Walt Disney World Resort Nets an Ace with Tennis Programs

Published June 26, 2007 at 4:00 a.m.

M.D. Tennis, Inc., Serves Up Top Tennis Experiences for Disney Resort Guests

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- For people who love to play tennis, the family vacation doesn't need to be a time to take a break from their passion...At least, not if the vacation is at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests can practice their strokes, learn a new trick or stoke their competitive fires at the Vacation Kingdom, which offers 12 lighted courts as well as tennis programs for guests of all ages and abilities...From private lessons with an experienced pro to simply knocking around the fuzzy yellow ball with family members before -- or after -- a day in the theme parks, Disney's recreational tennis programs serve up an ace.

The Grand Floridian Tennis Center (located at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) serves as the hub area for tennis activity at the Vacation Kingdom...The Tennis Center boasts a pair of HarTru soft surface clay courts in a truly picturesque tennis setting plus pro shop services...Professional programs and clinics are available through M.D. Tennis, Inc., which oversees all tennis activities at Walt Disney World Resort.

The scope of tennis programming includes private or group lessons, seasonal camps and organized convention-style tournaments for groups of at least 15 players...More experienced "racqueteers" will enjoy the thrill of Play the Professional, which offers a real match play opportunity to challenge Disney's talented tennis pros...Following the scored match, the pro provides insightful feedback and analysis to the guest player...For more information about and reservations for lessons, camps and organized tournaments, guests can call 407/621-1991.

The Grand Floridian Tennis Center provides the amenities of a hometown tennis club, with personal racquet re-stringing and re-gripping plus ball machines and top-of-the-line racquets available for rent...Courts are open 9 a.m. to noon and 4-8 p.m. and available on a first-come, first-served basis...There is a $10 plus tax per person per hour charge for court time between 9 a.m. and noon and 4-8 p.m.

Tennis remains a popular activity elsewhere on Disney property, with five other Disney resorts offering recreational guest play: Disney's BoardWalk (two hard courts), Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (two hard courts), Disney's Old Key West Resort (three hard courts), Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (two Hydro-grid clay courts) and Disney's Yacht Club Resort (one hard court)...At these locations, courts are available without charge on a first-come basis.

About M.D. Tennis, Inc.

Under the direction of Director of Tennis Michael Dublin, M.D. Tennis, Inc., oversees all tennis programs for Walt Disney World Resort, including guest lessons, clinics, private instruction, pro-shop management and court maintenance...Dublin, a life-long enthusiast of the sport, brings a wealth of experience to Disney...He is a certified member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), as well as a former NCAA Division I men's and women's coach at the University of Central Florida (1998-2000)...Dublin also previously served as director of tennis for both the City of Celebration (Fla.) and the City of Kissimmee (Fla.) Parks & Recreation departments, both from 1996-2003...

Rentals, Fees and Instruction

Court Use: $10 per hour/per person plus tax between 9 a.m. and noon and 4-8 p.m. at the Grand Floridian Tennis Center; no charge at other locations.

Ball machine: $25 per hour plus tax

Rackets: $10 per racket / per day plus tax

Tennis racket re-string (synthetic): $35 per racket plus tax (re-stringing is completed in one day

Tennis balls: $5 per can plus tax

Private Lessons: Lessons are personalized to each guest's ability level and include a variety of drills and challenging games...Basic stroke instruction can be customized to focus on backhands, forehands, serves or volleys...Price: $80 per hour.

Play the Professional: Guests challenge Disney tennis pros in real match play...This is a true game with scoring for intermediate to advanced players, and at the end of the match, the pros provide feedback and analysis to the guest player...Price: $80 per hour.

Group Lessons / Clinics: Guests develop various skills during this fast-paced program customized to the abilities of the participants, with a maximum player-to-pro ratio of 8:1...Lessons focus on forehand, backhand, volleys and serves...Price: $15 per person for 1 hour.

Camps: Disney offers camps for guests of all ages and abilities...Most camps run five days per week and vary between mornings and afternoons...Price: call for information.

Professional Fill-In: If a group of guests has an odd number of players and they need a pro to complete a foursome...Price: $80 per hour.

Convention Tournaments: Convention or other groups (15 participants or more) can enjoy friendly competition in a structured manner; the customized program can also include clinics...Price: varies.

Information and Reservations: Call 407/621-1991

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