These may by politically incorrect questions....

[momnum1]

but here goes.....I booked our rooms for the first week in June thinking that Gay Days would be over. Having never been at this time, I really wasn't concerned about bringing my children. I just read the comments on the 'trip planning' part of this site and was a little surprised. I am not trying to bash anyone here, but these comments are cause for concern for those with young children.

My first question is....when is this actually over? The website says June 4th, and since we will be arriving on the 4th, am I wrong to assume that we will miss the "activities" the author wrote about?

My second question is....is it really as bad as what he has written? Some of you may not have read this, but it is in the planning part of this site.

Any opinions would be welcome before I change my reservations!!!!

Thanks!!

 

[bluerendezvous]

We have visited WDW three times in the last four years during this time and have see little evidence of Gay Days.
That being said: We were at MGM last year when they closed the park early (cancelled the late Fantasmic). While we were leaving, there were tram loads of men (very few women) entering the park for a private party. We assumed that it was a Gay Days celebration, but the men were smiling, laughing, and having fun with NO public displays of affection. We were most bothered by the LOUD music that lasted late into the night - it could be heard at our resort, POFQ. We thought it was coming from the parking lot. The front desk told us that it was a private party at MGM and there wasn't anything they could do about it! Loud music at night is annoying no matter who generates it!
We will be returning to WDW again this year. No worries about Gay Days here! As a matter of fact, so many folks stay away that we enjoy lower crowds at the other parks!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have gone many times during Gay Days. I am a seasonal pass holder & my kids get out of school just before Memorial Day.. we go up and stay until our blackout starts. Gay Days is during that time period. I have never had a problem at the parks or resorts. I will say that one year, my son went into a bathroom over at the Premium Outlet Mall & there were 2 men... and you can figure out the rest for yourself. .. My son was in his mid-teens when he witnessed them. I was fuming, however, that was not at Disney. I have no problem going to Disney during the Gay Days.. but just watch the kids in the bathrooms offsite..

 

[momnum1]

Thank you for the replies. It would not be a problem for us to move our vacation up or back a week if needed, but I'm glad to see that that may not be necessary.

Just curious....why would this site have that commentary posted if none of it is true? That was a pretty vivid description of the parks at that time.

 

[DizzKneeGeek]

Chances are that unless you tell your kids it's Gay Days; they'd be none the wiser. It's not like there are signs posted or anything. I would venture a guess that it's the parents that have the problem here(not refering to the OP specifically here, just parents in general as this subject comes up often); not the children. I personally think it would be a good lesson in diversity and a good way to learn that not everybody in the world are exactly the same. I would personally have no problems taking my child at that time.
PDA's on the other hand, be it from gays or straight, irritate me to no end. And I've seen way more PDA's out of good 'ol American straight laced, normal people than their gay counterparts.

P.S. It makes me and and to see how people are of gay people.

 

[maelstrom]

Hate to break it to you, but gay people go to Disney World EVERY DAY. Some of your favourite CMs may also be gay. You don't need to shelter your children from gay people and it'd be silly to try. This is something you need to accept in life and move on.

And for anyone who is having a difficult time trying to figure out a way to explain what gay is to your children, it's very simple: it's when two boys or two girls love each other the way mommy & daddy (or grandma & grandpa, or aunt Suzy & uncle Billy, etc) do. That is the way it was explained to me when I was very young (around 4). If you don't make a big production out of it, neither will your kids.

 

[The Mick]

Hate to break it to you, but gay people go to Disney World EVERY DAY. Some of your favourite CMs may also be gay. You don't need to shelter your children from gay people and it'd be silly to try. This is something you need to accept in life and move on.

And for anyone who is having a difficult time trying to figure out a way to explain what gay is to your children, it's very simple: it's when two boys or two girls love each other the way mommy & daddy (or grandma & grandpa, or aunt Suzy & uncle Billy, etc) do. That is the way it was explained to me when I was very young (around 4). If you don't make a big production out of it, neither will your kids.

