1st Week of June....

[Beaniebug]

Just wondering how the 1st week of June was? Is it real crowded, I guess compared to Easter week? DH heard that it was Gay Pride week at WDW, is that true? We are trying to plan vacation for 2006. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[tjkraz]

Some schools are in session, so I'm sure it won't be as crowded as many times later in the summer.

"Gay Days" are normally held during that period. It's not an event sponsored by Disney, but the organizers do pick one park per day for their attendees to visit. In the past they have also rented out a park after hours for a party. The park they visit on any given day probably sees an attendance hit, but if you just schedule your touring against their plans, you probably won't even know they are around.

 

[Chuck S]

GayDay has traditionally been the first Saturday of June at the MK, however this year, there are two different gay travel groups. One has MK scheduled for Saturday, and the other for Sunday.

Generally, the event has had no major impact on crowd levels EXCEPT at MK on Saturday (and MK is always crowded on Saturday anyway). The first week of June is crowded for a day or two after Memorial Day and then again on GayDay weekend.

Disney itself in no way sponsors or recognizes the "event". This year, Universal Studios and IOA are reportedly doing special shows and mechandising for Gay Day, which is why one group changed the schedule on Saturday...to go to Uiniversal.

 

[DVCLiz]

We've been both times, and the first of June is much less crowded than Easter - but don't interpret that to mean it's empty. The crowds in early June are healthy, and you'll still need to arrive early and use FastPass when appropriate, also make sure you have PSs lined up for meals you want other than counter service. The impact of GayDays is that certain parks are indicated as the park for a particular day, so the crowds become much larger at that park. With a little advance knowledge, you can plan your park visits to avoid the larger crowds. And don't forget that GayDays are not an officially sanctioned WDW event, so plan around them if they offend you or if you want to avoid the crowds, but don't blame WDW for them if they impact your vacation!

 

[Beaniebug]

Thank you all for your input. It will definitely help our planning process. I like to avoid MK on Saturdays to begin with since the crowd is much higher. DH will be much happier to know it is not a week long event. He thought the crowds would be like Easter time. He told me never again to schedule vacation at that time.

 

[Laurajean1014]

I was there a few years back and I remembered the "sea of red" t-shirts and clothing.

 

[lcsmom]

Our very first trip was during this week a few years ago. Because we were at different parks, I had no idea it was going on. We took the whole family last year during that last Saturday/Sunday - had a very pleasant time at AK and Epcot, then MK/MGM during next week. Crowds were moderate+. Did run into a group of guys who were hilarious at Beaches & Cream. They were having the Kitchen Sink, wearing fairy headresses/ peter pan hats, etc. had some of the funniest one-liners I've heard in a while. 13 y.o. niece was a little taken aback, but she laughed, too.

 

[Beaniebug]

lcsmom, thanks for you input. It isn't too over the top for a 4 and 7 year old. I don't want to have to explain anything yet.....