ORLANDO, Florida - The Disney Cup International Youth Tournament was graced with a  special presence Friday when Brazilian National Team player Elano showed up at the Disney World Wide Sports Complex.

Just coming off the World Cup where he scored two goals, Elano is a big fan of the Disney Tournament and all of its facilities. He complimented the tournament and the conditions of the soccer fields before signing autographs for Cup players and guests and snapping photos with host Mickey.

It's just one of the many things that make this event special, and with just one day remaining the Disney Cup is still bracing to welcome Kaka.

Crossing boundaries: Speaking of special, U13 Brazilian player Carolina Boltz is turning some serious heads as she performs well while playing on the boys team. Having played on the team for four years, she's the club's top scorer and its best player.

A left footed player, she continues to dominate the boys and excite the fans on the grounds.

The spirit and camaraderie of the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament can best be summed up in one anecdote:

It was 2008, and a Brazilian girls' team giddy about reaching Disney World and playing in the prestigious event made the long trek to Orlando, Florida.

Problem was the team only had eight players.

Short on personnel but not on zeal, the Brazilians did the unthinkable - they "de-Brazilianized" their team, joining forces with four U.S. players and another four Irish footballers to form a hodgepodge that could only be described as international.

They captured their division title and formed a bond that will endure beyond their championship hardware.

If the goal of the Disney Cup International is to simulate the experience of the World Cup, which it is, then the event is a resounding success replete with all the goodwill and friendly competitive spirit that makes the summer event so special.

"You can play soccer your whole life, but if you don't get a chance to play for the national team and earn caps you don't get the ultimate experience," said Leo Leite of Disney Soccer. "Our goal is to provide that experience, and we do it in every way: through our opening and closing ceremonies and all the amenities provided by the ESPN Disney Wide World of Sports Complex.

"This year will be better than ever."

Set for July 12-17 with the Walt Disney World Resort serving as a fantastic backdrop, this year's tournament is expected to set the standard for all those that follow.

For starters, the newly done ESPN Wide World of Sports complex is a grand setting to host the tourney which is open to both boys and girls in age groups: U9-U10, U11-U12 and U13-U18.

The new-look sports hub will include more than 44 high-definition and robotic video cameras, plus 10 handheld cameras, and 40 high-definition video screens, including two Jumbotrons placed throughout the complex. These accommodations will allow the competing teams to watch the World Cup when they aren't on the pitch.

But star power won't just be confined to the television. Some major names in the game of soccer will be on hand to provide presentations and clinics including all-time football great Zico.

One of the trademarks of the Disney Cup International is the opening and closing ceremonies. Last year it was 13 countries and 140 teams, and this year it's expected to be even more: all those represented march out onto the field waving their flags and symbolizing their country's pride and it culminates with one gigantic party.

"A lot of the kids have never been to Disney and so they're super excited," Leite said. "We serve them dinner and have a DJ and of course they have access to all of our theme parks. It's a pretty special deal for these kids."

Added Disney Sports Area Manager: "We want to immerse these players in a cultural exchange and make them feel like Olympic athletes. This will be a special event."

Click here for more information on the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament or to apply.