Gay Days - will it ruin our Disneymoon?

[Ember]

I was reading a blog that mentioned Gay Days happens the first week of June, right at the same time as our Disneymoon. It mentioned that the crowds decending on the parks can even lead to the gates closing... There was also an article by the DIS founder/Webmaster (http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm) that mentions that this event can ruin the magic of the Disney experience.

I'd like to make a point of saying that I'm not trying to start anything here and that I am fully supportive of all human rights. I'm hoping for some practical advice.

What I'd like to know is if anyone has had an experience at Disney during this time and would like to share. We were thinking of altering our Disneymoon so it would happen before and after our wedding to avoid being there during Gay Days (ex. Have a week there, have the wedding, have a second week) rather then two weeks after the wedding which is on May 21st... Thoughts??

 

[goofygal1975]

I honestly think that if you were planning on spending TWO weeks on your honeymoon at Disney, that a few days of extra crowds won't really be too hard for you to handle. If you don't feel like being around the crowds at the parks, make those days "down days" where you enjoy your resort or other disney resorts. Spend time by the pools, go to downtown disney. I've been in and around those days before and I didn't notice any more crowds than normal begining of summer time crowds.

We are actually going next weekend for my ds bday, and we aren't even hitting the parks this trip(our Fl Resident Annual Passes are blocked out then). We plan to enjoy the pool, go mini golfing, and downtown disney.

However...it could possibly work out great to go a week before the wedding, get settled in, enjoy the parks BEFORE the wedding, have the wedding, and then enjoy your honeymoon week after the wedding!

Not sure if I helped at all or not, but I really think either way would work!

 

[disneybride2007]

We just got back from Disney, today. We have been to Disney many times during Gay Days and I, honestly, never noticed anything out of the ordinary that would make me concerned about my trip being ruined. Actually, like you, we are having our vow renewal/disneymoon during Gay Days (May 27- June 14, 2007) and we never gave it a second thought because we have never experienced a time where Gay Days ruined our trip, so we are really looking forward to it. Also, our ds7 (he will be 8 at the time of our vow renewal/disneymoon) had gone with us to Disney, during Gay Days, as well and there was nothing inappropriate or "strange" happen.

I say go for it Gay Days will not ruin your disneymoon and I'm sure you will have a blast.

 

[Mickey&Donald]

We took our Disneymoon during Christmas week (though we were married in March) -- talk about crowds! We had a wonderful time, and all the extra people in the parks just made it more fun -- imagine thousands of people congratulating you all day long! Honestly, if the parks are extra crowded and it's "ruining" your honeymoon.. I really don't know what to tell you. Remember, attitude is everything!

 

[hmgolden]

I have never been to Disney during gay days, but from what I have read, as long as you avoid Magic Kingdom on the day they all go (it should be on the schedule on the gaydays website) you shouldn't run into much of an issue with crowds etc. You may notice a few more matching red tshirts then are normal, and perhaps a few more same sex couples holding hands. Assuming that you won't be offended by any of it, I don't think there's any reason gay days will ruin your honeymoon.

 

[RangerPooh]

Our HM was during "gay days" and we didn't have a problem. The crowds didn't really appear to be any diffferent duirng those few days. Perhaps the MK was a bit more crowded but we park hop so it didn't matter to us. With a longer HM it shouldn't be an issue as the crowds will only be there for a few particular days. When we went we actually didn't know that our HM time period was "gay days" until we started reading the shirts and applied 2 + 2 with various comments that people made (which we found to be rude).

Just remember that if the park seems to be a bit crowded you could always find other activities to do instead (another park, shopping, boat rentals, a water park, mini golf...).

K.

 

[Chrissie-riel]

I went to the World once during gay days. It was pretty fun! My hubby and I had just gotten married four months before, so it wasn't technically a honeymoon - but close enough! My hubby is quite a hottie and "metro-sexual" guy, so he got a few looks from the gay days participants. And we went to Mannequins on PI one night - he got a few "pats" on the back-side! HEHEHE Kept me in stiches!

 

[Ember]

I guess my concern is two-fold: One, the huge upswing in crowds (I've been to the parks when they're stuffed to capacity and have to say that I prefer it a little less crowded). Two, I wasn't sure how much of a political event/statement this ends up being. The article by the webmaster implies that it's very political and that's just not something I want to deal with on our honeymoon.

When I went to Rome it was (unknowingly) at the same time as the massive peace rally before war was declared on Iraq. The city flooded with over a million protesters. It didn't ruin the trip (so many I should have used a better word) but it did put a bit of a damper on it. The influx of people meant everything took longer to see/get to, and it was such a hightened political atmosphere that it over shadowed the city. I wasn't there to protest or for any politcal reasons, I just wanted to enjoy a holiday.

Same sex couples wouldn't bother me in the least, but an overtly politcal agenda would. We're still talking about it and I'd love to hear more opinions.

