Hiya, Jane! Thanks so much for visiting planDisney from across the pond. I've got my spirit fingers ready and am delighted to help you with your planning for The Cheerleading Worlds!
Worlds is an amazing event, drawing the very best all-star cheerleading teams from around the globe to
Walt Disney World Resort to compete at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. It promises to be thrilling for athletes and spectators alike, and I hope you are assembling all of your most exciting and bedazzled fan gear!
For cheer and dance
events held at the ESPN Complex, tickets usually go on sale 1-2 weeks before the competition. Coaches will receive the link to purchase tickets, and it will also be available through the USASF/IASF website. You can link your ticket numbers in your
My Disney Experience app and bring them up for entry at ESPN. In the past, walk-up tickets were available for these competitions, but several of our planDisney squad discovered that this is no longer the case when we traveled there recently for cheer and dance events.
Jane, let me offer a few tips from my own dance mom experience that will hopefully make your trip to Worlds even more magical!
- There is no direct transportation to the ESPN Complex from Walt Disney World resort hotels for spectators. There is plenty of complimentary parking if you rent a car for your visit, and it's easy to take rideshare like Lyft or Uber. On my visit to ESPN earlier this month, I noticed plenty of signage indicating pick-up and drop-off locations.
- Enjoy some great dining options onsite, from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill to some very cool food trucks that are usually available. I also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle as there are plenty of spots to rehydrate around the complex!
- This event will conclude with an after-hours Celebration Party at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on Sunday, April 29 from 9:00 PM to midnight. You can enjoy shorter-than-usual lines for select attractions and make some special memories with your squad! Attendees must purchase a wristband for admission in advance, as these are not sold at the park the night of the event.
I hope you have a wonderful trip, Jane--I am sure you and your favorite team are counting down the days until they take the floor at Worlds. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for a Hit Zero! Please don't hesitate to reach out to us again at planDisney if there are any other questions we can help with!
Go Team!
Susan