Anaheim is Southern California’s championship-cheer hub. The Anaheim Convention Center — the largest convention venue on the West Coast — hosts marquee USA Spirit, all-star, and dance nationals, and it sits directly across Katella Avenue from the Disneyland Resort. That walkable proximity is the draw: teams can compete and then step straight into Disneyland or Disney California Adventure without a long drive. Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood are short trips away too, so an Anaheim weekend easily becomes a full SoCal getaway. Book early — the hotels right on Harbor Boulevard, within walking distance of both the convention center and the parks, are the first to fill.
Competitions in Anaheim
Travel & Logistics
Nearest airport: John Wayne (SNA), ~15 min; LAX ~45 min
Getting There
Nearest airport: John Wayne (SNA), ~15 min; LAX ~45 min
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is the closest major airport, about 15 minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center and the easiest option for most families. Los Angeles International (LAX) is larger with more direct flights but sits about 45 minutes away (longer in LA traffic); Long Beach (LGB) and Ontario (ONT) are also within reach. The convention center and the Disneyland Resort are clustered along Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue, an area dense with hotels — many within a 5–10 minute walk — plus the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttle, so you can often manage the weekend without a rental car if you stay nearby.
Things to Do in Anaheim
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is the Anaheim Convention Center to Disneyland?
Very close — the Anaheim Convention Center sits directly across Katella Avenue from the Disneyland Resort, about a 10–15 minute walk to the park entrances. Many teams compete and then spend the rest of the day at Disneyland or Disney California Adventure without ever moving the car.
Which airport should I fly into for an Anaheim cheer competition?
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana is the closest, roughly 15 minutes from the convention center, and is usually the most convenient. Los Angeles International (LAX) often has more (and cheaper) flights but is about 45 minutes away in normal traffic. Long Beach (LGB) and Ontario (ONT) are alternatives worth comparing on price.
Where do most teams stay near the Anaheim Convention Center?
The hotels along Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue — in the Anaheim Resort District between the convention center and Disneyland — are the most popular because many are walkable to both. Official Disneyland Resort hotels are pricier but offer early park entry, while the Harbor Boulevard strip has a wide range of mid-range and budget options on the ART shuttle line.
Do I need a rental car in Anaheim?
If you stay in the Anaheim Resort District near the convention center, you often do not — the venue, Disneyland, and many hotels and restaurants are walkable or on the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) shuttle. A rental car helps if you plan day trips to Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, or the beaches.
Competing in Anaheim?
Get your squad ready with custom uniforms, warmups, and bows from KC Exclusives. See what we make →