A significant change has emerged in the world of youth sports, with the announcement that the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance Nationals will be moving from their long-standing home at Walt Disney World to Charlotte, North Carolina. This relocation marks a pivotal shift for one of the largest youth sports events in the United States, impacting thousands of athletes, families, and fans alike. The 2025 championships are scheduled for December 6-13, while the Cheer & Dance Nationals will take place from December 8-11, 2025, at venues in Charlotte.
The decision to leave the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has left a notable void in the Orlando sports landscape. Historically, Disney’s facilities have drawn massive crowds in early December, a time when tourist numbers often dip before the holiday season. The shift from Orlando to Charlotte means that local teams and participants will have to adapt to a new environment while facing the logistical challenges that come with a different state and venue.
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Economic Impact on Disney and Surroundings
The departure of the Pop Warner events is poised to initiate profound economic repercussions for both Walt Disney World and the surrounding Orlando area. For years, the finals and championships have complemented the value resorts at the park, drawing families and cheer teams that have heavily populated locations like Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort. With an annual attendance surpassing 10,000 participants and spectators, the absence of this group will result in diminished foot traffic during one of the quieter times of the year.
Local businesses catering to sports events, including restaurants, shops, and services, will likely see a significant downturn in revenue as a result of this decision. The potential decline in occupancy rates in Disney hotels further complicates the situation. Without the presence of Pop Warner at the ESPN venue, hotel bookings for early December are expected to decline, leading to an overall reduction in financial inflow for the area dependent on tourism.
For Walt Disney World, this shift could represent a larger trend of dwindling revenues, particularly for events that bolster attendance during an otherwise less busy season. The need to now offset that loss may compel Disney to reevaluate their event hosting strategy, potentially seeking to attract other competitive sports events to fill the gap.
WOW!!! No more cheer/dance nationals at WDW this year?!?!? 👀👀👀 https://t.co/SK3EURKAVR
— Shaun Ranks Theme Parks (@rankingthemouse) February 4, 2025
Mixed Reactions from the Community
The news of Pop Warner’s relocation has elicited a spectrum of reactions from the community, ranging from disappointment to relief. Loyal supporters of the Pop Warner tradition are left disheartened, having cultivated memories and a sense of community through years of attendance at Disney. This sense of loss is palpable, particularly among families who have integrated the event into their annual traditions.
Conversely, some guests at Disney are expressing a degree of relief at the news. Social media platforms have become a venue for individuals to share their sentiments about the situation. One Disney guest notably tweeted, “All-Star Sports may finally be habitable,” reflecting a sentiment that the high volume of sports teams may have contributed to a chaotic atmosphere in the budget-friendly accommodations. For these guests, the change may mean a quieter, more leisurely vacation experience during a time previously dominated by the energetic environment brought on by Pop Warner.
As discussions continue online, the community reflects the duality of emotions surrounding this transition. While the cheering performances and high-energy competitions will be missed, some guests see the change as an opportunity for a more serene adventure at the Walt Disney Resort.
Good luck finding a place to stay or dine in uptown charlotte. Nothing there anymore everything is bank owned or empty.
Hopefully this will bring much needed revenue to NC after the destruction caused by the storms. As for Disney, i am glad that it will become a less chaotic and more relaxing atmosphere. And even after recording astronomical profits this past quarter, i am sure Disney will raise prices on everything to cover their “losses” and give Igor another multi million dollar bonus.
Pop Warner hasn’t been associated with Disney in at least 4 years. We haven’t stayed at any Disney resorts or competed at ESPN since then. We’ve been at universal and seaworld and competed at the Orlando convention center. So this is a little far fetched but not completely off track since a lot of us still roamed the parks during our stays. We will miss Florida.
There so many cheer events in
February!The state of Florida is filled with them. I don’t think Disney will suffer. It never does. You can barely pick a day that isn’t
Jam packed all year round.
Yay! We were there 1 year ago this week. There were cheer/dance competitions going on (not sure what group). Lots of large groups of mostly teenage girls everywhere we went and so incredibly rude! Walking through the parks, shoulder to shoulder, not moving for anyone, cutting lines. And if anyone said anything they used language that would make a sailor blush! It wasn’t every group, but I’d bet it was most.
Pop Warner hasn’t been in Disney since 2019. It’s been at the Orange County Convention Center and Camping World Stadium since 2020. You’re 5 years behind.