Crowds in Disney World surge during expected times like holidays, spring break, and summer, but there are other times of the year you may be caught off guard by the crowds.
Many times this is due to special events happening somewhere in the resort, such as runDisney events around the parks, but many large sports competition companies also host their yearly events at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex and/or Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort & Convention Center, drawing in massive crowds. Two of those events are coming up soon and are happening on THE SAME weekend.
From April 26th through 28th, Disney World will be hosting both The Cheerleading Worlds and The Dance Worlds Championship Events. These aren’t just national events though, no — there are teams coming from ALL over the world.
This year alone, the Dance Worlds will see over 5,000 dancers spanning 400+ teams across 23 countries. The Cheerleading Worlds, on the other hand, will see over 12,000 cheerleaders across 500 teams spanning 21 countries to come together and celebrate the expertise, athleticism, determination and shared passion that create All Star cheerleading.
We don’t know about you, but that’s A LOT of people to be in Disney World at one time, especially considering that’s not including all the regular park guests that have no idea about the event. In many cases, the teams will come to Disney World early or stay a little late to spend some time in the parks, so crowds are likely to be elevated for around a week.
In addition to being in the parks, many of these teams will also be staying at Disney Worlds hotels. Oftentimes these are Disney’s All Star Resorts, which are their cheapest options. If you’re staying at the All-Star Sports Resort in particular, you will likely find lots of groups of teens practicing their routines. Things can feel noisy ad crowded. You may want to splurge a little bit to stay at a different Value hotel, or even a Moderate!
How to stay at a Moderate Resort on a Value Resort budget!
We’re always here keeping you updated on the latest Disney World news, so stay tuned to DFB!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you ever been in Disney World when these sports competitions take place? Tell us in the comments!





Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
A beloved Washington theme park has just announced its closure after the 2026 season.
There's one big transportation problem you'll need to contend with in Disney World this holiday...
Disney just dropped opening timelines for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger...
A new permit has been filed for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
Disney just announced the closing date for Typhoon Lagoon!
Disney hasn't announced these Disney World changes YET, but we're worried they could be on...
The Orlando International Airport has announced 7 MORE restaurants that will be coming to MCO...
If Frozen Ever After is a must-do on your EPCOT day, you’ll want to hear...
This iconic celebrity couple just showed up at Disneyland!
We just tried ALL the party-exclusive snacks at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to help...
The Oscars are moving to YouTube after being broadcast on ABC since 1976.
We're having a meal at a super underrated Disney World restaurant.
Looking for some new luggage when you travel this upcoming year? Here are the top...
Don't let this "hidden" fee catch you off guard when you sail aboard Disney Cruise...
Grab these gift cards for great last-minute gifts!
EPCOT is about to be noticeably more crowded than usual, and it all comes down...
These are our FAVORITE desserts in Disney Springs!
Give your wallet a break and eat at these affordable Disney restaurants!
Here are the WDW rides that will be closed for refurbishment in January 2026.
Big changes are coming to Disney World's original park.