Have you ever experienced anything neg at WDW?

[RickinNYC]

A number of my friends have asked me how Joe and I can go to WDW all the time when it's "clearly for traditional families only." Some have even considered that the both of us have gotten "looks" or any kind of problems.

Well, I'm happy to say in all the trips we've made to Disney, we've never experienced a single situation that might make us uncomfortable or unwanted. Cast members and fellow guests alike have always been great. Granted, they might not know that Joe and I are in fact a couple, but I imagine most do. And if anyone did have any ill will, they kept it to themselves.

We've never received so much as a glance or whisper, let alone anything untoward of any kind. I'm constantly trying to convey how great WDW is for a vacation destination choice for families of all types. I truly believe it is!

Thoughts? Gimme some good ammo to convince our friends that they should join us on one of our Mickey jaunts!

[LukenDC]

Last September my BF and I spent nine days at WDW and did not encounter any problems at all. Every cast member we encountered was friendly and welcoming and we noted that there are many gay/lesbian cast members at WDW. The guests were perfectly pleasant too.

[Rence]

No problems at all, ever at WDW.

At Disneyland we had an incident where in fact we were made to feel more welcome. It was a busy day and we were in a very long queue for Gadget's Go Coaster. We were about halfway through when a male cast member on the ride platform started shouting "Sir" "Sir" and pointing in our area.

We suddenly realized that he was pointing at my partner. When he got my partner's attention, he pointed at his neck and said "Glad to see the colors on display at Disneyland" and then gave a big thumbs up. We then realized that my partner was wearing his pride rings necklace and the CM had noticed us out in the crowd and wanted to give us a special howdy.

[RickinNYC]

Actually, Joe had to remind me of one moment two years ago while checking in that a cast member made a little joke about not putting us in a room with a king size bed. Apparently she thought we were buddies just traveling together. I tried to make light of the situation and assured her that request was indeed valid. I laughed but did feel a little burn of embarrassment. Certainly not enough to make me think poorly of the girl, nor enough to insult us in any way.

[LJC1861]

On our last trip this past Christmas I noticed a rainbow Mickey Icon pin. Needless to say I bought 4 of them....2 for us and 2 for another WDW loving lesbian couple that we are good friends with. Lisa and I wore ours around all week and got nothing but positive comments on them from CM's and guests alike. I complimented a woman on a hat she was wearing and she winked at me and replied..."nice pin!" The pin started many conversations with CM's and helped identify us as a couple.....which is a nice treat in WDW.

As ofr other times, we have never experienced anything negative. Granted, we only occasionally hold hands and almost never engage in other public displays of affection, but it is usually clearly evident that we are a couple. Interestingly enough though, we do occasionally get mistaken for sisters or twins....we do look a bit alike. At any rate, WDW is one of our favorite places and we do feel comfortable being ourselves.

Linda

[TheButlerDiditt]

We've never had any problems either. All the cast members are so friendly and the guests are always too much in a world of their own to probably notice us anyway.

A little OT, the only time I ever felt uncomfortable was when we were at Innoventions in Epcot waiting to play some sort of escape-the-housefire game and an unattended 12ish year old boy kept talking to us. Seriously, even though we didn't pursue any conversation with him, he wouldn't stop telling us everything from how many times he'd been through the game to what he wanted to be when he grew up. I kept waiting for his parents/guardians to show up and yank him away thinking god-knows-what WE were trying to do to him. Fortunately for us, unfortunately for him, they never did. Even though he was incredibly annoying, I felt really bad for the kid. It seemed as if his parents didn't care about him at all.

[buckylarue]

My partner and I have been going to both DL and WDW regularly since I first dragged him there in 1977, and in all those trips, I can only recall one occasion where we heard a negative comment. We were staying at POR, waiting at the bus stop to head to the MK, when a family walked by and the mother made some comment about "Why do THOSE people have to come here and ruin it for everyone?" Before we could even process it, this very prim and proper looking 70-ish year old woman sitting next to us on the park bench told her, "You'd better get used to it, because we're EVERYWHERE!" It shut the woman up, and we had a nice conversation with the woman, who was a retired schoolteacher there with her partner. We have had many friendly comments from cast members, all of whom seem to be able to tell that we are a couple... :earsboy:

[StormTigger]

I've been to WDW about 8x's w/ my partner, and we also went on the cruise together. The cruise was the best. Neither of us are flamboyant or anything but it's still easy to tell we are a couple when we are together (I think it has something to do w/ being together for 9 yrs) and especially in a setting like on the ship but everyone was great and treated us like it was the norm.

In the parks... I never worry about the cast since so many of them are "family" anyway, and can't say any of the guest has done or said anything that made us feel uncomfortable. Once though, on the WTP ride, when we where getting into the honey pot, one guy did saying something like "No making out in the dark now," but honestly I couldn't tell by the expression on his face or the tone of his voice if he was being silly, just giving a sign that he knew, or if it was some kind of insult. We decided not to worry about it and enjoy the ride (and snuck a quick kiss along the way. :love2: ).

Of course now I hope I don't jinx anything cuz we are taking another gay couple w/ us on our trip this year!

[Tony-NJ]

yes once unfortunately. Though once out of all the time we've spent there is no big deal. It was Dec 98 and we were excited about trying Citricos before MVMCP - we had a horrible waitress who just couldn't understand why we had the gaul to be seen in public :earseek: We're not ugly or anything... Anyway we had the worst service ever in all the years we've gone to WDW. Fortunately it didn't really bother us enough to affect our trip, but we never went back to Citricos.

[airhead]

We've always been treated with respect.

