How do gay days effect crowds?

[Nik's Mom]

Hi,
Search isn't working, so foregive me if this has been asked before. It looks like we'll be going during gay days 2007. How bad are the crowds. I'm not concerned about lifestyle choices. I accept their lifestyle and am not worried about that, but I am wondering if the parks are extremely crowded, or does it not have a big impact? I really want to go to AK on a day that is assigned as Gay Day according to their schedule, but if the park will be so packed that we can't get on a ride, then forget it.
So if you have experience traveling during Gay week, how crowded is it?

 

[tmt martins]

We did it a few years ago and are hitting the end of it on our 07 trip.

I thought the crowds were no different from the week before or after in other years we have gone. .

Others say it's busier but I think for as many that go, others avoid because of it so it all evens out.

 

[S.Poppins]

When are Gay Days?

 

[Nik's Mom]

I know it's scheduled for 5/31 at AK, 6/2 at MK and 6/3 ant EPCOT.

 

[kimberh]

We went last year the first week of June. I know that on the bus I talked with some that were decent, it was in 2 different restaurants that I had a problem. I really didn't know they had a certain day to go to the parks. I must have missed them on the park days. Anything said on a public board will make some of the ones I witness just be worse. If you are taking small children, I would go a different week. JMO. We will NEVER go that week again.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

We were in WDW 8 yrs ago during this week and never realized any different, we had a lovely week and would definately travel with my family again at this time. Share the magic!

 

[Nik's Mom]

We went last year the first week of June. I know that on the bus I talked with some that were decent, it was in 2 different restaurants that I had a problem. I really didn't know they had a certain day to go to the parks. I must have missed them on the park days. Anything said on a public board will make some of the ones I witness just be worse. If you are taking small children, I would go a different week. JMO. We will NEVER go that week again.

What happened? Were people rowdy? You have me worried. I know it's like a convention, and people can get rowdy and drunk during conventions.

 

[jwfla422]

However, keep in mind, in many of the past years, MK has closed to capacity early in the day because of GayDay events on their designated day. When we were in WDW at this time we'd just head for another park that day and that was fine.

 

[jennyh2829]

We were in MK on the designated day this past June and the park did not close. We did not really notice any bad behavior. We did notice the red shirts but luckily our kids did not notice a thing!

 

[finz2left]

Just an FYI that I hope you will find informative, not flaming . Being gay is not a lifestyle -- living on a yacht (or in a trailer), traveling a lot, working a lot -- those are lifestyles -- you have real choices. Being gay is an orientation.

I only mention this so if you do go during gay days, you don't inadventently offend someone, especially since it is clear that your heart and intentions are in the right place.

 

[Nbtstatic]

Here's an article I found, on this site of all places. Enjoy.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm

 

[JandT'smom]

Wow I was planning on going the first week of June in 2007 but after reading the link from Nbtstatic's post above I am seriously reconsidering. I completely trust Pete Werner (the founder of this site) had to say concerning gay days. Thank you Pete for your report and opinions.

 

[mrzrich]

We go every year at this time. We always find out the Gay Days schedule ahead of time and avoid those parks. We have never seen anything objectionable. The first year we didn't know and I dressed my DH is a red Tank top He just laughed when we realized. No one hit on him, I think he was a little hurt

By the way that last week in May-First week in June is a busy week, not because of Gay Days, but because its the week most locals get out of school, Memorial day, and the last chance for seasonal Passholders to get their fix before the blackout.

 

[Skroops]

We were there for a part of gay days this year. On TGM's site ( I think that is where I got the info) he had which parks to avoid on which days and that was helpful. We avoided the majority of the crowds and didn't notice a thing. We saw groups of people in red shirts, but no offensive behavior. Had a great time!
Good luck!

 

[flortlebap]

Although we have never been, my friend has.

They said it was much busier!! But, like us, they usually go off season, so I guess it all depends on what you're used to!

I can't imagine there being any offensive behaviour... it is Disney after all, and I dare say the CM's would reject anyone getting rowdy.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

The first year we didn't know and I dressed my DH is a red Tank top He just laughed when we realized.

too funny- and kudos for the great attitude!

 

[LadyOmega]

We have been there during that time before. It was sort of hit or miss when we were there, sometimes we would run into a long line, other times we would walk right onto an attraction. But there was definitely no "rowdiness" - I actually started to wonder if maybe the event was the following weekend, cause I saw so few attendees that weekend. So I would say it would probably be ok. Might be a little crowded, but I wouldn't think enough to be worried.

 

[Fitswimmer]

We always find out the Gay Days schedule ahead of time and avoid those parks.

We do the same thing now, after having an experience similar to the one described in the article linked above. We saw a LOT of overt behavior that we felt was designed to create controversy. I think those couples that were engaging in bedroom behavior at the parks that day did more damage to the cause of gay rights than any bigot. People who came to the park that morning neutral or even supportive of gay people may not have left that way. I know that the behavior of a small percentage of people should not change our attitudes about a whole group, but we all know that it happens. I have an aunt that is gay, and she does not attend gay pride parades or Gay Days because the behavior at these events offends her.

I don't feel that WDW is the appropriate place to make any political statement or social statement. I have trouble with people that wear T-shirts or buttons with religious or political statements to the parks because I feel it is not appropriate in that setting. It seems to me that people who engage in that type of behavior are spoiling for an argument-just waiting for another guest to comment on the statement they are making so they can start a debate. WDW isn't the place for that. It's a place where we can all forget the things that make us different and celebrate the things that make us all happy regardless of our politics, sexual orientation or religion.

 

[Dreamseeker]

The crowds are not as bad at AK as they are at MK!

As for not taking small kids during gay days....I say TAKE THEM!
The sooner they realize that being gay is NOT a choice, NOT a lifestyle and certainly NOT anything to be ashamed of, the better!

Well, Pleasure Island has been the only place that I have seen getting out of control during gay days. But you wouldn't take children there anyway!

Other than that, I have not had one bad experience with the crowds on gay days. I have to say that GRAD NIGHTS are a LOT worse, regarding offensive behavior and people actually being kicked out of the park (sneaking drugs and alcohol in, yadda yadda)!

 

[Melora]

As for not taking small kids during gay days....I say TAKE THEM!
The sooner they realize that being gay is NOT a choice, NOT a lifestyle and certainly NOT anything to be ashamed of, the better!

I agree and well said!