Planning a trip during cheerleading/dance competitions! Need advice!

[rosie27]

Hi there!
I'm trying to do as much research as I can (while also being kind of blind to certain things) but my boyfriend and I have had a tripped planned for awhile. We're going to pop century from February 4-8th.

I see now that the 2-4th is a dance competition and the 9-12th is a cheerleading. I was wondering if the groups usually only come for the scheduled dates of their competitions or if they extend their trips to enjoy more time at the resorts and the parks.

It seems like if they stick to the time for competitions I'm sneaking in right in between them being there. I've been good and bad stories but I just want to be prepared and if it'll be bad/noisy/crazy I would look into switching to a different hotel where they may not be. I read they stay at POP a lot!

We get there on the 4th and plan on just wandering around, maybe going to Disney springs. Then park days on the 5th, 6th, 7th. Any advice would be great. Thank ya!

 

[LeighM]

Some families get there a week before the competition to have park time together as a family and others extend the trip after the competitions. I've been there a few times during those competitions and I haven't noticed them having a huge negative effect in the parks because they are usually practicing or in competitions. The resort quick service and pools are very busy though. I've stayed at Coronado Springs during their time frame and there's definitely an uptick in crowds. At Coronado, they try to put those groups in the back of the resort in the Ranchos section. I've never had an issue with the teens but some of those cheerleading Moms will def get on your last nerve lol.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Yes families will add days to their stay so they can enjoy the parks. The kids competing get to do the parks later in the day into the evening so late afternoons and evenings will be affected by groups of kids. The value resorts typically are more affected by group bookings but all resorts can have kids running amuck at night. Doing the parks earlier in the days will let you avoid the worst of the kids.

 

[Fox&Hound]

Pop is usually slammed during this time. The pools and dining at the resorts seem to be most affected. If staying at POP, try to avoid the ground floor.

 

[nickys]

Noone’s mentioned the cheer practice sessions, which could also affect your stay.

 

[yensid67]

DON'T DO IT! LOL
If it were me, a former cast member, I would plan other dates! But if you and BF think it will be okay, then go ahead! The parks are usually busy during dance/cheer/ warner football weeks. The worse times for tour groups is when the Brazilian groups invade.
But like I said, if you and BF are OK with crowds of teenagers, then go! But IF you can go on other dates, it could be more magical...maybe BF will be inspired to POP the QUESTION in front of Cindy's Castle?

As for your 5th, 6th and 7th days...you both should come to the table with what parks you want to do and go from there.
You already know that Magic Kingdom is a must...so there is one day taken. So that leaves Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom. Each have their own uniqueness, the Studios offer Star Wars, Toy Story and Tower of Terror...Epcot offer Guardians of the Galaxy, new nighttime fireworks show, world showcase...Animal Kingdom offers the Safari, Everest, Festival of the Lion King. (I personally do not go to AK, because its basically a zoo with a few rides)
I think Epcot and Hollywood Studios would be the best bang for your buck! That's just my opinion! Do what makes you happy!

Have a Magical Trip!!!!

 

[mf1972]

i would stay away from the value resorts if u can. the all stars especially since they get the brunt of it. we’ve stayed at ASM when they came, & they were loud, running around, banging on walls & doors. that was just our experience.

 

[nickys]

I personally do not go to AK, because its basically a zoo with a few rides.

That’s a shame because you’re missing out on Pandora and one of my favourite rides - Flight of Passage. And AK has some of the best theming of all the parks, in both Pandora and Africa.

 

[NelleBelle]

We love AK for the amazing theming. Even if we’re not riding anything, it’s a beautiful park. We love all the shows and performers around the park. We generally do this park for half a day and then hop somewhere in the evening or head to Disney springs.

 

[LeighM]

I don't even think of AK a zoo (although I know it technically is) because the animals seem so much more taken care of and happy in their environment. Personally, I hate zoos because I don't like seeing animals in tiny cages but they seem to have more natural freedom in AK during the day and a safe space to sleep at night. It's very well designed. I really enjoyed watching the behind the scenes AK shows on Disney+.

 

[Eric Graham]

Have you considered staying at POFQ. It's a beautiful Moderate resort. We enjoyed the New Orleans theming there. If you want quiet, then I would advise you staying away from the pool there. They also offer a carriage ride, which may be a fun time for the two of you there. Happy traveling and have fun!

 

[Junebug45]

I don’t recommend being there during the competitions. My mom and I went last year around the end of April in the middle of several cheer competitions and the parks were jam packed. We stayed at one of the value resorts and was so noisy at night after the parks close and the kids were back at the hotel.

Definitely check the ESPN sports complex schedule to see what events are planned.

 

[yensid67]

That’s a shame because you’re missing out on Pandora and one of my favourite rides - Flight of Passage. And AK has some of the best theming of all the parks, in both Pandora and Africa.

I have always wanted to see Pandora and FoP and Nav'i River, but with the prices of tickets along with the costs of Genie and Lightning lanes, its too expensive! So I will focus on MK and EP!