Carefully read entire post before replying because...

[Halloweenqueen]

I'm sorry, but if your post was just for crowd information about gay days why preface your questions with your claim of Christianity? I'm sorry, but it is hypocritical.

It seems the people who shout they are Christians the loudest seem to be the ones with the least tolerance.

 

[asmit4]

If seeing a gay couple hug, wrap arms around one another for a picture or give a peck on the cheek or even a short kiss in front of the castle for a photo op is a problem for you or your family, do not go during that time.

Also, be aware that some- a small fraction- will be wearing shirts that could be seen as offensive to some (this IS the case though during all other days at DW too) I just bet you will notice it more b/c you will be scanning the park for offensive behavior.

You might see the occasional display of affection that is not appropriate (gay or straight) but during other times of the year, it's typically teenagers making out in line. You may see a little of that again this time of year, only it might be some gay couples here and there....

Basically- you will see bad behavior among ALL groups at DW, but this time, you will see this behavior in the gay community. Not necessarily to any higher degree, but it might be more noticeable to you. (often I find that seeing a married couple kissing for a photo in front of the castle is a non issue, add in that it's 2 MEN, and it becomes EASILY visible to EVERYONE)

If you do go, I would highly recommend that you tell your children what they might expect, explain to them your beliefs AND, explain to them that during this trip, they must be tolerant. ALSO, please explain that bad behavior comes in all shapes, sizes, orientations, genders, races, ages...seeing a handful of gay couples making out or wearing bad attire, is no different than seeing a handful of straight couples making out or wearing bad attire.

To everyone else, I am very very liberal. I am 100% pro gay marriage, gay rights, gay adoptions. Some of my closest friends are gay and I have lived with gay people before. I do however, respect someone that has the guts to come on the boards and ask nicely about what to expect.

Let's not make this a fight?? PLEASE Answer the question and move on

 

[rcrk10]

I was there earlier this month during Gay Days. We had no problems, yes there were a lot of people wearing red, you will see couples holding hands, but that is really the extent of it. The only problem/issue I saw were just a few (I would say we noticed 3-4), people wearing vulger t-shirts, again this was only a couple of people and if were not standing inline next to them then we would not even of noticed the shirts. If you search down through the forum, you may find this subject.

But the only time that we noticed that it was even Gay Days was while at the MK on Saturday, in fact later that day we went to Epcot and did not notice any same sex couples, nor did we the rest of the weekend/week that we were there.

 

[FairyDust2008]

If this time conflicts with your beliefs, then reschedule for another time when this event isn't going on. I'm married to a wonderful man with 2 beautiful children and I have planned my vacation around not attending during this time, however.................you are around ALL kinds of people anytime at Disney, not just during "special" slated events. Now grant it, there will be more during this time, but the way I feel.............If you have a problem with being @ Disney during this time, then go at another time and just leave it at that. You can't generalize a whole group over some people. I have strong religious beliefs too but I'm not here to judge anyone on how they live their lives. Just because it is a different way than the way I live mine, that doesn't make them a bad person. I believe in what I believe in and teach that to my children. However, I also teach my children to not judge someone because they are different from them, etc. This has been a huge discussion on here numerous times and it gets quite heated but I think that you just have to decide for yourself if you will go during this time. If this isn't a time you think is acceptable to go, then switch and go another time. It is held every year so it isn't going to go away and everyone has a right to be @ Disney to have fun! You can't shelter your children from life as it may be different from yours, it is life. Being a Christian should convey treating people as people period, no matter what the differences may be. As far as public displays of affection, that could be evident with opposite sexes as well. You can have your beliefs and if you stand by them, then you should be strong enough to not let things that collide with your beliefs interfere with your everyday life.

 

[bradk]

FYI, being married with kids doesn't automatically make you heterosexual (with all due respect to a certain crazy A list celebrity) - witness the term 'beard.' reproductive organs work no matter what your sexual preference is (and there are many heterosexual couples who can't have children). point is, I've personally known someone who is gay and was married and did have at least one child.

 

[Steven41782]

We share your beliefs and have gone during the first week in June twice. The first time we had no idea it was gay days and we didn't notice anything out of the ordinary until MK on Saturday. It was extrememly crowded and vulger shirts were everywhere. We made it half way down mainstreet and turned around. We went to Epcot, and it was fine there. The gay people are not the problem though, it was the sayings on their shirts that made us uncomfortable. I say go and have a good time, but I would avoid Magic Kingdom on that Saturday...no question about it.

 

[asmit4]

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.

This is a GREAT story! Great attitude and Great response!

 

[Poohbug]

Dear OP,

There will be people who are offended by your question-however, there are many people who feel the same way that you do. You do not agree with their choices but wish them no harm and treat them with respect just like any other person.

I have been during gay days and there are many gay couples walking around. I have never seen anyone behaving badly-mostly they are a bunch people who are on vacation. I'm sure there is inappropriate behavior that does happen(some people are just rude and inconsiderate) but it is not the norm. If thats the time you have open, then go.

There is always certain times of the year that certain groups of people have vacation and to to WDW. I know many people have a problem with some groups(I have read many posts about a certain group from South America) but its always the few inconsiderate ones that we remember.

 

[LorieR]

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

"For shame" that you have to respond to the OP like that!! If you don't like the topic then just move on. There are probably a lot of people who have concerns like the OP but they are just too afraid to say anything because of the PC police! But then, that is just MY opinion!

