2011 Walt Disney World ESPN the Weekend Events

If you are planning on attending the 2011 Walt Disney World ESPN the Weekend, it may be a good idea to reserve your hotel room early. Taking place at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the 2011 ESPN the Weekend begins on Thursday, March 3^rd and concludes on Sunday, March 6^th. During this time, thousands of baseball, basketball, football and golf fans converge on Walt Disney World. Since most of the sports-related events will be held at Hollywood Studios, popular area hotels such as Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney's Boardwalk Resort and Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resorts will be an attendee's most popular choice.

Unfortunately, for ESPN the Weekend fans trying to get a good rate, the above mentioned hotels are also in close proximity to Champion Stadium bus transportation and within walking distance to EPCOT for the 2011 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival. This means hotels will most likely be full or near-capacity. It is opening weekend for this annual EPCOT event, with numerous fans, bloggers and Disney enthusiasts in attendance, all so they can upload the latest pictures and first-hand reports to the Internet. It is also the middle of the Braves' Spring Training Season at Champion Stadium, with the Tigers, Blue Jays and Mets all making an appearance at the Stadium.

As previously mentioned, the transportation to the 2011 Atlanta Braves Spring Training at Champion Stadium departs from Hollywood Studios. This means baseball fans can hop a bus, go to the 1:05 game (March 3rd, 4th, 5th) and be back at the Hollywood Studios in time for the rest of the day's events. Friday, March 4^th at 3:30 and Sunday, March 6^th at 4:00 are live tapings of Baseball Tonight. Look for costumed, Disney Characters there, as they will usually be dressed in baseball clothing.

Football fans will want to see favorites, Trey Wingo and Mark Schlereth, host NFL Live. Shows will be broadcast live from Disney's Hollywood Studios on Thursday, March 3^rd at 4:00 and on Friday, March 4^th at 4:00.

Other fan favorites include the Q&A sessions with various baseball, basketball and football players as well as the motorcade parades. Events usually start mid-morning (with the exception of the Mike and Mike 6 a.m. broadcasts at the Wide World of Sports) and conclude late afternoon.

One final note: don't let the crowds intimidate you. If previous years' attendance remains the same, these events will be crowded, so if you want to fully see all the 2011 ESPN the Weekend has to offer, try to stretch your visit over a few days. You'll be more rested, less stressed and may be able to get a better view of your favorite host/player than you ever imagined.