Gay Days

[BamaFan121s]

First, to answer the immediate question. I have never noticed a difference in the crowd levels nor have I ever noticed any type of 'unfitting' behavior any more than at any other time from any particular group of people. (Although there was a gy and girl going at it in the pool in front of everyone at our last stay, but that's another story! )

Secondly, if you are worried about having to "explain" this to kids, that is your right, regardless to other opinions. Unfortunately, I have found that I always run into things that are hard to explain to my young daughter in a way to make her understand it the way I WANT her to understand it...it's not easy to explain to a 5 year old the meaning of a physical or mental handicap, or the need/reason for breastfeeding when we run accross that, homosexuality, someone covered head to toe in tattoos, people who are very overwieght, etc etc.
I understand these things because I'm 27, but to a 5 y.o., something like this is hard to grasp sometimes. (Like when I *thought* she understood why some people are in wheelchairs, then saw a lady and screamed, "Look, there's somebody else who can't walk!" ) I guess we all just have to realize that these situations are everywhere and if you are expecting to go to WDW without seeing them, you might want to consider staying home cause it probably ain't gonna work out for you the way you want it to.

Hmmm...after typing all this, I don't really remember what point I was trying to make...

 

[LukenDC]

sounds like your post conflicts with this very fair assessment. I'm sure the "days" wouldn't matter as much if there wasn't so much forced "in your face" issues such as he discusses. His summation is better than any.

I read Pete's assessment and I have also read dozens of reports from mainly straight posters on the DIS. After comparing the benign reports from the average DIS poster and Pete's strongly worded assessment, I have to wonder if they were at the same event. There will always be inappropriate people in every large crowd of people and the key is to recognize lapses in individual judgement and not let it ruin your day. There are also, I might add, protesters from fringe religious groups who protest outside of WDW with signs and pictograms that are hateful and filthy.

There was recently an article online (cannot remember which site) that discussed how gay events are losing their edge in large part due to the efforts of gay and lesbian parents. As more gays and lesbians adopt or have children, they are insisting that gay events and gay neighborhoods become more "family friendly." The article did not mention Gay Days at WDW, but I know that lots of gay families with children do go to that event so it would not surprise me if it became more tame as a result.

 

[rie'smom]

Julie,

How crowded are the parks the first week in June, other than the Gay Day scheduled days? We are going at this time of year for the first time and have seen conflicting reports of the crowds. What park do you recommend on which day?

We subscribed to Tour Guide Mike last year and the crowds were not a problem at all. I signed a do not share clause as part of my membership. It only costs $20 or so and is well worth it. I feel bad about not being able to share-I'm sorry.

 

[Disneylvr]

How many years ago did Pete write that? I think I remember reading it (or something similar) for the first time about 5 years ago. We are going next week and have no worries.

 

[bsusanmb]

DH and I have been to Disney for the last 3 years the first weekend in June and again this year - and we aren't gay. Just happens to be when I like to escape from PA and head to Disney. In fact, I always forget about this weekend being gay week - and last year I kept wondering what seemed different....a lot of people wearing red shirts....I thought it was some sort of a gathering....and it took me quite a while to figure out that it was gay day at Magic Kingdom. The crowd wasn't big, just average, no long wait for rides, and everyone was just having fun and laughing. It was no different than when my girlfriends and I go away for a weekend - and we are 50ish, and we laugh and carry on...so, don't worry too much about it. You might see some tee shirts that have sayings on them that would get your kid sent home from school, but other than that, I can't say I saw PDA. It is really hot, I mean humidity that makes you drenched within 60 seconds of being outdoors. If you don't feel comfortable taking your little kids to Magic Kingdom around a lot of gay people hanging out together and dressed alike, skip that park on Sat. Although it is not a gay pride parade, there is a statement being made by many of the attendees, as evidenced by the wording on the shirts.

 

[Nala56]

Disneyfan 67, I totally agree with everything you said. I always feel bad for someone who asks an innocent question and then get flamed.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Check out this link...........http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm

sounds like your post conflicts with this very fair assessment. I'm sure the "days" wouldn't matter as much if there wasn't so much forced "in your face" issues such as he discusses. His summation is better than any.

