101 Tips and Facts About The Summit and D2 Summit Competitions
- If you have an Amazon Prime Account, you can have water and groceries delivered to your room! Even at a Disney Resort! Just make sure to change your delivery address to the hotel’s address. Remember to include your room number!
- The Summit and D2 Summit competitions are at Disney World. I mean, it IS “the happiest place on earth.” How could you go wrong?
- The weather. Love it or hate it, after a cold, long winter, there is nothing better than being able to sit in the heat and sun and soak up that Vitamin D. But be prepared for the heat and wear loose fitting clothing and bring sunscreen.
- Along with the heat comes hydration, make sure that you hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The slightest bit of dehydration can affect your hand and eye coordination and motor function and could mean the difference between first and second place.
- Make sure to have a frozen lemonade and pretzel hot dog in the Visa Athletic Center. Or you can try the new menu in the new THE ARENA.
- THE ARENA! The new cheerleading facility has come with mixed reviews. There is no parent viewing area. Show up early to get good seats. And don’t forget to make noise for your athletes!
- The most common meeting point in WWOS is the infamous GLOBE at the entrance to the facility. Make sure to get that special picture!
- Varsity runs some fun competitions throughout The Summit. Make sure to participate! You can win shoes and jewelry! So make sure to follow Varsity All Star on Twitter HERE!
- Unless you’re a professional photographer with a camera that costs more than an economy-sized car, action shots are near to impossible. Never fear, those beautiful action shots (and for some of you Aca-awkward photos) will be posted online about a month after The Summit. You can also pre-order pictures from UEP HERE!
- This is not a vacation. This is the hardest competition of your season. This is The Summit.
- cheerUPDATES.com is offering full Summit coverage, including pictures, news, reveal results, and placements all weekend long at https://cheerupdates.com/summit/summit-2018-centralized-information/
- There are actually various locations your team could perform at ESPN Wide World of Sports- The Arena will be split into four sections, The HP Field House, and The Jostens Center.
- We aren’t posting anything here. It’s the number 13. #superstitions
- Disney only allows four people to a room on their properties. If you do not follow this rule, there are consequences, including losing your room and being asked to leave.
- Make sure to take the time to practice with the rest of the teams on the fields. The experience is unreal.
- Do you want that perfect stunt picture in front of the Magic Castle? Good Luck because you aren’t allowed to stunt at the Magic Kingdom.
- Practices are available for teams on a first come, first serve basis at the Coronado Resort convention center and at WWOS the day before you compete. It can be very intimidating to see your competition. Don’t get spooked and stay focused.
- If you are competing, it is recommended that you don’t swim and sit out in the sun the day before. The sun, heat, and excessive exercise could affect your performance the following day.
- A special shoutout to the Inaugural International Summit that begins May 3, 2018!
- You must have a spectator pass or commuter pass to gain entry into any of the performance arenas and there are attendants checking.
- If you want a cup of water when you are at the parks but don’t want to pay for a bottle of water, you can ask for a free cup of water at any restaurant for FREE!
- Thinking about staying out late at the parks? Be careful it doesn’t affect your performance the following day!
- You will witness more cheerleading rituals at The Summit than you could ever imagine!
- The Summit will be the last time you get to perform with your team. Win or lose, it will be an emotional experience.
- Parents: are your nerves getting the best of you? They sell drinks at WWOS in the restaurant next to the Field House, at the kiosk at the top of the stairs before you walk down to the practice fields, and in some of the food trucks by the practice fields.
- There are tons of food trucks by the practice fields if you are short on time. You can buy tacos, pizza, grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, and many more.
- If you purchase a commuter pass, this year you will pick up your passes at the Varsity Tent at Coronado Springs behind Cirque du Soleil.
- Be prepared that you have to sit on the floor in front of the stages as a spectator in the Jostens Center. Dress accordingly!
- If you aren’t planning on getting a commuter pass, you can purchase a spectator pass at WWOS. But make sure to arrive early to get your pass! On Friday during the Wild Card round in 2017, the facility reached full capacity.
- Make sure to try a Turkey Leg at the Magic Kingdom. They are a little bit of heaven!
- Make sure to bring extra make-up and hair supplies in your cheer bags because the heat and humidity is a recipe for disaster and you want to look your best!
- Take a picture of the front AND back your Summit commuter pass just in case you lose it. You can go and get a replacement one if you have a picture of it.
