Gay Days questions

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Can somebody please explain the 2 Gay Day groups to me?

I have been to both websites and it looks to me like these people all started out as one BIG group but have now splintered into 2. I have no issue going during Gay Days (looking forward to it, actually!) but one of the websites said they have over 40,000 people at the MK on the first Saturday in June. Hello? That is a LOT of people!!

So the one site says they are going to MK on Saturday. The other group says they are going to IOA on Saturday and MK on Sunday. My question is which group has more people? Is the 40,000 group the big one? Or did they have 40,000 BEFORE the groups split, and now they each have 20,000?

Anyone have any brilliant insight for me? I don't want to plan my days and ADRs and then find out OOPS! there are 40,000 people coming to the park that day in addition to everybody else! Do the Gay Day crowds really reach numbers upwards of 40,000? Or is that just their website making inflated claims? Because they are also claiming that Gay Days are the MOST crowded time of year at WDW, which we know is false. I wouldn't GO to Gay Days if it was the most crowded time of year! That's why we don't go at Christmas or Spring Break!

 

[kirbsam]

If gay days isn't the most crowded time of year, it sure sounds like the happiest time of year.

 

[LIFERBABE]

We go every year during this time and we avoid MK on that Saturday. Other than that, you should be fine. It will be crowded, because even if it is an additional 20K that is added to the usual Saturday crowd.

The first year, we were not aware and went to MK on Saturday and wore matching red shirts. It was crowded, but we still had a good time and didnt have any other issues.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

It seems like the posts I have read in the past have said the crowds are not a big deal except in the designated park. But if we are going to be in a designated park I would prefer to be in the park with the SMALLER group.

I read Pete's article earlier this year. I hope overtly inappropriate behavior will be minimal and the crowds will be manageable.

Anybody know the story behind WHY the two groups split? It sounds like they had creative differences about SOMETHING. Anybody know what the deal is?

 

[Chuck S]

I don't think they split for "creative differences", I think it had more to do with $$$. Universal wanted a piece of the pie. Universal was pretty much decided to be a "dud", and whether the sites agree or not, I think Saturday will be the big day at MK. There were a lot of people disappointed in Universal after they supposedly were made promises by Universal management.

 

[Swimnoid]

We are usually at WDW during this time. Last year we went on MK in the early evening on Sat and it was actually one of the best days we had there. There were tons of people but most of them were waiting for the parade and the ride lines were relativiely light! Not only that but the crowds were jovial and polite and made the fireworks more fun.

 

[Disneynutbsv]

We've been before during this time and i didn't have a clue what was going on. So we just left MK and went to another park. I'd just avoid MK on that Saturday

 

[bytheblood]

I was there this past June during this time. The crowds were no where near as bad as I was anticipating. I will honestly tell you that we avoided the parks on the days that the gays were scheduled to go, but I am not sure that really made a difference. I don't really know that the schedule posted was adhered to, other than MK on Saturday.

 

[Pocahontas1]

We went to MK the first Saturday in June this last year and I really didn't notice a difference in crowd size. I also did not notice any overt "inappropriate behavior". We did see a lot of very pleasant people having a good time at Disney. I knew it was Gay Days when I planned my trip to the MK and it didn't make a difference to me. I wouldn't have a problem going again.

 

[ECurto]

I will honestly tell you that we avoided the parks on the days that the gays were scheduled to go, but I am not sure that really made a difference. I don't really know that the schedule posted was adhered to, other than MK on Saturday.

"the gays" i dunno, that should make me angry. But in stead it made me laugh.

 

[tmt martins]

I know we were there a couple of years ago and a co-worker warned of THAT DAY.When I looked into it it seemed alot of groups were boycotting the park that day .We went and had a great time I didn't notice it any more crowded just a little more affectionic.

 

[KeepSwimming]

We've been there several times during Gay Days as this usually falls on/around my hubbys birthday. It can get very crowded, but really is a fun atmosphere. Every year we've made at least ONE new friend who we still talk to or email with.

I would avoid the MK and try another park that day if you're worried about crowds. And heck, if you're worried about anything else, is this day and age, then I'm worried about you!!!

Have a great time!!!

 

[tinkerrn]

Sounds like it would be very festive and fun!!! Not sure what people would be scared of? I will have to talk to DH and DS about going then. Its WDW with a little spice. I have seen obscene things at my grocery store by hetrosexuals that would make your toes curl. Lighten up and have fun.

 

[HappyLawyer]

"the gays" i dunno, that should make me angry. But in stead it made me laugh.

