Disney’s Soccer tournaments are some of the most popular with options for teams at all levels.
Tournaments
Disney Soccer Showcase
The Disney Soccer Showcase is the premier event of the Disney Youth Soccer tournaments. It takes place in December and is the largest soccer event at the Walt Disney World Resort.
The showcase is open to boys and girls teams aged 15 to 19 years old and attracts top-level teams from across the United States and internationally. The showcase provides players with an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college recruiters and coaches from top programs around the country.
The Disney Soccer Showcase features high-level competition, with each team playing a minimum of three games against top-level opponents. Some notable teams that have participated in the past include North Carolina FC, LA Galaxy Academy, FC Dallas Youth, and New York Red Bulls Academy. The showcase also includes a variety of events and activities, such as a college coach’s panel, player workshops, and an awards ceremony.
The showcase provides players with a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while also experiencing the magic of Disney.
Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier
The Disney Soccer Showcase Qualifier is an event that provides players aged 13 to 19 years old with the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and recruiters. The tournament attracts teams from across the United States and features some of the best high school and club teams in the country.
The tournament includes both boys’ and girls’ divisions, and each team plays a minimum of three games.
Disney Junior Soccer Showcase
The Disney Junior Soccer Showcase is a tournament designed for young players aged 9 to 12 years old. It is a great way for players to develop their skills, compete against other teams, and experience the magic of Disney.
The tournament features 7v7 matches, with each team playing a minimum of four games. Teams are also guaranteed to play on high-quality fields and receive professional coaching.
Disney President’s Day Soccer Festival
The Disney President’s Day Soccer Festival is a tournament that takes place over the President’s Day weekend in February. The tournament is open to boys and girls teams aged 9 to 19 years old and features a variety of divisions based on age and skill level.
Each team is guaranteed to play a minimum of three games, and the tournament also includes a skills challenge and an awards ceremony.
Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament
The Disney Memorial Day Soccer Tournament is a tournament that takes place over the Memorial Day weekend in May. The tournament is open to boys and girls teams aged 9 to 19 years old and features a variety of divisions based on age and skill level.
Each team is guaranteed to play a minimum of three games, and the tournament also includes a skills challenge and an awards ceremony.
Disney Labor Day Soccer Tournament
The Disney Labor Day Soccer Tournament is a tournament that takes place over the Labor Day weekend in September. The tournament is open to boys and girls teams aged 9 to 19 years old and features a variety of divisions based on age and skill level.
Each team is guaranteed to play a minimum of three games, and the tournament also includes a skills challenge and an awards ceremony.
Where to Stay
When attending a Disney youth soccer tournament, there are several accommodation options to consider. These include Disney’s on-property hotels, other hotels in the Orlando area, and condo rentals. Each option has its pros and cons, and the choice will depend on the team’s preferences, budget, and travel plans.
Disney’s On-Property Hotels
Staying at a Disney on-property hotel can be a convenient option for teams, as they are located within the Walt Disney World Resort and offer easy access to the tournament venues.
The Walt Disney World Resort offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets, from value resorts to deluxe hotels. These hotels also provide various amenities, such as transportation to the parks, access to Disney’s FastPass+ system, and complimentary transportation to and from the airport.
However, staying at a Disney on-property hotel can also be expensive, particularly during peak seasons. Additionally, the hotels can be crowded, and the tournament venues may still require a significant amount of travel time to reach.
Other Hotels in the Orlando Area
There are numerous hotels in the Orlando area that offer accommodations for families and sports teams. Many of these hotels provide shuttle services to the tournament venues, making transportation more accessible. These hotels are often more affordable than Disney’s on-property hotels, especially during off-peak seasons.
However, staying at an off-property hotel may mean additional travel time to reach the tournament venues, and the hotel amenities may be limited compared to those offered by Disney’s on-property hotels.
Condo Rentals
Condo rentals offer the most flexibility and space for teams. They provide fully equipped kitchens and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, making them ideal for families and groups. Condos can be found in various locations, from close proximity to the tournament venues to those located further away.
One of the main advantages of condo rentals is that they can be more affordable than hotels, particularly for teams traveling with larger groups. Additionally, they provide more privacy and space than hotels, making them a more comfortable option for teams that plan to stay for an extended period.
However, staying in a condo rental may require additional transportation arrangements, and it may not offer the same level of amenities as hotels. Additionally, the location may not be as convenient as those offered by Disney’s on-property hotels or other hotels in the Orlando area.
Driving vs. Flying
When planning a trip to Disney for a youth soccer tournament, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to drive or fly.
Flying can be more convenient, especially for teams traveling from far distances. Flying can save significant time and reduce travel fatigue. Additionally, it can be more convenient for teams to fly into one of the Orlando area airports and then rent a car to get around town.
Some of the airports that serve the Orlando area include Orlando International Airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport, and Tampa International Airport.
However, flying can be more expensive when traveling as a group, as you’ll need to buy a ticket for every family member attending the event. The cost of airfare can add up quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Additionally, you will need to rent a car unless all of your games are at the Wide World of Sports complex. Taxis to the more distant fields are difficult to arrange and very expensive.
Driving to Disney can be a more cost-effective option particularly when your entire family is attending. Additionally, driving to Disney can provide more flexibility and control over travel plans, allowing teams to make stops along the way and travel on their schedule. You won’t need to worry about catching your flight if you make the finals.
Where to Eat
When it comes to dining options during a Disney youth soccer tournament, Orlando has many restaurant options to choose from at all price points.
However, many families prefer to get a condo with a full kitchen to buy groceries and cook most of their meals just like at home. This can be a cost-effective and convenient option, allowing families to prepare meals according to their dietary needs and preferences.
If you’re planning on staying at a hotel, you should confirm their breakfast options. Many hotels have reduced offerings since COVID even when breakfast is advertised as included.
At the tournament fields, concessions typically offer typical concession stand food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries. The Wide World of Sports complex has a full restaurant and often brings in food trucks, offering a wider variety of dining options. Families can also bring their own snacks and water to the tournament to save money and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Outside of the tournament fields, Orlando has a diverse range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Families can find everything from fast food and chain restaurants to local eateries and fine dining establishments. It’s worth exploring the surrounding areas for dining options, as there are many hidden gems that offer delicious and affordable meals.
Letting Your Kids Explore on Their Own
Disney World and Universal Studios have policies regarding unaccompanied children in the parks. According to their guidelines, children under the age of 14 should not be left unattended in the parks.
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by someone who is at least 14. You should also use your best judgment to decide whether that’s actually a good idea.
If parents need some alone time without their children, they can utilize the babysitting services offered by Disney and Universal. Both parks offer in-room babysitting services through third-party vendors for an additional fee.
Additionally, parents can take advantage of the children’s activity centers offered at some of the Disney resorts. These centers provide supervised activities for children while parents enjoy some alone time.
Free Time
Tournament days can be busy with potentially no free time. Depending on the event, you may play either one or two games in a day.
If you play two games, expect one in the morning and one in the late afternoon or evening to give rest time between games. If you only have one game, it could be in the middle of the day.
Most fields get used from dawn to dusk each day with no built-in breaks for teams to go to the theme parks. Players also need time to prepare for their games and recover afterwards.
If you want a full day to explore the parks, it’s usually a good idea to extend your trip.