[iankh]

We've never experienced anything negative. A few weeks ago before our last trip I decided to pop for DDE. I was so pleasantly surprised went the CM on the other end of the phone said, "And would you like a card for your wife or partner?" We have have always had great service and readily treated as a couple (which we are).

[Ronda93]

Nope, never. We've been at least 20 times and have had nothing but positive experiences with CMs and guests.

This probably has nothing to do with us being a couple, but it gave us pause... My partner saw a kid playing in the jumping fountains in front of JIYI. The little guy was leaning back and taking the water on the forehead, laughing and squealing.

She couldn't resist and snapped few pictures of the splash. A few minutes later a man approached and said, "were you taking pictures of my kid?". Uh-oh. He pulled out a business card and said if "it turns out, I'd like a copy." He was in a government position in Montreal. What a relief. We sent several pictures.

A charachter wrangler CM at Rafiki's Planet Watch struck up a conversation (we were waiting for Stanley and Dennis). She asked if we were together. I asked how it was working for the mouse. This was late 2004 and she talked about the help Disney gave her and her partner after their home was damaged by two of the hurricanes.

There's a particular waitress we always hope to get at Kona. She and her partner both work for Disney. She has oodles of vacation and spends a lot of time on their boat in Marathon.

I chatted at the pool for quite a while with a lesbian engineering CM at Pop. We talked about decorating our houses for Christmas. Normal, boring, ordinary conversations. Probably because we're normal, boring, ordinary people ; )

ETA: I can't spell

[LJC1861]

One of my all time favorite WDW moments came as my youngest sister and I were waiting to watch Tapestry several years ago. We struck up a conversation with 2 men and this adorable 4 year old from China. Her Daddies couldn't have been prouder of her and after the parade they each took one of her hands and walked away. It was such a wonderful family moment.....one I will never forget. Her name was Amelia and when I asked her where she was from, meaning where did she live, she looked at me with this strange expression on her face and said "China!" like I was the stupidest thing on the planet. We all had a good laugh over that one. Their faces just lit up when my sister and I complemented them on their daughter.

Linda

[tmli]

I have a question along this theme but a little different. My ds(9) and I were on a Carnival cruise and there were two gentleman, obviously together with a baby. We have openly discussed homosexuality and truly believe all people to be equal.

After our cruise we spent the afternoon in WDW waiting for our flight and saw the same couple. As we are walking by, my ds is saying..."okay I get they are gay and together and that is no problem....but how did they get the baby?"

I laughed because it was funny, explained to him the ways that it could have come about and on we went. I just gave them a sheepish smile as I am sure they heard. While it was all very innocent, I often think about them and if we some how offended. It certainly wasn't our intention.

[Tony-NJ]

I laughed because it was funny, explained to him the ways that it could have come about and on we went. I just gave them a sheepish smile as I am sure they heard. While it was all very innocent, I often think about them and if we some how offended. It certainly wasn't our intention.

:rotfl: I doubt you offended them. They probably or hopefully thought it was cute!

[vegasnw]

This past trip when we checked in on the concierge floor I had booked a king and the concierge looked at us and asked us if we knew we had booked a king bed? I told her yes and she looked right at my partner and said.."But you're 2 guys" and she had a strange look on her face. I spoke up right away and told her that if she was having a problem with my reservation, I'd be more then happy to have the manager check us in so she wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. She had a look on her face that I will never forget, like a deer trapped in headlights. After that she did everything she could to help us and we never had another problem that trip but those kind of problems hardly ever happen to us.

Every now and then we all have had someone giving us a look or saying something we can over hear and I let it slide "most" of the time but it is rare for it to happen to us at Disney.

[TinkerChelle]

My partner and I have been to WDW many times over the last 7 years and have never felt that our sexual orientation ever played into how we were treated. And as our friends always tell us...we don't need to wear t-shirts for people to know we are "out and proud"...we look like a lesbian couple. :teeth:
When we stayed at the AKL for our honeymoon in 2001 we were treated like any other newlyweds would have been. Our trips are always memorable and we do hold hands and act like we are a couple!

[Cheshire Figment]

Several years ago JudySue (my late wife) and I made it a point to travel to WDW to be at MK on Gay DAy.

As we were coming off the monorail we were greeted by a couple of apparent Disney managers. One of the two we happened to know was definitely plainclothes security. We asked him what they were doing and were told that they had heard that there might be religious protesters coming and they were there to make sure that protesters would not make any trouble.

We had an enjoyable day in the park. JudySue commented to me that the grossest PDAs she had ever seen in the parks were on other days and by heterosexual couples and not gays.

I recall our meeting a nice young (maybe 30's) couple where both had red sequined high-top sneakers and sailor hats. We both complimented them on these items and found that they had done these themselves, with over 600 sequins on each shoe and hat. As we were discussing this with them there was a woman, about our age, who had the attitude that "these people" should not be allowed in the parks and so we, an obvious heterosexual couple, asked her what was wrong with people loving one another and she stormed off.

There will always, unfortunately, be some people who think that their way is the only rtight way to do things.

[micknpluto]

I have never had a problem at WDW. I think its one of the few places where I feel comfortable being w/my g/f.

I love the fact that there are many gay CMs . If they arent gay they should at least be "gay friendly"

[TeresaNJ]

Congrats on your new board!! Just happened to stumble upon it tonight while browsing the DIS. Unfortunately, my DH and I did see a horrendous episode at Boma a few years ago. We were having a great dinner when we heard an obnoxious voice chastising a gay couple having dinner. Apparently the obnoxious man was having dinner with his six year old son when he noticed the couple. He immediately started yelling at this couple, saying things like how dare they be openly affectionate (I think one man let the other taste something off of his fork, not sure, my husband thinks that is what set this guy off), and he also was yelling how now he would have to explain to his six year old why two guys are together, etc., etc. I was so embarrassed that this guy was making a horse's behind of himself, and felt so bad for the couple. The idiot left rather quickly after that, don't know if he was escorted out because I wasn't looking, didn't want to make the couple any more uncomfortable by having them think people were gawking. I guess there are *******es everywhere, including Disney.

