WDW Gay Days

[Nephythys]

So, it has been pointed out that my planned trip coincides with WDW Gay Days event.

I am posting this topic for ONE reason and ONE reason only- to get a REALASTIC idea of what to expect.

I am sick of the freak out view that Gay Days will automatically mean that my child will be subjected to horrible evil things and that I should boycott WDW for that reason. I am also sick of the view that it is all lilacs and roses.

I want input from people who KNOW, people who have been there.

I am under the assumption that it would be no different than going any other time of year. I was surrounded by tour groups in matching t-shirts last year, and if people wear the same color I assume it is no different. I also am under the assumption that ANY inappropriate ADULT behavior (of ANY sexual nature) will be restricted to Pleasure Island, where I will not be going anyway!

I don't want this thread to become a bashing thread, a hate thread (for EITHER SIDE OF OPINIONS!) and I just want to keep it friendly and civil. Personally, while I have some reservations, I am not overly concerned about this event taking place during my trip. Like I said, I doubt it will be any different than the trip I took last July.

Can I get fair, friendly and USEFUL input. Don't make this thread into the same mess the Spanish Princess thread became- because that is totally not what I want to see here.

OK? Thanks in advance for the good info and the good behavior!

[Xharryb]

I've never experienced a problem. In fact, last year (if I remember correctly) I saw far less participants than I was expecting. I did here later that there were more at another park though. My advice would be to check out one of the official gay day websites. They usual set certain days for certain parks and you might be able to plan your park days not to coincide with theirs. I don't think you'll have too much of a problem though as i don't percieve you to be easily offended by the sight of a same sex couple holding hands (the worst I've ever witnessed).

[mamabot]

I went last year too. While at the parks, I did not see any inappropriate behavior. Althought I was there without kids, my mom radar is always on, and it was never set off inside the parks. I had a super fantastic time and would not mind going again during WDW Gay Days.

The only debaucherous behavior I saw was at Mannequins. I like that place. If you steer clear of Pleasure Island, you should be okay. How big will your group be? Is it a "girls only trip" or are the boys coming too?

[Nephythys]

Just Rose and I. I want to use my AP's one more time before they expire and that is the last weekend free I have before they do. I get the impression it is as I thought, really no different than any other day or tour group.

Thanks for the feedback!

[mamabot]

Oh any time.

If the Flower show is still going on at EPCOT, you guys will have a great time. Maybe have Rose keep track of all the topiaries. The Mickey & Minnie ones from last year were soooo cute! There was also an exhibit of children's play equipment, which may provide a nice break for Rose during the long day at EPCOT.

We did have quite a bit of rain during our trip, but it was not too horrible. Being on ToT in a huge thunderstorm was incredible! Made the ride that much spookier.

[Alan]

I personally go on a gay day. U have had more fun with gay people than straight. I can never firgure out where the tie in is with lewd acts and gays. Now, one might worry about lewd acts when I am in the park. My GF threatened to put a shock collar on me... woof.

[Nephythys]

Flower Show? ooooooo!!!! Rose and I LOVE Epcot. The little water spots are a favorite of hers of course.

Cross your fingers for me that this works out financially and with my miles- I want to go soooo bad- I have decided to spend WAY less in Vegas so I have enough for this.

OH I can't wait!

[sediment]

What would be worse: Gay Days, or Brazilian "Spring" Break?
(I haven't been to either.)

[Oswald]

Interesting topic.....

First of all, I have to ask, can you change your trip if you have to? Second, how old is your child/children? Third, how open are you to gays, how open is your child to gays, and how does your impressions of gays rub off on your children?

I was at WDW during gay days last year. 90% of the time, in my opinion, everything was just like any other trip to WDW. I've been there when family reunions would all wear purple shirts, or all the great chiefs of Europe would wear white shirts, or a group of goths would all be in black. So a bunch of men and women wearing red shirts won't really stick out. But, you have to be prepared for the other 10%. I saw slogans/sayings/risque quips on t-shirts that made me even raise an eyebrow. I'm gay and I thought some of the stuff I read was a little inappropriate for a family park.

You'll evenually come across that one couple in a long que line that has forgotten about the world and are fevoriously making out. I didn't see this that often, but I did see it. It's the age old debate of why can straight couples make out in public but gay couples can't. Another topic for another day.

Anyway, back to my original questions. If you can watch "Will & Grace" with your child, and nothing really phases them when it comes to homosexuals, then your trip should be fine. On the other hand, if this is a topic your family doesn't really talk about, and it's somewhat uncomfortable when a gay theme comes on tv or in a film, then I would think twice about going to the park that weekend.

If this is going to be uncomfortable, another idea is during the gay days weekend, it's always one park on a certain day. Maybe you can plan your trip so that you're at "the other park." Like, on Saturday, everyone went to the Magic Kingdom. Maybe your family could go to The Animal Kingdom that day...and so on.

Anyway...my opinion. Hope this helps.

[Nephythys]

Interesting topic.....

First of all, I have to ask, can you change your trip if you have to? Second, how old is your child/children? Third, how open are you to gays, how open is your child to gays, and how does your impressions of gays rub off on your children?

It is not feasible for me to change my dates, no.

