Anyone avoiding Gay Days at Disney?

[Amirah95]

I don't understand what the big deal is about PDAs. I never left home without my PDA - it carried my life in it. Then I got a blackberry.

(Note to self. Do not pack my red Disney Vacation Club online t-shirt for this trip )

@ gometros

I worry more about crowds than anything when I'm at the World. I would stay away from Gay Days for that reason and for that reason alone. Besides, it will mess up our touring plans and I can't have that.

Thank the heavens that I do my research before I book anything.

 

[mommyseven]

Oh I avoid Gay Days like the plague! Why? Because it is freaking hot, hot I say! I live in Florida and would never go in June or July. I cringe at the thought.

Seriously though, I have been during Gay Days, and I wouldn't hesitate to go again if it was held anytime besides June - it really is hot. The first time that we went we didn't realize it was Gay Days until I returned. There was no change in the crowd level at the parks and no behavior or other indicators.

The next time that we went we knew it was Gay Days. However, we saw maybe a couple of couples holding hands and a few matching tee shirts. Basically it is what we see everytime we go to WDW. The crowd level was no different than normal in the parks.

If you can stand the heat, go for it. Numerous sites have charts that indicate the best parks for which day so follow that to manage the crowd level. While some parents may be looking for indicators of the event, your children won't be. They will be looking for rides, souvenirs, and characters and not really give a hoot about the people walking around them.

 

[kaysmommie]

Contrary to your belief, I do think that Gay Days will be different from what I see everyday. We live in rural GA and PDA in same sex/opposite sex relationships is not common behavior in our area. I would feel the same way if it were heterosexual couples behaving in this manner. Also, I don't think that on any other given event, there will be 100,000's of same color t-shirts being worn by a specific group of people.

It is bothersome to hear you say that if I am going to be uncomfortable then don't go, you are right, I have the same right to enjoy my vacation as you, I just choose not to fondle/kiss or probe my husband in front of strangers and/or unsuspecting children. THIS is inappropriate behavior. I shouldn't have to AVOID any parks because a gay pride spectacle is planned for that day!

You will never see my side of the story as I may never see yours, however my goal is to have a fun filled week with my family w/o having to explain same sex relationships and lots of inappropriate conduct to my 5 year old.

I do see your point as I don't want to have to explain this to my young children either. Also I don't want to see inappropriate behavior by anyone gay or straight. Fondle your wife, husband, or partner in your hotel room please, as Disney is a family park. I would not go during gaydays and if I did I would just go to another park with your family. Also it will be crowded.

 

[Simba22]

I've seen more inappropriate behavior on "non-gay day's" then on gay days. You'll be fine.

 

[mwoody1967]

I've seen more inappropriate behavior on "non-gay day's" then on gay days. You'll be fine.

I don't think that was the posters point. She's not worried about herself or adults, rather she was concerned about her children seeing inappropiate behavior in a family atmosphere and being forced to explain it at that time.

 

[Blue Skies]

While Mr. Warner is entitled to his opinions, I find that article outraegeous and VERY homophobic. Mr. Warner seems to have an axe to grind with some aspects of the gay community and what he criticizes a few gay people doing is often common behavior among their heterosexual counterparts. As for men who remove their body hair or women with masculine mannerisms---who cares??

WOW! Dis'ing (no pun intended!) the founder of this board!

I like Pete and I trust his opinions on this issue. I think he is presenting a valid OPINION on gay days. You are totally free to disagree with him, but come on - calling a gay man homophobic because he is not a fan of gay days?

 

[Simba22]

I don't think that was the posters point. She's not worried about herself or adults, rather she was concerned about her children seeing inappropiate behavior in a family atmosphere and being forced to explain it at that time.

I knew what she meant. What I was saying was that I have seen behavior on regular non-event days that I find offensive to not only other adults but especially children, and have never seen anything worse, or as bad, on gay days. So she shouldn't have a problem with having to explain anything to children

 

[tchrrx]

Let me ask you this.....do most of the gay couples bring children with them? I'm just curious. I'm hoping that it's mainly adults, which will free up the more 'kiddie' rides for my family! I, personally, don't know any gays and don't particularly agree with that lifestyle. However, DD also knows that her father & I feel like drinking alcohol and smoking are 'bad choices.' All I can do is to teach her to love everyone, regardless of who they are.

