Question re: Gay Couple holding hands in the parks

[kerplop]

My partner and I held hands constantly and snuck a peck here and there and the only one who rolled her eyes is my mother, who is against PDA in all forms LOL. But honestly, you'll be fine. Most people are too busy in their own little WDW worlds to even pay other people much notice and if they do, most won't even care. And if they do, well that's their problem. You're in a happy place, just keep your chin held up and walk on by them.

 

[think-like-tink]

I would not bat an eye. I agree with other people about full on makeout sessions gay or straight.

We have known a gay couple for 15 years and we are close friends of ours. My DS is old enough to put it together now, we have had the you love who you love talk. These 2 guys have pure hearts of gold and I love them. They are family to us.

My dad was a little un-easy with them babysitting my kids. I told him "dad, they like grown men.....not little kids".

Got off track. Have a great time.

 

[3happydancers]

Agree with all of the above! Some of the finest people I know are gay! Congrats on your engagement and have a magical time at the World!

 

[Mommy2Corinne]

Neither my DH, nor I, nor our two young girls would bat a single eye. Holding hands, hugging is perfectly fine!!! Enjoy yourself!!!

Now, full on make out sessions in the middle of the park or ride(and now we are talking gay or straight) is just classless. There are sooooo many rooms on property for that business...

ITA. And I also agree with the PP who pointed out that the media completely overhypes things. Most Americans are pretty normal and laid back, whatever their political leanings may be. However, if you listen to the media you would think that we are all a bunch of high strung lunatics, lol.

Have fun on your trip, OP!

 

[rcraw45425]

We have been during Gay Days before when our kids were little even and never had a problem with anyone. The only time I ever found my self offended during any of the many trips we've taken, is when I see offensive (I don't even mind mildly suggestive) tee shirts that are just blatantly in your face challenging you. As long as you don't do that you should have no troubles (except for the few busybodies who will butt in regardless.....)

Go and have fun, Disney is for everyone! (although sometimes I wish parents that simply turn their kids loose with no regard and the ones that continue to sit while their child has a major meltdown disturbing others could be removed!)

 

[normmo]

I would rather see this than hearing some of the yelling I hear parents doing at their children.

TC

I second this! Showing love and affection to each other makes me feel good when I see it and we need to see more of it in this world.
Mo

 

[magrudersmakes3]

As stated, most people do not care about hand holding. It's nice to see people who truly care about each other, no matter their orientation. I agree 100% with all the posts that it is the excessive PDA that I have a problem with. There is absolutely no reason to display it anywhere. Go have fun and enjoy your trip!!

 

[kappyfamily]

I will answer your question from the view of a married woman with 2 children ages 7 and 5. While I am not ready to explain to my children what the word gay means or people loving the same sex ( Shoot I'm not ready to explain to them what being strait and married is) I would not shield them from seeing anyone holding hands. I would be "put off" if you and your partner had your hands all over each other and had a tongue down each other's throat but I would be shielding them and looking in disgust at a strait couple just as much. My rule of thumb is don't do anything in public that you wouldn't do in front of your grandmother. Hold hands with your love if the mood strikes and have a magical trip.

Actually this is the exact age you should be talking about it, if not younger. I live in Oregon with a large gay community and remember talking to my now 20 year old son, when he was 3 about why those two men were holding hands. He grew up understanding there was nothing wrong with it! As to what everyone else is saying to the OP, go for it and have a fantastic trip!

 

[Happyjen27]

I, too, will answer this as a mom to young kids. Tasteful and respectful affection and love between people is fine. It would be nothing new for my kids, nor would it be noteworthy.

 

[AlexLovesCats]

I would be very surprised if anyone was to give you a hard time. One of my favorite parts of my Disney vacation was walking around the parks holding my boyfriends hand all day. Everyone should be able to experience that joy. If anyone should give you a negative reaction please remember that most people don't feel that way. They aren't people you want to be around anyway. Have a great trip!!!

