Hiya Tyler,
Thank you so much for stopping by planDisney with your planning question. You must be getting so excited with only a few short days until you visit the Most Magical Place on Earth. That countdown is definitely sprinkled with pixie dust and maybe a little cheer sparkle, too.
So, Tyler, let’s jump right into your question. You are correct that there will be a cheer competition at
ESPN Wide World of Sports from February 6 through February 8, 2026, which does fall during your visit. In my experience, cheer competitions can bring a little extra energy and a few more Guests into the parks compared to a typical February day. You will see athletes in their uniforms throughout the day as competitions take place at different times. As an
Annual Passholder who lives about an hour from the parks, I can honestly say these days still do not compare to peak holiday crowds, and I have never had an issue on these days. Think of it more like adding a little extra pep to the parks rather than overwhelming them.
Let me share a few tips to help you save time during your visit. One great option is
Lightning Lane. If there are certain attractions you know you want to experience, Lightning Lane can be a real game-changer by giving you access to shorter wait times. For example, my daughter is a huge fan of
Rise of the Resistance, so whenever we visit
Hollywood Studios, we always try to grab a Single Lightning Lane for that attraction.
Lightning Lane Multi-Pass lets you choose up to 3 experiences in a single theme park, each with an arrival window. After you tap into your first experience, you may be able to select another attraction, subject to availability. If you are looking to splurge a little and feel like a VIP for the day, you can also look into
Premier Lightning Lane. This option lets you experience each park attraction once without having to reserve return times. It really feels like magic with a little extra sparkle.
Another favorite time saver for our family is Mobile Order in the
My Disney Experience app. This is especially helpful when my youngest is starting to feel a little cranky, but we are in between attractions or shows. You can order your food right from the app, choose your arrival window, and your meal will be ready when you arrive. That always feels like a bibbidi bobbidi boo moment for us.
Tyler, I hope this helps you plan as you navigate the parks with all the cheer in the air. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to visit us again.
See you real soon,
Christina