Trying to avoid GayDays 2004

[chager]

I'm a substitute teacher and was talking about our upcoming trip to another teacher recently. He is very open about being gay and I mentioned we were worried about crowds becuase of gay days. He got the funniest look on his face then said "What is that?" I gave him the website addy and all. At which he said " How come you know about it and I don't! Someone should have told me about this a long time ago!" We started laughing becuase he said I knew more about gay happening then he did and he is gay. He is looking forward to seeing the dates for next year becuase he wants to go. He is new to the school this year becuase unfortunately the school he came from couldn't accept his lifestyle choice. (Only staff know, not kids) I thought that was sad becuase he is a nice person and a good teacher!

The post earlier about the guy in the dress made my day!! Kids are awesome!!

Carolyn

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I think OP's question has been answered.

 

[Planogirl]

Let me make sure that I understand. I hate crowds and avoid them if I can but the only place that gets really crowded is MK on a certain designated Saturday and maybe Pleasure Island?

I have a good friend that has gone with his SO to this event a few times and he said that they spent most of their time at private events and a few of those can get a bit hectic. He wasn't really sure how badly impacted the parks were because his time there was limited but he said that he didn't think it was too bad. I've been tempted to try to go around the same time one year just to try to meet up with them for a few lunches and rides but between the heat and the crowds I've been hesitant. It doesn't sound too bad though.

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, Planogirl, I'd agree with your impression - the designated parks sem to have "average seasonal crowds", with simply a higher percentage of guests being gay/lesbian. The exception being the huge crowd at MK.

 

[HokieDad]

I had a friend (very religious) who went during Gay Days and didn't even know it. He didn't notice a thing. Most of the horror stories revolve around very late nights at the hot tub according to a gay friend who went.

The most you might see is men holding hands and Europeans/ME do that too.

 

[bom_noite]

I opened this thread just to see if any problems existed! Congrats to all!

As a "straight" parent I can understand some parents concern. But, I was in college frat that had a number of gay members - these guys are regular folks and I am proud to call them my friend (I also have a gay manager at work).

I do not think it is unhealthy for kids to be exposed to it - but there is a proper time and proper place.

I read a post on here earlier today about a father who sent his daughter and 4 of her college friends last week and they were hastled by a young drunk dude - give my options - I would rather send the girls down during Gay Days!

Lastly, I went to another park on it's "gay-day"! Me and 10 other straight guys/girls were walking around and the only open display of affection I saw was my friend groping his girl friend.

We just got back Thursday from our yearly WDW stay. I did see some Gay gentleman at the table next to us while we ate. I am 100% positive that my kids never saw it!

 

[LIFERBABE]

We just returned this morning, June 8 and I too was concerned about the event due to the large influx of people.

I have a 6 and 4 year old but they were too consumed with the "magic" to notice anything. If they weren't dressed up as Mickey, Goofy or Donald my boys could have cared less. I did not witness any inappropropriate displays from any couples gay or straight, although there were some fashion faux pas that gave us a chuckle. (gay and straight)

We hit every park and Blizzard Beach and the crowds were fairly light except for the main attractions. The only warning was to stay away from MK on Saturday and according to TGM that's any Saturday! We left on Sat. anyway so that was not a problem.

I'd go again this time of year without reservation. The CSR was hosting a scrapbooking convention and I think they were a livelier bunch! They wanted me to take pictures of my kids every move!
They were asleep in the stroller (laid out flat) and all the ladies that passed kept saying "you've gotta get a picture of that!" What a great group! They have definitely interested me in scrapbooking.

 

[Hillbeans]

I agree...we were in "the world" from 5/31 - 6/6 and went with a 2 1/2 yo. Anyone who is "worried" about anything is really worrying over nothing. There are so many different kinds of people, old and young, different races, etc., it's like a huge melting pot. I think it's great that this weekend exists for those looking for a fun time to let loose. The kids are so immersed in everything Disney you'd never know it was even going on unless you were at the MK on the 7th.

 

[Daxx]

3 yrs. ago, we took DS to WDW. Our first day happened to fall on the last day of "Gay Days".

Can you imagine my suprise when I was talking to the guy at Target the next day and he said "So, you made it through Gay Days!" I said "What? What's Gay Day?" and he explained the whole thing. I almost fell over b/c no where, no how would I ever have thought it would have been "Gay Days" at WDW. It was no different than any other day in the park.

Suffice to say, I have many gay friends ... and was afraid that this post was going to be derrogatory! I'm very pleased to find it upbeat! And, if my schedule allows it, I would not hesitate to return during Gay Days!