[iankh]

Congrats on your new board!! Just happened to stumble upon it tonight while browsing the DIS. Unfortunately, my DH and I did see a horrendous episode at Boma a few years ago. We were having a great dinner when we heard an obnoxious voice chastising a gay couple having dinner. Apparently the obnoxious man was having dinner with his six year old son when he noticed the couple. He immediately started yelling at this couple, saying things like how dare they be openly affectionate (I think one man let the other taste something off of his fork, not sure, my husband thinks that is what set this guy off), and he also was yelling how now he would have to explain to his six year old why two guys are together, etc., etc. I was so embarrassed that this guy was making a horse's behind of himself, and felt so bad for the couple. The idiot left rather quickly after that, don't know if he was escorted out because I wasn't looking, didn't want to make the couple any more uncomfortable by having them think people were gawking. I guess there are *******es everywhere, including Disney.

Always ironic that two men displaying affection is not ok, whereas it's ok for 2 men to beat the crap out of each other or kill each other. But then again, violence is always so much better a role model ...

[OrlandoMike]

I love the fact that there are many gay CMs . If they arent gay they should at least be "gay friendly"

I can attest, most of them are very gay friendly!

[TLPL]

Hello TeresaNJ,

Now I am freaking out, what if someone like that yell at us when we go on our honeymoon next month? and I was thinking about requesting a King size bed at check-in. Maybe I shouldn't?

[Rence]

Hello TeresaNJ,

Now I am freaking out, what if someone like that yell at us when we go on our honeymoon next month? and I was thinking about requesting a King size bed at check-in. Maybe I shouldn't?

I don't see the relation, the jerk in the post was a restaurant patron not a cast member. Requesting a king size bed would entail dealing with a Cast Member and the posts on here have pretty much uniformly praised the CMs for being open and accepting.

[OrlandoMike]

Request a king size bed, bottle of champagne, and the full honeymoon treatment! Your at Disney, Dreams really do come true! ::yes::

[TeresaNJ]

TLPL, I say go for it. Who cares what people think? If anyone should be embarrassed, it is the jerk who made the scene at Boma, and I think most people feel that way. Life is too short to care about what others think. Although I don't know what it feels like to be discriminated against, I do get comments and looks at times when people find out I am 15 years older than my husband. Do I care? No!! After my father died suddenly at age 64 without ever having the chance to retire and have some fun, my whole outlook on life changed. I left my ex-husband after 20 years of marriage, should have done it much sooner but was too concerned about how it would affect everyone else's life, and I'm glad I finally had the courage to do it. I had that "Italian guilt thing" put on me by my mother, and finally said no more!! She thought I should stay with him and go on living my life while the ex lived his, and continue to put on a happy face to the whole world. Uh uh, enough was enough. Please go on your honeymoon, have fun, make happy memories, ask for the king size bed, and most important of all, do what makes you happy. :)

[TLPL]

oh I am a big chicken. Every time me and my partner go travel and stay in a hotel, I would have one of us stay in the car while the other one check in, so they don't see us together. And we are not into PDA at all, even my sister asked me why me and my partner alway walk so far apart whenever we go out. The only time I feel comfortable holding hands are when we are alone or when we are in a gay-function like years ago they have private gay nights at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Don't you think it is easier for gals couples to show PDA than guys?

[iankh]

oh I am a big chicken. Every time me and my partner go travel and stay in a hotel, I would have one of us stay in the car while the other one check in, so they don't see us together. And we are not into PDA at all, even my sister asked me why me and my partner alway walk so far apart whenever we go out. The only time I feel comfortable holding hands are when we are alone or when we are in a gay-function like years ago they have private gay nights at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Don't you think it is easier for gals couples to show PDA than guys?

I think that you're right, in our society it is easier for two women to show affection than two men (it's more acceptable to two men to beat each other up than kiss each other). Though it may be slowly changing. Probably largely due to affection being show between same sex couples in movies and on TV.

Go ahead and enjoy your honeymoon. Demand everything that you have coming to you and everything that an opposite-sexed couple would expect without thinking even thinking about it.

Enjoy your honeymoon.

[LukenDC]

oh I am a big chicken. Every time me and my partner go travel and stay in a hotel, I would have one of us stay in the car while the other one check in, so they don't see us together.

I have checked into many hotels throughout the USA and Europe with a same sex mate and I have NEVER had a problem. Keep in mind that the hospitality industry has a large gay employee base and that many large entertainment and travel companies deliver diversity training to their staff. Many travel companies also actively pursue a gay/lesbian clientele.

Now if I were checking into a hotel in rural Mississippi I might be a bit more cautious. But I would be astonished if you encountered any problems in a large city or major resort area.

[RickinNYC]

oh I am a big chicken. Every time me and my partner go travel and stay in a hotel, I would have one of us stay in the car while the other one check in, so they don't see us together. And we are not into PDA at all, even my sister asked me why me and my partner alway walk so far apart whenever we go out. The only time I feel comfortable holding hands are when we are alone or when we are in a gay-function like years ago they have private gay nights at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Don't you think it is easier for gals couples to show PDA than guys?

