Is "Gay Days" something to worry about?

[Dionnemay]

For the last three years I have taken my two small children to disneyland for two reasons: 1. Its cheaper 2. Its a good way to "prepare them for the big gun...WDW!
My parents made the mistake of taking us to WDW several times before they took us to WDL. Needless to say, after being spoiled on WDW, we were NOT too inpressed with WDL. I didnt want to make that same mistake!

Anyway, I have pinched pennies and saved and researched all year to be able to suprise my childen this year with the long awaited, much talked about trip to the faled DISNEYWORLD ! Yeeeeeeeeaaaaaah!

The kids are so excited. It is all they talk about since I told them in January . You know the WDW planning guide DVD? they watch it EVERY day! My nine year old daughter has read "Birnbaum's WDW for kids" so many times she has it memorized.

Im even more excited than the kids since I've been there before and there are so many new things since my last visit in 1992. I LOOOVE disney! I have since I was little.


Well, today I was googling different events that would be taking place at WDW while we are there. (we are going May 28-June 7th). I was excited to tell my seven year old son who is a Star Wars Fanatic that we will be there during the Big star wars even at MGM studios. ( he outside in his Darth vader costume "practicing" in case he gets picked for the lightsaber duel!).


However, I was dissapointed and a little upset when I ran across an editorial by a Gay man who was stating why he would not be attending "gay Day" at WDW this year.
He stated that there were way too many risque PDA's and sexuality displays taking place at a place that caters to small children and families. He was rebuking the gay communies behavior and lack of respect for families that save for years to take there children to WDW only to have to explain why "that man is kissing another man" to thier six year old. He said that being gay is a right and nothing to be ashamed of but Disneyworld is not the place to make a political statement , especially a sexual one in front of all those kids.

I TOTALLY agree and imagine my shock and dread when I found out "Gay Days" takes place May 29-June 2nd!!!! During the time we will be there!

My heart sank. I am a single mother and it has taken me a long time to save up for this much anticipated trip. I am saddened and angry at the thought that I may be spending the first week of our trip skirting around men dressed like women and gross blatant PDA's. I would be angry if it were heterosexual or homosexual. Disneyworls is suppossed to be a magical getaway from real life for children- not a "show every one how we like it in the bedroom" spot.

If you want to be gay, be gay! If you are heteral sexual, be that way! But niether group has any buisness taking thier agenda to WDW. If I were married, I would hold my husband's hand and mabey give him a hug or light peck at WDW...nothing more because of where we are.

I think the gay community should abide by the same rules and at least respect that WDW is for CHILDRENS enjoyment.

I wonder if Im freaking out about this too much?

Ive never heard of "Gay days" and the author said that it is not somthing Disney promotes which is why its not mentiond on the WDW events calendar.
If it were, I would have scheduled my trip differently.

Has anyone every been to WDW during this event? is it something I need to worry about with two small kids?

Please let me know so I can avoid the days and parks where any demonstrations or "parades" take place.

Im not homophobic...Im indecency-a-phobic, as any parent would be. I would avoid "porn star day, "Bondage day" or "Swingers Day" just as easily.

I just want to enjoy our trip and my kids to have good memories to grow up with.

 

[goofy4tink]

Okay...take a deep breath. There, feel better? Gay Days really aren't all that big a deal. Yes, it does impact MK more so than the other parks. If you think it might negatively impact your trip, then I would head to a different park on that Sat. Other than that, you should be fine. For the most part, all the 'activities' are off-site, at an off-site hotel. There are no 'parades' or 'demonstrations' in the parks. Yes, you may see same sex couples in the parks holding hands or being affectionate, but no sanctioned activities.

I think you would be surprised at how many 'gay' folks you are touring the parks with on any given day!! Sure, you are going to have those that are always going to try to push the edge of the envelope. But I have seen that in hetero couples as well....I don't want to see some of that stuff going on with anyone...period!!!! No reason for children to have to deal with overt sexuality before their parents feel it's time. And yes, my dd knew all the 'facts of life' very early. But, we have friends who are still aghast that dd knows as much as she does, and that we have been as open as we have been. What works for my family may not work for other families...it is up to each family to make that choice for themselves. No one should force parents to have a 'sexuality discussion' with their children before they feel it is right.

So, don't panic, have a great trip. Head on over to MGM or AK that Sat. You'll have a wonderful time.

Oops, almost forgot..... to the DIS boards!!!!

