Varsity Spirit: Championship FAQ’s

WALT DISNEY WORLD & COMPLEX TICKETS

Can you explain how Spectator Viewing process will work this season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?

• Disney has no restrictions on venue capacity this year.
• Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all indoor attractions and indoor queues and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, regardless of vaccination status. – This includes the athletes except when on the practice and performance floors Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas. Guests should bring their own face coverings. To learn more, please visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/
• Coaches who are registering parents on their hotel travel package, or parents registering on their own will be asked which performances they are coming to watch. We do not anticipate going back to limited spectators, however, we are asking this information just in case we have to go back to limiting spectators.

Do spectators have to purchase a Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group in order to watch competition at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?

No, they do not. If you are only going to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, you may pre-purchase a ticket for $40 per day per person. These can be purchased prior to arriving in Orlando online and will also be available for purchase at the Complex the day of the event. However, if you purchase a Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass from Varsity Spirit, it includes admission into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as well as all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks. All Park Hopper tickets must be pre-ordered, no Park Hopper tickets will be sold on-site.

What does “Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass” mean?

Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass allows Guests to visit more than one park per day for each day of the ticket. Guests must make a theme park reservation via the Disney park pass reservation system for the first park they plan to visit. After entering that first park, Guests will be able to visit the next park starting at 2 PM until each park's regularly scheduled closure. The ability to visit a park is subject to the park's capacity limitations. At this time a park reservation is not required after the first park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.

When will we receive our Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass for the Championship?

Once your registration is complete and paid in full, your ticket confirmation numbers will be ordered through Disney and approximately 7-10 business days later a ticket confirmation number will be emailed to you. No changes will be accepted after ticket orders have been placed, including upgrades. You will need to make a Theme Park Reservation for each day you want to visit a theme park. It is a possibility that parks will reach capacity so we strongly suggest you register/pay early so you can get your tickets and book your reservation for your top theme park choices.

If we do not use all the days on our Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass, may we use them next year?

No. All the discounted tickets sold at our events have an expiration date. Valid ticket dates are listed on our website, please check when you are ordering your tickets. No refunds will be given for unused portions of tickets.

Can I buy extra Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass tickets on-site in Orlando?

No, all theme park tickets must be preordered through the Discounted Ticket link on the Registration page online. Extra tickets cannot be ordered on a registration, you must place a separate ticket order. We will not be selling any Theme Park tickets on-site in Orlando.

Are there discounted park tickets available for family and friends not on the travel package?

Yes, there are four different tickets, 2 day, 3 day, 4 day and 5 day. Please view Ticket Information on your Championship website for pricing. Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass is valid for admission into the Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney’s Hollywood Studios®, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park as well as admission into the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. You will need to make a park reservation in order to get into a park. It is a possibility that parks will reach capacity so we strongly suggest you register/pay early so you can get your tickets and book your reservation. Theme Park Tickets must be pre-ordered and will not be sold on-site. Note: These tickets DO NOT include Championship bus transportation to the competition. Friends and Family will need the team customer number to order Theme Park tickets.

Will we get physical tickets this year?

No, this year all tickets will be digital, and you will use Disney MagicMobile to access the park. Once you pay in full you will receive your ticket confirmation numbers from Varsity, you will also receive information on how to link these ticket numbers to a My Disney Experience account and how to create a Disney MagicMobile pass. Once you are at the theme park, your theme park tickets will be available by holding up your eligible smart device near an access point to enter the park.

How do I link my Theme Park ticket confirmation number?

You will receive instructions on how to link your ticket confirmation number to your My Disney Experience account so that you can make your park reservations. That information can also be found HERE. Please link your tickets and make your park reservations as soon as you can as parks can fill up.

If families/teams are adding on an extra day attached to the package, are they able to use their Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass to go to Theme parks either of those days?

Yes! Tickets are valid for a date range around the Championship and can do during any of those days as long as you have a park reservation. Remember that adding an additional hotel night to your package does not automatically add another night to your Theme Park tickets and vice versa. Each must be added separately.

If I purchase additional discounted park tickets, where can I pick them up in Orlando?

Those who purchase additional discounted park tickets will receive their ticket confirmation numbers once they are paid in full. You will also receive instructions with those numbers on how to link them to a My Disney Experience account and create a Disney MagicMobile pass. Physical ticket media cards will not be distributed, so you will not need to check in with Varsity in Orlando.