Wow, I can relate. Joe and I were of the same mindset but that was quite a few years ago, in the early 90's. Now, we don't care what others think. Granted, neither of us are overly publically affectionate in any case, but as for checking into a hotel together, or walking with each other, heck sharing our meals in restaurants, fuhgeddaboutit. If anyone has a problem with our being a couple, that's THEIR problem not ours. NOR IS IT YOURS. NOR SHOULD IT EVER BE YOUR CONCERN. Don't let people do this to you kiddo.

Check in together, ask for a king sized bed, and be proud of yourselves. If I were to happen to be standing next to you guys when you did that, I'd be darned proud of you too!

Edited to add: The scenario you described and the concern you have is proof positive as to why having this Gay/Lesbian Board is of value. It's not only a cathartic means to express one's concerns, but it's a great way to find out that you're not the only one out there.

[rainbowboy74]

I have never experienced a bad situation or felt uncomfortable at WDW. I have always been treated with the same respect as any other visiting guest and/or couple. I have only checked in once with my BF back in 2003. We were an obvious couple and we were proud of it and let it show. I am not a fan of gigantic PDA, but at the same time, that goes towards both gay and straight couples. Holding hands, winks, and smiles, others always knew we were a couple. This was also my first Disney experience, so my good will and constance giddiness, gave off that impression as well. I happen to be wearing my rainbow Canadian flag pin one day, and I was stopped by quite a few CM's and other vacationing guests, with whom we shared a couple of nice dinners with.

On a later trip I was always put on the stage at the Hoop Dee Doo dinner by my best travel mate Penny, where you might have seen the picture of me wearing a tutu in her post "This is so cool!". I was uncomfortable at first and nervous, but then I'm like whatever, I'm at Disney, noone really knows me and I'm going to give myself a magical moment .. and that I did. It was alot of fun, and I was received quite well by loud cheers and ovations. I was also stopped by many people outside, saying what a good job I had done. I have to admit that thanks to Penny, I had a great time and something that I will always remember.

Next time I plan on going again with Sean, I want the king size bed and a bottle of champagne too ..... After all, I'm at the greatest place on earth!

[tmli]

TLPL,

I just wanted to say congratulations on your upcoming nuptials and have a great honeymoon!! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable, unfortunately there will be jerks like the guy in the restaurant no matter where you go and with who. Last year I had my son in a wheelchair in DTD when a little 3 yr old ran right into us...the father started yelling at me to get my "gimp kid the f home where he belonged".

Enjoy your honeymoon, for every mean judgemental straight person there are a 1000 of us kind ones who understand that we all just want the same thing--love and happiness.

[Viki]

Hello TeresaNJ,

Now I am freaking out, what if someone like that yell at us when we go on our honeymoon next month? and I was thinking about requesting a King size bed at check-in. Maybe I shouldn't?

No worries. At least not in my experience. My partner and I are traveling to AKL for our 20th anniversary in August and the concierge staff has been terrific, asking for my partner's name and making us feel as welcome as they would any guests.

[mickeem]

We have never encountered anything negative..
In fact... when you used to ba able to fax in a room request, I mentioned that it was my and my wife's 10th anniversary. (And it was). When we arrived back to our room one day, there was a cake, and flowers, and a card signed by Mickey and Minnie, wishing us a Happy anniversary.
Now, the people at the front desk saw that it was 2 women, we have both have girl names (not like an alex...) so, it was up to the CM's discretion, Iwould believe, to send us a nice treat..

We even did the couples massage, at the Greand Floridan, they were fabulous, and didn't give any hint as to anything was different.
We also do the romantic dinners at different restaurants. No one has ever said, or done anything to make us feel uncomfortable...

So... We go back for more...!!



__________
Traci

[donald...really]

We have been to WDW together so many times we can't even begin to count them. NEVER had a problem checking in, in a restaurant, on a bus, with a CM, Never. Nothing.

We were married here in the great state of Massachusetts last July (on the 10th anniversary of the day we met) and shortly after took a WDW trip. I told one of the cast members "We are on our honeymoon" and showed her our rings, just to see what the reaction would be. She didn't miss a beat, smiled and said "Congratulations!" and gave us pins to wear that made it clear to others that we were celebrating a special occasion at Disney. She was wonderful.

The only other time that our sexuality was EVER commented on was when we went to MNSSHP with my brother, his wife, and their 3 year old daughter who was dressed as Cinderella. We spent some time in Fantasyland with my niece so my brother and his wife could ride some of the adult rides alone. We were walking with her between us, holding her hands, and we overheard a couple of women with a girl also dressed as Cinderella say "See, that Cinderella has two daddies just like you have two mommies". My husband and I looked at each other with an amused glance, and we thought the comment went over my niece's head, but then she said in an offhanded way to no one in particular "I don't have two daddies. I only have one daddy. But I have two uncles". One of may favorite memories at WDW.

[TLPL]

Hey Donald, I am wondering, what does that pin says on it?

[donald...really]

TLPL - I don't remember exactly what the pin said (it was actually one of the big round buttons, and not one of the collector pins people trade). But it was nothing specific about our wedding. It was more general and would be appropriate for anyone celebrating anything (an anniversary, birthday, etc).

[Tony-NJ]

The only other time that our sexuality was EVER commented on was when we went to MNSSHP with my brother, his wife, and their 3 year old daughter who was dressed as Cinderella. We spent some time in Fantasyland with my niece so my brother and his wife could ride some of the adult rides alone. We were walking with her between us, holding her hands, and we overheard a couple of women with a girl also dressed as Cinderella say "See, that Cinderella has two daddies just like you have two mommies". My husband and I looked at each other with an amused glance, and we thought the comment went over my niece's head, but then she said in an offhanded way to no one in particular "I don't have two daddies. I only have one daddy. But I have two uncles". One of may favorite memories at WDW.

That's awesome! ;)

[joanjett1976]

Great stories everyone!