 

[Dionnemay]

PHEW! Thanx!

since the big Star wars event takes place on FRi- Sat and Sun at MGM, I was going to go on Fri but we'll go on Sat instead thanks to your forwarning!.

Is Saturday the only day? I read that its a week long event.

Yes, I know and I have seen many gay couples on a daily basis and its no big deal. But its a different thing when you put any group together with thousands of the same celebrating thier "individual pride". Caution, respect and morality tend to get thrown to the wind and THATS what im trying to avoid. Like I said before, I dont want my kids to see ANYone grinding and making out in front of them...especially at WDW.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

You should worry that they even created a day/event like that.
Can't imagine them allowing the "white male day" or the "heterosexual day"

I saw a wide variety of people at Disney and I think that is great. From unsual clothes, piercings, countries I was unfamiliar with and couples. However, I would be very disapointed and upset if I had to plan my trip during a more "in your face" event like that.
Personally, if i were in your shoes I would change my ressies. You know they have free dining starting in Aug..may be worth the wait AND you will have shorter lines and get to enjoy the parks more, and you would save some money.

 

[amarberry]

Im not homophobic...Im indecency-a-phobic, as any parent would be. I would avoid "porn star day, "Bondage day" or "Swingers Day" just as easily.

I'm not trying to flame you, but I think that it is very unfair to compare gay families to porn stars, people into bondage, or swingers. I would guess that 99% of the gay day participants would behave in a conservative manner just like 99% of heterosexual vistors behave.

I've never been to gay days, but from what I've read on this board crowds are more of the issue than indecency. Avoid the parks on their designated day for gay days weekend or maybe do something else like go to the Kennedy Space Center or something.

 

[amarberry]

You should worry that they even created a day/event like that.
Can't imagine them allowing the "white male day" or the "heterosexual day"

I remember when I was kid asking my mom why they didn't have a "Kid's Day" like Mother's Day or Father's Day. Her reply...everyday is Kid's Day, sort of like white male day and heterosexual day at WDW.

 

[goofy4tink]

Sorry, but I have to disagree. I have seen a lot of less than appropriate behavior in WDW, and it has been mostly by teenage/young adult hetero's. Nasty language, way over the top behavior, 'in your face' sexual behavior.....incredibly rude. I would much rather explain to my dd about two men holding hands than two 19 y/o's groping each other's very uncovered bodies on a bench in TomorrowLand!!! Get a room!!! But I digress.
I have heard of people that have gone to WDW during Gay Days with no prior knowledge of what was going on. They came back, and when asked if they were offended, they said..."Offended? By what?" They had no clue there was something going on. I think there may be pockets of gay/lesbian people that may make it hard for the other, not so over the top people. They have to 'be in your face' and making their point....24/7. But, I still think that if you just plan your days, you can avoid any of this. In fact, MK is a busy place on any Sat and we tend to avoid it at all costs on Sats!!! And that's not with Gay Days happening!!! Not being gay, I can't tell you what happens the rest of the week though. I have a feeling there are other, non-WDW things planned, within Orlando itself.
Don't change your plans, don't panic. Have a good time.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not trying to flame you, but I think that it is very unfair to compare gay families to porn stars, people into bondage, or swingers. I would guess that 99% of the gay day participants would behave in a conservative manner just like 99% of heterosexual vistors behave.

I've never been to gay days, but from what I've read on this board crowds are more of the issue than indecency. Avoid the parks on their designated day for gay days weekend or maybe do something else like go to the Kennedy Space Center or something.

I don't think the OP was trying to say that gay families are in the same group as bondage or porn types!! I think it was just a bad choice of comparisons. While I would go to the parks during Gay Days, I wouldn't go during a bondage day. But, I don't think Disney would let all that leather/mask type in in full regalia!! Sorry, couldn't resist....just got a mental picture. Unfortunatly, I do think that when you get a huge number of any one group together for something like this, a pack mentality takes over. As I said before, for the most part you are going to see pretty well behaved people. But there are going to be those over the top types that just have to 'prove a point'. We have even seen posts from some of our gay DISers saying that they have been embarrassed by the behavior of a small percentage of the gay days participants.

 

[femmegirl]

Let me start off by saying that I am lesbian. I have been there during gay days. I avoided certain parks on certain days. Gaydays.com has a schedule of events I believe that can help you avoid things.