Can I buy a ticket for ESPN Wide World of Sports only?

Yes! We will have ESPN Wide World of Sports tickets for sale online a few weeks prior to the event. We suggest that you purchase online prior to arriving to enter the Championship as quickly as possible. These tickets will be $40 per person, per day.

How can I add Disney Genie, Genie+ or Lightning Lane to our Walt Disney World® Resort Park Hopper® Youth Group Pass?

Please click HERE for more information on these new features. These are optional and not required.

Varsity Guests who have valid theme park admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation linked to their My Disney Experience account who are 18 or over, are able to purchase the Disney Genie+ service on the day of their theme park visit and may choose to purchase individual, “á la carte” Lightning Lane selections* at the published park opening, using the My Disney Experience mobile app. Please note, park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Attractions with Lightning Lane entrances that are included with Disney Genie+ service and individual purchases are limited in availability, subject to change or closure, may vary by date, and are not guaranteed. Availability can change throughout the day. To learn more about Lightning Lane entrances and other services available as part of Disney Genie service and Disney Genie+ service, visit disneyworld.com/genie.

Please Note: Before you Pay in Full: Please do not pay in full until you know all your changes and ticket upgrades have been processed. Once your pay in full, your ticket order goes in a queue to be processed. Tickets cannot be changed or upgraded after the order has been placed

COMPETITION

How do I find out when and where my team competes?

A detailed order of competition will be posted on the championship event page closer to the event. The detailed order of competition will tell you the location and exact times that your team will report backstage, take pictures, warm up and compete.

Will you have Virtual Divisions this year? (School Events Only)

At this time, we are not planning to have Virtual Divisions however we will continue to monitor travel and adjust if needed.

How will we know what days to schedule for the park if we don’t have a time frame for the competition?

Varsity Spirit will be putting out block schedules for the Championship as soon as they are available. We suggest that you book park reservations for the number of days on your theme park ticket.

Will we be able to practice in open areas around the resort or at ESPN Wide World of Sports?

Yes, teams will be able to practice in open areas around the Resorts on safe surfaces. At ESPN Wide World of Sports, there will be a designated practice area for teams. There cannot be practice outdoors at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex except in this designated area.            

What will the Championships be like with regards to COVID-19 safety?                   

Together, with the Walt Disney World Resort, we’ve made many updates to the championship experience. Before you register, it is imperative that you read everything carefully and make sure you share this information with your athletes and parents. Please know that this is a fluid situation and subject to change. Click here to read the Championship Experience Updates.

Do we have to wear a mask while in Orlando and at Walt Disney World?

Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) in all indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status. This includes upon entering and throughout all indoor attractions and indoor queues and in Disney buses, monorail and Disney Skyliner, any Varsity Championship tents and the Varsity Shop. This includes the athletes except when on the practice and performance floors. Face coverings are optional for Guests in outdoor areas and guests should bring their own face coverings. To learn more, please visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/experience-updates/

What is a Safety Champion?

Each team must designate one Safety Champion, who is not the coach and over the age of 18, as their Safety Champion. Coaches will need to enter this information on their registration. The Safety Champion must be willing to participate in additional safety training from the Walt Disney World Resort prior to the Championship. Each team is required to have a separate Safety Champion (Ex: If you bring two different teams from the same program, you need two different designated individuals). Safety Champions do not receive any special access for the competition.

The Safety Champion’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Ensuring the athletes, coaches and spectators of your team follow the health and safety requirements such as face coverings.

Can a coach be with the Safety Champions when they receive their extra training, so the coach knows exactly what the Safety Champions need to do?

Yes! The coach will have the option to go through the Safety Champion training in addition to the teams Safety Champion. However, the coach cannot serve as the Safety Champion. More information about the training will be sent out prior to the Championship.

How can team coaches, choreographers and personnel access the warm up area, backstage area or coaches box?