BTW- You bet we'll be at the gay 'park of the day!' (Will someone remind me of these, btw? I know MK is Saturday.) After reading others opinions on here, it makes me hope that the crowds with yound kiddos will actually be less!


And another thing.....can you hear the noise from PI over at Saratoga Springs? I have no sense of distance & I'm not certain how close these actually are. Thanks!

 

[HarbinsMom]

That's the time we're going. We have a 14 1/2 year old and we will sit down and explain to him what he might see.

 

[Sawyer]

We planned our trip for that week before we found out it was GDs. I'm avoiding the specific park designated for each GD for the crowds. I'm not worried about it, but my husband is afraid of gay people. He is convinced that there is not a gay man out there who will not fall madly in love with him at first sight and proceed to stalk him the rest of his life. I'm all "Please don't flatter yourself! You're not that hot!" Anyway, my family will be there and so will lots of other non gay families. We can't wait for our trip!!!!!!!

 

[CPanther95]

While Mr. Warner is entitled to his opinions, I find that article outraegeous and VERY homophobic. Mr. Warner seems to have an axe to grind with some aspects of the gay community and what he criticizes a few gay people doing is often common behavior among their heterosexual counterparts.

It isn't homophobic, it's a realistic assesment provided for the benefit of those people who don't want to subject their kids to something objectionable just to prove how tolerant they are.

Gay people go to WDW everyday of the year and they are just as entitled to hold hands and give a quick kiss as anyone else.

Very true, but the typical gay visitors at Disney throughout the year aren't the same as the typical Gay Day visitor. They are going because they are gay and to prove a point. Many feel they can't prove that point without openly, and graphically displaying their sexuality. That is an entirely different mentality than a gay couple who is going to Disney to enjoy the parks. Considering gays are not banned the other 364 days of the year, what do you think is the motivation for them to attend Gay Day? It is an open invitation to behave much differently than they would any other day of the year.

If 20,000 hetero swingers all decided to storm the park one day a year to show their cumulative strength - what type of atmosphere do you think would exist?

If you have a problem with gay people, don't ever go to Disney - in fact, don't ever leave your house. But even if you have no problem with gay people, it's alright not to want to spend your vacation when there is a huge number of people that are there to make a point as much as they are to enjoy the parks.

Don't let the militant politically correct crowd guilt you into putting your family in an uncomfortable situation - or suggest that you'll likely just see some innocent handholding.

 

[MushyMushy]

Please, people, if you have a problem with homosexuals, by all means stay home. I'd hate to think how many gays are there on a regular basis and who work there.

But definitely stay home during gay days -- I beg you! Stay home.

I'll be there happily mingling with "that" crowd, and don't have to explain anything to my kids.

 

[Schmeck]

It isn't homophobic, it's a realistic assesment provided for the benefit of those people who don't want to subject their kids to something objectionable just to prove how tolerant they are.



Very true, but the typical gay visitors at Disney throughout the year aren't the same as the typical Gay Day visitor. They are going because they are gay and to prove a point. Many feel they can't prove that point without openly, and graphically displaying their sexuality. That is an entirely different mentality than a gay couple who is going to Disney to enjoy the parks. Considering gays are not banned the other 364 days of the year, what do you think is the motivation for them to attend Gay Day? It is an open invitation to behave much differently than they would any other day of the year.

If 20,000 hetero swingers all decided to storm the park one day a year to show their cumulative strength - what type of atmosphere do you think would exist?

If you have a problem with gay people, don't ever go to Disney - in fact, don't ever leave your house. But even if you have no problem with gay people, it's alright not to want to spend your vacation when there is a huge number of people that are there to make a point as much as they are to enjoy the parks.

Don't let the militant politically correct crowd guilt you into putting your family in an uncomfortable situation - or suggest that you'll likely just see some innocent handholding.

So, why do people go during pee wee football time(or whatever that annoying sport is called)? So that they can meet up with others that like the same, dumb sport... That's why homosexuals go during gay days - so they have more people that accept them around them. I'd rather go during gay days than when those annoying cheerleaders are there! Or the large, ill-organized tour groups from other countries, (not that all of them are bad, see my point?)