I do not believe in PDA. It does not matter who the offenders are. I do not think that gaydays will ruin your vacation. So plan your days around the event like Saturday is always gayday at magic kingdom so I would suggest another park on that day.

If I can help any other way, just let me know.

Take care
Erin

 

[jcpuppy.com]

i think, your suggestion is a great one for folks who plan to be at Disney during that time and may want to avoid extra crowds.
Visit that website and plan around the events..well plan around to avoid the events in this case.

Interestingly , enough there is a "Christian" type day, and while I am a Christian, i would avoid that time at Disney as well.
It is my understanding that often they bus in groups from churches and such and just have a couple adults per herd of teenagers and then just let them run loose. I wouldn't like that either!

As far as everyday being such and such day, that really isn't true anymore.

 

[Mom to Will and Finn]

We were there last year. If you go to the Gay Day schedule, you see that they focus on one park a day. You can simply go to another park. That said, we never saw any same sex couple displaying any amount of affection. I held my husbands hand, we hugged, we may have stolen a peck or two (though, probably not, as we usually don't in public), but I never saw any same sex couple do these things. It wouldn't have bothered me at all, had I or my children seen it. Any more than this amount of affection from any type of couple would bother me a little.

I was nervous before we went, too, but I was worried that my children would hear rude comments from homophobic people. I really really didn't want them exposed to that. We never heard any, though.

 

[glass slipper girl]

My family has been during Gay Days and we've even been at the MK on it's "designated day" there. We were only there for part of the day but that was our plan, we didn't leave because of anything. We were focusing on "little kid" activities and saw mostly gay parents with their children doing the exact same things straight parents do...having fun with their kids, taking turns bringing them on potty breaks, dealing with kids complaining about the heat or the lines. We saw nothing offensive at all. My sons did not take notice of same sex couples holding hands. My oldest did have a question when we were standing in line for a ride behind a gay couple and their daughter. The little girl called on of them Daddy and one Papa. My FIL is Papa to my son so he was confused and commented that "that man" isn't old enough to be a Papa. We explained Papa can mean Daddy too. He said "but HE's her Dad. She called HIM Daddy." I just said that most families had a Mommy and a Daddy but not all of them did; families can be different and reminded him about his friend whose parents are divorced and remarried but share joint custody of his friend; that this friend has 2 families, and the boys next door live with just their Mom and their Aunt. Well, this little girl's family had 2 Daddies. He asked her "you really have 2 Dad's?" and she nodded. DS says "that's cool" and they played together while we were in line. That was it, no further questions asked, not uncomfortable in the least.

If you avoid the parks listed on the web site, and you aren't at Pleasure Island at night, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Mom to Will and Finn]

We were focusing on "little kid" activities and saw mostly gay parents with their children doing the exact same things straight parents do...having fun with their kids, taking turns bringing them on potty breaks, dealing with kids complaining about the heat or the lines.

Now that is something I would have liked my kids to see! Unfortunately if there were any gay parents with their children around us, we were oblivious.

 

[jacksonsmom]

Been there twice during Gay Days and I would have no problem going back.
I don't like a lot of PDA either, by gays or straights. I have NEVER seen a gay couple making out BUT I have seen some teenagers doing some heavy PDA!

My son never knew anything different.

We did not go to MK on their "gay day" mainly because of the extra crowds it will bring in. We did Star Wars MGM day instead.

HAVE FUN and don't worry!!!

 

[Dionnemay]

I just took the time to visit the GAYDAY web site and made note of the dates and specific parks where the activities are scheduled. It looks like there are only three days that are focused on specific WDW parks: Fri June 2nd- Epcot, Sat June 3rd -MK, and Sun June 4rth -AK. Also Typhoon laggon but I cant remember the date...

Ill just adjust our itinerary to work around those events.
I am a black female and I wouldnt want to go during a "black pride week either". How would that make white people feel who are just trying to have a nice vacation and suddenly being made to feel like the "oppressors" and given evil stares and hearing snide remarks and basicallbeing made to feel seperate it a place that is based on human equallity?
I just want to have a nice time with the kiddies, not deal with political issues.

I think those type of enent should be save for Washington and capital hill where they belong. If they are going to do it at WDw, why not do it at Chuck-E- Cheez?

Its not the event, its the forum. WDW's guest are mainly children...do you think a six year old gives a hoot what kind of sex you like? So why bombard them with it?