 

[disrailfan]

My DD's (12 and 15) and myself were in the world from MAy 31 to June 6 and we barely noticed them with the exception of a load of very bizzare guys on the bus to Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. There was plenty of PDA on that bus but we only experienced this for about 5 minutes as we had gotten on the bus at the market place and they were getting off of the bus at PI.

I do have this curious question. If WDW does not sponsor or support this event then why do they close Typhoon Lagoon early in favor of their little beach party and why do they get special treatment like having MGM close early for a street party with a live DJ and a stage that looks like it cost them $ 300K? Where do they get the money for this and how do they bribe disney to close everyone else out of the parks so they can have these provate events.

I also noticed at PI that they had Motions closed while we were there.

Don't get me wrong, I have friends that are Gay and Lesbians, and I have no problem with the lifestyle they have chosen. I am just curious as to why or how they accomplish these things if Disney is not a sponsor?

Later,

 

[anabelle]

I just got back and actually attended a park on a designated Gay day. I did notice many gay couples and groups but my children did not even mention them. I did not see any PDA going on at all. Everyone that I saw was just having a good time at Disney.

 

[safetymom]

If you or or your organization has enough money you can rent all types of places at WDW. It has nothing to do with sponsorship.

 

[tmli]

I may be in the minority, but I would have no problem with my ds(7) witnessing a same sex couple showing affection to one another. I would be upset having him see obscene pda, that should be saved for private....whether the couple was gay or straight.

My son is pretty open with his questions and comments. When I see him stare at someone for whatever reason I ask if he has any questions.

I always try to answer him honestly......Aimee what in you experience would be the best response that would not offend the person he is asking about but still give my ds an honest answer?

I can respect those who don't share my opinion, but I am not interested in starting a debate about which is the correct opinion. I honestly see this as an opportunity to educate myself.

 

[TerriBelle]

I was really expecting to read nasty comments on this thread and I am so pleased at what has been written. This topic in the past has turned ugly fast!

Good Job!

 

[disrailfan]

Why should anyone get ugly about this subject. No matter if the person approves or disapproves it is a fact of life of this current generation. There is no use in arguing about the rights and wrongs of the lifestyle.

Personally I have no problem with it and I have a couple of friends that are openly Gay/Lesbian. It does not bother me at all and they appreciate the fact that I am explaining things to my children so that they are not or do not become HomoPhobic.

 

[Desnik]

Glad to see this topic stay so friendly!!

I have a 5yo DD and my MIL is a lesbian. We are very close and my daughter has always known that some couples are boy/girl, girl/girl, or boy/boy. She knows that grandma and her girlfriend have the same loving relationship as mommy and daddy. We are very open with her and answer all and any questions she may have honestly. I explain things to her in a way her 5yo mind can understand, yet in no way sugar coat anything or ignor her questions, or lie in my answers. My MIL is a wonderful person and it is very unfair that I, and of course her, get so many negative comments when I proudly say, yeah that's her girlfriend, yes she's a lesbian, so what?!!

Now, would I go to Disney during Gay Days? No, because we hate crowds and extream heat. We like to go in the fall. If MIL was going and wanted us to join, then we would be there.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts!

 

[AreWeThereYet]

We were at WDW from 5/30 - 6/6...the beginning of the festivities? All I can say is that we noticed more same-sex couples or groups as the trip progressed, but NEVER(!!!) did we see anything inappropriate that would cause either of us parents or our girls (13 and 11) to be alarmed or to feel uncomfortable.

Granted we were on our way home before the big MK day, but we did have a couple concerns prior to the trip. I am glad to report that we had a fantastic trip and we are glad to have gone at the time of the year we did.

 

[Baloo]

I just wanted to tell y'all I'm very happy this post is staying so well on topic!

Thanks!!!!

 

[jellymoon]

I don't think there is anything to worry about. Travel when it fits your schedule best. If your child asks questions upon seeing a gay couple (Which she may see at any time of the year) simply state that some couples are made up of two women, or two men and that that is okay as long as they love each other and treat each other with kindness and respect. You can use it as a great teaching moment that the only unhealthy romantic/loving relationships are those where there is no respect between the individuals who make up the couple.

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by tmli
I may be in the minority, but I would have no problem with my ds(7) witnessing a same sex couple showing affection to one another. I would be upset having him see obscene pda, that should be saved for private....whether the couple was gay or straight.

You may be in the minority but you are not alone, because I totally agree. I hope that one day this kind of discussion comes to be seen the way a discussion on the "appropriateness of kids being 'exposed' to mixed race couples" is seen today -- i.e. silly (or worse)!

--Mainebound