If you’re a baseball fan like me, today is the day you’ve longed for since the fall. Opening Day of Major League Baseball is here, and that means the return of first pitches, green grass and the crack of the bat.

However, for those of us at Walt Disney World Resort it also means saying “See ya real soon” to the Atlanta Braves, who called ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex their home for the past month.

In honor of the national pastime returning to center stage, I wanted to share some of my favorite memories from this past spring training at Disney. The 18-game slate at Champion Stadium saw everything from a new power hitting duo with the Upton brothers, to a couple of characters you may recognize from “A Galaxy Far, Far Away.”

The Braves return to action tonight as they host the Philadelphia Phillies on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. Play ball!

Tagged: Gallery, WDW, Wide World of Sports Complex

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

No, it’s not a galaxy far, far away. It’s Atlanta Braves spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Today’s Braves-Mets game saw the first mash-up of Disney, Star Wars and Major League Baseball spring training at Walt Disney World Resort.

The good news is your favorite friends from all across the galaxy will be back when the Braves host the New York Yankees on Saturday, March 16 (5:05 p.m.).

If you’re planning on attending, not only will there be character appearances, but also specially themed in-game entertainment, including the X-Wing Sax Quartet, Star Wars trivia and more.

To catch all the fun, check out the photo gallery below.

Tagged: Gallery, WDW, Wide World of Sports Complex

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

Mickey is no stranger to kids, especially those visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Today, however, was a special occasion as “The Mick” met “The Kid.”

On his way to the Magic Kingdom, the National League all-star Bryce Harper stopped by ESPN Wide World of Sports to receive a couple of hitting tips from Disney’s favorite all star. (Disney Parks Blog author and photographer Gene Duncan was on hand to capture this highlight).

Of course, if his first year in the major leagues is any indication, Bryce doesn’t need many tips. Last Friday night, Harper showed off his natural hitting prowess with a spring training home run against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. In the video below Bryce also talks about how this wasn’t the first success he tasted at Disney’s sports complex; he also played here as a youth on a handful of occasions for USSSA tournaments.

Tagged: MK, Video, WDW, Wide World of Sports Complex

Filed: Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort

It might be every day that royalty visits Magic Kingdom Park, but today ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex played host to quite an impressive court of its own.

Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who became the first player in 45 years to win baseball’s celebrated Triple Crown, opened his 2013 spring training season at Disney, with a game against Disney’s home team, the Atlanta Braves.

Prior to the game, Cabrera met “King” Mickey Mouse and “Queen” Minnie Mouse, before stepping into the batting cage to start work on following up his monster 2012 season where he led the American League in home runs, batting average and runs batted in.

Of course, baseball fans have become accustomed to seeing their favorite Braves players at Disney, but spring training also offers the opportunity to see your favorite players from the Tigers, Yankees and Mets, among others clubs, at Champion Stadium.

Tagged: WDW, Wide World of Sports Complex

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic is back and it’s the ideal place to get up close and personal with some of the top pro soccer teams in the nation. The fourth annual preseason soccer tournament kicks off at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex today, and we’ve got some new and exciting changes to share.

For the first time in the tourney’s four-year history, the field will include six Major League Soccer clubs – D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, Toronto FC and Montreal Impact – along with the United Soccer Leagues’ Orlando City Soccer and the North American Soccer League’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. With six MLS franchises in the field, this is the largest contingent of MLS teams competing in a pre-season tournament in the country.

Also, for the first time this year, the tourney will feature four event days – today, Wednesday, February 16 and February 23. And unlike some of the more cavernous soccer stadiums in MLS, the beautiful open fields at the complex are the perfect, intimate setting to watch these world-class athletes train and compete. Fans can get autographs and photos of players as they walk on and off the field after soccer matches.

Even if you don’t follow soccer, this is a great chance to get a close up view of some of the most storied franchises in the MLS. For instance, D.C. United is a four-time MLS Cup champion and Sporting KC will represent the MLS in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League.

The Pro Soccer Classic championship game is Saturday, February 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets and at the sports complex box office or by calling 407-949-GAME (4263).

If you can’t make it out to the complex for the games, check out the action online, as all games will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com (except for the semifinals and the championship game, which will be shown on ESPN3.com).

For more Pro Soccer Classic information visit: espnwwos.com/prosoccerclassic

Tagged: WDW, Wide World of Sports Complex

Filed: Walt Disney World Resort

We had a great time hosting the past two runDisney Meet-Ups, and I’m back to share some of the fun and surprises attendees enjoyed prior to the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by Cigna and Tinker Bell Half Marathon.

Both events, at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, provided the opportunity for an early morning run through the parks, along with special guests and unique experiences.

Celebrities Drew Carey and Joey Fatone attended the marathon meet-up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while Sean Astin and Ali Vincent spent the morning running through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks.

Check out the photo galleries below, there may be a familiar face or two, and keep an eye out for the next opportunity.

Tagged: DLR, Gallery, runDisney, WDW

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort

Returning from ankle surgery for her first race in three years, Angela Escay ran away with the Tinker Bell Half Marathon title at Disneyland Resort on Sunday.

Escay’s winning effort, 1:24:10, bested the previous mark by three minutes, but after the race it was all about doing what she loves – running.

“It was a good feeling to get back out there and do what I love to do,” Escay said. “The course was a lot of fun, (to) run through the park. It was my first run back in three years.”

“Rudy” and “The Lord of the Rings” actor Sean Astin and former “Biggest Loser” winner and Live Well network host Ali Vincent were among the more than 14,000 registered half marathon runners. In all, more than 21,000 runners took part in the second annual women-focused weekend of events centered on health, fitness and active lifestyles.

The Tinker Bell Half Marathon led runners through a character-filled 13.1-mile course at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, as well as by several city of Anaheim landmarks. Runners received a commemorative Tinker Bell “wings” medal.

Tagged: DCA, DL, DLR, runDisney

Filed: Disneyland Resort, Special Events