No need to cop an attitude here. Some people don't appreciate graphic public displays of effection by anyone, let alone homosexual displays that their children may not yet understand.

This person had every right to question in a post when "Gay Days" ends, and every right to voice frustration over these graphic displays in public restrooms. I think people, gay or not, should use better judgement, especially when in the company of small children.

AND, it's not for you to dictate to anyone else how to raise their children when it comes to explaining "love". Sorry, but I think your post is very rude.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Crowd-wise I think the only difference may see is MK on Saturday. But any Saturday in the MK is busy. And I think that is the day you arrive, so you will not probably be there anyway.
We are at WDW during Gay Days, but have not stayed on-site. I can speak park-wise that you won't notice a thing beyond seeing more red shirts than usual.
Early June is a good time crowd-wise to go. And it is hot and humid, but not as bad as the months afterwards.

 

[goofyernmost]

No need to cop an attitude here. Some people don't appreciate graphic public displays of effection by anyone, let alone homosexual displays that their children may not yet understand.

This person had every right to question in a post when "Gay Days" ends, and every right to voice frustration over these graphic displays in public restrooms. I think people, gay or not, should use better judgement, especially when in the company of small children.

AND, it's not for you to dictate to anyone else how to raise their children when it comes to explaining "love". Sorry, but I think your post is very rude.

Off topic slightly but would someone please look up the definition of Rude. When someone expresses their opinion on a discussion thread it is not rude. That word is so over used it is starting to be meaningless. Since rude seems to mean anything that does not agree with the way we think...then your post could also be considered rude.

Let's find a new offensive word...this one is getting tired of being the one size fits all of verbs and descriptive adjectives. JMHO!

 

[maelstrom]

Some people don't appreciate graphic public displays of effection by anyone, let alone homosexual displays that their children may not yet understand.

Homosexuality is not hard to understand. If more parents would explain to their children at a young age what gay means and that sometimes two boys or two girls may kiss, hug, or hold hands, just like mommy & daddy might, they'd grow up accepting it. If a child can "understand" heterosexual PDAs, then he or she can "understand" homosexual PDAs. Children are not stupid. The earlier that you teach them what homosexuality is and that it's ok, the better off they'll be with accepting it.

This person had every right to question in a post when "Gay Days" ends, and every right to voice frustration over these graphic displays in public restrooms. I think people, gay or not, should use better judgement, especially when in the company of small children.

Yes, of course the OP has every right to ask these questions and be frustrated if persons are engaging in inappropriate behaviour in the restrooms. I never said s/he wasn't. But this kind of thing always comes out in conjunction with Gay Days, when in reality, people can behave inappropriately at any time, gay or not. Gay Days just gives people an extra excuse to complain about it.

AND, it's not for you to dictate to anyone else how to raise their children when it comes to explaining "love".

It was a simple suggestion of how someone may go about very simply explaining what gay means to a child. I know that some people genuinely seem to have a very hard time with that and honestly overthink it, even though it's pretty simple. And parents who refuse to discuss homosexuality with their children are really doing their children a disservice. I know everyone wants the best for their children and wants to shelter them from anything bad. But gay people aren't bad, and they are out there, and it is something that everyone will encounter in their life, so it's best to be prepared.

Sorry, but I think your post is very rude.

Sorry, but I think you completely missed the point of my post.

 

[maelstrom]

would someone please look up the definition of Rude.

