Hey there, Rachel, and thanks so much for stopping by planDisney! I'm delighted to hear that you'll be heading to
Walt Disney World Resort next month, and I'm here to support you like a stable base as you get your (Daisy) ducks in a row for a cheer-tastic vacation. Ready? OK!
For starters, congratulations to your favorite team for scoring a bid to The Summit Championship! This is one of the biggest cheer events at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and it's the culmination of a season of hard work for top squads from around the world. ESPN is a great location, with multiple venues that you can easily walk between, so you don't miss a minute of the action!
Unfortunately, Military Salute tickets will not work for entry to this event. The cheer and dance events at ESPN are organized by an outside company, Varsity Spirit, and tickets must be purchased through them. You can get to all of the details you'll need by visiting the
ESPN Events site and clicking the "Learn More" button next to the Summit dates. Typically, these are available as single-day tickets, or you can purchase a pass for the entire competition. These will go on sale about two weeks before the event, and can be linked to your
My Disney Experience account so you can scan your phone at the ESPN entrance.
If you're interested in attending the Sunday night Celebration Party at
EPCOT, those tickets must also be purchased through Varsity - your admission tickets for the event only cover entrance to ESPN.
Rachel, I want to share some more "know before you go" tips from my own ESPN adventures! First and foremost, keep in mind that there is no bus service from the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels to ESPN (unless you are on the Varsity hotel travel package). If you have a car, there is plenty of free parking available, and it's easy to get in and out. Rideshare is also a quick and easy option, and the drop-off and pickup locations are very clearly marked.
You'll find plenty of
dining options all around the complex, including some great food trucks that are always our go-to when we visit. There's also a Joffrey's Coffee for some early-morning caffeine, which may come in handy if your team is performing at the start of the day! I also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle - you'll find plenty of spots to top up.
I hope this information is helpful for your planning purposes, Rachel! Wishing your team so much luck as they take on Summit - I hope it is a successful and memorable event for them. Please come back and see us again at planDisney if we can help with any other questions about ESPN or your Disney trip in general.
Go Team!
Susan