On a recent trip with a male couple, we had a great dinner at Brown Derby. Our waiter was 'family' and I thought he was going to ask one of the men to marry him right on the spot! He spent half our meal, tableside, attending to our napkin droppings and champagne. I really thought he might try to squeeze in the booth with us and ask to take him home at one point!

[TLPL]

hey guess what! I found the courage to order my future husband a dozen Roses from Disney Florist, to be delivered to our room on the day we'll check in. Does anyone know if they will put the flowers in the room or wait till we get our room number? oh so exciting!! Two weeks till the wedding and 16 days till honeymoon!!

[IntheKnow]

yes once unfortunately. Though once out of all the time we've spent there is no big deal. It was Dec 98 and we were excited about trying Citricos before MVMCP - we had a horrible waitress who just couldn't understand why we had the gaul to be seen in public :earseek: We're not ugly or anything... Anyway we had the worst service ever in all the years we've gone to WDW. Fortunately it didn't really bother us enough to affect our trip, but we never went back to Citricos.


How VERY unusual that you should have this kind of experience at Citrico's, as the majority of the serving staff are gay! :grouphug:

[Tony-NJ]

How VERY unusual that you should have this kind of experience at Citrico's, as the majority of the serving staff are gay!

Ya know - after all the time we spend there. this is the only time something like this ever happened, so it's not a big deal. We'll probably even try Citricos again some day :)

[Viki]

hey guess what! I found the courage to order my future husband a dozen Roses from Disney Florist, to be delivered to our room on the day we'll check in. Does anyone know if they will put the flowers in the room or wait till we get our room number? oh so exciting!! Two weeks till the wedding and 16 days till honeymoon!!

Good for you!!! They will wait until you check-in for delivery; before that they couldn't be sure where you would be.

[marklynpa]

Picture it - Gay Day 2004, my friend and I boarded a MK bus at Port Orleans. We were standing near the back door facing forward and there was a big family taking up most of the back of the bus. We had the 'official' 2004 Gay Day shirts on and when she read the back of mine, one Mom said 'Oh my god! Out of 365 days in the year we picked this one to go to MK.' I tensed up and thought 'I am standing right here, don't you think I can hear you?' and 'what kind of nasty stuff is she going to say next?' She went on to say God sent them here today for a reason, keep an open mind, and maybe they will learn something. Either way they would have fun and enjoy the experience. :thumbsup2 Way to go Mom!

[IntheKnow]

yes once unfortunately. Though once out of all the time we've spent there is no big deal. It was Dec 98 and we were excited about trying Citricos before MVMCP - we had a horrible waitress who just couldn't understand why we had the gaul to be seen in public :earseek: We're not ugly or anything... Anyway we had the worst service ever in all the years we've gone to WDW. Fortunately it didn't really bother us enough to affect our trip, but we never went back to Citricos.


How unusual, as most of the serving staff ARE gay!! :grouphug:

[EllenS1958]

I have a great story! Back in 1999 wmy wife and I got married, (not legally then - but we are now! :love: ) and spent a few days in Disney World before going on a Disney Cruise honeymoon. The world was not yet as open as it is today so we didn't really advertise our relationship - nor did we go to great lengths to hide it either. One day we rented Mouse Boats at the Polynesian. The girl who filled out the forms noticed our matching nails and complemented them as we went out. Then when we returned she said with a grin "Were you in a wedding?" We kind of looked at each other and said yes. Then she said "Was it YOUR wedding??" Again we said Yes! She tore up the rental agreements and said have a great honeymoon! How cool was that? Whenever we travel anywhere we always ask for a king bed and have never had any issues. Be your self and have fun!

[ConcKahuna]

Great story!

This thread made me do a double-take, since RickinNYC parted ways with the DIS a long while back :rotfl:

[Schotz]

I have a great story! Back in 1999 wmy wife and I got married, (not legally then - but we are now! :love: ) and spent a few days in Disney World before going on a Disney Cruise honeymoon. The world was not yet as open as it is today so we didn't really advertise our relationship - nor did we go to great lengths to hide it either. One day we rented Mouse Boats at the Polynesian. The girl who filled out the forms noticed our matching nails and complemented them as we went out. Then when we returned she said with a grin "Were you in a wedding?" We kind of looked at each other and said yes. Then she said "Was it YOUR wedding??" Again we said Yes! She tore up the rental agreements and said have a great honeymoon! How cool was that? Whenever we travel anywhere we always ask for a king bed and have never had any issues. Be your self and have fun!

That is so excellent!

[Saxton]

Great story!

This thread made me do a double-take, since RickinNYC parted ways with the DIS a long while back :rotfl:


I did a double-take too Conck! Hey, but even if it's an old thread it's still nice to see.

[OKW Lover]

I have a great story! Back in 1999 wmy wife and I got married, (not legally then - but we are now! :love: ) and spent a few days in Disney World before going on a Disney Cruise honeymoon. The world was not yet as open as it is today so we didn't really advertise our relationship - nor did we go to great lengths to hide it either. One day we rented Mouse Boats at the Polynesian. The girl who filled out the forms noticed our matching nails and complemented them as we went out. Then when we returned she said with a grin "Were you in a wedding?" We kind of looked at each other and said yes. Then she said "Was it YOUR wedding??" Again we said Yes! She tore up the rental agreements and said have a great honeymoon! How cool was that? Whenever we travel anywhere we always ask for a king bed and have never had any issues. Be your self and have fun!

