early june crowds - gay days

[marciaje]

I'm planning our second trip to wdw early June. My kids get out of school June 3rd, so I thought if we went immediately we might beat peak summer crowds. However I searched this forum and found out that June 4-6th are also "gay days". My question is - Does anyone has an
idea about whether this has a significant impact on crowds that weekend? I'm deciding between starting Disney on June 4th (Fri) or waiting until June 7th (Monday) to avoid the first weekend in June. We will be at Disney about 4-5 days and then on to other things. I've read old threads and know that the designated parks for gays days are MK - Sat and Epcot - Sun, so I expect these should be avoided, but does this mean that all the other parks are more crowded that weekend, due to some visitors trying to avoid the gay days crowds? My kids are 6 and 9, and we will spend the most time at MK, Epcot, and water parks.

 

[tar heel]

Saturday at MK is the only issue crowd wise. We were at Epcot on Sunday last year and it was practically a ghost town. I think Sunday is also a designated day for one of the Universal parks.

Saturday at MK is truly crowded, though. For various reasons, we have found ourselves there twice in the past five years even though we knew it would crowded. (The Pooh ride opened on that day in 1999, it was our last day, and we wanted to ride it. Another year, Buzz Lightyear was closed all week until that day, and we wanted to do it our last day.) We have gone to MK on Saturday evening and found it to be a lot less crowded, but still lots of people.

We've been at WDW around that time four of the past five years and find it a great time to go. We're not planning to go (at all) this year, although I'll admit I've been crunching some numbers . . .

 

[cruisnfamily]

We've ended up at WDW on this weekend the last two years in a row. We've never had a problem. Just avoid MK on Saturday. Last year that had extra early entry to MGM on Saturday and we took advantage of that.

Remember, if you run into big crowds, head for Epcot. It's never crowded there!

 

[vhoffman]

I would avoid WDW the first week of June, not because of fear of crowds, but because I don't want my children exposed to the Gay culture. So, now I've said it! I'm politically incorrect! I also express the real concern of others on this thread who just feel too intimidated by the "social and political correctness" mindset which prevents us from stating our real opinions (we are still entitled to our opinions, aren't we?) I'll state it again--I don't want my children exposed to Gay culture while at WDW!

 

[AdventurerKat]

Originally posted by vhoffman
I would avoid WDW the first week of June, not because of fear of crowds, but because I don't want my children exposed to the Gay culture. So, now I've said it! I'm politically incorrect! I also express the real concern of others on this thread who just feel too intimidated by the "social and political correctness" mindset which prevents us from stating our real opinions (we are still entitled to our opinions, aren't we?) I'll state it again--I don't want my children exposed to Gay culture while at WDW!

You sure are entitled to your opinion but I wouldn't presume to express the "real concern of others on this thread." I haven't seen anyone try to dissuade the poster from going and I certainly wouldn't. Fine if you don't want to expose your children, that's your business. But don't speak for others.

OP, go and have a good time. And avoid the MK on Saturday because it will be REALLY crowded, not because the occupants are gay.

Funny...you would think gay people only go to WDW that week each year.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Keep in mind, alot of people go when their kids first get out of school for the summer, so early June tends to be crowded , no matter what. But not unreasonably so.

I have been mid summer severl times and, aside from the heat, it's not that bad.

Saturdays tend to be the most crowded days at MK year round. Local families go on Saturdays with their kids, and its also a popular arrival day, and many go to MK first (I admit it; I go to MK first andarrives almost always on a Sat)

To address vhoffman's concerns, which I don't fully understand since there are gay people at WDW year round, Gay Day is not sponsored by WDW or really played up much during that time, and her kids will likely see gay people at some point in their young lives somewhere; I have never seen any gay couples in the parks doing anything particularly offensive while I have been there.

Whether you agree or disagree with gay lifestyle, there is not much you can do to "sheild" your kids from it.

I have seen stuff at PI at night; but it's not just gays at PI; it's everyone. I have seen a lot of hetero couples, esp from other countries practically engaging in intercourse in the parks however. Last time I saw this, I notified security and they put a stop to it.

There are rude and incosiderate people (gay & straight) everywhere. Sadly, WDW is no exception. If you are concerned about your child's exposure to sexuality at WDW, keep in mind, you can't control the actions of ANYONE. You *might* see some people doing things you'd rather not see; or wearing things you'd rather not see. There is not much you can do about it, except explain to your child that engaging in sexual behavior in public is not proper and that those people are being bad (or go into more detail depending on your childs age).

