Hi there, Marsha! Thanks so much for stopping by planDisney - it's great to have you be our guest! I'm happy to help with your question to help make your upcoming vacation at
Walt Disney World Resort a practically perfect one.
Between January and April, The Most Magical Place on Earth hosts several big cheerleading and dance competitions. I'm a seasoned veteran, having traveled to the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for my girls' dance competitions for many years. I'll actually be there at the same time next month to cheer on my youngest!
Marsha, your visit actually coincides with two separate events. The National School Spirit Championships are split into two weekends, with one division competing January 30-February 1, and the other February 6-8. Thousands of athletes and spectators will be visiting Walt Disney World during that window. But don't fret! I have some thoughts about how to organize your trip to hopefully avoid the worst of the crowds.
The first competition concludes on Sunday, February 1. You will typically see a lot of teams and their fans in the parks that day, as groups that don't make the event finals will be finished competing and ready to have some fun! There is also a private celebration party for athletes in
Disney's Hollywood Studios that evening, beginning at 9:00 PM.
I think your original plan for a Thursday visit to
Magic Kingdom Park is a great one. On the Monday of your trip, the first competition will be over, and many of the athletes and their loved ones may be squeezing in some park time. Our team usually goes straight to the Magic Kingdom on Monday morning before heading back to Michigan later in the day!
The Thursday of your visit is the day before the second competition starts, and all of the teams have assigned practice times at the ESPN Complex. No one wants to get worn out the day before they hit the floor! One place where you may see some cheer and dance folks is
Disney Springs, as many groups will organize a team dinner on Thursday evening.
If you're staying in a Disney Resort Hotel, you can get a head start on your day with
Early Theme Park Entry, which allows Guests staying on-property to enter the theme parks 30 minutes before the posted opening time. I also recommend using
Lightning Lane when you can, so you can enjoy shorter lines for certain attractions! Guests can book these 7 days in advance if staying on-property (3 days ahead otherwise).
I hope this information is helpful for your planning purposes, Marsha! If our planDisney team can help with any other questions before you head off on your adventures, please reach out anytime.
See Ya Real Soon!
Susan