General Info
Experience the Fun in the Sun Signature Event 2027!
Where world-class robotics meets an unforgettable Orlando vacation!
Get ready for an exciting weekend of competition, innovation, and family fun at the Fun in the Sun Signature Event 2027! Whether you're competing for a coveted spot at the 2027 VEX Robotics World Championship or cheering from the sidelines, this event offers something for everyone.
Hosted in beautiful Orlando, Florida, you'll be just minutes away from world-famous attractions, including Walt Disney World®, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld®, and countless dining and entertainment options. Turn your competition weekend into a memorable family getaway!
The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, giving teams and families the convenience of staying on-site while enjoying one of Orlando's premier hotels and everything the International Drive area has to offer.
This year, 70 middle school teams from across the nation will gather to compete in Level Up™, showcasing their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in an exciting, high-energy environment.
From the Opening Ceremony through the Finals and Closing Ceremony, you'll experience outstanding competition, sportsmanship, and the excitement that makes the Fun in the Sun Signature Event one of Florida's premier robotics events.
For hotel information, event updates, schedules, and more, visit:
Important: Please ask your school's or organization's IT department to whitelist FunInTheSun2023@yahoo.com so you don't miss important event updates and announcements.
- Venue
- Hyatt Regency Orlando
- Address
- 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819, United States
- Dates
- January 3 – 4, 2027
- Grade Level
- Middle School
- Skills Challenge
- Yes
- Judging Format
- Remote Engineering Notebooks
Registration & Logistics
- Event Type
- Open Tournament
- Event Format
- In-Person
- Field Control
- N/A
- Capacity
- 70
- Spots Open
- 70
- Event Region
- Florida - North/Central
- Max Registrations per Org
- 6
- Priority Registration Opens
- 11-Sep-2026 12:00 EDT
- Standard Registration Opens
- 25-Sep-2026 12:00 EDT
- Registration Deadline
- 13-Nov-2026 12:00 EST
- Payment Deadline
- 10/10/2026
- Price
- $350.00
Agenda
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Important Information | ||
| Registration, inspections, and judging begin promptly Sunday morning | ||
| The event schedule is subject to change based on tournament operations | ||
| Any schedule updates will be announced during the event and shared with registered teams |
Travel Info
Stay Where We Play! Hyatt Regency Orlando Stay at the official Fun in the Sun Signature Event hotel and enjoy exclusive discounted rates and event perks—all in the heart of Orlando! Hotel Rate $179 per night + tax Stay Dates: December 29, 2026 – January 7, 2027 Book by: December 4, 2026 Rooms are limited. Book early to secure the discounted group rate! Exclusive Attendee Benefits • $18/day Self-Parking (regularly $38) • $10+tax/night Resort Fee (regularly $48) Resort Fee Includes • Two bottled waters daily • Complimentary guest room Wi-Fi • 24-hour fitness center access • 5% off spa and salon services • 25% off cabana rentals (subject to availability) • Access to Grotto and Terrace pool activities • Two I-RIDE Trolley tickets for International Drive
Judging Format
• Digital Engineering Notebook Submissions / In Person Team Interviews: Team interviews will be conducted in-person at the event. Engineering notebooks will be submitted digitally for evaluation via a link found within the "My Account" panel of the team contact on Events.VEX. A submission deadline that may be scheduled ahead of the event date.
Volunteer
Volunteers Needed! The Fun in the Sun Signature Event 2027 wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the event weekend. By working together, we can create an unforgettable experience while celebrating our students' hard work and accomplishments.
Emergency/Bad-Weather Policy
January is one of the best times to visit Florida, with mild temperatures and comfortable weather. In the event of severe weather or any schedule changes, updates will be posted on the event page . Please check there for the latest information before traveling to the venue.
- Excellence Award (VIQRC)
- Teamwork Champion Award (VIQRC)
- Robot Skills Champion (VIQRC)
- Amaze Award (VIQRC)
- Build Award (VIQRC)
- Create Award (VIQRC)
- Design Award (VIQRC)
- Innovate Award (VIQRC)
- Judges Award (VIQRC)
- Think Award (VIQRC)