Hi, Amanda! Oh, I'm so glad that you found our panel helpful when you were planning your first trip. Now, let's see what details we can iron out for trip #2!
Yes, typically the first week or so of December is when the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer/Dance Competition is held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at WDW. Although the crowds are typically low in the parks during this particular week of the year, the value resorts such as Pop Century are usually filled with sports teams from all over the country. Therefore, I would recommend choosing a different resort for the dates you are considering. (Our family likes to stay at different resorts for each trip, and sometimes two in one vacation!)
In fact, you may find that you can afford a
Moderate Resort at a Fall Season rate just as easily as a Value Resort during a Holiday Season rate. You'll have to make the comparisons, but it's certainly worth looking into. (One caveat: the Caribbean Beach Resort is also an ESPN WWoS resort that you might want to avoid during Pop Warner Week.)
I hope this has helped give you some options as you plan. Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation!