Cheerleading Championship Abandons Disney, Leaving Thousands Without Annual Tradition
Pop Warner Little Scholars, a prominent organization focused on youth football, cheerleading, and dance, has made a significant announcement that impacts thousands of families and fans. The organization revealed that its Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance Nationals will be relocating from their longstanding home at Walt Disney World to Charlotte, North Carolina. For the 2025 and 2026 seasons, these highly anticipated competitions will take place at new venues.
The Pop Warner Super Bowl is set to occur at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, North Carolina, from December 6-13, 2025. Concurrently, the Cheer & Dance Nationals will be hosted at the Charlotte Convention Center in Uptown Charlotte from December 8-11, 2025. Although the specific dates for the 2026 championships are still forthcoming, the shift signifies a major change for both Pop Warner and the youth sports landscape.
Related: Are Cheerleaders in Disney Parks Poison?
Economic Impact on Disney and Local Businesses
Historically, the Pop Warner event has held immense significance in Orlando, Florida, drawing tens of thousands of athletes, families, and spectators to Walt Disney World Resort each December. The event has not only filled Disney hotels, particularly those classified as value resorts such as Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort but has also seen a notable rise in theme park attendance. December, traditionally a quieter time before the holiday rush, was transformed into a bustling period thanks to the influx of Pop Warner participants and their supporters.
With the announcement of the relocation, many local businesses and tourism stakeholders are bracing for a considerable decline in revenue. The Pop Warner events have been a reliably busy season for hoteliers, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the Orlando area. The expected drop in foot traffic during December could lead to substantial financial repercussions for businesses that rely on the wave of visitors associated with Disney and Pop Warner’s partnership.
Moreover, this relocation raises concerns over the economic sustainability of local tourism, which is dependent on large-scale events. As Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex loses a hallmark event, questions arise about how successfully the venue can adapt and attract other sports activities to fill the void left by Pop Warner.
Community Reactions to the Move
The response from the community regarding this relocation has been distinctly mixed. Many Disney guests who have frequented the resorts during the Pop Warner events have expressed disappointment at the departure of what has become a holiday tradition. Families who partake in cheerleading competitions and celebrate the accomplishments of young athletes are likely feeling the loss acutely.
However, not all reactions have been somber. Some Disney visitors are expressing relief, reveling in the prospect of a more tranquil experience during their stay. For instance, a guest took to social media to share their excitement over the opportunity for a calming environment at Disney’s budget-friendly resorts once again, highlighting the long-standing presence of Pop Warner participants as occasionally overwhelming.
This division in sentiment illustrates the complex relationship between organized youth sports events and the experience of casual vacationers at Disney. While dedicated cheerleading families may miss the event, other visitors are viewing the change as a positive development, showcasing the diversity of perspectives within the Disney community.
By coincidence, I used to be at Disney the week of the Pop Warner Competitions. The kids were pretty entertaining while waiting in lines. It’s a huge loss for Disney. Every minute those kids weren’t competing, they were in the parks. I don’t blame them. Disney’s greed is out of control prices are insane!
Hopefully Disney booked an event that will take it’s place. I’ve been there multiple times during various competitions & personally won’t miss the bratty cheerleaders & the snotty stuck up “cheer moms” .
Every time you turn around Disney has found a new way to charge its guests a fee.
Services are less and less and the quality of food and snacks is poor.
Happiest place on earth; I don’t think so!
Disney, wake-up!
Pop Warner moved their championship games from Disney to Universal back in 2021.
They do not contribute to the tourism industry off property very much. For the most part, the people stay on property and may leave for one team meal that overwhelms a restaurant nearby. They don’t go to offsite attractions either. They don’t have the time as long as they are competing, and when they aren’t competing the kids are usually in the parks. I for one will not miss a group of kids cutting in lines and running around mostly unsupervised.