2003 Gay/Lesbian Pride week at WDW

[twinmomto3boys]

Our next trip will overlap a little during this time period. We are hoping for the best - as we do on every trip. I am more worried about crowds in general since we usually go during off peak times. I'm just excited to being going!

I agree with another poster - these boards are supposed to be about opinions. I've read numerous threads where it turns into some kind of argument. I for one appreciate other people's opinions - whether I agree with them or not. And I would never assume someone was lying.

Happy posting everyone.

 

[Talking Hands]

I have to say that in the 4 years that I have gone to the MK on Gay Day I have only encountered one person that was inappropriate. Disney security handled it well, escorting him to get other clothing. (had on really tight biker shorts and a tight muscle shirt and no jock strap) No one nasty, rude or pushing. Always very careful in contrast to an E-night where a guest broadsided my PC and flipped it on the side injuring me.

I have been very well treated. One year as CM refused to allow my power wheelchair in the line for Pooh (first year open) and I was unaccompanied. Guys offered to push me through the line so I could ride.

Last year I was having trouble getting my PC on the lift at AK until 2 lesbian young ladies came up and helped push it on. Then at MK made sure I got off ok.

One year we ended up touring with a gay couple that my daughter met a PI. One of the guys was deaf and we enjoyed talking with each other.

Met another gay couple on my trip in Jan and am looking forward to seeing them again in June. One deaf here also.

Even if I had encountered a problem I would not of asked for me money back. After all I had spent a good portion of my day at the parks. I would have just left or gone to another park.

And what is the problem anyway with what happened anyway?
And you couldn't expalin to a child with you? Easy explaination. Some people have other lifestyles. This is not how we choose to live but it is their choice.

You knew when you went what day it was. It was your choice to be there. MAybe it was a back choice for you but you made it and Disney should not pay for your bad judgement. Sorry. Just the way I feel.

 

[onceuponadream]

Another question about the g/l week schedule. I visited the site linked above but couldn't find the schedule for the rest of the parks. Is it ALWAYS:

AK Thursday
MGM Friday
MK Saturday
Epcot Sunday

Also, I was hoping and waiting for codes to book our resort under the impression that most g/l participants stay at offsite hotels. As this is not true and we are interested in CSR, CR and AKL has anyone had trouble reserving these hotels in the past?

Thanks for any help

 

[Puffy2]

These visitors obviously stay all over - sometimes certain hotels are "host" hotels and therefore have a larger number of guest - last year I think the ladies were at Marriott Courtyard at DDDisney. Other hotels at DD disney also encouraged guests.

My children have known at a very early age about the existance of gay people - it was no big deal to them when they were told "some people grow up and fall in love with someone who is the same sex and sometimes they want to share their lives with that person just like mom and dad."


If it bothers someone, there are 51 other weeks in the year to go to Orlando. Personally, I'm not stepping foot there in the sweltering heat of June no matter who is in attendence.

 

[walt's assistant]

My two cents...

I have been to WDW during G&L week. As with ANY large group of people, a few were badly misbehaved.

There are boundaries of conduct for EVERYONE who enters the park. Dressed inappropriately? You're asked to leave. Harrass others? Ditto.

You get the idea...

Bottom line is that if everyone will remember that WDW is a family experience and conduct themselves appropriately, the fact that it is G&L week becomes a non-issue (which it should be).

 

[onceuponadream]

Okay here's my .02...I'm only interested in the "crowd factor" as I think most of us are who are asking questions on this thread. Personally, my step sister is lesbian (we attended her committment ceremony with our kids) and my cousin is gay. I'm not really concerned about appropriate or inappropriate behavior as any group can and will display both. the only reason we are stepping foot in Disney in the summer is we don't want to pull our kids out of school (that's a whole 'nother thread/debate ) and Spring Break when we usually go is out because my in-laws who love to join us are going to be on a cruise. So, it's either Disney in the summer or no Disney so you know what won . However, I still would like to know what parks what days the g/l crowds will be in so if we choose to avoid the crowds we can plan accordingly. Also am still interested in opinions as to how difficult on site hotel reservations will be if we wait for possible codes. Thanks again for any help!

 

[MHopkins2]

czdisney said

I did meet some folks from this festival who were quite sweet and there to have a good time like me. But the majority I encountered were nasty.

In my experience, anyone who finds the majority of any group of people to be nasty - assuming they haven't been airlifted into a terrorist training camp or something - are looking for nastiness pretty hard. I definitely think it's a good decision that you won't be returning during this time frame.

onceuponadream - From another thread, I believe the schedule is posted at Gaydays.

 

[Chuck S]

Funny, everyone always talks about GayDay at the Disney parks, but no one has any negatives about the OTHER area parks that also have designated days, or aren't Universal and Sea World "family" parks, or is it simply easier to attack Disney?

Thurs - Animal Kingdom
Fri - Disney Studios - Sea World - private after hours party at TL
Sat* - MK - Private after hours party at MGM - PI
Sun - EPCOT - Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure

*Sat is always the 1st Saturday of June

 

[raidermatt]

Since this is a planning board, its probably not appropriate to tell someone what they should or shouldn't be bothered by. Of course, just my opinion...

We were at WDW for two weeks last year, including all of the Gay Days. We avoided the featured park each day, and didn't notice any increase in crowds. The only time we saw/heard anything that would have clued anyone in as to it being Gay Days was at Epcot on Saturday.

On that Saturday at Epcot, we did see groups and couples who were there for the celebration (most easily identified by them all wearing red t-shirts). We did see a few kisses exchanged, and two from our party over-heard some rather "descriptive" sexual talk while walking out of a bathroom, but that was it.

