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If you fancy playing some golf at Disney then look no further than Oaktrail just on the other side of the entrnace to Magic Kingdom.

Last year we decided to purchse a 5 day Hopper pass for Disney and that gave us Free rounds of Golf at Oak Trail. It is a walking course but is great for a knock around. They do not have too many rules and it is well worth the visit.

If you take the family there is a pool nearby and a small refreshment hut whilst you hits some balls around the course.

Mind you it is not an easy course. Whilst you are there you can check out the Palm Trees and Mgnolia Course which is a bit more expensive.

Even if you do not have a 5 day disney pass giving you free rounds it was only $38. Great Value. So check it out.

But things are possibly changing.  Whilst the USA will most likely continue to be associated with the National Football League, ice hockey, baseball and basketball, there is a definite sign that cricket is making inroads.

There is a long history of cricket in the States – whilst today the big international rivalries are perhaps between England and Australia, or India and Pakistan, the first ever international cricket match was between USA and Canada, way back in 1844.

Since then other sports have dominated – but that may be about to change.  At the time of writing (April 2010), a series of international matches is being planned between New Zealand and Sri Lanka – to be staged in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  And there is already a thriving cricket league in Florida.

My local club, Tunbridge Wells Borderers, play in the East Sussex League in England, but also try and play in a variety of overseas locations.  And 2008 saw the club visiting Florida to take on a couple of local sides – Silver Spring Shores and Poinciana.

The two local teams consisted mostly of expatriates from the Caribbean, and proved to be excellent hosts.  Although their hospitality was restricted to ‘off the field; - the home teams won both matches by a comfortable margin.  The wonderful Florida weather sapped the energy of the visiting English team in temperatures seldom seen on the cricket fields of England.

But, in spite of the defeats, Florida proved to be a wonderful venue for a cricket tour.  The hosts hospitality and the Florida weather provided the backdrop as the English cricket team spent their time as tourists, enjoying golf, the theme parks, plenty of shopping……and, of course, the fabulous choice of restaurants.

Our touring party stayed in villas.  This proved to be much more cost effective than hotel rooms, whilst giving us the luxury of private pools, plenty of space and the convenience of self catering.

We searched the internet and found the Lakeland Tigers who are affliliated to the Detroit Tigers. Best seats in the house were $7 each. It was only a 20 minute journey to get there. We didn’t expect much as it was a local team.

As we drew nearer the stadium it was more like some of the Premier Football League Grounds. What amazed us first was the massive car park they had. We arrived about an hour before the game started and got some food and drink. There are always offers depending on what night you go.

The stadium was half empty when we found our seats. But unfortunately on the first nght it started raining so they pulled on the covers (much like Wimbledon) and we waited but the game got put off. We were given a rain check for our ticket and came back the next evening when they were playing a double header against the same team. By the way they play each other about 7 times in a row and play about 160 games per year.

The follwoing night was different and we saw the whole game completed. In between innings there were little competitions for the kids and some adults who wanted to take part.

It was a real family atmosphere, nothing like out football matches at home. Everyone was made welcome the players spoke to the supporters and it was a really enjoyable evening. Make sure you check a game out!

American Football

Like baseball, American Football is the all-American game, although a mystery to some European visitors.  There are many matches held locally - for top level American Football it is necessary to travel a little further afield.  A little over an hours drive is necessary to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who play at the Raymond James Stadium.  The regular season runs from August through to December - but make sure you have tickets before travelling, as the majority of seats are taken by season ticket holders.  If you are happy to travel further to see top sport, a trip to Miami to see the Dolphins is a must.  Miami is truly cosmopolitan, and also provides an opportunity to visit South Beach and the art-deco district.

Speedway (Motor Racing)

The world famous Daytona Speedway is in Florida - just head North along the Interstate.  The most famous race is the Daytona 500 - but around a dozen big race meetings are held each year, featuring cars, stock cars or motorcycles.  Nearer to the attractions, Disney has its own racing circuit - the Richard Petty Driving Experience, situated just alongside the entrance to The Magic Kingdom.  As well as the opportunity to watch, it is also possible to drive around the Disney speedway, with a variety of different packages on sale.

Walt Disney World Marathon

The annual Walt Disney World Marathon is a major event attracting many top athletes.  The route takes in all 4 major theme parks.  The event usually takes place in January, and draws big crowds.

Greyhound Racing

As well as being the landing point for many international visitors at the airport, Sanford also has regular greyhound racing.