Hi again Ellen! Looking forward to telling you and your spouse about the experiences we've had with our daughter and her partner at WDW and on DCL when we meet for the Cars 2 NE DIS meet. :wizard:

[moniqueelaine]

My daughter and her gf go almost every summer and have never had any issues....In fact next summer we are all going for a trip for my son who is going off to the Marines and they will be bringing my grandtwins which my DIL (her gf) is 4 months pregnant with as we speak..I am so happy...They are happy...We are all happy...It's all rainbows and happiness at our house lol

[OKW Lover]

My daughter and her gf go almost every summer and have never had any issues....In fact next summer we are all going for a trip for my son who is going off to the Marines and they will be bringing my grandtwins which my DIL (her gf) is 4 months pregnant with as we speak..I am so happy...They are happy...We are all happy...It's all rainbows and happiness at our house lol

Grandchildren are wonderful!!!

[BriGuy]

At WDW I've never had any problems with guests or CMs. However, at Disneyland I have had numerous negative encounters with park guests. It's amazing how conservative California really is! :confused:

[Minnie72200]

At WDW I've never had any problems with guests or CMs. However, at Disneyland I have had numerous negative encounters with park guests. It's amazing how conservative California really is! :confused:

I grew up in Orange County. It is one of the most conservative parts of California surprisingly. To this day, it surprises me how close minded the people there can be. Were your negative encounters with these park guests recently? I'm glad my gf and I didn't have any negative experiences at DL last summer after hearing what some people have said, but maybe I just was too busy having fun to pay attention to anyone else? :confused:

[NickyKnack]

Oh no, I hate to hear this.
Citraco is hands down one of my favorite restaurants on property.
And my wife and I have never had a problem there - and we've celebrated two anniversaries there! They even made us special menus with bother our names on them... when we pointed out that while the names were correct the gender usage was herteronormative (we were teasing the waitress, and she knew we weren't angry), she took it back and they had it changed on the spot.

If you don't want to go because you don't want to go - then don't go.
But please don't let one unfortunate human interaction keep you away from a wonderful establishment.

yes once unfortunately. Though once out of all the time we've spent there is no big deal. It was Dec 98 and we were excited about trying Citricos before MVMCP - we had a horrible waitress who just couldn't understand why we had the gaul to be seen in public :earseek: We're not ugly or anything... Anyway we had the worst service ever in all the years we've gone to WDW. Fortunately it didn't really bother us enough to affect our trip, but we never went back to Citricos.

[NickyKnack]

Congrats BTW - may this be the beginning of your greatest adventure ever!

hey guess what! I found the courage to order my future husband a dozen Roses from Disney Florist, to be delivered to our room on the day we'll check in. Does anyone know if they will put the flowers in the room or wait till we get our room number? oh so exciting!! Two weeks till the wedding and 16 days till honeymoon!!

[BriGuy]

I grew up in Orange County. It is one of the most conservative parts of California surprisingly. To this day, it surprises me how close minded the people there can be. Were your negative encounters with these park guests recently? I'm glad my gf and I didn't have any negative experiences at DL last summer after hearing what some people have said, but maybe I just was too busy having fun to pay attention to anyone else? :confused:

You would think with so many diverse cultures found in California, the people would be a little more excepting and open-minded. Yes, this was recently. I've had many times while holding hands with my boyfriend (at the time), parents start glaring and hiding their children's eyes. I've had a father tell his kid that I was a f-a-g-g-o-t that was gonna burn in hell. Today, I wear a rainbow Mickey pin (part of my pin collection) on my lanyard and occasionally get a few glares from people and teenagers yelling f-a-g-g-o-t as they walk pass me. One time I actually turned around and started yelling at this guy, calling him a coward and told him to "say that to my face!" He was in complete shock that I stood up for myself and walked away very fast.

[Minnie72200]

You would think with so many diverse cultures found in California, the people would be a little more excepting and open-minded. Yes, this was recently. I've had many times while holding hands with my boyfriend (at the time), parents start glaring and hiding their children's eyes. I've had a father tell his kid that I was a f-a-g-g-o-t that was gonna burn in hell. Today, I wear a rainbow Mickey pin (part of my pin collection) on my lanyard and occasionally get a few glares from people and teenagers yelling f-a-g-g-o-t as they walk pass me. One time I actually turned around and started yelling at this guy, calling him a coward and told him to "say that to my face!" He was in complete shock that I stood up for myself and walked away very fast.

That is just completely awful and unacceptable. I'm sorry to hear you've had multiple bad experiences there. This makes me really reconsider going back to DL anytime soon. While I tend to deal with behaviors like that better and try not to take people's ignorance and stupidity personally, my gf would crumble if someone did that to her while at DL. It is supposed to be a happy place.

[MAF]

You would think with so many diverse cultures found in California, the people would be a little more excepting and open-minded. Yes, this was recently. I've had many times while holding hands with my boyfriend (at the time), parents start glaring and hiding their children's eyes. I've had a father tell his kid that I was a f-a-g-g-o-t that was gonna burn in hell. Today, I wear a rainbow Mickey pin (part of my pin collection) on my lanyard and occasionally get a few glares from people and teenagers yelling f-a-g-g-o-t as they walk pass me. One time I actually turned around and started yelling at this guy, calling him a coward and told him to "say that to my face!" He was in complete shock that I stood up for myself and walked away very fast.

Wow I could never imagine this happening at WDW. :sad2:

[BriGuy]

This is one of the many reasons why I plan on moving back to Orlando soon :woohoo:

[RainbowCloak]

I had a few weird experiences with other guests, but I would stress that these were YEARS ago... so I would hope that this is not the norm today.

During GayDays.. I was waiting to get popcorn at one of the stands near the castle in MK, and the woman in front of me in line was grilling the cast member mercilessly with questions like "WHY ARE THEY ALL HERE TODAY???" wow..