Im heteral sexuall but I dont wear a red t-shirt that says " I like it doggie style" to prove it. I wouldnt attend a parade to proclaim my right to love men and I dont need to harrass people who dont share my interest. Im single so when I walk down the street, its any body's guess what my sexual preferance is.

If I did feel the need to tell the world how I like it in the sack, WDW is the last place I would do it.

I dont like it when ANYONE puts aside common decency and respect for those around them just to prove a point or do what feels good.

The other day I had to chew out two kids who were making out in the theater- sitting right in front of me and my kids....its just rude . I told them why go to a kiddie movie to do adult acts? go to a hotel where that behavior is expected but we are here to watch a movie, not your tounges.

Quite a few Gay people have mentiond that they were embarrassed by the "crotch grabbing" and blatant sexual messages displayed at WDW during this event. THAT is what I am against. YES people do that all the time, I have seen it, but it is isolated incidents an just a couple of people and easier to avoid than a whole mass of people claiming an entire park.

I dont WANT to explain complicated sexual issues to my children during our vacation...there is a time and a place to do that and I know eventually I will have to sit down and explain the "Birds and the Bees" ( or the "Birds and the Birds") but WDW vacation should not be the trigger.

I know that EVERY person attending this event will not behave this way and many will be considerate and view this as an oppurtunity to be who they are and simply enjoy a vacation with the partner they love in an empathetic atmosphere. Im just worried about those that feel they need to be In-your - face to us "breeders" to make some weird point.

 

[MinMouse]

Well, today I was googling different events that would be taking place at WDW while we are there. (we are going May 28-June 7th). I was excited to tell my seven year old son who is a Star Wars Fanatic that we will be there during the Big star wars even at MGM studios. ( he outside in his Darth vader costume "practicing" in case he gets picked for the lightsaber duel!).


Dionnemay--Just wanted to chime in on the Star Wars events. They are great! We stumbled upon them a few years ago during an early May trip to WDW (Star Wars weekends run a few weekends in May and June yearly). We usually drive to the world and it was so beautiful on our departure day that we decided to spend the end of our trip in MGM and go to our favorite night time show FANTASMIC at MGM. Anyway, we have two DDs with a Star Wars loving Dad. It was a hoot. We're not that crazed that we would dress up ourselves or DDs for this event but you will see people there who are. It was fun to go to the different events, see some characters and just watch the Star Wars fans. We saw a couple with a baby dressed as Luke --- they actually had a character sign him! We went to a "talk show" with a kid who played the young Luke on one of the episodes (as you can tell I'm not the Star Wars fan in the family!). Anyway, the storm troopers seated us for this show. . . it was the best part of the show. We saw sand people who posed for pictures . . . I think my DDs were actually scared of them. Mickey is dressed as Jedi Mickey for these events. We have fond memories and are disappointed that our upcoming trip in June does not involve the weekends and we won't get to Star Wars weekend. I guess we'll save that for another year!

Have a great time with your kids!

 

[sammielynn]

I'm a single parent and have been to Disney during Gay Days. I will not lie and say I was not worried but everything was fine. We did as others have said and avoided the "offical park" days and had no problems at all. Everything should be fine. We will be there the same time as you and are not concerned at all.

 

[Disneynutbsv]

my dh and I have been there the same time as gay days ( we didn't even know anything about it), I would suggest just avoid the parks that gay days have down on the schedule. Don't worry! It will be fine

 

[LukenDC]

I just finished reading an article in my local gay newspaper about the increasing number of gay peple with children. The article discussed gay parents in San Francisco and how they have demanded that local businesses curtail public lewdness, whether it be in advertising or their customers' behavior. It reminded me of comments on the DIS from gay parents who have resented over-the-top PDAs---both gay and straight---in front of their children.

As more gay men and lesbians come out and more of them become parents, the gay community is becoming increasingly mainstream. I think that is a good thing.

 

[stahshee]

I'm not trying to flame you, but I think that it is very unfair to compare gay families to porn stars, people into bondage, or swingers. I would guess that 99% of the gay day participants would behave in a conservative manner just like 99% of heterosexual vistors behave.

I've never been to gay days, but from what I've read on this board crowds are more of the issue than indecency. Avoid the parks on their designated day for gay days weekend or maybe do something else like go to the Kennedy Space Center or something.

I do not think she was trying to compare that at ALL!!! I can totally understand. I understand what she was saying! IMO I think she just wants to have a good time and not have to answer questions from her children . RELAX