Walt Disney World enthusiasts, buckle up! There’s big news on the horizon that promises to make the holiday season at the parks even merrier. For the first time since 1995, the Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance Nationals will not be held in Orlando, Florida. Instead, the event will be hosted in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2025 and 2026.
This change signals the end of an era that many long-time Disney planners might find bittersweet. Historically, the Pop Warner events, held during the early December weeks, have been a hidden source of increased crowd levels at Walt Disney World. For years, these youth sporting events brought thousands of cheerleaders, football players, and their families to the parks. But now, with the championships moving to the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex and the Charlotte Convention Center, Disney guests can look forward to a potentially less crowded holiday season.
Pop Warner’s relocation isn’t unprecedented. The organization temporarily moved away from Disney during the pandemic, as Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex was repurposed for professional leagues. Since then, Pop Warner had been hosted at facilities like Camping World Stadium, with Universal Orlando Resort stepping in to accommodate families. Despite the shift, many attendees still made their way to Disney for a sprinkle of magic.
However, this definitive move to Charlotte in December 2025 changes the dynamics. The second week of December, already regarded as one of the best times to visit due to lower crowds and festive delights, might now dethrone the previous frontrunner weeks even more convincingly. For families planning their Disney vacations, this could mean more availability, better deals, and a more relaxed experience with reduced chances of encountering large groups of exuberant young athletes.
What do you think about this change? Will it influence your holiday planning? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Feel free to share this news and join the conversation!
Source: Tom Bricker