Also, adults, I think, are more likely to notice such behavior. I went once with my neice who was 4.5 at the time and her mom and I noticed two foreign teens ( a girl and a guy) practically ripping each others clothes off on a bench. We were disgusted. My neice didnt even notice or care.

Children tend not to notice these things.

On gay days , I think really, the most you will see is gay couples holding hands and if your child asks why, just say "because they are good friends" or "because they care about each other" there is really no need to go into anymore; and IF there is, your child has already been exposed to sexuality to some degree and may ask deeper questions.

And I would hope that whatever your feelings are, even if you tell your child that you think this is "wrong", that you would encourage a child to be polite and friendly to EVERYONE.

By the way, since I have been ranting, I should point out that I am a straight woman who is very conservative.

 

[marciaje]

Thanks for all the replys. So far it sounds like being at WDW that weekend will not a problem for us. I'm mostly concerned with crowds, but I also appreciate to know what to expect as far as gay culture exposure. Having information posted lets myself and others make their own decisions without being surprised. I had assumed that any adult going to WDW would recognize it as a place where behavior should be G rated, and I wouldn't expect being straight or gay to affect this. However it's comforting to hear specifically that this is true. If I was being told instead that during gay days the standard for public affection was different, I will admit that I would avoid those days if possible. This is simply because I feel that the ages of my kids (6 and just 9) make it inappropriate and awkward (to old to ignore it, to young to understand). The gay culture as described shouldn't be a problem for us, it happens that a girl in my 6yr DD's school has two mom's, so we've already had the "families can be different" concept introducted. But I expect to avoid the designated parks anyway for lower crowds. I can understand however that some families might not think that during their expensive vacation was the best time to deal with introducing any complicated or mature subject such as gay days. For me it's a time to ignore the problems of the world while concentrating on the problems of avoid lines

 

[IandGsmom]

We will also be there, our 1st time. I couldn't care less if purple aliens with red spots were there. I am going to have the time of my life!!

 

[cruisnfamily]

Originally posted by vhoffman
I would avoid WDW the first week of June, not because of fear of crowds, but because I don't want my children exposed to the Gay culture. So, now I've said it! I'm politically incorrect! I also express the real concern of others on this thread who just feel too intimidated by the "social and political correctness" mindset which prevents us from stating our real opinions (we are still entitled to our opinions, aren't we?) I'll state it again--I don't want my children exposed to Gay culture while at WDW!

As I stated previously, we've been a couple years in row while this was going on and we did not see even one thing that would have "exposed" our children to anything. The only thing you might have to explain is why there are alot of folks wearing red T-shirts on Saturday and the simple answer is that their group decided to wear that shirt on that day. At the risk of repeating myself we have seen abolutely nothing objectionable while at the parks during this event.

Again, I would avoid the scheduled park on the scheduled day but I would also avoid it if it were the "purple alien with red spot" day because of the crowds, not the people that make up the crowds.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by IandGsmom
We will also be there, our 1st time. I couldn't care less if purple aliens with red spots were there. I am going to have the time of my life!!

I bet they have those in Tomorrowland!!

 

[WendyBird]

I think that vhoffman has the right to voice his/her opinion just as everyone else does. I also think that we shouldn't assume that he/she isn't intelligent enough to know that there are gay people around all during the year. I think it is sad that it is unacceptable to express an opinion is not politically correct. I think it is sad that if you feel this way that it is assumed that you would be rude or worse to people (or teach your children to be so) just because you don't agree with what someone is doing. I'll probably be flamed for this, but I think it needed to be said.

I love WDW, but I too would avoid this week.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by WendyBird
I think that vhoffman has the right to voice his/her opinion just as everyone else does. I also think that we shouldn't assume that he/she isn't intelligent enough to know that there are gay people around all during the year. I think it is sad that it is unacceptable to express an opinion is not politically correct. I think it is sad that if you feel this way that it is assumed that you would be rude or worse to people (or teach your children to be so) just because you don't agree with what someone is doing. I'll probably be flamed for this, but I think it needed to be said.

I love WDW, but I too would avoid this week.

Oh believe me, I am the least politically correct person on the face of this earth. I am usually quite vocal about my various problems with certain groups, however to not go to Disney during "Gay Day" seems silly to me; because its not like they arent there year round...

 

[Valentine]

Weekends are crowded... weekdays not so much so!