Hey, you two are a cute couple

 

[Holly]

Hey, you two are a cute couple

Very cute.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Let me assure you the ONLY concerns I have are about crowd levels. It is entirely possible we will be traveling with gay friends if we can work out the schedules.

We have lots of gay and lesbian friends, we are members of HRC, I am very involved in fundraising for AIDS charities, DS and I ride in the Gay Pride parade very year. One of my gay friends once told me I am "the most liberal straight woman" he knows. The "inappropriate behavior" never would have crossed my mind if it wouldn't have been addressed previously. But really, like someone else pointed out, inappropriate behavior happens all the time in all sorts of places so that really isn't an issue. I went up to a couple at Epcot last month because one of them had an HRC hat and we had a nice conversation - I bet I could make LOTS of new friends at Gay Days!

My curiosity remains about WHY there are 2 groups now. I don't get why they didn't remain one group and add the Universal days into the schedule. Those that don't want to go to Universal don't have to. And I am still wondering which group has more members - the Universal group or the Disney Only group? The Disney Only group has their schedule posted, the Universal group doesn't. It seems the Universal group had proceeds from some of their events donated to GLBT charities and they had an HRC breakfast at CP on their MK day (Sunday) last year. That makes me wonder if perhaps they are the larger group. I flipped our days around to avoid the designated park for the Disney Only crowds, but now I am thinking the bigger crowds may come from the Universal group. Anybody know?

 

[Chuck S]

My curiosity remains about WHY there are 2 groups now.

Here is my understanding of the situation. GayDay.com is operated by Doug Swallow, who was the person that "started" the "unofficial" (as far as Disney is concerned) Gay Day by communicating with internet friends, who invited other friends, etc. 15 or 16 years ago. There was no "official hotel" or whatever at that time. As attendance grew, Mr. Swallow began negotiating for hotel discounts and coordinating with circuit promoters for special after hours events. Then a little later, GayDays.com came into the picture, and also began selling hotel packages and setting up special events. Last year, Mr. Swallow was wooed by Universal to designate Saturday as GayDay at Universal instead of Disney. Universal, through Mr. Swallow, made promises of special events during the day, special seating at shows, more "gay" themed entertainment (like perhaps the actors from Will & Grace for a meet & greet). Those promises were not kept, and most folks left Universal mid-day to go to MK. Mr. Swallow was focusing more on making it "GayDays in Orlando" rather than "GayDays at Disney". GayDays.com remained focused on Disney. Most attendees preferred Disney, given many fly-in only for the weekend. I also heard the GayDay.com is contractually obligated to Universal for this year...but I have not been able to confirm that.

So IMO, Saturday will be the big day at MK.

 

[bicker]

That's for the details. I didn't realize that Doug Swallow was the person behind GayDay.com. He's a very frequent poster on one of the television forums I frequent, and didn't put the two together.

Interesting that Disney gets boycotted by some even though they don't sponsor the event, while Universal aggressively markets to the event, and doesn't get any negative reaction as far as I can tell. What's up with that?

 

[Chuck S]

Interesting that Disney gets boycotted by some even though they don't sponsor the event, while Universal aggressively markets to the event, and doesn't get any negative reaction as far as I can tell. What's up with that?

Disney makes bigger headlines and has more "emotional" impact, I guess.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Thanks, Chuck!

I read on the one site under "FAQ" that they are considering alternating the Saturday park every 2 years. 2 years Universal, 2 years MK. Which would mean in 2007 BOTH groups would be at MK on the first Saturday in June. So I figured there couldn't be that much competition or animosity or whatever. I also noticed that the folks who go to Universal are basically looking at Wednesday - Tuesday. You make an excellent point that not everyone will stay for the entire time. The event calendars are so extensive that there is no way everyone will be at the same place at the same time. The claim of 40,000 - 100,000 attendees was making me a little nervous. 100,000 people will make ANYTHING crowded.

BOTH sites have the same exact story for how Gay Day at Disney started, so it is obvious that the group simply split at some point. I do see how the Disney Only group tries to make the weekend more feasible for people who only have a limited amount of time. AK Thursday, MGM Friday, MK Saturday, Epcot Sunday. That was my EXACT plan!

It is unfortunate that Universal squandered the chance to get in on an amazing opportunity. Tailoring events to appeal to the gay community for that weekend seems like it would be smart marketing. Making promises and then failing to deliver seems stupid. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you!

Well, I am sure we will have a fabulous time no matter what. Would I like to hop around the crowds? You bet! I am a weenie when it comes to crowds. But we'll have fun regardless. Now if DH would just get his vacation assignment for 2006 we could actually move forward!