Carefully read entire post before replying because...

[RussellDisney]

...this is about Gay Days.

We are considering changing dates for our June 2009 trip to include the first full week, which historically has been Gay Days. Now, not to sound like Senator Craig, but I'm not gay nor have I ever been gay!!! I'm married to a woman and we have two young kids.

An aside: My wife and I try to follow the teachings of Jesus and love everyone just as they are, are trying to teach this to our kids, and so we cannot condone homosexuality. We want to love and respect ALL people, just as they are. Once we are blessed enough to get to know someone (anyone!) and develop a relationship with them, then maybe they will understand why we believe what we believe and we can share our story with them. Now, back to this post...

What should we expect if we tour the parks during Gay Days?

I'm asking this without preconceived notions, opinions, etc. We're not fans of public displays of affection regardless of the couple's gender. I'm obviously asking about same-sex couples in the parks, but I'm also asking about crowd levels in general.

I will not engage in sparring matches with any of you over my beliefs - they are what they are and I think I've explained them well enough above.

I'm simply asking a question that I feel is relevant to my family's trip.

 

[mickaholic4077]

Sorry,but this topic ALWAYS gets hot.

 

[Jenvenza]

You should expect it to be like any other week in Dinsey. Maybe with some more gay couples there. What do you think is going to be going on?

 

[Aye Sea Turtles]

You will see a lot of red shirts.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

So sad that this post even exists in 2008. For shame.

 

[ntsammy5]

I think if you feel that way, you should avoid the parks during that time, because no matter what, someone there will do something to offend you.

 

[MagiKitty]

Honestly, I was at WDW during Gay Days a few years ago and I would have never known had it not been for watching the evening news that night. It just was another hot, crowded day in the park for us. We didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

 

[RussellDisney]

You should expect it to be like any other week in Dinsey. Maybe with some more gay couples there. What do you think is going to be going on?

I certainly expect to see more gay couples, that's a given. I tried to make my question open ended to get as much flavor for the week as possible. Are there any special events? Is this week similar to Food & Wine in that it is insanely busy?

Thanks.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Hello!

Good question.

I made a "had to get away" reservation 3 years ago for a long weekend during.....Gay Day Weekend ---- I didn't know.

There were only about 4 weeks to worry before I left - but was in a TIZZY by the time I got on the flight ------ funny story about my cousin at the end.

Bottom line.....

1.) The parks and resorts are FILLED with Gay people all the time.

2.) There are a handfull of people who want to make a "statement"......just let them pass.....there were only 2 truly obnoxious (small) groups during 5 days for me.

3.) Most of the people I saw or met were traveling with a family or group and extremely respectful of other guests.

4.) I traveled alone - and actually got invited to two parties...which I declined.

5.) The TRUE magic of the weekend.......I met my future husband there....standing in line at BTMRR,....we was wearing a RED shirt so I thought he was GAY !!!! We spend the next 2 days together having a wonderful time....as I thought.....why are all the GREAT guys gay?????????

Anyway....took about 2 weeks to discover he is not gay and we were married last summer.

In my opinion....I think it is perfectly fine. WDW generally has one after hours party DHS and most of the big (if a bit over the top) events I believe are at Universal.

Now for my cousin.......

Her youth choir (Baptist Church of course) was invited to sing at EPCOT. They choose the first weekend in June (oops)! They worked for a year raising the $$$ to afford for all to go and decided to have matching RED T-Shirts made. (I guess red is how you can easily identify those attending the Gay Day events).

Anyway, that weekend there was a fairly large group of middle-school Baptist Church members running around in red-tee shirts.

We laugh out loud about that now!


Go.....it's a great way to teach your children that Gay people are just the same -- kind, warm, generous people we straight people are.

 

[Nina1]

We were there during Gay Days last year (I didn't know Gay Days even existed until after we made the reservation and it was too late to change as we had already purchased non-refundable airfare, etc.). The parks were crowded, but we used fast pass and our touring plan and didn't have any issues.

Re. Gay Days specifically, because we didn't have a choice and had to go during this time, I checked the Gay Days website and found out what parks this group would be in on specific days during the time we were there and we went to a different park. That being said, we still did see some very inappropriate behavior (two men fondling each other in front of Cinderella's castle) and inappropriate attire (ridiculous and offensive, regardless of your sexual orientation). I won't ever go to WDW during Gay Days again. I find the whole concept ridiculous - there aren't any "heterosexual days." While there may have been some very nice people participating in this event, my opinion is that it wasn't for them, but for those who felt the need to flaunt their sexuality in a rude, inappropriate and disrespectful way. WDW is a family park and the behavior I saw exhibited had nothing to do with decent family values. And nothing I ever want my children to be exposed to. My vote is to change your days.

 

[RussellDisney]

I think if you feel that way, you should avoid the parks during that time, because no matter what, someone there will do something to offend you.

I didn't say I would be offended. Re-read the original post.

As to "sad this topic exists in 2008" - huh? Why can't I ask a quesiton about a particular week at Disney the same as anyone else? What about all of the "is Christmas week busy?" posts? This question happens to be about Gay Days week. I don't know any other way to ask. I tried to explain in my original post that this was not directed at anyone - I'M JUST TRYING TO GET INFO!!!

