Pop Warner week at Universal Dec 7-14

[bwr827]

Just learned that Pop Warner is Dec 7-14 with teams and their families all staying at Universal.

Can anyone offer perspective on what this will be like?

Essentially, I’d love to know how bad this might be in terms of rowdy teens and crowded lines.

 

[shh]

LOTS of pop warner experience from my years visiting WDW, UO and Sea World (it was at SW last year.) Couple of tips:

1. Watch park hours. In the past, they will usually dedicate a special party or night just for attendees. This may (or may not) affect park closing times for public guests. Keep an eye on park hours in the next week or two.

2. Avoid the hotels if possible. Most of the kids are fine and Pop Warner has very strict rules and lots of adult chaperones (unlike some of the South American tour groups I've seen where the "chaperones" are basically teens who are as rowdy as the kids and fail to supervise them.)

But it's still going to be louder, busier, etc at these hotels. Google Pop Warner event hotels and view or download the event registration packet with all official hotel options listed.

Last year, they included offsite brands like Marriott, Hyatt and Choice as well, but Sea World doesn't have the onsite options UO does, so not sure if they'll do that this year.

3. Park crowds? Others may disagree, but I've never experienced much impact from Pop Warner groups INSIDE the theme parks - they're very busy with competitions most of the week and usually limit their theme park time for the special nights/events planned by Pop Warner leadership.

(Some families may come in early or stay longer, but again, not enough impact to really make a big difference in UO's large parks.)

 

[bwr827]

LOTS of pop warner experience from my years visiting WDW, UO and Sea World (it was at SW last year.) Couple of tips:

1. Watch park hours. In the past, they will usually dedicate a special party or night just for attendees. This may (or may not) affect park closing times for public guests. Keep an eye on park hours in the next week or two.

2. Avoid the hotels if possible. Most of the kids are fine and Pop Warner has very strict rules and lots of adult chaperones (unlike some of the South American tour groups I've seen where the "chaperones" are basically teens who are as rowdy as the kids and fail to supervise them.)

But it's still going to be louder, busier, etc at these hotels. Google Pop Warner event hotels and view or download the event registration packet with all official hotel options listed.

Last year, they included offsite brands like Marriott, Hyatt and Choice as well, but Sea World doesn't have the onsite options UO does, so not sure if they'll do that this year.

3. Park crowds? Others may disagree, but I've never experienced much impact from Pop Warner groups INSIDE the theme parks - they're very busy with competitions most of the week and usually limit their theme park time for the special nights/events planned by Pop Warner leadership.

(Some families may come in early or stay longer, but again, not enough impact to really make a big difference in UO's large parks.)

Thanks very much for the idea to download the Pop Warner manual.

I’m thrilled to have learned that they have none of the actual Universal hotels included — so our stay at Cabana Bay won’t be overrun by packs of rowdy teens.

Phew!

 

[Lewisc]

Their official hotels are Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside,

I’m thrilled to have learned that they have none of the actual Universal hotels included

Which is it?

Sounds like at least one of the parks might close early. Citywalk will be crowded.
Don't wait to make dinner reservations

 

[bwr827]

Which is it?

Sounds like at least one of the parks might close early. Citywalk will be crowded.
Don't wait to make dinner reservations

I updated my original post. The website I originally referenced re: official hotels being Surfside or Dockside was from a couple of years ago.

By checking the 2024 manual from Pop Warner, I was able to confirm none of their hotel room blocks are at a Universal resort.

Good thinking re: dinner reservations.