Actually, that article wasn't specific at all about what occurred in the park other than PDA's. Nor did he specify whether it occurs more often or they're more obscene amongst Gays than heteros. The things he described in detail in that article, he described them as occurring at the hotel. And a great many people that have visited the parks, say nothing worse occurs than on any other day.

 

[sugarpie]

I was sort of wondering what the purpose of Gay Days is. I've heard of it before, but I don't know how it started, or what exactly goes on.

By the way, I wouldn't worry about bringing my children to gay days, but I might be a little embarassed by what my DD4 might have to say. She says whatever she thinks. It might be a good chance to explain some things to her, though.

 

[mommystieg]

This will be our 4th visit to WDW during early June. We have always found the crowds to be manageable and the weather to be survivable (is that a word?) It will certainly be busy but not as busy as it gets a little later in the month. There are times when we find stand-by wait times as low as 15-20 minutes but then there are times when the posted wait for Splash Mountain is 90 minutes. A little planning and a lot of FastPass will get you through We typically stake out our spot for Spectromagic and Wishes about 2 hours in advance--but that's only if you want to see them from the Main Street area. It will rain some every day but as long as you are prepared then it won't slow you down. As far as Gay Days--IMHO if you didn't know about it in advance you most likely wouldn't really notice. We do not visit MK on the first Saturday in June but then we don't visit MK on ANY Saturday in June. HTH and have a great trip

 

[traviesojmt]

He just asked a simple question and I don't think he deserved that reply, IMO. I thought the OP was respectfull and trying to avoid any "landmines" that come from the usual Gay Day questions. Tolerance is a two way street and so is respect as well. I could see a problem if he had said something mean or hatefull but he has a valid point. It's like some people just look for any imagined slight or problem and love to play the "Gotcha" game.

One of the biggest problems that face our children today, is that they don't get to enjoy being children anymore. Between preparing them for the dangers of today's society or the onslaught of sex and violence in the entertainment industry, we seem to ending their childhood sooner than usual. Case in point: My 8 year old twin boys have had their picture ID's with fingerprints taken now two times since they started kindergarden. I know it's important to do it but when I was in grade school 30 plus years ago, we didn't have all to do all this. I feel sad at times that my kids can't fully enjoy their childhood like I got to do.

I went everywhere as a kid by myself or with a couple of friends and the thought of danger never crossed our minds. Same with tv which was pretty lame and tame by today's standards. Home Video game units with violent games had even been invented yet. Sex wasn't discussed or brought up on a regular basis and I don't recall my parents talking to me about homosexuality or any other adult lifestyle choice, until I was much older and had a better grasp on life. At eight years old I didn't have a clue about sex or different lifestyles and I wish kids today could experience that as well.

I don't want to see anything at WDW that makes me have to stop and explain why two people are doing what they do. It doesn't matter if the're straight, gay, bi, or whatever, I just want to escape the outside world for a few hours and watch my kids laugh on BTMR and Splash Mountain and not have a care in the world. I was offended at the "lock the children in the closet, if you don't like it" remark and that was a selfish statement to make. I wish people would realize that tolerance just isn't for one group only, it's for all of us.

Very nicely said.

 

[tony609]

I read "Why I’m not going to Gay Days this year" by Mr.Werner.....
I won't comment except to ask.....Is their a positive article about gay days on this same site? I couldn't find one....take as you will.

I still go to WDW dispite the fact I saw a young girl flash her boyfriend? Husband? whoever while he was taking her picture in front of the castle. And no this wasn't on gay day. Things happen that are out of our control daily.

I AM a gay male, with my partner for 8 years. I know that doesn't matter BUT I am very proud of this fact. I have been to gay days at WDW. I have been to WDW when it wasn't gay days. My expireces are no different. I ride rides,see characters,eat,watch fireworks etc...I have to say at WDW I am very unconcerned with who is doing what to who. I am more concerned with can I get all this stuff I bought back home without buying another WDW suitcase. I am being 100% honest here.I didn't see any homosexual kissing. I didn't even see hetrosexual kissing. If seeing two people kiss regardless who, or whatever sex they are at WDW ruins your day,then you are turly missing out on the WDW expirence. I did see some young men wearing the princess crowns. I just laughed and went on.

