If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World and noticed groups of teenagers decked out in matching bows, team jackets, and bursting into spontaneous chants, you’ve likely encountered one of Disney’s many cheerleading competitions. Events like the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship and the D2 Summit bring thousands of cheerleaders and their families to the parks — and with them comes a wave of energy that’s impossible to miss.
But sometimes, that energy can spill over into chaos.
A now-viral story from a Disney World resort is making the rounds online, and it perfectly captures what some guests call the “cheer week experience.” According to a post shared on Reddit, what began as a simple disagreement over the settings of a hotel hot tub turned into a full-blown standoff involving dozens of cheerleaders, their parents, and ultimately Disney security.
The hot tub in question had a clear “16 and older” sign posted, but that didn’t stop a group of younger cheerleaders — allegedly backed by their chaperone — from taking over. As more and more team members piled into the already-crowded space, tensions rose between the group and other hotel guests trying to enjoy the amenities.
Attempts to compromise — like asking the group to use the larger, jet-free pool nearby — were reportedly dismissed. The situation escalated when one of the older cheerleaders began cursing at other guests, and soon after, security and the facility manager were called in to intervene. With no resolution in sight, Disney made the decision to close the hot tub entirely.
The Reddit user who shared the experience summed it up like this:
“For those wondering about visiting WDW during cheer weeks — a cautionary tale. Be weary of the power of numbers… What started as a simple dispute over whether the jets in the hot tub should be kept on quickly boiled over (literally) into an army of teeny boppers and their enthusiastic parents lording over the hot tub and getting the whole thing closed.”
While the incident was described as “mostly civil,” the sheer volume of people and refusal to follow posted rules ultimately led to the shutdown.
Why This Happens During Cheer Competitions
Disney’s cheerleading events attract massive crowds. These groups often stay at Disney’s value resorts, like the All-Star Resorts, but their presence can affect the vibe across the entire property. Expect:
- Longer wait times for rides and restaurants
- Spontaneous chants and cheers — even in attraction queues
- Crowded pools and public spaces
While some guests enjoy the high-energy atmosphere, others find the influx of large groups overwhelming.
What Disney Fans Are Saying
This viral story sparked plenty of discussion online, with many locals and frequent visitors advising travelers to avoid Disney during cheer competition season.
One Orlando local commented:
“I really feel bad for people who have to go during cheer comps. We are local and don’t always pay attention to when they are going on, but once we get out there and realize, it’s usually a shorter day for us. I also used to work the shuttle buses for these comps, and I can attest — some of the most awful behavior from parents and kids alike.”
Manage expectations during cheer comps
byu/flashadvocate inWaltDisneyWorld
How to Avoid Cheer Week Crowds
If you prefer a more laid-back Disney trip, here’s how to avoid the cheer week chaos:
- Check the competition schedule: Events like UCA and D2 Summit happen on specific weekends — steer clear of those dates if possible.
- Stay at a moderate or deluxe resort: Value resorts tend to host more large groups.
- Hit the parks early or late: Cheer squads often follow competition schedules, leaving early mornings and late nights less crowded.
The Bottom Line
Disney World is known for its magical atmosphere, but your experience can vary depending on when you visit. Cheer competition weeks bring a lot of excitement — and a lot of people.
If you don’t mind a lively, spirited crowd, you might enjoy the extra energy. But if you’re looking for a more peaceful vacation, it’s best to plan around these events. And whatever you do — maybe steer clear of the hot tub.
We have stayed at WDW a few times during the cheer-competition. Generally the kids are well behaved; if VERY noisy early in the morning. You do run into long lines at eateries sometimes. If you are sharing a Disney bus with them, prepare yourself for an ear-splitting ride. The biggest problem I see is that the adult chaperones seem to feel entitled and never seem to pay any attention when the kids are over-stepping accepted bounds. These kids need some supervision; which seems to be sorely lacking.
.I’ve usually encountered them at the value resorts as stated… but the value resorts do not have hot tubs that I am aware of… thus making me think this had to be a moderate or above. Sad that the chaperones do not rein in a group when they are out of control. But I have found that also… the adults with the teens are often more problem than the kids. And if they were under 16 yrs then it is also sad that the whole thing had to be closed to get them to follow the rules.