Leaving EPCOT in the parking lot, dark, after Illuminations, a car full of who knows what yelled "******S" and sped off.. very brave.

Those are the only two negative experiences I have had, and they both involved guests that were, shall we say, not evolved on their positions regarding LGBTers.

The cast members have been nothing, if not, gracious about it, and I mean that from every age, creed, nationality. They can think all they want, but when they are serving me, I want to be treated just like any other guest.

I'm bringing my mom down in December I hope, and I plan on wearing my rainbow Mickey proudly.

[Princesca]

Last year I had my son in a wheelchair in DTD when a little 3 yr old ran right into us...the father started yelling at me to get my "gimp kid the f home where he belonged".

There really aren't words for how this story makes me feel. :sad1:

[Princesca]

She went on to say God sent them here today for a reason, keep an open mind, and maybe they will learn something. Either way they would have fun and enjoy the experience. :thumbsup2 Way to go Mom!

But this one makes me :cloud9:. Really, if you take the time to learn about life's many possibilities, and there are some you continue to disagree with, that's your prerogative. We may never agree on certain points, but I will have SO much more respect for people who agree to 'live and let live'.

I have not had the best experience finding open-minded, tolerant religious folks, so where I find them, I want to hug the snot outta 'em. :grouphug:

[lustate]

Last year in August I went to WDW and arranged a meal for my husbands 29th Birthday at the Royal Table. While we posed for the photo the first princess asked where our princesses were. Quick as a flash I replied He's mine pointing to my husband, and our other gay friend said and he is looking for his prince.

I have never seen a CM go so red in my life. Classic moment! She was very nice and no way neg but the moment of the holiday we remember most.

[TayjaDanger]

I've never felt unwelcome or anything at Disney (my theory is that Diz knows that gay people have money to spend just like straight people, they know where their bread is buttered!). Though at the more posh resorts I do feel a little awkward, it's not because of my queerness.

My mum is a single mother and brought me and my best friend to WDW when we were teenagers, along with my sister who was a stroller baby at the time. She said she felt really out of place and a little weird, all these couples and happy nuclear families surrounding us, and here she was with a baby, two teens and no man in sight.
I think a little diversity might have helped her not feel so odd. I was oblivious at the time, but as a queer adult I can totally understand how she must have felt.

One of my biggest problems is that I don't feel recognizable as one of the "family." I don't wear rainbows very often, and I'm not terribly butchy. So I fear that I don't get my gay cred, how silly is that?! I have a rainbow mickey I'm going to attach to my bag once I get a locking back for it-- it fell off my backpack almost immediately when I was wearing it here at home.

For me there's something so great about seeing other gay people (at Disney) and remembering how great it is to be out and about, loud and proud.

Glad I found this forum, too!

[TayjaDanger]

Last year in August I went to WDW and arranged a meal for my husbands 29th Birthday at the Royal Table. While we posed for the photo the first princess asked where our princesses were. Quick as a flash I replied He's mine pointing to my husband, and our other gay friend said and he is looking for his prince.

I have never seen a CM go so red in my life. Classic moment! She was very nice and no way neg but the moment of the holiday we remember most.

That's HILARIOUS! I love it! :laughing:

[jharrowell]

BBBBRRRRAAAAAIIIIINNNNNSSSSS!!!!! *slobber*

Ok, now I've got the joke about this thread being brought back from the dead out of the way... :)

I have to say my partner and I've never had any issues at WDW, the cast members are great and for the most part the guest are too busy drinking in the magic to think of anything else.

That's not to say I think WDW is immune from the general prejudice of the big wide world, you can get idiots anywhere in the world... :P

[techandy]

Well, last year we went to Cinderella's Royal table for my partners birthday, in amongst 96% of fellow guests in the restaurant being the smallest princesses, and a couple of older groups there was us two… all the Disney Princesses wandered round the room and said hello posing for photographs, when Princess Aurora asked my partner where he was from, he said Manchester - and she said "my my that's a long way for your fairies to fly" he chuckled and said yes, she then said "i bet you have a lot of fairies back in manchester don't you" !! totally in character but had us in stitches! - other than that, have always had exemplary service, although I do miss the nights in Mannequins….

[jeepsrj]

oh I am a big chicken. Every time me and my partner go travel and stay in a hotel, I would have one of us stay in the car while the other one check in, so they don't see us together. And we are not into PDA at all, even my sister asked me why me and my partner alway walk so far apart whenever we go out. The only time I feel comfortable holding hands are when we are alone or when we are in a gay-function like years ago they have private gay nights at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Don't you think it is easier for gals couples to show PDA than guys?

you know me and my partner are the same way, not so much we are chickens, but that's just the way we are....we just aren't PDA people..and no I don't have a problem with other people doing it..its just not for us...I love him to death but we are who we are...lol....and as for requesting beds at disney....I will say loud and proud....we never ask for a king bed and this is because when we go to disney we go to play hard and when we get back to the room late at night tired and hot..we just want to take a shower and climb into our own bed and pass out....lol..and be well rested for the next adventure that awaits the next day...LOL...

[NewCruiser2011]

My bf and I had a most romantic and wonderful dinner at Victoria and Alberts last summer. The staff were all friendly and professional -- there was not another person dining in the restaurant who looked at us twice. We were one of the last couples left by the end of the night and I leaned over to give my man a smooch, which brought a huge smile to the face of the harpist. Before we left the servers presented both of us with roses. It was fantastic! :love:

Another time we were waiting for Fantasmic to start and a young boy sitting next to us with his family, turned to me and announced that his flashing buzz light year was superior to my light up sorcerer mickey -- which then began a battle between our weapons of choice. His parents just giggled and smiled at me and my bf. I think they were thrilled someone else was able to keep their kid's attention for a bit after a long day at the parks. :wizard:

We've never had a problem at WDW or DL in any way shape or form. Here's hoping our first experience with DCL on the Dreams this December will yield the same results! pirate:

[ashley0139]

I've never been to Disney with anyone I was dating, only friends and family, so I can't speak to that.