Kathy

 

[CanadaPT]

Speaking of "being politically correct".... did you know that in the 1940's interracial marriage was banned in the United States? (The ban wasn't actually lifted until 1967) If Disney World had been built at that time would you be afraid of taking your child to WDW on "Mixed Days"?? Acceptance of differences and the understanding that humans are ALL equal is what makes WDW a magical place.

 

[HeadintoWDW]

Originally posted by marciaje
I'm planning our second trip to wdw early June. My kids get out of school June 3rd, so I thought if we went immediately we might beat peak summer crowds. However I searched this forum and found out that June 4-6th are also "gay days". My question is - Does anyone has an
idea about whether this has a significant impact on crowds that weekend? I'm deciding between starting Disney on June 4th (Fri) or waiting until June 7th (Monday) to avoid the first weekend in June. We will be at Disney about 4-5 days and then on to other things. I've read old threads and know that the designated parks for gays days are MK - Sat and Epcot - Sun, so I expect these should be avoided, but does this mean that all the other parks are more crowded that weekend, due to some visitors trying to avoid the gay days crowds? My kids are 6 and 9, and we will spend the most time at MK, Epcot, and water parks.

It's just my opinion, and I'm new to these boards so maybe it's not my place, but I think this thread has gotten a bit off topic. I think marciaje asked about crowd levels at MK and the other parks. She didn't ask for a moral or political debate. It is debates like this that turn me away from boards that are designated for Disney planning. She asked a specific question, and people who have information for her regarding crowd levels should share it.

On that note marciaje, I have been to WDW twice during the first week of June, but it has been a bit of time since my last trip. I will tell you that I always found this time of year enjoyable (but a bit hot!) and that crowd levels weren't unbearable. I would maybe plan on doing EPCOT on Saturday as MK will be crowded. Plus, EPCOT has less of a tendency to feel crowded because it is more spread out.

I hope you have a great time on your trip!!!

 

[Valentine]

Only thing I know about june is that it is going to be wet!
Bring your ponchos!!

Kathy

 

[Sugarbaby]

We have been to WDW in early June,and it can be quite warm. As for Gay Days, I have only seen one public display that was obviously intended to upset others. Gay or hetero,there are always some jerks who are attention seekers. If this is a good time for you,then go-but just avoid the designated parks as the crowds will be tremendous. Even though the thread drifted off topic,I thought the personal attack on vhoffman was rude and sarcastic. This is the kind of stuff that keeps people from posting.

 

[HaleyB]

We will be there from May 31-June 11th or there about. We have always been told that while crowds are not small this time of year, they only get worse as June marches on... and to plan on some rain. As for "Gay Days" I have always heard they are kinda fun, we hope to catch the parade in MK on Sat. I am not worried about 'exposing' my children. I am pretty sure it is not contagious

 

[HeadintoWDW]

Originally posted by Valentine
I do plan on going a bit later in June however.. and I have been reading some posts about the weather being quite wet!! Oh Well.. too bad I ripped my poncho during my last trip!! LOL!! I

Uh oh...you might want to get yourself a new one!! That is one thing I do remember from our trips in June is that we got a cloudburst every afternoon. Not a long one, maybe 15 - 30 minutes, but that was usually when we would get on the bus to head back to the hotel. By the time we got there, the sun would usually be peeking back out. Time for a swim!!

marciaje...Depending on your strategy and the crowd levels during your trip, if you stick out the cloudbursts, the crowd tended to thin out a bit. You might have a temporary time where the lines will be shorter. But with your kids, you might be in the crowd headed back for a mid-day rest.

 

[cheerdaddy]

we have been to WDW during "gay" days 3 different years and with only a few exceptions, haven't really had too many problems with inappropriate behavior at the parks...the resort pool on the other hand is a different story.....we have been during this time because it's typically not too crowded yet during the first week or two in June and I personally didn't think that the gay days event made a whole lot of difference in crowd levels at WDW overall...just avoid the MK on saturday...heck, any saturday for that matter, not just during gay days! It's totally up to you whether or not you feel comfortable exposing your children to the gay culture...just as it is the right of some others who don't want to...we've been there during that week and wouldn't hesitate to go again.
BTW: I didn't find vhoffman's post to be rude or sarcastic; just a statement of his/her feelings on the subject. everyones entitled to their own opinion.
As far as the OP questions on crowd levels: the first two weeks of june are crowded as compared to off season times but manageable with EMH and fastpass. crowds generally really start to pick up around the third week in June....also, it will be hot and humid in june so be prepared for that....