Any "Alternative Families" headed to DW?

[Viki]

We've recently finished reading "Queens in the Kingdom" and "A Walt Disney World Resort Outing" and so were inspired to ask if any lesbian or gay families were making their way to DW in the next couple weeks.

We're a family of two moms and two teenagers, staying at BCV, one of our home resorts.

New to these boards I have no idea have gay friendly they might be, but I thought I'd take the risk!

Peace,
Viki

 

[Jasminesmommy]

It should be fine. There is a time in june called Gay days that devotes the weekend to "Alternative lifestyles and families you can do a google on it. Go and have fun.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

These boards are very friendly to ALL kinds of families and anybody interested in WDW. You'll be able to find out ANYTHING you'd like to know and then some. I'm sure someone can help you find all the answers to your questions. The people on these boards are great.

Welcome to the boards!

WARNING: You may become addicted!

 

[stina]

my partner and i (2 women, ages 28) will be there sept. 11-18. we also went last year in sept. WDW is truly the most inclusive place i've ever experienced. don't think twice about just being yourself there. everyone seems welcome there. my partner and i were always treated kindly and never treated any differently from any of the other guest. the CMs are nothing but conscientious and polite and the service there is first rate.

now as for the guests...
that's not as predictable. because guests travel to disney from all over the world you can never predict what their cultural attitudes will be towards same-sex couples. some people will be bigoted and think that it is somehow their business to comment on your personal business. personally, that's never happened to me there (not that i know of). i'd like to give human beings the benefit of the doubt and think that everyone there is having such a grand old time that they don't have the time or energy to devote to being nasty or prejudiced. but you never know.

the only thing i'm not sure about is special amenities. for example: plenty of heterosexual couples get married at disney and celebrate anniversaries there. and because disney is disney they love to help people's special events and give alot of attention to them. (you know like at the luau they always call the newlyweds and anniversarians on stage for a dance, etc.) i've never "honeymooned" there or celebrated an anniversary there, but it would be interesting to know if that same level of celebretory treatment is offered to same-sex couples.

i'd say just be yourself and don't fret you're gonnna be having the time of your life.

interesting to note: we also saw several other same sex couples while we were there last year. we weren't really looking for them, because it doesn't matter all that much to us, but thought i'd report it anyhow.

have a great trip!
stina

 

[stina]

one more thing!

you know what always keeps us coming back to disney?
safety.

with two women travelling you always have insecurity. women are targeted far more often than men.

my partner and i always feel so safe on all disney property. i like that feeling it truly helps me relax.

stina

 

[sarahj]

Stina, I'll be there the same time as you Sept 10-18th. My DH and I are making our second trip without the kids. We go to enjoy the magic of Disney. It doesn't matter to me who is there, same-sex couples or heterosexual couples. We're all really just Disney fans!!

 

[Viki]

Yes, we've always felt that way about DW. CMs are super and I can't really worry about what the other guests might be thinking because not only are we two moms with two children, we are two caucasian moms with two African-American children and if I had to worry about all of what everybody thought about all of that I would have absolutely no time to think about the land of the sacred mouse!

BTW, we'll be there from 9/7-9/14, the same week every year (I didn't say we were good moms! We do indeed take the kids out of school only their second week in).

I appreciate all of these positive responses and, yes, I think I'm already addicted to these boards. I don't know what took me so long to find you all.

Peace,
Viki

 

[stina]

poohkinandpiglet: your kids are adorable!
that photo is so wonderful.

 

[Chuck S]

Viki, Welcome to the DISBoards. I won't be there in September, I usually go in June and December, but I know you'll have a wonderful time.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Viki,

I wanted to say that I think it is AWESOME that you take your kids to Disney. I hope they feel fortunate in that many heterosexual parents don't even take their kids.

It makes me smile that I am able to see a woman walk hand in hand with another woman and it is considered norma. I love that. I know you go through hardships too, but please know that my husband and I both support you and your family.
And I agree with SarahJ that we are all just Disney fans

Looks like DH and I will be arriving as you and your family are leaving!

 

[Nik's Mom]

My DH and I were on It's a SMall world with a lesbian couple and their daughter. It didn't bother us at all. In fact, I was touched at how similar they were to DH and I. One parent kept feeding the little girl junk food and the other parent kept saying "enough junk food" . And they clearly loved their daughter. I thought this is a perfect message to show other people who maybe have never seen a gay couple.
I actually think it's a great place for Homosexual couples to take their children. Don't worry about the ignorance of other people. Enjoy your trip and take lots of pictures!!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by stina
the only thing i'm not sure about is special amenities. for example: plenty of heterosexual couples get married at disney and celebrate anniversaries there. and because disney is disney they love to help people's special events and give alot of attention to them. (you know like at the luau they always call the newlyweds and anniversarians on stage for a dance, etc.) i've never "honeymooned" there or celebrated an anniversary there, but it would be interesting to know if that same level of celebretory treatment is offered to same-sex couples.

Since most of those nifty little perks that honeymooners get throughout the parks are at the discretion of the cast members, it totally depends. Bigoted cast members are probably few and far between.

As for getting married at Disney - the only restriction that I BELIEVE is in place for same-sex couples are the restrictions that Florida imposes on their marriages. I'm really not up on the state's laws regarding same-sex marriages and civil unions, but whatever their laws are, those are Disney's laws. However, they wouldn't deny your money! They would still, I'm sure, throw you a grand celebration.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Stina- thanks for the comment about my kids. They can be real stinkers when I'm trying to take their picture!

Viki- I think any children that have two parents that love them are lucky kids. I wouldn't worry about what other people think.
Visit the Mouse and have a great time with your family.

Sharon

 

[Viki]

Thanks everyone, you've been very supportive!

Chuck: I have been admiring your rainbow mouse. Can I ask where you got it? I'd love to have one too!

And, again, if there are any folk who would like to meet up between 9/7-9/13, let me know. We have a very busy itinerary planned, but there's always time for a burger at Beaches and Cream.

Peace,
Viki

 

[Chuck S]

Viki, I made the avatar myself, but anyone is welcome to use it. Simply right click on it to download it, then go into your UserCP and upload it as a custom avatar.

Chuck

 

[Jen D]

Viki, welcome to the boards. We're also taking our daughter out for the second week of school! We keep telling ourselves this is the last year we'll do it.

Have a magical trip.

 

[Shugardrawers]

I'll echo what someone else said, that although Disney itself is pretty friendly to all types of families be prepared for guests who may not be. I'm sure it's nothing you haven't already had to deal with in your everyday life. I personally have no problem with anyone loving whomever they choose. The behavior that offends me is probably committed more often by hetero couples that by gay couples. Anyway, have a lovely time and don't let anyone who's small minded or bigoted ruin your vacation for you. And enjoy the boards. We have all kinds here but I've never witnessed any kind of attacks on boardies in regards to their orientation. If there were, you'd have 100s of boardies immediately jumping to your defense and putting the idiots in their place. It's a great place to make friends.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Well put Shugardrawers!!!

(ps...I am in Newport News Nice to see a diser so close to home )

 

[Shugardrawers]

Hi always nice to meet a local diser. Are you coming to the dismeet at Busch Gardens on the 25th?

 

[Viki]

Chuck: Thanks lots for the avatar. I'm pretty techno-incompetent, but I got it done!

Peace,
Viki