However, I had an interesting experience on my last trip in 2009 while with my friends in Epcot. We were walking from the World Showcase to Future World on the path that goes right by Mexico, I think? Anyway, it was pretty empty and we passed a couple teenage boys walking the other direction and one was wearing a shirt that said "He's gay" with an arrow pointing to his right. I can't say for sure, but I don't think the shirt was meant to be a positive thing. My friends and I commented on it after we passed them, and the woman in front of us turned around and started talking to us about how appalling it was. This was also the weekend of the Equality march in October and my friends and I were wearing our Equality Now! pins. As we walked from WS to FW my friends and I and the woman in front of us had a nice conversation about equality and peoples' awareness of it these days. It's one of my favorite memories from the trip.

[Nancy F]

Just having to go home at the end of my trip. :sad:
Nancy :rotfl2:

[chrisisbuckwild]

My Bf and i went to disney this past july and had an amazing time. We had table dinners and every waitress and waiter was so kind and polite. We had an amazing time a cirque du soleil and he had his arm around me the whole show (which i am not a fan of pda but i let him cause he will get mad that i care) and we held hands through the parks without any disturbances from anyone. It was just an amazing time, we got our caricature done and the artist put cute hearts and things and we got matching engraved bracelets and the girl thought it was the cutest thing and we also got some free fast passes from a castmember who said thank you for being yourselves. it was amazing <3

[Gypsybear]

Well, on our last trip (Gay Days 2010), we had nothing but wonderful experiences.

When we checked in at Coronado, the CM said she noticed we were celebrating an Anniversary...we said yes, so she asked us how many years...we told her 9...and she wrote the number on our pins, and said Congratulations....and said it was so nice to see happy couples....

Fast forward to the next morning...we put on our pins, and went to the bus stop...no one said anything....I think it's the dragging in the morning scenario...lol....(at least for us it is)....anyway, we board the bus to MK, and we notice that there is a woman and her young son sitting across from us...I notice that he's wearing a Birthday Pin for 6 years old...so we wish him a Happy Birthday...the mom notices our pins, leans down, and tells her child that we are celebrating an Anniversary, and that he needs to wish up a Happy Anniversary, which he did. The mom looked up at us and said Congrats and smiled....

We got off the bus and were happy to see that the pins were not going to be much of an issue.....at CRT, DP and I got into a sword fight at the breakfast table (with those plastic swords they give the kids)....the CMs found it quite humorous....one of the Princesses asked who we were fighting for....we looked at her, and said "Each other"....she got a big grin on her face and said "Carry on"....

Back at Christmas, 2008, we were there for MVMCP, and were taking pics with all the characters we could find....well, we came across Snow White and her Prince....so we rushed and got in line for pics (2nd in line)....so, it was our turn....we move into position and as the photographer was ready to take our pic, Snow White says "Now I have a Prince"...and without thinking about where I was or anything, I looked at her and said "B*tch, find your own".....at which point I realized what had just come out of my mouth....needless to say, Snow White and her Prince both burst out laughing out loud.....while I stood there in horror at what had just come out of my mouth....they hugged us and we went on our way....luckily there were no kids around...in fact, there wasn't anyone else there waiting for a pic...so I lucked out....I kept my mouth in check the remainder of the evening. :rolleyes1

[elwise1966]

lol...I would've grabbed Prince Charming and said "Me too!"

[HeatherLassell]

It makes me sad that anyone would EVER talk to another person in such a negative way as some of the posts I've read.

I have 3 children...2 boys and a girl. They ask me questions about lots of things and everything gets an open and honest answer. The majority of my friends are gay and the kids have come to realise that they are exactly the same as any couple. That makes me proud as a mom. I encourage my kids to be OPEN minded. There is no other way to live in this amazing world we are in. I myself am bi-sexual and my mother raised me to accept all people for WHO they are not WHAT they are. I wish more people did that with their kids!

:hug:

[Liberty Belle]

oh I am a big chicken. Every time me and my partner go travel and stay in a hotel, I would have one of us stay in the car while the other one check in, so they don't see us together. And we are not into PDA at all, even my sister asked me why me and my partner alway walk so far apart whenever we go out. The only time I feel comfortable holding hands are when we are alone or when we are in a gay-function like years ago they have private gay nights at Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Don't you think it is easier for gals couples to show PDA than guys?

I know this is an old post, but I'm bored and browsing. This just makes me so incredibly sad. :sad1: I hope now, five years later, you feel more comfortable being with your love in public.

[kmedina]

I do not think there is such a thing as a traditional family anymore. Your family is just as important as mine. It should not matter what type of people make up a family. Hopefully, you never encounter any ignorant people who do not know better. That way, we can all enjoy WDW.

[Howellsy]

Last year in August I went to WDW and arranged a meal for my husbands 29th Birthday at the Royal Table. While we posed for the photo the first princess asked where our princesses were. Quick as a flash I replied He's mine pointing to my husband, and our other gay friend said and he is looking for his prince.

I have never seen a CM go so red in my life. Classic moment! She was very nice and no way neg but the moment of the holiday we remember most.

This one made me laugh because this summer Princess Aurora asked me and my girlfriend if we were sisters, or just friends? At which point we both laughed and I said we were together and Aurora kind of went red and said, 'My goodness how wonderful' in a slightly awkward manner.

My mum thought it was hilarious - she was like, why couldn't you have just smiled and nodded!