Coaches, choreographers, school administration, mascot coaches, band coaches and team personnel must have a USA Cheer Coaches or Professional Membership or Dance Membership to access these areas. USA Cheer, the organization responsible for reviewing and updating cheerleading safety standards, has developed a comprehensive Coaches Program which includes a background check, athlete protection training, acknowledgment of concussion training with return to participation guidance, and a member code of conduct. Beginning with the upcoming 2021-22 competition season, Varsity Spirit will require that all school cheer and dance coaches, choreographers and personnel wishing to access the warmup area, backstage, coaches’ box or music table at the Championships to have a USA Cheer Coach, Professional or Dance Membership. Proof of certification is required upon registering for the National Championship. When coaches check in, they will be asked to show their USA Cheer membership card (screenshot on their phone or a printed copy) and a photo ID to receive their wristband for access.

Will you have spectators in the competition venues and for awards?

At this time, there are no capacity limits in the Championship venues however spectators must wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Spectators will be allowed for awards ceremonies.

Do we have to get a negative COVID-19 test prior to arriving in Orlando or before we compete? 

Please see the Championship Experience updates HERE for more information.

Will we have temperature checks?

At this time, there will be no temperature checks this Championship season.

Are there any travel restrictions into Florida?

Before traveling to Florida, please make sure that you have reviewed any advisories or restrictions that may be in place for travel to Florida. Guests who are under isolation or quarantine orders should not travel to the event and must not enter Walt Disney World Resort.

HOTEL TRAVEL PACKAGE/REGISTRATION

What is the difference between a Value and Moderate Resort?

The Value accommodations are very nice yet economical hotels. Moderate accommodations are more upscale hotels on the Walt Disney World® property. Therefore, the main difference in package prices is the hotel cost only. All other services will remain the same for both hotels.

If I want my parents to register with Varsity directly, how do they do that?

Once the coach registers and the registration is approved, they will receive a unique registration ID. This is usually within 48 business hours of registering. The coach will then need to give their parents that ID number so they can register. Once the parent has the ID, they can go to the Championship website under the registration tab and click on Family/Individual Registration and follow the instructions.

We have parents who would like to come to the Championship. Can they sign up for the Hotel Travel Package?

Of course! A lot of coaches meet with the parents and include them on the travel package with their team. However, we encourage family members and friends to register with us directly. Parents will need the teams unique registration ID number that they will receive after the team registers and is approved.

Will all our rooms be housed together? Can we request for adjoining rooms or a specific location?

Special requests can be made but are not guaranteed. Please note that not all rooms are adjoining so your party may be split.

Can we get our room confirmation numbers?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide your individual hotel room reservation numbers/confirmation numbers because the hotels are booked as a group for the entire event.

Is transportation to and from the airport included in the Hotel Travel Package?

No, transportation to and from the airport is not included in the travel package. Disney’s Magical Express is no longer operating. We have added suggested transportation companies on the Championship websites under “Travel Information and Discounts.” Transportation from the hotels to the Championship venues IS included in for those on the Hotel travel package.

Is transportation from the Championship hotels to ESPN Wide World of Sports included in the hotel travel package?

Yes, it is included for those on the hotel travel package. During registration in Orlando for those on the hotel travel package, you will receive a lanyard that will allow you access to this transportation.

We have an uneven number of girls. Can we pay the quad rate for three girls in a room?

No. The travel package prices have been calculated according to how many people are in each room.

Can we have five people in a room?

No. The resorts do not allow more than four people to a room.

We are arriving to Lake Buena Vista at 10:00 a.m. on our arrival day, will our hotel rooms be ready?

Most hotels do not guarantee check in until 4:00 p.m. However, if there are rooms ready in your block, the hotel will check you in early. Please be sure to communicate this to your entire group that is traveling with you.

Where will commuter athletes register with Varsity?

Commuter athletes will no longer need to register on site in Orlando with Varsity. You will receive your ticket confirmation numbers via email once you pay in full and your coach will pick up your Commuter lanyard when they check in.

Our team doesn’t leave Lake Buena Vista until 6:00 p.m. on our departure day. What can we do all day?

Hotel check out is at 11:00 a.m. If you would like, you can take a Walt Disney World® Resort shuttle bus to Disney Springs to shop. The hotel will be glad to store these items for you, but you will be responsible for picking them up before you depart.

Can meal plan be purchased from Disney?

No, Disney meal plans cannot be added to our package.

Is there a Celebration Party or Extended Hours this season?