My daughter is 5. She probably will not even notice anything about the people around us. Me? People are people- I don't define people by who they are sexually attracted to. I try to make that clear to my kids. I am trying to show them that you should treat people with respect, even if you do not always approve of their behavior (and that extends to everyone- it is not a "gay" thing)

I was at WDW during gay days last year. 90% of the time, in my opinion, everything was just like any other trip to WDW. I've been there when family reunions would all wear purple shirts, or all the great chiefs of Europe would wear white shirts, or a group of goths would all be in black. So a bunch of men and women wearing red shirts won't really stick out. But, you have to be prepared for the other 10%. I saw slogans/sayings/risque quips on t-shirts that made me even raise an eyebrow. I'm gay and I thought some of the stuff I read was a little inappropriate for a family park.

Wow- great input coming from someone who is gay. I really appreciate your candor. (good thing Rose can't read huh LOL) I will take that under advisement.

You'll evenually come across that one couple in a long que line that has forgotten about the world and are fevoriously making out. I didn't see this that often, but I did see it. It's the age old debate of why can straight couples make out in public but gay couples can't. Another topic for another day.

Yes, and I would steer Rose clear of that no matter who was doing it. For goodness sake, that's why you have a hotel room.

Anyway, back to my original questions. If you can watch "Will & Grace" with your child, and nothing really phases them when it comes to homosexuals, then your trip should be fine. On the other hand, if this is a topic your family doesn't really talk about, and it's somewhat uncomfortable when a gay theme comes on tv or in a film, then I would think twice about going to the park that weekend.

Then I should be just fine. (plus I think it would take wild horses to drag me from my plans)

If this is going to be uncomfortable, another idea is during the gay days weekend, it's always one park on a certain day. Maybe you can plan your trip so that you're at "the other park." Like, on Saturday, everyone went to the Magic Kingdom. Maybe your family could go to The Animal Kingdom that day...and so on.

That's really good input- thanks.

Anyway...my opinion. Hope this helps.

This was exactly what I was looking for- between you, xHarryb, and Mamabot's first hand accounts I should be well informed.

[Alan]

You'll evenually come across that one couple in a long que line that has forgotten about the world and are fevoriously making out. I didn't see this that often, but I did see it. It's the age old debate of why can straight couples make out in public but gay couples can't. Another topic for another day.
.

Hate to burst your bubble but... some of us straight people get the evil eye when we make out. I don't know if it is because we are over 40 (that makes the teens go ew) or because we are fat.. Parents don't like it period becuae the kids might get the wrong idea or they ask questions. Funny how they protect their kids from love making but violent video games are okay.

[innerSpaceman]

I saw slogans/sayings/risque quips on t-shirts that made me even raise an eyebrow. I'm gay and I thought some of the stuff I read was a little inappropriate for a family park.

<<<------ why, whatever do you mean?

[Oswald]

<<<------ why, whatever do you mean?

...as I was typing my reply, I had a gut feeling your avitar would pop up sooner or later.....

[RonNYC]

<<<------ why, whatever do you mean?

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I was at Gay Day weekend last year, had a great time. There are days scheduled as "Gay Day" at each of the different parks, but it was really at Magic Kingdom on Saturday when everyone was out in full force wearing red.

This year there's a bit of debate on Magic Kingdom's day. GayDay.com which is operated by the founder of Gay Day has changed it to Sunday at MK due to Universal's Islands of Adventure officially rolling out the red carpet to gay folk, but GayDayS.com, a for profit-group, is advertising it on Saturday. It'll be interesting to see how it turns out this year.

But that said, being there last year and hearing feedback on various message boards from people gay and straight, I got the feeling that it's just another day in the park.... it's more joyous, though, and I have a feeling that the cast members at the parks really love working this particular weekend. It's just a lot of fun.

You'll have a great time!

[mamabot]

The thing that gave me the most joy was seeing families there, young and old, all in red shirts. Or moms with their sons. By our last day, I was moved to tears.

[Witches of Morva]

ORDDU: Well, my sisters and I have flown in from Morva for Gay Days on a regular basis each year. We have no problem with it and are truly offended when others try to make more negative things out of it than it deserves.

ORWEN: You may see some same sex hand holding--so if that bothers you, you should probably stay away. But, then, I believe you would also find this same activity in India between heterosexual men over there--so you'd best stay away from THAT country, too, if affection between men bothers you.

ORGOCH: Heck! If'n I can stomach hangin' out with two looney sisters, like mine, then there ain't NOTHIN' no gay person can do ta shock me!

[Snacks]

May I ask ...............When are Gay days at WDW this year??

[Nephythys]

Yo- Witches- like I said, no bother to me.

Snacks- based on my trip- I would somewhere in the vicinity of June 3-7 (those are my trip dates)

[Witches of Morva]

ORDDU: Oh, we understand where you're coming from, Nephythys, duckling. That's because you're a very fair-minded gosling who knows what's important in life. Hugs!!!

[RonNYC]

May I ask ...............When are Gay days at WDW this year??

June 2-6 this year... This year is the 15th anniversary and it always takes place the first weekend of June, with Saturday being the tradtional day at Magic Kingdom and other days at the various other parks in WDW.

However, this year there has been a break of tradition in the day at Magic Kingdom so check www.gayday.com for more information as the schedule has changed a bit due to Universal officially sanctioning Saturday as GayDay at Islands of Adventure. It's causing a bit of controversy on the message boards there, but I'm sure no matter the outcome of it, it'll be just as much fun as it always is.