1. discourteous or impolite, esp. in a deliberate way: a rude reply.
2. without culture, learning, or refinement: rude, illiterate peasants.
3. rough in manners or behavior; unmannerly; uncouth.
4. rough, harsh, or ungentle: rude hands.
5. roughly wrought, built, or formed; of a crude construction or kind: a rude cottage.
6. not properly or fully developed; raw; unevolved: a rude first stage of development.
7. harsh to the ear: rude sounds.
8. without artistic elegance; of a primitive simplicity: a rude design.
9. violent or tempestuous, as the waves.
10. robust, sturdy, or vigorous: rude strength.
11. approximate or tentative: a rude first calculation of costs.
(from dictionary.com)

I agree that the word "rude" is way overused. I know what rude means and believe me, my post wasn't it.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We inadvertently went on a Gay Days week.
2) I must admit a a concern when we found out.
3) We found out the park-of-the-day for the event.
4) We counter-programmed and went to non-Gay-Day prime parks.
5) It was fine.
6) We did see some public displays, but not too bad.
7) We heard the park-of-the-day was worse.
8) I would do not worry about it.

 

[The Mick]

Homosexuality is not hard to understand. If more parents would explain to their children at a young age what gay means and that sometimes two boys or two girls may kiss, hug, or hold hands, just like mommy & daddy might, they'd grow up accepting it. If a child can "understand" heterosexual PDAs, then he or she can "understand" homosexual PDAs. Children are not stupid. The earlier that you teach them what homosexuality is and that it's ok, the better off they'll be with accepting it.




Yes, of course the OP has every right to ask these questions and be frustrated if persons are engaging in inappropriate behaviour in the restrooms. I never said s/he wasn't. But this kind of thing always comes out in conjunction with Gay Days, when in reality, people can behave inappropriately at any time, gay or not. Gay Days just gives people an extra excuse to complain about it.




It was a simple suggestion of how someone may go about very simply explaining what gay means to a child. I know that some people genuinely seem to have a very hard time with that and honestly overthink it, even though it's pretty simple. And parents who refuse to discuss homosexuality with their children are really doing their children a disservice. I know everyone wants the best for their children and wants to shelter them from anything bad. But gay people aren't bad, and they are out there, and it is something that everyone will encounter in their life, so it's best to be prepared.




Sorry, but I think you completely missed the point of my post.

My apologies if I did. But I think you set a wrong tone by starting off with "I hate to break it do you", which is what I thought was rude. It came off as talking down to the poster. Just the way I perceived your response. And after that, "explaining" to them how to explain love to a child. I thought it came off as a patronizing response and if it were directed at me I would have taken offense.

I still don't think it's anyone's place to force their views regarding sexuality onto other people's children, whether it be overt public displays of effection or telling them how their children should "view" relationships, homosexual or no. That too, I think is rude...rude in the sense of sticking their nose in other people's business, that is.

Again, I apologize if I misunderstood your post, and now have a better feel for where you were actually coming from. But I hope you can see my points as well.

 

[themudd4]

We were there during Gay days 2006. (Sorry not sure if that is the correct name for the festival but seems to be the popular one). I was more worried about the heat and the crowds than I was about seeing anyone doing anything I may have to explain. I guess I understand why some people worry about gay days...but the way I look at it. If my kids ask a question I will asnswer it...age appropriate for them. Yes you may see a gay couple struting their stuff up and down main street USA...and you may also see a pre teen girl wearing shorts so short that her butt is hanging out as much as it is covered. You may see a few PDA's within the gay groups but not anymore than you would see amoung the teenagers making out in the lines. And honestly, you may see fewer since most people that are gay already feel as if they need to down play things so they may try to not draw attention to themselves...but that is why they come during gay days so they don't have to hide, so maybe that just crossed that off the list. If you are really worried about it I would go the week prior to gay days to stay clear of some of the crowds and a little of the heat. If you can live with it...just know what you will tell your kids ahead of time if they ask. Chances are they may not even notice. Visit the gay threads and read up on it...and ask your questions there. It's funny it is usually people that are not gay that get mad about these types questions and make more out of it then need be. I guess they feel that they need to make a stand. If you pose your questions open and honest you will get open and honest answers from most on the threads. Always a few bad apples in any group though. Also, I think that with the 2006 gay days, they had different days at different places. You may be able to find out the info on that to and make your plans accordingly. I blended in quite well...I think red was the color of choice to identify you were there with the gay days festival...I think everything I packed was some form of red.

