Hey, Kristin, and welcome to planDisney. You're in for a world of fun at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort, where the magic is as big as the oversized decor! I'm so happy to help with your question today, so let's jump right in!
Kristin, you've chosen a
beautiful time to visit Walt Disney World next year. There's just something so special about springtime in The Most Magical Place on Earth! With pleasant weather and the brilliant blooms of the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, April and early May are my favorite times to visit!
Honestly, your timing for this trip is pretty ideal. If I were planning a spring trip for my family next year, I'd be aiming for this exact timeframe! Here's why: in my experience, the weeks
after Easter but
before Memorial Day generally offer lower crowds than I've seen other times of year. And yes, this is even true during cheerleading competitions! My family's trips have overlapped these events plenty of times, and our time in the parks has never been negatively impacted as a result. The cheer groups are pretty busy at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex during the day, so they're usually not even in the theme parks during peak hours (still,
Lightning Lanes are never a bad idea if you're worried about waiting in line!).
Now, cheer groups
do tend to stay at Disney's
value resorts, Kristin, including Art of Animation. This means you might notice some cheer activity in the resort's common areas, like the pool and the food court. If you think this might bother you, I'd recommend upgrading to a
moderate resort if budget allows. I recently spent a week at
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and loved using the Disney Skyliner to get around!
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter is also a great option, with charming vibes and gorgeous rooms, not to mention Mickey beignets!
I hope this helps, Kristin! If you have any other questions, you know
where to find me right here at planDisney!
Magic awaits,
Allison