Yes! We are excited to bring back the Extended Park Hours on Friday night as well as the Celebration Party on Sunday night! These are included for those on the Hotel Travel Package. For the Extended Park Hours, teams will need to either make a reservation for Hollywood Studios for that day, or have another park reservation for that day and hop to Hollywood Studios that evening. Entering Hollywood Studios for extended park hours will use one day on your Park Pass. Those attending the Celebration Party, do not need a Theme Park reservation Magic Kingdom on their ticket for that event. For commuters, you can purchase tickets for the Celebration party.

What is the registration deadline?

The registration deadline for each event is when the final payment is due. Reminder, a park reservation is required to visit a theme park. The closer to the event you register, the more of a risk of not being able to make a reservation at the theme park of your choice.

How do I request a refund?

Refunds will be issued after the event is over and must be requested in writing no later than 30 days after the event is over. Refund requests may be emailed to your registration specialist. The average processing time for a refund is 4 weeks from the date the request is received. Refunds are not issued unless a written request is received. No refunds will be given for unused portion of park tickets.

What is the cancellation policy for the event?

Please refer to your Championship Terms and Conditions or the exact Cancellation Policy for your event.

What will happen if our team must cancel due to a positive COVID-19 test prior to arrival in Orlando? Will we get a refund?

If an entire team has to cancel due to COVID-19 prior to arrival in Orlando, we will need a letter from a school administrator/principal, program director (Rec) or owner (all-star) or parent (family group) indicating the reason for the cancellation for a full refund of fees paid to Varsity Spirit. Individual cancellations will follow the cancellation policy listed for the Championship. We cannot refund any unused portion of the Hotel Travel package or tickets.

Do refunds go directly back to parents?

Any refunds are issued back to the person who paid Varsity Spirit for the Championship. For example, if the payment to Varsity Spirit was made via a school check or gym credit card, it will be returned to the school/gym.

If athletes register as commuters, can we use Championship bus transportation?

No. Transportation is only provided for those purchasing the hotel travel package.

Do families need to pay for child that is 2 years old? EX: family of 5 but one child is 2.

No, children under the age of 3 do not need a Disney ticket to enter the theme parks.

How long does it take to process a change on my registration? 

Please allow 48 hours from submission for changes to be processed.

What is the advantage of purchasing the Hotel Travel Package?

It is not required that you attend our championship on the Hotel Travel Package. The two main reasons teams purchase the package are convenience and savings.

1. Convenience – Everything is handled for you. Hotel registration is smoother and rooms are guaranteed. Varsity Spirit works together with the Walt Disney World® Resort to block your rooms.

If you book your own trip, you have to:

Step 1: Call travel Agency or airlines.

Step 2: Send in deposit for airline tickets.

Step 3: Call several hotels to get room rates and availability.

Step 4: Guarantee all rooms using person credit card for deposit.

Step 5: Send your rooming list to the hotel.

Step 6: Call car rental agencies to find out rates and regulations of drivers.

Step 7: Fill out registration form for The Summit and mail in with registration fees.

If you book with Varsity Spirit you need to:

Step 1: Call Altour or your local travel agent to book flights. Step 2: Register online at varsity.com

2. Savings – Because of our partnership with the Walt Disney World® Resort, Varsity Spirit is able to negotiate discounted rates for hotel rooms and theme park tickets.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Where should I turn in athlete/coach waivers?

All athletes and coaches MUST complete a Release Waiver form and turn them in at registration at the hotel. Spectators are not required to turn in a Release Waiver.

Is there a spectator waiver and if so where do we turn those in?

There is only a spectator waiver for those staying on our hotel travel package.

Where can we purchase spectator tickets to the event?

ESPN Wide World of Sports single day tickets will be for sale online a few weeks prior to the championship. We will communicate detailed information on how to purchase these tickets prior to going on sale. Each ticket is $40 per person, per day. You can purchase tickets online prior to the Championship or at the event.

When will practice times be released?

Practice times will be release a few weeks prior to your Championship with the order of competition. In addition to your regular warmup inside the competition venues, the order of competition will indicate another dedicated practice time for each team based on the team’s performance time. (About one hour prior to your competition time.) There will be a marked off, outdoor space dedicated to these warm ups at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Teams will go directly from this outdoor practice time to check in at their venue for competition. Once teams check in at their competition venue, they will have an additional warm up time on a practice floor prior to competition.