options.

Check out easywdw.com for crowd calendars to plan your park days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this trip is in the next few months, be aware that Disney just pulled the mini-fridges from all WDW resort rooms (not DVC units) because of a possible manufacturing defect. You can request a minifridge if you need it for medication, but it's not guaranteed. They're trying to get new fridges in as quickly as possible, but there's no official completion date yet. (Since you mentioned getting stuff from the grocery.)

Have you seen your event's park ticket pricing yet? When I've done sports stuff at Disney the park ticket discounts have been significant. Definitely something to take advantage of!

Can't speak for the All-Star resorts. I was at Art of Animation recently and pleased by the food court options.

Check out easywdw.com for crowd calendars to plan your park days.

Thanks PP - appreciate the tip. We have not seen our event's park ticket pricing yet - it sounds like there might be some more favorable rates than if we were to purchase on our own from your post. Will have to ask about that.

Thanks for the website tip - that is a good one.