I will say I am grateful at the many posters on this board who are truely compassionate , open minded and kind people towards gay people. They don't care who you love. They just want to discuss Disney with all sorts of people.

I will say Pleasure Island is the only exception . I danced with my partner without fear or ridicule or feeling on display. A feeling I should be allowed to feel anywhere and everyday...especaily at WDW.

 

[wdwguide]

Gay Days are as good a time to visit as any (well, except that it's hot and crowded, but that's just the time of the year).
There shouldn't be any "explaining" to do as long as you don't go to Pleasure Island, which isn't really a place for young kids anyway. Unless they have been drilled with homophobic propaganda, kids tend to not notice gay couples as something "out of the ordinary", or will simply ask why those two guys are holding hands and two girls are kissing, to which a simple response of "Because they love each other" should suffice.

 

[CanadianGuy]

All due respect to Mr. Werner.. I completely disagree.

Now.. I will say that I haven't been to the parks during gay days in a few years.. and certainly it may have gotten wilder. (I'd be surprised) But I WILL report back to these message boards after my trip this year.

The times I went from 1995 to 2002.. it was very tame and well behaved at the parks I went to and at the times I went.

Of course.. his mileage may have varied signficantly from mine.

J

 

[snusnu]

Just found out we will be there at this time. What are the parks like? I know there are certain parks on certain days, and while I personally have no problem with gay days, we are travelling with a family that has 2 small children and they would like to avoid having to explain this to them. Does anyone know what parks are on what day? Thanks

I am not flaming the author of the statement above, but I can see why this choice of phrase has rubbed people the wrong way. It would NEVER be okay to insert any group other than gays and lesbians into the phrase and publish it. For example, no one would (hopefully) ever say, "We are travelling with a famiily that has 2 small children and they would like to avoid having to explain "insert race/size/disability here" to them." Why is it OK to want to avoid gay people thinly veiled under the argument that you're avoiding certain behaviors that most reasonable adults avoid? That smacks very strongly of intolerance. Why would anything have to be explained? I like the poster who had very short and appropriate responses to questions pertaining to ANYONE who exhibits inappropriate or unusual behavior.

 

[jpolak]

We were there for "gay days" twice. And other than the protesters and the banners flying over head offering "cures" for homosexuality you wouldn't have noticed a thing.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Has anyone taken the time to notice it is not the OP's kids she is talking about?? It is the people she is traveling with. She was asking for them, not herself. Why the heck are you all giving her such a hard time? It was an innocent question. Sheesh!

 

[tony609]

Has anyone taken the time to notice it is not the OP's kids she is talking about?? It is the people she is traveling with. She was asking for them, not herself. Why the heck are you all giving her such a hard time? It was an innocent question. Sheesh!

You are correct. So if I were the Op I would choose not to be friends with someone like that, and go without them.

 

[tony609]

Gay Days are as good a time to visit as any (well, except that it's hot and crowded, but that's just the time of the year).
There shouldn't be any "explaining" to do as long as you don't go to Pleasure Island, which isn't really a place for young kids anyway. Unless they have been drilled with homophobic propaganda, kids tend to not notice gay couples as something "out of the ordinary", or will simply ask why those two guys are holding hands and two girls are kissing, to which a simple response of "Because they love each other" should suffice.

Just wanted to say..you put it very nicely!

 

[Linzybrooke]

If this event took place and no one wore clothing that identified them as group members I am willing to bet that hardly any of us would notice that it was even taking place...

Tony, I know you my dear and I think that you are actually thinking to yourself, "How much more do I have to buy so I can get away with buying a new Disney suitcase?" Hehehe! I love you!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I just realized that I'll be traveling with a friend of mine to WDW during Gay Days.

Two women wandering the parks together. I bet a lot of people will think we're gay and I'm wondering if we'll get treated as badly as some gay people report that they've been treated. Or if we'll get perks from the employees that others report they've received.

Glad to have hit this thread before the blatant gay-bashing and Christian-bashing begins.