ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

If you have a young athlete in your family, chances are you already know about the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex inside Walt Disney World. Never been? Wide World of Sports is a facility that can host 60 sports across 10 world-class venues, where the players get to feel like the pros! Because Disney adds a little magic to everything they touch, the kids really get to feel like major athletes when they play here. With so many new things happening there, it’s worth a visit whether you’re a newcomer to the complex or a regular visitor!

The Ripken Experience, for example, is one of the coolest things coming to the complex soon. Cal Ripken Jr. (only one of the best baseball players ever) is bringing his week-long baseball academy to Disney World! During the week, baseball players ages 6-18 will get to play in at least six games, will get to participate in an opening ceremony and skills competitions, will get time with an MLB ambassador, as well as player and coach gifts! No Disney experience would be complete without free time in the theme parks, too. The kids will even leave with a Ripken Experience ring!

You’ll have several options when it comes time to feed your hungry athletes, but the newest additions to the complex are Central Florida favorites 4 Rivers Smokehouse and 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa (both walk-up options). The ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill and concessions stands throughout the complex are also available. Not feeling these selections? Disney bus transportation is also available, so you can take the kids anywhere in Walt Disney World.

There are a couple of new things that parents especially will love. First, a permanent Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea location has opened at Wide World of Sports! (It’s got an exclusive drink called “The Game Changer,” too!) Second, families will soon be able to stream kids’ games online if they can’t make it to the tournament in-person.

Have you ever been to the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World? What did you think?