In answer to his question someone answered expect to see alot of red shirts. That is what he is asking.

 

[LorieR]

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.

Well said!!

 

[LorieR]

I'm sorry, but if your post was just for crowd information about gay days why preface your questions with your claim of Christianity? I'm sorry, but it is hypocritical.

It seems the people who shout they are Christians the loudest seem to be the ones with the least tolerance.

And you sound so tolerant yourself!! Sorry, but tolerance works both ways -- not just for one side.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

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.

Ugh!! I saw the exact same thing on our trip in late May/early June. Talk about DISGUSTING!!!!








Oh, except it was a heterosexual couple in line for Dumbo!! Indecency is not discriminatory.

Every day is heterosexual day! Majorities have every day, so I see no problem in letting minorities in the spotlight for a while whether it be Black History month, Chinese New Year celebrations or Gay Days. I personally enjoyed getting out of class every year in school to give presentations during Native American Heritage week.

 

[qtwns]

Mouseaholic!!! Your stories are cracking me up!

OP-You'll see a lot of red shirts. You'll be more aware of same sex couples (that you would ordinarily overlook simply b/c you'll know what week it is). The crowds will be steadily increasing that week simply b/c more schools are released for summer. You can check for the designated GD park for the day, and when you make your touring plan simply plan around it. The PDA is not the norm--but again, you'll be more aware of it simply b/c you'll know what week it is.

OP--if you decide to change your dates, go sooner rather than later. I'd much rather enjoy my time at WDW during GD than during the sweltering, overcrowded days later in the month (and beyond.) Also, ask yourself, "WWJD?" I don't think He'd change his vacay plans to avoid a certain group of people. I think He would go. I don't think anyone would think He (or you) was condoning anything, except maybe what a wonderfully talented man His Father made in Uncle Walt!

Good luck in your planning, and have fun!

 

[sunsprinkle24]

We' ve been there during Gay Days and I never noticed a thing. In fact I wasn't even aware it was Gay Days while we were there till after we had come home.

 

[J&J]

we went in june didn't even know it was gay week till someone said it was. they were very polite and did nothing wrong except enjoy disney like us all. been there again at the same time and again no problems. they did nothing to make us notice them. would go again in june and have.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Don't go that week if you feel that strongly about it.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

And you sound so tolerant yourself!! Sorry, but tolerance works both ways -- not just for one side.

I'm sorry, but I'm not tolerant of bigotry, sexism, racism, etc, especially in the name of my own religion.

Anway, we were there last year, went for Star Wars actually. I didn't even know until afterward. Didn't see anything I haven't seen at the parks at any other time. Just loving families taking their kids to WDW or couples holding hands.

The same as I see anyday, anywhere.

 

[RussellDisney]

Wow. Thanks for the replies.

I wanted info on touring the parks during Gay Days and I sure got it.

I'm not offended by gay people.

I'm not easily offended, period.

I don't want to see non-stop, over-the-top behavior during my vacation, in any form, from anybody, regardless of their sexual orientation. I've been to Disney, other theme parks, the beach, etc. I've seen over-the-top and it aint pretty!! Quite frankly, I've NEVER seen over-the-top from gay people in person - that's been provided by heterosexuals!! I have needed to explain PDA and other junk to my kids before, nothing new there.

So, why did I post about Gay Days? Because, like so many other people on here, I had questions about that particular week. Crowds? Special events? Any other info - which includes clothing, behavior, etc. goes right along with that and any other week at Disney.

As to my "intolerance", please please please re-read the original post. Do you see intolerance there?

Am I a monster, teaching my kids that "gays" are evil? Nope. "Gays" are really just "people".

Are there right and wrong ways to act in public? You betcha! Is that based in any way on sexual orientation? Not on your life.

 

[mkycrzy1971]

It really bothers me to see people shaming you for asking such a question, I am truly sorry and quite embarrassed to have such behavior coming from DISers when you quiet clearly were not being rude about the topic, simply wanting to know...as RESPONSIBLE parents, it is a person's RIGHT to ask such a question. Our children are extremely impressionable and there is a duty as a parent (and Christian) to let our children be made aware of different sexual preferences AND instill what we feel is proper...do not let a minority few shame you or make you feel you have done anything wrong...YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO ASK! Myself, I have never gone during Gay Days...I have heard both sides of the fence, it is terrible and then again, you would never notice...not sure what the situation really is. Personally, I do not wish to go to WDW in June because of the crowds and heat...some people cannot help but go at that time, if they wish to go because of vacations, or what have you. If Gay Days were moved to another month that I do enjoy going to WDW, I am not sure it would keep me from going...such a touchy situation, indeed. Keep your head high and keep asking questions until you get the answers to all of your questions...

 

[PeterAll]

You do realize that there are gay people in Disney every single day of the year, right?

No, really? Are you sure?

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.

One instance? and then you say you see 'tonsil hockey' almost every time?
Tell us when you are going next so we can avoid that time.
By the way thanks for the image.

You don't need to visit the parks during Gay days to see inappropriate behavior.

True, but you have a better chance then unfortunately. Especially with those who like to flaunt themselves and wear offensive clothing.
Stay away from pleasure Island too by the way.


Also Christianity is very tolerant of people, just not of immoral behaivor whether heterosexual or homosexual.