If the OP is worried about behaviors needing to be explained to her kids, she better be prepared for the half-naked women and nearly naked teenage girls, the line cutters, the rule-breakers, the parents screaming obscenities at their kids, the parents screaming at the CMs who won't let junior on the ride because he's too short, the kids with 'princess' or 'angel' on their tight pants, etc...

 

[dmask]

If it would make you that uncomfortable during your vacation, it would not be in your best interest to go. I think you would be too focused in on it. Plan to go another time when there would be less people that might offend you and not bring up any unwanted discussion with your family. However you may run into the same issues throughout the year since there are so many people that go from all walks of life. Just as an FYI Disney does allow same sex weddings and does provide its employees with partner benefits. Maybe you should just sit your family down and explain to them why there will not be a vacation to Disney.

Or just pack a red t-shirt and have a good time!!!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Now I have no problem with heterosexuals. Heck. I am one. But I really don't want to see the necking and stuff. I'd really be asking the same question about Gays. Yes Honest I would. No No. Really. i'm not prejudiced. It's just that we all know heterosexuals just cannot control themselves. Am I going to have a problem going on not Gay Days?

 

[CPanther95]

Now I have no problem with heterosexuals. Heck. I am one. But I really don't want to see the necking and stuff. I'd really be asking the same question about Gays. Yes Honest I would. But everyone knows heterosexuals just cannot control themselves. Am I going to have a problem going on not Gay Days?

Probably not, but if they dedicate a day for heterosexuals to come celebrate their sexuality - you might have a problem on that day. I know I would.

 

[disneycasemgr]

What a good and honest article.

I agree - great honest article.

 

[LukenDC]

They are going because they are gay and to prove a point. Many feel they can't prove that point without openly, and graphically displaying their sexuality.

What point are they trying to prove? The vast majority of gay people are going to Gay Days to enjoy the parks and the activities (parties, dances, etc.) held at the host hotels outside of WDW. Many gay people go to Gay Days because they live in communities where they live in fear of being "discovered" and discriminated against. Not all gay people live in progressive urban centers, nor should they have to.

Gays/lesbians go to Gay Days for the same reason why Christians go to Night of Joy and African-Americans attend Black Family Reunion. It's fellowship, friendship, and fun. As for PDAs, homosexuality is a lot more than mere sexual expression. I'm sure that there will be some PDAs during Gay Days just as there will be PDAs during EVERY other day of the year. However, while I find PDAs distasteful, I simply move on and don't allow them to get to me.

 

[CPanther95]

They also expect to be able to act differently than they normally would any other day of the year. This is from the gayday.com website FAQs responding to what is OK to wear at the night clubs on Pleasure Island:

You're not supposed to take off your shirt while in the clubs, but when the crowd is almost entirely gay and lesbian, Disney has learned to look the other way about it, since there's no one to complain, and frankly there's far too many people crowded together for Disney to manage to even get to everyone doing it to ask them to put their shirt back on.

So clearly there is a different expectation for what is appropriate during Gay Week events - justified because of the sheer numbers they represent. That's all well and good, but people should know what to expect if they aren't part of that gay contingent during those times.

 

[mommyseven]

They also expect to be able to act differently than they normally would any other day of the year. This is from the gayday.com website FAQs responding to what is OK to wear at the night clubs on Pleasure Island:

Now I want to go. If I can take my shirt off, woohoo. *shudder* I think that I, a grandmother to two, mother to seven, and pregnant with her eighth, would be far more offensive.

PI can get wild no matter when. Just don't go to PI on the designated nights. The parks are fine which was the original question.

Hmm..shirtless, handsome men ..who cares if they are gay..it's eyecandy.

I'm sure if someone wanted to go during that time and search out something that they would find offensive they would probably find it. The same is true any other time of the year (my experience with the naked Brazillian man at Blizzard Beach for example). If you aren't seeking it out and analyzing everything chances are you would notice nothing.

If your trip is scheduled for that time, go and enjoy. Have a magical time. Don't let paranoia ruin your trip.