Any Pop Warner cheer parents out there?

[musicmom3]

Hi! I have already begun to worry about what I will do if my daughter's team is lucky enough to wind up at Nationals in December. Maybe some experienced parents can help me with a few questions?

Can the cheerleader stay with the parent and siblings?

Does everybody have to stay in the AllStars?

If a parent can arrange airfare and the hotel at a less expensive price than the team package, is it okay to do that? (I qualify for the Dolphin's educational discount.)

Are there special park nights for the cheerleaders?

Is the experience as cool as it sounds?

It looks like our team might be offering a $900 5-day package that includes all but food, but $900 x three people is $2,700 (passes included), and I think I could put something together myself for less.

ANY info would be appreciated! I am already planning my July family trip to the Dolphin, and wasn't really thinking I might be going to WDW in December, but I'm not complaining! And of course I am not counting my chickens...this is all "just in case"!

 

[01Sweetpea]

I think it depends on your cheer squad. My stepdaughters are cheering at Disney 2/27-3/1. It was the teams decision to let everyone who wanted to make their own flight arrangements to go ahead. However, the girls depending on age, must stay with their team. My older stepdaughter will stay with 3 other girls in her room, my younger stepdaughter will saty with 2 other girls and 1 other parent. Parents can choose to saty where they want, but a package to stay at the AllStars is available to them.

We are going from 2/27 -3/6 and staying at the Dolphin, far away from the cheerleaders!!!

 

[goofyfordisney]

Musicmom,

I am kind of in the same boat you're in! I'm a Jr. Pee Wee football mom. We have been told to "be prepared" to go to WDW too. We were planning a trip to Disneyland in December so, if we make it to the finals we will be going to WDW instead! We are planning a Spring Break trip to WDW and DCL cruise--so that would change those plans as well!!

We would also like to stay at the Swan/Dolphin. I was told that they have packages available at the Allstars and CBR. I don't know any other details though.

I would love to hear from those who have taken part in the Pop Warner events in the past.

Thanks for posting these questions--I was glad someone else is "counting their chickens"!

Good luck!

Sue

 

[pnelson]

When are the dates in December? For the rest of us, the cheerleaders are a group to avoid.

 

[tiggerlvr]

Another Pop Warner mom!! I also have 2 cheerleaders we are already going for a family vacation to Disney for Thanksgiving!! Oh my if we make it to Nationals in Dec. two Disney vacations in a month!! Also have a chance of the football team making it even if the cheerleaders don't, if enough money is raised then the cheerleaders go too!! We did have a team that made it a few years ago, and I think it depends on your State rules, we also had a package we could buy into as a parent, and depending on the money raised for the trip determined how much we paid per kid.....the kids had to go on the same plane as a team, however they could stay with their parents if they wished, most kids did not have parents with them however.....and stayed at the All Stars, I do know some families stayed at other resorts with their kids, so again it's up to each states orginization....I have read alot of comments on this board about cheerleaders!! As a former coach and as a mom of two of them, it's not easy!! They just want to have fun.....(no excuse for rudeness of bad behavoir) and have worked very hard to get there....let them have fun!!

 

[musicmom3]

It's great to hear from other cheer parents!

About the plane, I don't know how I would feel with my daughter on a plane without me. I was up all last night worrying about flying and money and the kids missing school, and here we're not even officially going!

Another questions: Does anybody know whether transportation to World of Sports from the Dolphin is reasonably efficient if you don't plan on renting a car?

pnelson, Nationals are the week of December 8, but I have heard that there are other weeks where cheer groups and dance teams will be hosted. I'm a former coach and a true fan of the sport of cheer, but I can see how people might not want to be around any large group of children on their vacations.

 

[cinder1]

pnelson,

When we were at WDW last spring break, there were some cheerleaders at POR where we stayed. I didn't really notice them, but they bugged my DH. They apparently swamped the food court when DH and my 3 kids were there and pushed their way in front of the little ones in line. If I'd been there, I'd have said something to the girls and I'm sure they would have been nice about it. I didn't notice hordes of cheerleaders at the parks either. I think it's only a problem if you happen to hit the same spot as the cheerleaders at the same time. We did run into VERY rude teens at Epcot, but I don't think they were cheerleaders. Most of the cheerleaders we saw were very sweet to my 3 kids and talked to them on the way to buses and in lines. My kids thought it was great!!

I have heard complaints of the cheerleaders practicing late at night and early in the morning. I'd just make sure you aren't staying near them during competition time.

 

[DSNY FN]

We go down every year in Dec just when the Pop Warner thing is going on and to be honest other than in 99 when there were kids actually sent home from Disney for fighting with other kids and generally being rude to everyone they came across. We have had no problems with them they were hardly ever in the parks as they have so many planned activities at WWOS that they usually just hang out at the pool and swim or go to the arcade after they are done their events. I think it is great how they do this @ Disney World every year up here in Canada Cheerleading is something that is just tolerated not a means to a possible job or profession later in life and most girls are just doing it for fun and attention.

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

TWO of my daughters qualified for the Pop Warner National Competition yesterday (Eastern Region)!! I have been down this road twice before with one daughter, but honestly never expected to do it with two at once!!! In New Jersey, we make our own flight arrangements but in order for your daughter to compete, you have to book your package (hotel and park hopper) with your cheer coordinator. This year your choices are All Stars or Carribean Beach Resort.

