Precautions?

[aerxo17]

Hi! I'm traveling to WDW with some trans friends on an upcoming trip. We're all young adults, some of us are gender nonconforming, some are cis, some are trans women. As you're all probably well aware, Disney Adults like me tend to over-plan their trips, lol. So, in light of the political climate in Florida, the country and the world, are there any safety precautions I can take to keep my friends safe, flying to MCO from the northeast, taking transportation to our Disney Resort, and while at the parks and resorts? We're not leaving the Disney bubble, it's a quick trip. I'm afraid to get something like pronoun pins or anything like that, not because I don't think Cast Members wouldn't respect or appreciate it, but because other guests can be mean or rude.

Also, are there any single stall / gender neutral restrooms at the Polynesian resort? We're going to 'Ohana for dinner one night. TIA for advice!

 

[PollyannaMom]

According to:

this article

there is such a bathroom (labeled "companion restroom" because it also serves wheelchair users accompanied by caregivers) in the Great Ceremonial House on the 2nd floor opposite ‘Ohana.

Wishing you all a safe, wonderful, magical trip!

 

[aerxo17]

According to:

this article

there is such a bathroom (labeled "companion restroom" because it also serves wheelchair users accompanied by caregivers) in the Great Ceremonial House on the 2nd floor opposite ‘Ohana.

Wishing you all a safe, wonderful, magical trip!

thank you!!! this article is perfect!!! This was very helpful

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm sad that you even need to ask this question but certainly understand your concern.

Yes, you'll be treated very nicely by the CM's at Disney. They are all trained to treat everybody fairly. Occasionally they may stumble on a pronoun but that's not out of malice.

As far as other guests go, there's really no way to predict. However, if you get harassed, find the nearest security officer or CM.

There are companion restrooms all around the parks and hotels. They are typically near the traditional M/F restrooms so take a look or ask a CM nearby.

Hope you have a great trip and be sure to come back to let us know how it went.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I'm a cis female and my husband is a cis male so take all this from that perspective. But we both wear LGBTQ shirts in the parks. We've yet to have anyone harass us (though last time, I feel we did get major stink eye from some lady in line...but whatever.) We've gotten a lot of nice comments from guests and CMs though that far out number the stink eye (that we've noticed anyway.)

If you're concerned with restrooms, find the companion ones....though they seem to always have lines, which is a bummer. If you have any cis females, the trans females (and NBs who prefer the women's bathroom) might feel safer going into the regular women's room with them. I think traveling in packs is always a good choice.

And like stated above, if you are harassed at all....immediately go to a CM.

 

[Chuck S]

I really doubt you'll have any issues at all. As others have said, if you do, find the nearest cast member.

 

[Dicentras]

Florida is on the “do not travel” list for trans safety. I’m concerned for your friends. Not at Disney specifically, but getting there.

This from activist Erin Reed: “Florida has a law that allows for the arrest of transgender people for using bathrooms according to their gender identity and another policy targets transgender people’s drivers licenses. Florida has also put into effect a policythat says trans people “misrepresenting” their gender on their drivers license could be guilty of fraud.”

 

[aerxo17]

Florida is on the “do not travel” list for trans safety. I’m concerned for your friends. Not at Disney specifically, but getting there.

This from activist Erin Reed: “Florida has a law that allows for the arrest of transgender people for using bathrooms according to their gender identity and another policy targets transgender people’s drivers licenses. Florida has also put into effect a policythat says trans people “misrepresenting” their gender on their drivers license could be guilty of fraud.”

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we all got there and back safely, not one of us were harassed. we used restrooms in groups/pairs and there was no issue. we mostly used minivan service for transportation aside from buses, but if we used uber or Lyft i was selective with drivers. we avoided “feature” pools, opting instead for quiet pools at our resort. 50/50 chance of other guests being either chatty and friendly or ignoring us completely, which is typical at Disney and didn’t reflect our gender diversity. Overall a wonderful trip

 

[Chuck S]

I really don't think the Average American truly cares about someone else's sexuality or gender. It is more of a talking point to stir up conservative voters. But generally, how many people are you going to encounter if you simply fly in to Orlando, claim your luggage, got to Mears, rent a car, or take a ride share to Disney? I've never had a problem as a gay guy.

 

[OKW Lover]

I really don't think the Average American truly cares about someone else's sexuality or gender. It is more of a talking point to stir up conservative voters. But generally, how many people are you going to encounter if you simply fly in to Orlando, claim your luggage, got to Mears, rent a car, or take a ride share to Disney? I've never had a problem as a gay guy.

I've got to half agree with you Chuck.

Living right next to the parks I'm there frequently and in the surrounding community. I really don't think that anybody is actively pursuing trans people. The Orange County Sherrif and the Orlando police chief regularly post on social media that they train their officers to be respectful of LGBT culture. Yes, there are bound to be other visitors to the area that aren't so open minded but you'll find that anywhere.

So, why "half agree"? I'm not sure that as a gay man you are quite in the same position as trans folks. I don't mean to be abrasive with that comment. I'm thinking that gay men aren't quite as obvious as some trans people might be. I should add that while I am an ally, I am a straight white male so my experience/observations might not be valid.

 

[Chuck S]

Oh, I agree it isn't exactly the same, but my point is that the vast majority of people honestly don't care, and I would be surprised if there are any problems. Especially if you stay to the tourist areas. Although you may get the person accidently misidentifying as the opposite gender...and I've done it myself, even to straight people whose features resemble the opposite sex. Of course, I politely and genuinely apologize when that happens.

 

[OKW Lover]

Oh, I agree it isn't exactly the same, but my point is that the vast majority of people honestly don't care, and I would be surprised if there are any problems. Especially if you stay to the tourist areas. Although you may get the person accidently misidentifying as the opposite gender...and I've done it myself, even to straight people whose features resemble the opposite sex. Of course, I politely and genuinely apologize when that happens.

Agree Chuck. And thank you for not taking my comments adversely - they were not intended that way.

The tourist area (not just WDW, but universal & sea world) and their surrounding environs are quite welcoming. Many of the folks that work at those parks are part of the LGBT family and guess where they live - close by. I'm sure that I've got LGBT neighbors.

Just for the record, my grown stepdaughter is lesbian and I had the honor of walking her down the aisle when she and her then partner and a "Commitment" ceremony in Texas back before gay marriage was made legal.