Posts Tagged ‘ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex’

Beautiful June!  With the sunshine and showers, the grounds around the parks and resorts are lush and lovely.  The remaining Star Wars Weekends are on the calendar for June, joined in 2011 by the USA Gymnastics Open Championships scheduled to take place at the  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

For nearly twenty years, June has also been the month chosen for the annual non-Disney-affiliated get-together known as Orlando Gay Days.  Participants typically stay at a designated off-site hotel and enjoy  a roster of both family- and adult-oriented activities there, which include parties, literary and film festivals, religious services, and seminars, as well as time in the Walt Disney World parks.

Fast Facts

Special Events: Star Wars Weekends; USA Gymnastics Open Championships

Attendance levels: School’s out and the summer crowds begin to arrive.   Generally speaking, events held at ESPN Wide World of Sports have little effect on park numbers, although participants may be housed at a specific resort,  typically one of the Value Resorts, which may impact the experience of other guests staying there.  The Gay Days schedule calls for a visit to a designated park each day, so those wishing to avoid the additional crowds can choose to visit a different park.

Weather: Although not quite the  rainiest month of the year,  on average, guests can expect rain during 14 of June’s 30 days.  With high and low temperatures ranging from the lower seventies to the low nineties, and the humidity up 5% over May, it’s getting hot and humid and will remain so until October.

Packing: Pack for summer but let your own habits be your guide – some guests like to bring a small hand-held fan or mister, and a day pack large enough to hold a water bottle; others prefer a light-weight, long-sleeved garment to wear in chilly, air conditioned areas.

February is a relatively quiet month at Walt Disney World.  While there are schools around the country that have a break at this time of the year, with the exception of Presidents’ Weekend, most days feature low crowds.

The annual event, ESPN the Weekend, generally scheduled at the end of the month, draws a large contingent of sports fans to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

As with January, those visiting in February will find a number of refurbishments in progress.  One of the two water parks will be closed and work on attractions, dining venues, etc., lasting more than a few days, is generally planned for this time of the year.

Valentine’s Day is a favorite for couples and there are special menus, themed dinners, and even heart-shaped treats available throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

The weather is beginning to get a bit warmer with average temperatures in the mid seventies during the day and low- to mid-fifties in the evening.  A “transitional” month like January, February calls for layers of clothing that can be worn and removed throughout the day as the temperatures rise during the afternoon and fall back at night.  While there may be slightly more rain than during the preceding five months, average precipitation is still less than half of the rainfall expected over the summer.  So, pack an umbrella and a smile, and head off for a fabulous February visit!

Fast Facts

Special Events: ESPN the Weekend

Attendance Levels: Generally low with a major increase over Presidents’ weekend

Weather: A bit warmer than January with expected low- to mid-seventies for highs, and lows in the fifties; average precipitation about 2.8 inches

Packing: Layers with an eye on the forecast to add more warm- or cool-weather items; an umbrella or poncho for occasional showers