 

[BensMom]

Yep, Ember, I am with you...wrong place to drive the point home. I got flamed (no pun intended) on the gay and lesbian thread when I asked "why Disney?" I just don't think it's the place either.

 

[Linda Bell]

I guess my concern is two-fold: One, the huge upswing in crowds (I've been to the parks when they're stuffed to capacity and have to say that I prefer it a little less crowded).

There is a site that lists the events www.gayday.com but 2007 is not out yet. Basically one day is slated for each of the parks and some Paradise Island festivities. Just plan accordingly.

Linda

 

[BensMom]

Ember, just check...certain parks are picked on certain days. I was at MGM yesterday. Not that crowded, generally. Not a lot of red shirts. It must not have been the park du jour for gay days events. Only some are over the top and want to rub straight people's noses in their sexual preferences. No worries for the most part. I did see some not-too-acceptable stuff last year. The dog leash and spike choker collar couple was weird...didn't quite fit in on Main Street USA. My 6 year old son thought it was great...the fact that the man didn't want to lose his friend in the crowd!

 

[bsmcneil]

Yep, Ember, I am with you...wrong place to drive the point home. I got flamed (no pun intended) on the gay and lesbian thread when I asked "why Disney?" I just don't think it's the place either.

see my other post. but additionally, if disney world is a place away from the real world - why not go there so you don't have to deal with the stress that the US creates (via our leaders supporting discrimination, people being violent, etc). some days i think that if straight people were to be beaten, denied rights, and mocked openly - if maybe then they'd get it.

 

[BensMom]

Let's lose this thread...it'll go nowhere. Pixie dust to you....

 

[Rustyflwr3]

Ember, Like other have said, check the schedules and if you don't want to be around the crowds..etc.. plan to go to other parks. I have never been but I too would be concerned over the same thing. Im sorry it looks like a simple question/worry is turning into a debate...


I really hope it doesn't and I am positive that it won't! I wouldn't change anything, I would go ahead and plan to go during that time. I am positive that you will have an outstanding honeymoon!

 

[bsmcneil]

I guess my concern is two-fold: One, the huge upswing in crowds (I've been to the parks when they're stuffed to capacity and have to say that I prefer it a little less crowded). Two, I wasn't sure how much of a political event/statement this ends up being. The article by the webmaster implies that it's very political and that's just not something I want to deal with on our honeymoon.

When I went to Rome it was (unknowingly) at the same time as the massive peace rally before war was declared on Iraq. The city flooded with over a million protesters. It didn't ruin the trip (so many I should have used a better word) but it did put a bit of a damper on it. The influx of people meant everything took longer to see/get to, and it was such a hightened political atmosphere that it over shadowed the city. I wasn't there to protest or for any politcal reasons, I just wanted to enjoy a holiday.

Same sex couples wouldn't bother me in the least, but an overtly politcal agenda would. We're still talking about it and I'd love to hear more opinions.

For what it's worth - enjoy the fact that you can get tax benefits, the ability to see your significant other in the hospital, etc because of your legal contract. Many in this country, who pay taxes just like you do, would LOVE that ability but run into obstacles because of ... well ... because of ignorance.

 

[RickinNYC]

I guess your attitude is why we stupid **** straight people have a problem. Nuff said. It's all about YOU versus US, isn't it? It wouldn't ruin a honeymoon for me...I just chose to stay home to avoid crowds. You missed the point.

THIS is the reason why you were under attack on the gay/lesbian thread. You are insulting and condescending. ETA, on that note, you left the thread when some folks had legitimate concerns they wanted addressed based upon your comments AND the fact that you originated the negativity. Yet, you are nowhere to be found. You stirred the pot and left the play ground. Interesting, eh?

Nuff said.

To the OP, whatever you decide, hope you have a GREAT honeymoon! It's Disney so I've no doubt all will be fantastic (barring any crazy large crowds of course).

 

[wallyb]

i hope it does ruin your honeymoon because you need a reality check, it seems.

I don't get how pissing off straight people will further the gay cause!
I also don't get wishing anyone a bad time.
If you put out a negative vibe that's all you're gong to get back.
Peace to ya

 

[JonetteA]

I am putting on my moderator hat. This forum is about planning a wedding and a honeymoon. We all need to respect each other and how each feels. If you want to debate this further, please take it to the communities forum.

 

[MinneMouse29]

The site says that the gayday at disney is over june 4th or 5th (someone correct me if im wrong)?? Is your honeymoon going to be lasting longer then that, because the initial post was on june 2nd... are you there now? Im confused

 

[hfehr1s]

The site says that the gayday at disney is over june 4th or 5th (someone correct me if im wrong)?? Is your honeymoon going to be lasting longer then that, because the initial post was on june 2nd... are you there now? Im confused

I believe her wedding/honeymoon is next year (2007) during this time, not right now.