How much free time?
 

My team was wondering about how much free time you usually had at the nationals (to play). We want to know if we really need a hopper pass or not (because our team doesn't have a lot of money this year). I define 'free time' as time that there is no competition and no reason to be at the pit/arena.

Well.....
 

In previous years we've always had an one or two "free days" where we didnt have competition at all....but normally you get all your free time after the competition is over in the evening....and this can be a lot of time depending on what you set a curfew too or what your hotels transportation stops at (off disney site)..

I would also definately reccomend the park hopper passes that you brought up. Through the magic of Disney, all the parks are interconnected through the monorail system, which was quite enjoyable to ride last season during the downpour. I almost got that warning about the doors memorized ;)

Re: How much free time?
 

I've been pretty liberal about free time while at Walt Disney World. So, I think it's fair to say I've spent a lot more time in the parks than most people.

With that said, during the three competition days, there's usually not too much time for park-going. At least, traditionally speaking . . But, before I get into that. . .

We arrive on Wednesday, and depart on Sunday, giving us most of each of those days to spend in the parks. I think a lot of teams do this.

Now, back to the competition days . . .

The past two years at least, Nationals has been held in early April, before Easter Break. This is just prior to Disney's "Peak" season of attendance (and prices!) - and things are run accordingly. Traditionally, during lowly attended times of the year, the parks close early. In our case, it was around 9 p.m. Competition ended around 6 or so, depending on what kinds of repairs your 'bot might have needed. By the time you got the team organized, two hours wasn't a whole lot of time in the parks.

This year, though, we're down there much later in the month. So late, in fact, that our stay falls within Disney's umbrella of peak travel. What does this mean to us? Well, most importantly, there are longer park hours. The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Disney Studios will usually close around 11 p.m., while Animal Kingdom shutters it's doors at 8 p.m. On the weekend, expect parks to be open an additional hour or so.

Secondarily, but not so advantageously, hotel rates increase to match. Rooms at Disney's All Star resort that were previously ~$79 a night may be as a high as ~$129 a night. Plan accordingly, though this will only affect team's booking outside of FIRST's packages.

Subjectively, I'd say go for the park hoppers! There are also 3 day park hoppers available to groups, though the general public cannot purchase them. They allow you unlimited access to Disney's four theme parks, as well as unlimited use of their transportation. It's great if only because you can take one of FIRST's provided meal cards and hop into Epcot for lunch, rather than getting a $9 hot dog. . . . and you get a lot of food in Epcot.

Finally, one thing to remember about the park hopper passes we get as groups. . . While those purchased by the general public never expire, ours usually only work for 7 days after the first time they're activated.

Disney World tickets
 

Dumb question... Are you required to buy Disney World tickets in order to get into Epcot for the competition?:confused:

Re: Disney World tickets
 

the comp is out in the parking lot of epcot. so no you don't need them to get in.

There is NO dumb question on the Chief.:cool:

Well, no.
 

No, you don't need any Disney admission media at all.

The competition site is actually outside of Epcot's main gates, in an overflow parking lot to the west of the entrance. The shuttle bus service runs directly to that site. The team party is held within Epcot's gates, but students are escorted in by Disney event staff and crowd control, and only need the provided wrist band. That is, regular park admission isn't required.

Beyond that, park admission is required for anything else. If it's not economically feasible, you could go without it, but it's got it's benefits, too. In particular, the food inside Epcot is much, much better than anything you'll get at the event site, it's not too far away, and they'll accept the meal coupons that come with the package.