 

[Chickkypoo]

BTW, just personal opinion but if you have someone you want to hold hands with that much, and are generally in love, they should start making a celebration pin for that. For instance "living happily ever after." I'm in love with people in love though, so ya know...

They have replaced the "Just Married" celebration pin with Happily Ever After".

OP: Enjoy your trip and have a great time! If holding hands will make you happy, then I say go for it

 

[ses1230]

I, too, will answer this as a mom to young kids. Tasteful and respectful affection and love between people is fine. It would be nothing new for my kids, nor would it be noteworthy.

I agree. DH, DD9 and I would likely not even notice. If DD6 asked we would tell her people hold hands when they are in love. Not a big deal, imo.

 

[dreamseeker9]

Enjoy your time together at WDW and just be yourselves, that's what Walt would want.

My friends (a gay couple) went to WDW on their honeymoon and had a wonderful time. They had one family react in disgust to them holding hands, but that's one out of thousands that they saw while there. I think those ignorant and judgement people are shrinking in numbers, but I see people like that even here in NYC. Sad.

 

[lizabu]

I would be really surprised if anyone gave you a hard time. I feel uncomfortable watching any couple make out in public whether gay or straight. But hugging, holding hands and sweet types of kisses seem ok to me. If your doing something that makes those around you feel they need a shower or a cigarette you've gone too far...lol

 

[donnajherren]

Hi there, Everyone ~
Have you seen this kind of thing in Disney World before? Has it been a problem? Have people taken issue? Do people even care these days in the U.S?

Honestly? I think most people either don't care or would find it as sweet as they find straight couples showing (tasteful) affection. US media/political posturing is not really the truth of the average American citizen.

I'm sure some people would take silent offense, but it should be just that. I doubt you'd have any problems.

 

[bigskip]

I've never noticed same sex couples holding hands in the parks, mainly because it wouldn't register as something worth noticing. Go and be happy, hold hands and be in love.

 

[JimmyV]

35 responses to the OP and not a single dissent! I am proud to participate in such a welcoming community! Kind of makes you wonder what the legislators in AZ were thinking about. Refusing service to two people of the same sex who walk in to a coffee shop out of the suspicion that they might be gay? Really? OP: Rest assured. WDW is nothing like that. Disney has one of the largest gay workforces in the world and neither the employees nor the vast majority of guests will think anything other than magical thoughts upon seeing two people in love.

 

[Karbase8]

I say go for it! Not to mention for me and my DS now 14 even when he was older I held his hand due to safety reasons and staying together in crowds, not to mention celebrating your wonderful love for each other!!!!!!! Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Magpie]

I read a very funny blog post awhile back, which was written by a gay couple who'd decided to bring their children to Disney.

They were prepared for stares and questions, but what they go instead was smiles and tons of "Pixie Dust"... which led them to conclude that Disney must be staffed by hordes of young gay people. Because in the author's mind, there could be no other explanation for why they were being treated like family!

But Disney castmembers treat everyone like this. They will make you feel special and unique and very, very welcome. You are absolutely allowed to hold hands, and you may even experience some very sweet moments, like the one my husband and I enjoyed a couple trips back...

It was late and when we walked into the Nemo ride, there were only a few other people in line with us. When we got to the loading dock, holding hands, the castmember grinned at us and said, "Wait a moment! I'll put some empty cars in front of you, and some more behind you. It'll be your own romantic ride, all by yourself!"

I swear, I was giggling like a 12yo on her first date, by the time we got into our car.

Hold hands, enjoy each other's company. Don't worry about judgement. You'll have a wonderful time!

 

[RubyV]

I saw a few LGBTQ couples on my trip, and no one batted an eye.

Tacky, racist shirts were a different story. THAT had my 10 year old upset.

(The two elderly gentleman holding hands made my dd gush "oh, they must be an epic love story.")

Honestly, there is always a possibility that some random bigot may pop out of the woodwork, but I believe in love, kindness, and decency, and firmly believe that some random stranger will also pop up and tell them to shove it.



FYI, Liberty Square is very romantic at night, and a great place to view the Electric Parade.