- Only select rides and restaurants are open at The Celebration Party at Hollywood Studios on Sunday night. Be prepared to wait in line.
- Your Disney room comes with a small fridge and microwave.
- If you forget your shoes (it happens a lot), Varsity sells shoes at the All Star Resort and Nfinity at The Gaylord Resort.
- You will experience the most intense competition yet in The Summit’s elimination-style format. Prepare Yourself!
- The lines for food and drink are insane at WWOS. Plan accordingly.
- Summit apparel is available at WWOS and and Disney Resorts accomodating guests on Varsity packages. Make sure to bring extra spending money.
- If you have lost anything, there is a lost and found at ESPN WWOS at The Visitor’s Center!
- You can find the latest performance order, results, and LIVE news at THE SUMMIT CENTRAL at https://cheerupdates.com/summit/summit-2018-centralized-information/
- Feeling ill? There is a nurses station at ESPN Wide World of Sports!
- The average cheerleader spends an extra sixty hours in the gym preparing their Summit routine.
- Watching a Reveal will break your heart. Like crying-out-loud-snotty-sobbing break your heart. Just warning you…bring tissues!
- Try a Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom. They are delicious and refreshing!
- If you are a spectator, be courteous to other spectators. Don’t stand up and don’t stand in the aisles while a team is performing!!
- For those of you that are superstitious, go to The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom. When you board the Doom Buggies, make sure to “touch or rub” the last bat before you board. The bat has no features on it because it has been rubbed for good luck through the years!
- Bring sunblock! Disney charges a small fortune for it. There is nothing worse than having to catch a basket with a bad sunburn and a uniform covered in rhinestones….
- Looking for a Bathroom at Magic Kingdom? There are no bathrooms in Liberty Square in keeping with the Time Period.
- Bring water with you in your cheer bag. You will NOT have time to buy water and wait in line and trust us, YOU WILL NEED IT!
- Take the team to the Barber Shop at Magic Kingdom! They will sprinkle fairy dust on the whole team to help you “fly.” And, it’s free!
- You don’t have to buy the Photo Pass Package at the parks. You can ask the Photo Attendants to take a photo of your group with your camera and your phone and they will happily take a photo for you.
- Be prepared to almost melt outside and then freeze when you are indoors watching the competition.
- Go see Fantasmic! It’s our favorite!
- The Visitor’s Center at WWOS can help answer any questions you may have.
- When you are at Tom Sawyer’s Island in Magic Kingdom, look closely and see if you can find a paint brush. If you find a paint brush, turn it in to any Disney employee and get a fast pass for any ride.
- You will need your passes to gain entry into WWOS and warm-ups. DO NOT LOSE or forget your pass!
- Don’t bother spending extra on an upgraded view for your hotel room. There is so much to do, the only time you will spend in your room is to sleep and get ready.
- Make sure to buy a reusable cup at your hotel dining facility so you don’t have pay for drinks/refills.
- Be prepared that you may need to wash your uniform in between days based on the amount you perspire. Bring a small package of detergent just in case.
- The Be Our Guest Restaurant has a secret dessert menu called “The Grey Stuff.” You have to try it!
- If the Safety Judge gives you a warning on Saturday, change it!
- If you have a rental car and are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you DO NOT need to pay for parking at the parks. Make sure you get a parking pass when you check in.
- The average Summit trip at Walt Disney World for a family of four is $5,800.00. Better start saving!
- Are you a Beatles fan (not the Rockstar Beatles but the band from the UK)? They typically have a cover band play around 3 PM at Epcot in the UK Section.
- Port-a-Potties are everywhere; however, REAL toilets with plumbing and sinks are located in The Arena, The Field House and the Visa Athletic Center.
- Make sure to reserve team dinners at Downtown Disney well in advance!
- Teams are not allowed to use the Summit Logo or the Varsity Logo on bows, shirts, etc. Be careful!
- You can purchase platinum and premium parking this year. Head on over to Varsity’s Summit page for details!
- Parking is horrendous. Plan on arriving at least thirty minutes early to the WWOS so you can allow time for parking and walking to the facility.
- If you have a meet time in the afternoon, give yourselves at least forty-five minutes before your meet time to prepare for parking across the street and getting bused over. Don’t be late!
- Want the best view of the fireworks? It isn’t in Magic Kingdom- it’s at Epcot.