 

[MNWDWMANIAC]

I'd expect to see Mickey Mouse and the gang... just like you would see any other time of the year.

 

[sdzman]

All types of people display public displays of affection regardless of their sexual orientation so yes you are bound to see that sort. If that type of thing isnt what you want your children exposed to then you already know whether or not you should go.

I often wonder why instead of avoiding it, (because gay people kiss in public even on "non-gay days") why not use it as an opportunity to teach tolerance and respect for personal choices.

 

[ms.ojo]

I have friends that visited during this time and were nervous too. Afterwards, they said basically it was no different than any other time of year. They happened to be staying at the Y&B (4yrs ago).

They did notice a few same sex people walking around holding hands, but also were quick to add, had they been looking on other trips, they were probably there then too. She said it was a relief as they didn't have to do any extra explanations to their children (who didn't notice the hand holding). She had her self worried over nothing. Not saying you're worried, I know you're just gathering info'n.

Anyway, it appears this group is just a drop in the bucket compared to overall park attendance. I hope you and your family have a great trip!

OH, I've also heard people complain about Cheerleaders and Sports groups. Honestly, in the parks, I've never been bothered by them. THey're usually at competitions or in small groups, just like any other teens. Now back at the hotel, esp. the values, these groups can have an impact. But that's b/c they book blocks of rooms. I dont' believe that's the case w/ the gay days. They come from all over and book separately. So I really think you'll be fine.

 

[mousetravel]

I have the same beliefs as the OP, but if you go to Disney at anytime, not just Gay Days, you WILL see gay people. Many of the CM's are gay. You just can't avoid it. I would just re schedule, if possible. If not, then just try to direct your kids towards the fun of Disney, not the people who attend.

 

[Nina1]

So sad that this post even exists in 2008. For shame.

There is absolutely no shame in wanting to protect your children from those who are intent on acting disrespectful and inappropriate. Nor is there any shame in standing firm in your beliefs and wanting to be the person who decides what sort of behavior and values your children are exposed to. Good for you.

 

[HonnyDipp]

I've never been during this time, but from what I've read (mainly on DIS boards) Gay Day's is like any other time. You may not even notice it.

 

[maxiesmom]

We were there during Gay Days last year (I didn't know Gay Days even existed until after we made the reservation and it was too late to change as we had already purchased non-refundable airfare, etc.). The parks were crowded, but we used fast pass and our touring plan and didn't have any issues.

Re. Gay Days specifically, because we didn't have a choice and had to go during this time, I checked the Gay Days website and found out what parks this group would be in on specific days during the time we were there and we went to a different park. That being said, we still did see some very inappropriate behavior (two men fondling each other in front of Cinderella's castle) and inappropriate attire (ridiculous and offensive, regardless of your sexual orientation). I won't ever go to WDW during Gay Days again. I find the whole concept ridiculous - there aren't any "heterosexual days." While there may have been some very nice people participating in this event, my opinion is that it wasn't for them, but for those who felt the need to flaunt their sexuality in a rude, inappropriate and disrespectful way. WDW is a family park and the behavior I saw exhibited had nothing to do with decent family values. And nothing I ever want my children to be exposed to. My vote is to change your days.

You do realize that there are gay people in Disney every single day of the year, right? So one instance of 2 people acting inappropriately is enough to change your plans? I see same sex couples engaging in tonsil hockey almost every time I go, but it doesn't stop me from visiting the parks.

You don't need to visit the parks during Gay days to see inappropriate behavior. It can happen at any time, and the only way to avoid it for certain is to not go. Not a very good choice, is it.

 

[hildarumpole]

The MK is pretty crowded on the Saturday of Gay Days. You will witness same sex couples holding hands, hugging and kissing. On a previous post, there were reports of shirts in questionable taste. If you want to avoid it, don't go to MK or ride the monorail that day. DHS may be crowded also if Star Wars weekends follows the same schedule as it has for the past few years. If you're Star Wars fans, it's worthwhile. Gay Days publishes a schedule of events months in advance, so you could plan your park touring around their schedule. Just google gay days in early 2009 and you'll find it.

 

[Nina1]

You do realize that there are gay people in Disney every single day of the year, right? So one instance of 2 people acting inappropriately is enough to change your plans? I see same sex couples engaging in tonsil hockey almost every time I go, but it doesn't stop me from visiting the parks.

You don't need to visit the parks during Gay days to see inappropriate behavior. It can happen at any time, and the only way to avoid it for certain is to not go. Not a very good choice, is it.

It is absolutely a good choice and it is mine. You are free to make your own choice regarding your own family, and I am free to make mine. And yes, I do realize there are gay people in WDW every day of the year. However, in the past 10 times I have been there when it has not been Gay Days, I did not see these people engaging in inappropriate behavior, nor did I see grown men walking around in leopard printed loin cloths. Nor, did I have to explain to my son what a foul and offensive saying on a red T-shirt meant. If you want your kids exposed to this, then more power to you. I still believe in the family as God intended it and I will teach my children the same.