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

No need to cop an attitude here. Some people don't appreciate graphic public displays of effection by anyone, let alone homosexual displays that their children may not yet understand.

If you're bothered by PDAs, you should be more worried about the Pop Warner kids than Gay Days- the stories coming from CMs include rather "intimate" relations going on all over MGM.

 

[karibritt01]

We purposefully scheduled our trip for the week after the gay days. Those are not the values we believe in, nor will we teach that to our children. That being said, we do teach tolerance and acceptance of others, whether or not it fits our own beliefs. I know gays are at Disney at all times, but Gay Days encourages behaviors not normally presented in public, no matter the sexual preference. We choose to protect our children from being overly educated about sex at this young age. You all have every right to your own opinions, but I felt this point of view should be addressed as well. JMHO.

 

[Fore2213]

She has every right to be concerned. You may accept it, but it certainly doesnt mean others have to. I was in the parks during one of these "days" and saw a disgusting amount of PDA's from them. I have NO difficulty explaining to MY children about it......they know its wrong PERIOD!!! We were there a few weeks ago and had dinner in World Showcase, the waiter we had was clearly gay and i asked for a different server or seat....MY DECISION!!!! I was polite about it and was easily accomodated. Dont tell me i have to accept another persons chosen lifestyle!!! I know ill catch a little grief about this post....but i find it amusing, people like that are into freedom of expression and speech....unless you say somthing they dont agree with. Its not hate...its just what i belive!!!!

Hate to break it to you, but gay people go to Disney World EVERY DAY. Some of your favourite CMs may also be gay. You don't need to shelter your children from gay people and it'd be silly to try. This is something you need to accept in life and move on.

And for anyone who is having a difficult time trying to figure out a way to explain what gay is to your children, it's very simple: it's when two boys or two girls love each other the way mommy & daddy (or grandma & grandpa, or aunt Suzy & uncle Billy, etc) do. That is the way it was explained to me when I was very young (around 4). If you don't make a big production out of it, neither will your kids.

 

[LeftCoaster]

but here goes.....I booked our rooms for the first week in June thinking that Gay Days would be over. Having never been at this time, I really wasn't concerned about bringing my children. I just read the comments on the 'trip planning' part of this site and was a little surprised. I am not trying to bash anyone here, but these comments are cause for concern for those with young children.

My first question is....when is this actually over? The website says June 4th, and since we will be arriving on the 4th, am I wrong to assume that we will miss the "activities" the author wrote about?

My second question is....is it really as bad as what he has written? Some of you may not have read this, but it is in the planning part of this site.

Any opinions would be welcome before I change my reservations!!!!

Thanks!!

Whatever is the last day of events, you will see a big drop off in crowds that afternoon to evening. By far, Saturday at MK is the biggest day.
Having read the original article that you saw, I can see your cause for concern. Honestly, I think that article has blown some of the stuff out of proportion. It really places the emphasis on Pleasure Island and the circuit parties that are going on instead of the parks.

 

[LeftCoaster]

duplicate post.

 

[maelstrom]

She has every right to be concerned. You may accept it, but it certainly doesnt mean others have to. I was in the parks during one of these "days" and saw a disgusting amount of PDA's from them. I have NO difficulty explaining to MY children about it......they know its wrong PERIOD!!! We were there a few weeks ago and had dinner in World Showcase, the waiter we had was clearly gay and i asked for a different server or seat....MY DECISION!!!! I was polite about it and was easily accomodated. Dont tell me i have to accept another persons chosen lifestyle!!! I know ill catch a little grief about this post....but i find it amusing, people like that are into freedom of expression and speech....unless you say somthing they dont agree with. Its not hate...its just what i belive!!!!

You don't have to agree with homosexuality or participate in it, but if you can't even handle your server possibly being gay (and you DON'T know for sure that he was), then I really don't see how you even manage to participate in the real world. What happens if one of your children turns out to be gay? Would you send him back, ask for a different one? Yikes.