Robert Niles
Editor
Robert Niles

2011 Theme Park Insider Tournament preview: ESPN The Weekend vs. Star Wars Weekends

March 14, 2011, 11:36 AM · We're sticking with the Walt Disney World Resort for the next match-up in the 2011 Theme Park Insider Tournament: America's Best Theme Park Event. This time, we're setting Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios up against the just-concluded ESPN: The Weekend, which also takes place at the same park.

Star Wars Weekends
Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo courtesy Disney

ESPN: The Weekend
ESPN: The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo courtesy Disney

The emphasis at both events is seeing celebrities: the Star Wars characters and actors at that event, and the ESPN personalities and pro athletes at the other. Disney offers meet-n-greets and interactions, as well shows and performances, at both events. So, ultimately, it's a question of which do you like better: Star Wars, or sports?

We'll vote on the match-up starting at noon Eastern Time tomorrow (Tuesday). Until then, the comments are open for your observations, trip reports, impressions or just two-bit opinions about these events.

Update: Time to vote!

Replies (6)

anonymous
67.224.143.49
March 14, 2011 at 3:32 PM · I'm not really that familiar with either. I haven't experience either in person. I really don't love the meeting of athletes that much. But I do have to say that it is great if a favorite athlete of yours does goes, to meet him/her there is a nice opportunity that you may not have at any other time. Besides I know it doesn't show the full scope of the event but at least I watched ESPN and I know at least 2 shows where live from Disney. (Mike and Mike in the morning/ ESPN's First Take)

So for me that couldn't experience it first hand it gave me a sense of the event plus a sense of Disney, while being at home. In essence it gave me a "little" of what I get by coming "here" and other Web pages Theme Park or Disney related. It gave a little feel of Disney!

I really like Star Wars too...
But for the reasons I've stated, I vote ESPN's The Weekend!

-Francisco

coasterdude
Writer
Anthony Murphy
March 14, 2011 at 3:46 PM · I will give it to Star Wars...

Nerdy as it may be, it still is pretty cool!

southie_chick
southie chick
March 14, 2011 at 6:28 PM · Since it is Pi Day, I gotta give my nerdy nod to Star Wars. And besides that Star Wars has Yoda, who is soooooo much cooler than ANY sports figure!
docbrownB2TF
Writer
Domenik Jost
March 14, 2011 at 9:47 PM · I have to give the nod to Star Wars Weekends, with the emphasis on the S. The four week event is one of my favorite at the park and in my opinion trounces the single weekend "ESPN The Weekend" event. Star Wars brings young and old together like nothing else I have seen at the parks besides maybe food. It's fun for all ages and the autograph sessions are a bonus (though do get there early to get in line for passes). I look forward to this years event.
anonymous
71.43.108.222
March 15, 2011 at 6:19 AM · Star Wars hands down...no one beats the Disney parade like Star Wars Weekends :)
danimal
Dan Barnes
March 15, 2011 at 11:28 AM · Star Wars is great! I really enjoyed seeing one of my sons picked for the Jedi Training Academy. It helps being a fan of Star Wars. May the force be with you!

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