My "Pee Wee" will be competing at the National Championships on Thursday, 12/11, and my "Jr. Pee Wee" qualified for the Invitational and will compete on Tuesday, 12/9! Go Hawks and Falcons!! Good luck to your daughter!!

We had planned a vacation for this Saturday, but this morning I had to rearrange the entire trip for a week later so my girls can "continue their cheerleading career"! I had to give up my Wilderness Lodge reservations, well . . . maybe next year!!!

I guess I need to update my countdown clock now too!?!

Friday night, 12/12, WDW (MGM) has a Pop Warner Party, this ticket comes with your package. It is great! FREE food carts, drinks, pop corn those expensive ice creams are everywhere all night! Plus most of the attractions are open.

Qualifying for the Pop Warner National Championships is, well, PRICELESS!! It is a wonderful experience that EVERY cheerleader should experience. Hope you make it!! Good luck!!

 

[musicmom3]

My daughter's Jr. Midget team qualifited for National Championship (New England region) this Saturday, so we are going to Disney too!!!!!!!!!! We get the details tomorrow night. I am so excited....and a little off balance...Being a compulsive WDW planner (planning is half the fun), there is no way I can get this all together by myself in time. Here is where I learn to "go with the flow."

I agree, Disneyfreakjackie, this is going to be a priceless experience, something to remember forever! Do you know if they videotape the competition for purchase, the way they do at other competitions? Also, does each parent get to pick All Stars or CB, or do you go where the team goes? It seems they would want the team members to stay together.


The party at MGM sounds so cool!!!!!

I can't wait!!!!!!!

 

[tnkrbell]

Pee Wee mom here!! We are not pop warner we are allstars/rec division!! We will be there also the last weekend of Feb!! For contest of Champions!! Maybe Ill see you there o1sweetpea!!!!!
We have to all stay at the same hotel andwe have to go with the package they have we are paying 98.00 an night for hte allstars and I know I can get it cheaper!! But.. I have to go with this rate becasue it holds the rooms for us all together!! We have three squads going up!!Good luck to all of you!!

GO GEMZ!!!!!!

 

[musicmom3]

$98 for the Allstars! I would have thought that, if anything, a group rate would have gotten you a pretty good discount. Oh well, I'll probably be in the same boat as you! Good luck to your daughter!

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

WAY TO GO!!! You and your daughter are going to have a great time!!! This will be my 12 year olds third time at National's and my 8 year olds first (hopefully of many)!!

Disney does keep the teams together at the same hotel. I know exactly what you mean about planning is half the fun!!! As I said, I had to "re-plan" the whole vacation yesterday for a week later! (I still haven't changed my countdown clock!)

What is the name of your daughter's team?? Maybe they will be competing on the same day!! We are Middlesex Hawks - Pee Wee Small and Middlesex Falcons - Jr. Pee Wee Large!! 13 days until we leave . . .


GOOD LUCK AT NATIONALS!!

 

[babynurse31]

Congratulations to your girls for making it to nationals!! How exciting! My daughter has regionals this weekend in Michigan and we'll find out then if we're going too! It's driving me crazy not to be able to plan like I normally do. If we win, we will have 8 days from when we get back from regionals until we have to be at WDW!! Crazy!!

Good luck at Nationals & I hope your "planning" goes well!

 

[musicmom3]

DisneyFreakJackie, we are the New Fairfield Falcons (Jr. Midgets Large) and I can't wait to find out when we go!!!! All the details should be coming tonight! Let the fund-raising begin! Third time at Nationals and two teams going...what a great cheer culture you must have in your area!
Best of luck to all at NATIONALS!!!

 

[laurieny]

Also going Dec 12 for Pop Warner. First time a team from our area has made it in many years. We made all our plans last night and ended up with great airfare! Hope to meet all of you down there. I also have 2 but at least they are on the same team!

 

[Sunseeker]

We are going in March for the All Stars competition. To avoid complications we are going to do the package. The only glitch is that I already have an annual pass. I am wondering how the park hopper pass and other benefits are packaged. If the park hopper is on a separate card I would like to sell or give it to someone not on the package. Seems silly to use since I already have an AP. If anyone knows let me know. Thanks.

 

[DSNY FN]

The Park hopper is separate from your room key.

 

[musicmom3]

Laurieny, good luck to your team! Can you share details of your package and what you are paying for what time span? I will know our team's plans tonight, but I can't wait for details! Although at the way, way back of my mind is a tiny little concern about money, since this is a totally unplanned trip! But I am NOT complaining!!!!!

 

[laurieny]

Here is the info we were given: 4 in a room 3 nites $308, 4 nites $330, 5 nites-$352. This is with a 4 day park hopper. Prices are per person. For a 5 day park hopper-4 nite-$353 and 5 nite $375. this is at All Stars. Carribean Beach is slightly higher. I would have preferred Carribean Beach but was out-voted. There is also meal plans available. Anyone with experience with these meal plans?
Good luck to your girls also!!!!! This was so unexpected for us. We have Major fundraising to do in the next couple of weeks.