USA TODAY International Edition
Ballers will have Disney perk access
NBA players might not have access to Space Mountain or the Haunted Mansion or Pirates of the Caribbean.
But the NBA has made arrangements with Disney to provide access to attractions and experiences at the theme park, including after- hours access to Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Rock ’ N’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios and Test Track at Epcot.
The NBA informed teams of “bookable experiences on the NBA campus at Disney” in a memo delivered late Wednesday night. The season restart is scheduled for July 30 at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida.
By the end of Thursday, all 22 teams participating were expected to be on campus.
“Players will have the first opportunity to select experiences on a first come first serve basis and are recommended to book experiences at least 48 hours in advance,” the memo said. “Open slots for experiences will be released 24 hours prior to the beginning of the event, during which period other members of the team travel party may book available inventory.”
Golf: Players and staffers will have access to three golf courses with tee times for foursomes throughout the day, six days a week.
Disney’s Palm Golf Course, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course are the three courses to play. Mike Conley, Kyle Korver and J. R. Smith are among the NBA’s well- known golfers who will be on the campus.
Fishing and boating trips: Later this month, fishing trips will be available to book – two- hour excursions with five guests per boat at Grand Marina.
The trip includes a guide, rod, reel, artificial lures and live bait. Alcohol is not allowed on these trips. Bass is the primary quarry on the lake.
Clippers forward Paul George is the league’s best- known fisherman.
Motorized pontoon boats are available now for hourly rentals from 10 a. m.- 6 p. m. ET. Again, no alcohol allowed.
Bowling: Splitsville Luxury Bowling Lanes will open this month and be available two to three times a week, starting at 7 p. m. ET.
Oklahoma City guard Chris Paul is perhaps the league’s best bowler.
Additional amenities: Players lounges with pool tables, table tennis and video games, swimming pools, tennis courts and bikes also are available.
Personal care: Barbers, braiders, manicurists and pedicurists are available throughout the day at each of the three team hotels.