Well, we just finished the 34th Night of Joy at Walt Disney World Resort and this year’s event brought the best names in Contemporary Christian music to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the first time.

The Complex (as we call it at Walt Disney World Resort) came alive with music and festivities for this year’s event – with Champion Stadium, the HP Fieldhouse, Jostens Center and The ESPN Grill filled to the brim with music, games, food and fun. Having our three venues within shouting distance of each other, guests could move between concerts with ease, which made the main Hub of the Complex a beehive of activity. Walt Disney Entertainment – including our own Mark Daniels from “Inside Disney Parks” – provided commentary from throughout the event. Giant TV screens broadcast concerts and event outtakes to guests taking advantage of the Complex food trucks and other dining options.

And – if that weren’t enough – we even got to announce the dates for next year’s event – Sept. 8 and 9, 2017 – back again at The Complex. If you couldn’t make it this year, here’s a taste of what you missed and what you can catch next year – including a little “shout out” from Night of Joy All Stars MercyMe – who will be back again in 2017.

This year’s concert ticket for Saturday included a day at one of our four theme parks; and our guests just loved to tell us what a great time they had enjoying the parks during the day and then the concerts at night.

Touches of Disney magic were felt throughout the night with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald dressed in their finest sportswear greeting guests and taking photos.

In addition to the great music, the event showcased the best The Complex has to offer including world class sporting fields, which were transformed into “Fields of Joy.” During the event, guests competed in soccer, baseball, football and other sports challenges. Before the concerts, guests enjoyed friendly competitions – including 4v4 soccer and field-goal kicking – with a leaderboard showcasing high scores for bragging rights.

Jostens Center hosted our FanFest, which featured interactive games and sports along with concerts, including larger-than-life, interactive chess boards brought to the event by the enchanting new film from Disney, in association with ESPN Films, “Queen of Katwe.” Fans got to learn more about the film based on a remarkable true story while playing life-size chess. Guests can see the film in theaters starting September 23.

Our Night of Joy Talent Spotlight also featured some of the finest local Christian music talent in the ESPN Grill.

It truly was two very special nights. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for all the details on next year’s event.