Florida Tourism

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — ESPN and Walt Disney World Resort will again offer fans the opportunity to see and hear ESPN personalities and a host of current and legendary athletes during ESPN The Weekend presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, a special event scheduled for Feb. 29-March 2, 2008, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

More than 60 sports celebrities are expected to appear at the annual sports fan-fest. The event features Hollywood-style motorcades with athletes, talk shows, sports star conversations, live ESPN telecasts and interactive fun in the ESPN Sports Zone.

Some of the athletes scheduled to take part in the “three-day weekend” event include New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs and wide receiver Amani Toomer, Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, baseball legend Cal Ripken, Orlando Magic All Star Dwight Howard, MLB Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench and the famous Harlem Globetrotters. ESPN personalities scheduled to be part of the lineup include Jay Crawford, Peter Gammons, Mike Greenberg, Orestes Destrade, Mike Tirico, Colin Cowherd, Mike Golic, Linda Cohn, John Kruk, Karl Ravech, Jemele Hill and Trey Wingo.

The roster of participating ESPN personalities and sports celebrities will be continually updated at www.espntheweekend.com. Guests also may visit espntheweekend.com to make reservations, buy tickets and book Disney accommodations for the event.

ESPN The Weekend will feature on-site ESPN telecasts of popular programs, including “Baseball Tonight,” “First Take,” “Mike and Mike in the Morning,” “NFL Live” and interview segments on “SportsCenter.”

In its short history, ESPN The Weekend has become a popular event for fans as well as the athletes who attend each year.

“I am really looking forward to seeing all the fans at ESPN The Weekend,” said Donovan McNabb, a five-time NFL Pro Bowler who will be attending his first ESPN The Weekend. “I’ve heard from teammates and other athletes what a super event it is and I am looking forward to experiencing it for myself and my family.”

Guests also will be able to enjoy all the popular shows and attractions at the theme park during Disney’s “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration. Event activities are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Orlando is well known for attactions like Disney World and SeaWorld. A family can spend a week there and still find plenty to do. There are also shows like Blue Man Group, Arabian Knights and live music. It’s no wonder so many are taking International Drive holidays with all these great deals to take advantage of with the drop of the US dollar.

While in Orlando visit Epcot, Epcot World Showcase has been a “showplace” of nations since its grand opening in 1982. But beyond the pagodas in Japan and the longboats in Norway lies a whole other world, treating art lovers to museum-quality galleries. Current exhibitions include: The Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas at Norway, Tomb Warriors at China, “Tin Toy Stories” Made in Japan at Japan, and Gallery of Arts and History at Morocco. Admission to the exhibitions is included with general park admission.

Florida is popular destination to UK visitors and for good reason, the diversity of holiday spots in Florida range from beaches to attractions and beyond with plenty to see and do. Online booking companies like On The Beach Holidays to travel services.

Ever thought about a cruise, The Disney Wonder, the most magical ship afloat, received an extra dose of pixie dust recently, adding major enhancements that appeal to all members of the family. Adults will enjoy the expanded fitness center and new spa villas — an industry-first spa treatment room with private outdoor verandah complete with hot tub. Families can gather for poolside movies with the new 24-by-14-foot Ariel Vision jumbo screen, and the youngest cruisers will delight in a brand new toddler splash zone.