- If you compete late at night on Sunday, be prepared that you will probably not receive a Summit Medal and your gym will have to order them. They always run out!
- The ride with the longest wait time at Magic Kingdom is Peter Pan’s Flight.
- Every year, they run out of Summit Finalist shirts. You should probably buy one on Friday…and risk jinxing it.
- Bring Kleenex with you. Whatever happens, you will probably cry. And the Wide World of Sports gift shop doesn’t sell Kleenex.
- You are allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the parks and WWOS, so think about this if you are trying to save some money.
- Make sure to get a stamped ring at The Magic Kingdom or Epcot. It’s a tradition!
- If you have booked your stay with a Varsity vacation package, you can’t reserve your fast passes until you receive your commuter card.
- If you make it to Finals, be prepared that you probably won’t use that commuter pass for the parks and it will probably go unused.
- If you are nervous and a gum chewer, bring your own. The Disney Stores do NOT sell gum.
- You will show up to Summit feeling prepared from a successful season, only to discover that EVERY team at The Summit is in the same caliber. It can be intimidating. But remember to do your best!
- You can download the Disney App to get wait times for the rides. It’s very helpful for planning your day.
- Look for the ring embedded in the pavement while waiting in line for The Haunted Mansion. Rumor has it that finding the ring will bring you good luck on your journey to reach the peak at The Summit and potentially earn a Summit Ring.
- There is always one stunt or pyramid from The Summit that goes viral. Will it be your elite or pyramid?
- The Summit announcements for team placements is surreal and can be heartbreaking if you don’t know what to expect. Every other cheer competition has awards ceremonies, and the expectation for first time parents and athletes alike is that Team Placement announcements will be similar to an award ceremony. You are wrong- this is an elimination competition and placements are very different at The Summits. Make plans on where to meet after the reveal for a final meeting.
- If you are in the Wildcard round on Friday, you will perform, and then at a scheduled time, go into the Reveal Arena and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams will be announced on the screens. That is it! If your team made it to first or second place, congratulations, you compete on Sunday, and your coach will be contacting you. If you made it to third place, congratulations, you compete on Saturday, and your coach will be contacting you. Everyone else, well, that’s it. You are free to go. There is very little closure.
- Go as early as you can to the All Star Resort to get your Summit Bag. They WILL run out!
- Make sure to go take a look at The Summit Ring at the All Star Resort. Nothing like seeing your dreams in real life!
- Make sure to grab all the sponsor freebies when you’re picking up your bag at the All Star Resort.
- If you plan on going to the Celebration Party on Sunday, the only shuttles to the hotels that will be running are to All Star Resorts and Coronado Springs. Plan on a taxi, Uber, or car rental so you are not stranded.
- Want the latest Summit/D2 Summit results? Head over to cheerupdates.com!
- All introductions (entrances, chants, spell outs, etc.) are considered part of the routine and will be timed as part of the performance. Don’t do them on the floor!
- Make sure to coordinate a meeting place after the Reveal for a final goodbye/talk.
- If you’re staying at the All-Star Resort or Coronado Springs AND you have a lanyard from the Varsity Package, shuttle transportation to Wide World of Sports is available; however, you will need to have a rental car or taxi for transportation if you are staying at a different resort.
- Cheerupdates will provide THE BEST coverage at The Summit and D2 Summit! Will your team walk away with the coveted YOU JUST HIT tweet? You can follow Cheerupdates on Twitter HERE and Cheerupdates2 HERE!
- Be prepared that you will never need your mother more than the moment you walk outside of the Reveal Tent. Trust us on this.
- Take a moment to appreciate your team and this experience. The Summit is stressful and fast-paced, but it is also an opportunity for your team to unite as one.
- Don’t forget to take pictures! UEP is offering a deal of all pictures from the routine for $199! Get your team to go in on it to reduce the price!
- Don’t forget to enjoy your climb to The Summit while you are focusing on reaching the peak! It’s not just about The Summit- it’s about your journey as a team all season long. Execution, technique, precision, timing, and synchronization is the key to win The Summit at Finals!
- There are no second chances, so make it count! You will compete against the best of the best. The difference between first and fifth place will be miniscule. You better bring your A-Game.
- Win or lose, The Summit will be the most rewarding competitive experience of the season. It will be the culmination of your season’s hard work and persistence. Good luck and best wishes!
