Pop Warner Strategies

[kuzco-like]

I just found out that there will be a Pop Warner event happening the second week of December, which is when I'll be at WDW. Besides not staying at an All-Star resort (which I'm not), what else should I know? How much do these events impact park touring? Transportation?

 

[chefmb]

We've been twice during part of PopWarner week. Would not have even known about it if it weren't for the Disboards. If you aren't staying at one of the hotels, then don't worry about it. You might see some teams at the parks here or there later in the week as they are eliminated, but you most likely wouldn't give it a second thought if you hadn't heard about PW week here Enjoy your trip! Great week to be there!

 

[ali2083]

We've been twice during part of PopWarner week. Would not have even known about it if it weren't for the Disboards. If you aren't staying at one of the hotels, then don't worry about it. You might see some teams at the parks here or there later in the week as they are eliminated, but you most likely wouldn't give it a second thought if you hadn't heard about PW week here Enjoy your trip! Great week to be there!

I'll be there the same time frame - staying at POP, so I was wondering the same things. Thank you OP for asking!

 

[kuzco-like]

Well, that's a relief. Thanks, chefmb. It's my first time @ at Disney park for Christmas season. Its very exciting!

 

[HopperFan]

POP Warner hotels this year are All-Stars, Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs Resorts.
To participate they are required to stay with a Disney package so they will all be at the Disney resorts.

 

[sWDWcopeland]

We stayed at POP last year during the same time. I read some kind of scary reviews before we went and might have changed the dates if I hadn't already booked our flights. We stayed for 10 nights and never ran into any issues. Don't recall seeing any "groups" in the parks and the only way I knew they were even there was seeing a football team of probably 10 year olds at the pool one night. They were not obnoxious or rude. Just boys having fun in a pool with their coaches.

It's my favorite time to go to WDW. Enjoy all of the decorations, sights and smells of the Christmas season. Make sure to visit the GF, Yacht & Beach Club, Contemporary, etc so you can all of the special displays and decor. It's all outstanding!

 

[sharonabe]

I assume you've already checked park hours, but if not, it looks like Wed, Dec 10, is their night at HS. It closes early that night for a private "party" for them. In years' past there was no F! that night, but it looks like it's on the schedule. Not sure how that will work, but I would not plan my HS day for that Wed.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Be not afraid I have stayed on property many many times over the years when this group has been here. They are the most supervised and well behaved kids I have ever had the pleasure to share space with. Chaperones act the way chaperones should. I wish I could say that about all youth groups but I honestly can't.

 

[nkereina]

I assume you've already checked park hours, but if not, it looks like Wed, Dec 10, is their night at HS. It closes early that night for a private "party" for them. In years' past there was no F! that night, but it looks like it's on the schedule. Not sure how that will work, but I would not plan my HS day for that Wed.

This would be the only impact on touring with Pop Warner. In fact, with the early DHS closing, it may actually make for lower crowds during the day if you're ok with leaving by 4 and having no Fantasmic.

As PPs have mentioned, they only cause havoc at the resorts they are staying at.

 

[kuzco-like]

What a relief! Thank you, Hopperfan, for that list. I lucked out, and am staying at POFQ, but almost stayed at CS. I'm glad that I just licked out and got into POFQ.

 

[kuzco-like]

Sharonabe, I had not figured out that DJS was closing early on the 10th for their party. I'll have to check my plans. Great tip! Thanks for sharing.

 

[kuzco-like]

Everyone else, thank you for alleviating any worries. I'm very excited to be going this time of year, and will certainly take some time to check out the resorts.

 

[moogiepet]

I'm relieved to hear that I shouldn't have anything to worry about. I'm at POP Dec 8-12 & luckily I don't have DHS scheduled for the 10th! Yay! Thanks everyone who replied with past experience!
Dot*

 

[MakiraMarlena]

You don't have to do anything. If you're staying at a resort where they are staying, you may see them on the buses and in the food court. And some groups will be in the park after they are done. But they will spend most of their time over at WWOS competing. and as noted, if you are planning a DHS day, don't make it Dec. 10.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

We have stayed at the same resort as them and still not had a problem. Food court was packed at times. Pools were crowded and noisy in evening, but other than that all was good. Never really noticed them in the parks, although I am sure some of them were there.

 

[LBIJim]

If you're not staying at one of their hotels, you probably won't even notice they're there.

Ooooh, just realized I used their, they're and there in the same sentence. Could be a first.

 

[sWDWcopeland]

We actually went to DHS last year on the day it closed early for the PW party and it was not very crowded. We were able to ride TOT over and over again and also rode TSMM multiple times (with low wait times). It seemed like everyone else decided to go somewhere else that day so the park was not crowded at all. We saw Fantasmic on a different night. My kids really like DHS so we had to do two days there.

 

[Lurch]

Thanks for the thread! I was booked for a last minute long weekend anniversary trip and saw I would be sharing Coronado Springs with the Pop Warner group. We were able to find a slightly less expensive room at our favorite moderate POR so everything worked out. We were looking forward to trying a new resort, but maybe next time.

I don't dislike children, but I need some quiet time at the resort to recover from prolonged exposure

 

[metzgardesign]

I think the best plan of action would be to carry a spare football (or many spare footballs) in your backpack, with the intention of tossing one in the direction of a group of those young hooligans anytime they look like they may be bringing their fun your way.

And.....do not take that evasive measure without having your escape plan routed at ALL times during your vacation.

 

[BillSears]

I'm staying at Pop Century this week and Pop Warner is here too. It's the cheerleaders staying here, mostly 7-9 year old girls. It really hasn't had any affect on my trip other than seeing them once in a while.