So if that bothers you, it would be best to visit at another time. If the only concern is crowd size, avoid the featured parks and you should be fine.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

onceuponadream-it is best to go ahead and book the resort you would like. Then if and when codes DO come out, you can call and apply them to your reservation.

 

[freediverdude]

Well, being gay myself, I have a couple of comments, but they aren't all pro-gay-day. I myself think that unless the "it's a gay world after all" chorus was a sanctioned Disney event, that it was inappropriate in a public family theme park, especially at 3 pm when the little kids are there. The gay groups should be able to walk around with matching t-shirts if they want or hold hands if they want, and just generally feel the camaraderie of seeing all the other gays there, but the public singing seems a little over the top, unless Disney actually told them they could do it, in which case that would then be Disney's decision. On the other hand, getting on a MK monorail and just standing there, no kissing, not even holding hands- and getting dirty looks and made to feel uncomfortable by the straight couples isn't right either ( which happened to me). I could just tell by the look they were purposely giving that they were thinking "you shouldn't be here, why don't you just leave", and that wasn't good behavior either. I purposely didn't say anything so as to not start an incident, but I wasn't happy. So, I think there's some things going on with both sides, and it's just going to take a lot of time before gays are more accepted, and some gays won't need to make a scene to proclaim their gayness anymore. It's just going to take time, and as it all happens, I'm just going to try to be as polite as I can with everybody, and hope others do the same.

 

[C.Ann]

A very intelligent and well thought out response!!

 

[mickeysaver]

Ok....Bad Mickey.....for shame for shame for shame. lol Mickey

 

[Talking Hands]

Had to make that 3 o'clock parade Had interpreters waiting so I could hear it. Only thing I had to miss was Jungle Cruise. No way I could transfer into the boat from the power chair and then get out again. It was 1 1/2 weeks after surgery to pin 3 bones in my leg and ankle back together. I wasn't allowed any weight bearing at all. Absolutely none.

 

[PRINCESS Ariel34]

I just realized my family and I will be in the World during the last part of The Gay Pride Celebration I don't see any problem with it

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I just read the whole thread and just wanted to put in a gentle reminder....once again, this is a free country, and I know that is something we all hold dear especially in these times... so in saying that, everyone is entitled to their opinion... let's keep the innuendos off the thread....I think that the OP wanted this thread to be one that helps people maneuver the parks to avoid the crowds during this week at WDW... Let's keep it on that track.. Thank you..

 

[ShaneV]

I was there last year during this time. My friend and I went to eat at the 50's Prime Time Diner at MGM. IWe were sitting next to a family with a young daughter (around 6) and son (around 4).
The group next too us was making VERY LOUD comments the entire time. For example. (I'll order some desseret if you'll help me work it off). I felt very uncomfortable for the parents of those kids!

 

[photobob]

My previous 2 trips have coincided with Gay Days. I had two young children on these trips. I researched what days the celebrations were to be at what park and avoided those parks those days. Crowds were not bad at all, the fact that it was Gay Days was not a issue for us during the trip whatsover. The big day of course is Saturday at MK. Avoid MK that day.


Bob

 

[Sweethappiness]

ShaneV~
Thats very sick and gross! I can't believe that happened!! So much for being hungry!

 

[Atlantis~crystal]

Hi ,If I may make a suggestion?Let's remember that the goal of going to Disney World is to have a magical time.If you see something that seems inappropriate,such as behavior from large groups(spring breakers),(Mardi gras/pleasure Island) Large conventions & conferances etc. I personally think singing is great!Sure beats fighting .During my many vacations at Disney , I have had the most magical of experiences..I have also observed things such as neglect of children,drunken behavior of teens& adults,parents fighting in front of their kids(INAPPROPRIATE(In fact my last trip (2002)A man & wife had a fight at the Grand floridian( I guess wealth didn't matter) & he was so drunk he ended up drowning.Disney kept it quiet.That was last May/2002.He left his wife with 4 small children.I've seen married men fool around with co-workers at the conferances ie: CSR & the Dolphin resort.Yes,I've seen it all.If people are singing in front of the castle then God bless them.I tell my 5 year old that they are having a good time at Disney world & that's what it's all about!I choose to focus on the "light heartedness "of the trip & experience.My mothers intuition feels most comfortable with this plan.We don't need to spell it out to our kids..I just keep it simple & avoid the crowds that we are uncomfortable with.This is my suggestion.I do hope I'm not offending anyone or steping on toes.We are very open minded in our family.I AGREE LARGE Special event CROWDS MAKE ME ALITTLE UNEASY.God bless us all & lets not forget Walt's original dream.Have fun,keep it simple,be true to yourself.Family values are different for everyone.I practice love for all races,creed,sexual orientation,gender,Class,etc..etc...The willingnesss to understand each oher is a powerful thing.This will be needed for Peace on our mother Earth.God bless America.If we go to War...we will need all the blessings we can use in the futureThese complaints seem so trivial after 911.I have witnessed clossed minded-ness (not pretty)this can snowball to hate crime mentality.Lets keep our hearts open &just have a great vacation in spite of our emotional/political challenges.Ok,,,don't mean to lecture just making a suggestion.Thank gooodness I can...I live in America where we have freedom of speech & people have the right to sing in front of cinderella's castle too.let's Focus on the FUN & PLAY.If there is abusive behavior, you can always report it.I have felt compelled to report many incidences in this manner(chuckling now) straight or Gay.well...that my 2 cents worth.I usually stay out of these topics but I'm so sick of the fear factor.(homophobia at it's best!...Children come in to this world with open minds & hearts until they are conditioned otherwise.We can't wait to go back in April.We have a one bedroom villa at Old Key west & I'm aiming to stay at the gf also.I wonder if there will be any large groups then?Easter crowd?- perhaps I can ask for my money back.. or a discount just joking!!!May the force be with you.sincerely Atlantis ~Crystal