|
Post by surgesoccer on Aug 13, 2017 18:12:52 GMT -5
As a team manager I've started the registration process for our team. And the big question I have is "why are we playing the Disney tournament?". I'm all for playing tough competition. All for playing different locations for the experience. And I get it that playing Disney is cool as the fields and overall event are pretty fantastic.
But where things get questionable is in the cost to parents to have their kids participate. Disney doesn't make sense from a cost perspective.
Tournament fee: $1,495 for U13. *since Disney now only plays one game a day, the event stretches over 5 days if you progress to the finals. That means increased costs.
Coaches per Diem: 5 Days X $50 = $250 Travel for Coach: If they ride with another coach still looking at $200 ------- Total Team Cost (Fees, Coaches Per Diem, Coaches Travel) = $1,950. Divide that by average 16 players = $122 per player
Hotel room: You have to book through Disney and average hotel room per night is $172. With fees and taxes you are looking at close to $200 per night. So cost = $1,000 for 5 days. Travel cost: Let's say $150. Food: $45 per day = $225
In the end cost per player = $1,497
Does this seem ridiculous to anyone else? I'm not sure all of the kids on my team can afford this at Christmas time. Not sure I can!
|
|
|
Post by soccerinsider on Aug 13, 2017 18:39:43 GMT -5
5 days? For U13? I'd challenge that.
I recall (I think) 3 days or is it longer now ? I recall driving down TH of thanksgiving, then games fri sat and the team played sunday. That's 3 days of hotel costs.
I know that some teamed up in rooms. Cuts the costs.
Would make sense to ask a team manager of an older team to see how to cut corners. f I'd approach the coach right now to discuss your concerns too. I'd also suggest you talk to parents and see what they think before you speak on their behalf if you have not done so.
Our family went year 1 and brought a cooler bagels etc. TH night was tgiving dinner. FRI was bagels and light food. Lunch was I think maybe Chik Fil A. Same for SAT. Bring stuff to eat and spend money on dinner.
|
|
|
Post by soccerparent02 on Aug 13, 2017 18:46:43 GMT -5
It's a great venue. Our team has gone multiple times. For the cost you'd think they'd actually get to a park but the kids don't as Coaches don't want them worn out. Our cost was more reasonable when it was not as many days. If it's what you say that's a whole season fee for most clubs. I'd bypass and do 2 or 3 area competitive tournament events.
|
|
|
Post by rifle on Aug 13, 2017 19:06:49 GMT -5
I'd skip that in a heartbeat. Especially for U13. That is more than double the cost of the other good tournaments.
Also: mandatory hotels are bullshizat. The answer is "staying with relatives" (wink wink)
|
|
|
Post by spectator on Aug 13, 2017 21:12:10 GMT -5
"Worth' it is relative
For the ever popular ROI/College exposure route At U13 - unless your team is something really spectacular - I'm talking in the top division playing at the ESPN fields, then pass until U15-U16 and even then evaluate where you will be bracket wise and if you will get coaches to come watch your players. In recent years, fewer and fewer coaches are doing Disney because of the cost - CASL is a great option instead - only drawback there is you have to pull the kids out of school for Friday games.
Cost wise - there are ways to beat that - 'staying with relatives' works; get condos and cook in for breakfast and dinners - it's great team bonding time.
But for the experience Yeah - everyone wants that team photo in front of the ESPN world statue. The kids love it and it's an amazing facility. You can do a Disney park one or two days or downtown Disney at night.
I'd pass at U13 but start planing for it within the next couple of years. We don't regret going at all - it was fun and great competition. Several of our players got their first looks by college coaches there
|
|
|
Post by SoccerMom on Aug 13, 2017 23:05:09 GMT -5
We always got the condo and it was around $150, grocery shopped the first night and had all home cooked meals. Its definitely not a cheap tournament but its very good competition
|
|
|
Post by infoguy on Aug 14, 2017 8:05:41 GMT -5
Yes and yes, if you ask my daughter.
|
|
|
Post by Soccerhouse on Aug 14, 2017 8:43:04 GMT -5
honestly the thing that drives me crazy is admission to the park and sometimes if your on an outer field, you have to wait for days in line for a water. Park should have water jugs set up with water.
|
|
|
Post by touchlinedad on Aug 14, 2017 9:12:09 GMT -5
I'd skip that in a heartbeat. Especially for U13. That is more than double the cost of the other good tournaments. Also: mandatory hotels are bullshizat. The answer is "staying with relatives" (wink wink) 100 percent agree on the mandatory hotel. That is just another way for tournaments, or as I like to say, the "soccer industrial complex," to make money. It's ridiculous. I'm going to use that "staying with relatives" idea from now on.
|
|
|
Post by Keeper on Aug 14, 2017 22:01:26 GMT -5
I know they moved Girls Disney due to the NCAA coaches blackout, so are all ages (13U and up) kicking off Thanksgiving day now??
|
|
|
Post by surgesoccer on Aug 15, 2017 13:18:42 GMT -5
I've sent a email to our Director detailing the costs to see what the club perspective is. I know there is some prestige to a club playing Disney, and the kids do love it. Yet at some point "too much" really is "too much".
I'm going to share the numbers with the team and get their feedback as well. It may be that as a team we vote to not go, or at least consider some alternatives to reduce the cost.
|
|
|
Post by SoccerMom on Aug 16, 2017 19:14:29 GMT -5
I know they moved Girls Disney due to the NCAA coaches blackout, so are all ages (13U and up) kicking off Thanksgiving day now?? Boys are from Dec 27-31 And now they have added the u11 & u12 back on.
|
|
|
Post by allthingsoccer on Aug 18, 2017 8:08:40 GMT -5
I personally dont have an issue with Disney. We have gone at least 10 times and enjoyed every minute of it. Great life long memories. Enjoy them while you can.
And if you are like our family we dont take a huge family vacations. We take soccercations.
Is it expensive, yeah but that's the Disney way. Most large out of state tournaments are expensive.
|
|
|
Post by surgesoccer on Aug 18, 2017 12:55:01 GMT -5
The problem I have with Disney is the change in format taking it from 3 days to 5 days. That ups your hotel cost 66%. Of course if you don't make it out of the group stage then your cost is only increased 33% (4 days).
Agree that its a fun tournament, great experience and great facilities. As far as vacation, unfortunately my daughter has to be in Orlando the following week for cheerleading championships. I take the soccer trip and my wife takes the cheerleading one.
|
|
|
Post by allthingsoccer on Aug 18, 2017 13:20:20 GMT -5
For sure every situation is different. We enjoy it. Most major tournaments will cost around $1000-$1500 out of pocket. Dallas Cup is CRAZY. That's 7 days!!
|
|
|
Post by Keeper on Aug 18, 2017 17:08:48 GMT -5
The problem I have with Disney is the change in format taking it from 3 days to 5 days. That ups your hotel cost 66%. Of course if you don't make it out of the group stage then your cost is only increased 33% (4 days). Agree that its a fun tournament, great experience and great facilities. As far as vacation, unfortunately my daughter has to be in Orlando the following week for cheerleading championships. I take the soccer trip and my wife takes the cheerleading one. Sounds like your family just needs the RV or timeshare condo then!
|
|