What could possibly be better than Spring Training at Disney World? I can’t think of anything. Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Disney World. Now that’s an all-American combination right there.
For the 17th year in a row, the Atlanta Braves will kick off Spring Training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on February 26nd. Some of the top teams in baseball will come to Disney World during this month that kicks off the start of the baseball season.
Spring Training a Disney World
Photo by hyku
A Florida Tradition
Spring Training in Florida is a tradition that’s been around for a long time. The Grapefruit League, the name of Spring Training in Florida, started way back in 1908. It’s changed through the years, but this year there are 15 teams that will be in Florida during February and March to get ready for the season. (The rest of the teams are in Arizona in the Cactus League.)
Spring Training is a time where the rules are a bit more relaxed, the players talk to the fans and it’s just a great way to watch a baseball games.
The Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves have been holding Spring Training at Disney World for the past 16 years. This years the team is trying to rebound from a late season collapse last year with some new blood in key positions. Gone is long time star Chipper Jones. Some of the new faces include B. J. Upton (outfielder), Justin Upton (outfielder) and Chris Johnson (3rd base).
This year, on paper, looks to be a good year for the Braves.
Schedule
Here is the Spring Training at Disney World Schedule –
- Wednesday, February 26 – Detroit Tigers -1:05pm
- Friday, February 28 – Houston Astros – 6:05pm
- Sunday, March 2 – Detroit Tigers – 1:05pm
- Monday, March 3 – New York Mets – 1:05pm
- Tuesday, March 4 – Washington Nationals – 1:05pm
- Thursday, March 6 – Washington Nationals – 6:05pm
- Saturday, March 8 – Miami Marlins – 1:05pm
- Tuesday, March 11 – Philadelphia Phillies – 1:05pm
- Wednesday, March 12 – Washington Nationals – 1:05pm
- Friday, March 14 – Tampa Bay Rays – 1:05pm
- Wednesday, March 19 – New York Yankees – 1:05pm
- Friday, March 21 – Detroit Tigers – 1:05pm
- Saturday, March 22 – >Boston Red Sox -1:05pm
- Sunday, March 23 – New York Mets – 1:05pm
- Monday, March 24 – Houston Astros – 6:05pm
- Wednesday, March 26 – Miami Marlins – 1:05pm
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Tickets
Tickets for Spring Training at Disney World range in prince depending on where you want to sit. The cheapest seats start at around 10 bucks and can cost as much as $49. For additional fee you can add the On-Field Experience to any ticket. Group tickets are also available for groups larger than 10 people.
Champions Staduim
Photo by Jeffry Moxley
Champions Stadium
Games are played in Champions Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. This field has 9,500 seats, several open air areas for groups and a grassy knoll, oops, I mean, a grass hill where you can enjoy a Spring Training game in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Address
Champions Stadium
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
700 S. Victory Way
Kissimmee, FL 34747
(407) 939-GAME
Spring Training at Disney World Ballpark
A family outing
Way back when the kids were little we loaded them up and went on a Spring Training trip of our own. We went to a couple of different camps (Astros and Rangers, our favorite teams) and got to meet several of the players and coaches. It was a thrilling trip for the Man-Child who at the time was an aspiring pro baseball player. (But then what 8 year old boy isn’t?)
We got to see our heros up close and personal. We even got some pretty neat autographs.
Make your Spring Training reservations
You can experience the thrill of Spring Training. All you have to do is give Dad’s partners at Destinations to Travel a shout and let them help you with all the details.
Dad’s Destinations to Travel page
Dad’s Bottom Line
Spring Training at Disney World is a great tradition. The Atlanta Braves have been in resident there for the past 16 years. During Spring Training the players interact with the fans more. It would be a great addition to any trip.