Was Anyone At Disney During Gay Days??

[eeyoregon]

I would imagine disney would ban overly offensive shirts, I may be wrong but I would hope so, no one should be wearing offensive stuff.

My castmember friend said that if offensive clothing/hats are visible upon entry they will be asked to remove/change them but I suppose they can't catch everyone.

My theory is we can't shield our kids from everything...we see offensive clothing at the mall and nasty bumper stickers on cars but we don't make a big deal out of it.

 

[HelenePA]

We were there for gays days... I have a somewhat werid sense of humor I found the shirts FUNNY!!! Made that day in the hot sun at the MK laughable! I was also in red that day ... Whoops! My kids never asked why 2 men were holding hands or why 2 women were.. if they would have asked I would have answered with a simple "they love each other" what more to say is there??

We met some great guys staying at sports who were having a good time with my girls.. joking high 5'ing they were actually from PA too.. about an hour away from me... I'd go back that weekend in a heartbeat! was a GREAT time to go!

 

[sammielynn]

We were there the during that time also. I saw several gay couples but nothing strange or weird. I have two teen sons and they were not upset in any way. They both knew it was Gay Days and that they might see some things they generally don't see at home, but nothing strange was going on. We have been during that time of year often and never had a bad experience. Like others have said it is a great time of year to go. this year the weather was just perfect. We even left MGM early on Friday night because I was cold! Darn Barry.

 

[Doc CW]

I noticed the shirts while I was their myself and yeah I thought some were innappropiate, but I am okay with gay people they are the same as you and me except for the obvious difference. Other than the shirts I didnt have a problem with them I saw nothing different than what I normally see while I'm there so I had no problem or complaints about the gay day weekend.

 

[agentpleakley]

We've been during Gay Days too and honestly did not notice anything. I have to agree with everyone that related seeing inappropriate behavior by teenagers in heat... that's been our experience also. That said, I think we are just so happy to be at WDW that we hardly pay attention to others.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've visited WDW parks many times during Gay Days. The most I've ever seen is a couple holding hands. I've seen a lot of red t-shirts, but never anything offensive. Now, I've never gone to PI or City Walk in the evening during Gay Days. I would imagine things get a bit looser at that time due to alcohol and the whole party atmosphere. Of course, I'm not crazy about that atmosphere any time of the year, but it doesn't bother me that others like to party. I really don't think PI or City Walk are great family venues any nights. If people don't want their kids to see adult behavior, they shouldn't take them their in the evenings. IMHO, people worry way to much about Gay Days.

 

[bibbity bobbity boo]

We were there but didnt go to the parks on the designated days. We took a bus to MK on the designated day to take the monorail to The Cotemporary for a 10am breakfast at Chef Mickey. We saw A LOT of red shirts happily headiig into MK but nothing inappropriate at all.

 

[dfarner]

We were there for Gay Days. For the most part, we didn't notice anything to be out of line. However, I saw a woman wearing a shirt that said "****** Friendly" one afternoon at DTD and we saw 2 men making out in Pizzeria Uno. The shirt really offended me, and it would offend me if a man was wearing it as well. As far as at the parks, we didn't notice anything except the red shirts.

 

[disney_family_1247]

I'm kind of confused by all of the people saying that they don't want to have to "explain" to their kids. I can't imagine living in a free society and my kids not knowing that there are many different kinds of people and families. My older two are six and four, and they both know that some men fall in love with men and some women with women. They know that most people don't do that and that Mom and Dad aren't like that. Frankly, they don't know what hetero couples do in the bedroom, so they don't wonder about gay couples. You all realize that if you went back in time, you'd hear your same comments being made about African-Americans.

What I find difficult to explain to my kids is why we see so many parents hitting and swearing at their children at WDW. DH and I have always said that we never see evidence of child abuse except on our annual Disney trips (nothing against WDW). I hate seeing the sad, confused looks on my kids faces when someone is smacking their child at the next table or ahead of us in line.

 

[bigbabyblues]

We left on Saturday the 2nd, and we didn't see anything inappropriate. DH and I went to the MK on Saturday while the boys were on the Pirate Cruise, and we saw a few questionable t-shirts, but nothing our kids would have noticed. Other than that, we didn't go to the park where they were scheduled to be, simply to avoid the crowds.

 

[Ellester]

I'm kind of confused by all of the people saying that they don't want to have to "explain" to their kids. I can't imagine living in a free society and my kids not knowing that there are many different kinds of people and families. My older two are six and four, and they both know that some men fall in love with men and some women with women. They know that most people don't do that and that Mom and Dad aren't like that. Frankly, they don't know what hetero couples do in the bedroom, so they don't wonder about gay couples. You all realize that if you went back in time, you'd hear your same comments being made about African-Americans.

What I find difficult to explain to my kids is why we see so many parents hitting and swearing at their children at WDW. DH and I have always said that we never see evidence of child abuse except on our annual Disney trips (nothing against WDW). I hate seeing the sad, confused looks on my kids faces when someone is smacking their child at the next table or ahead of us in line.

I agree that we need to realize that there are all different types of people in the world. However, I've seen many t-shirts (certainly not just at Disney) that are totally inappropriate to wear in public in my opinion. It amazes me what people will wear in public. My 9yo dd would be the first to ask me what the shirt with a picture of the rooster and the lollypop meant and that's the kind of thing I don't really want to explain. She has asked me the meaning of many shirts and mostly I tell her that they are inappropriate for children and leave it at that.

 

[HelenePA]

. My 9yo dd would be the first to ask me what the shirt with a picture of the rooster and the lollypop meant and that's the kind of thing I don't really want to explain.

What's to explain.. the chicken likes to eat lollipops... does a 9 yr old need to know details?? NOOO do they really need to know what it means?? NOOOO Why tell them the WHOLE truth.. (okay I know I'm gonna get flamed for that one.. yes I will "white" lie to my kids...santa, the easter bunny ect ect all still exist to them! ) I'm SOOOOOOO glad no one here has asked where babies really come from.. they still accept from mommy's tummy

 

[Ellester]

What's to explain.. the chicken likes to eat lollipops... does a 9 yr old need to know details?? NOOO do they really need to know what it means?? NOOOO Why tell them the WHOLE truth.. (okay I know I'm gonna get flamed for that one.. yes I will "white" lie to my kids...santa, the easter bunny ect ect all still exist to them! ) I'm SOOOOOOO glad no one here has asked where babies really come from.. they still accept from mommy's tummy

Well, that probably is how I would explain that one! But, we do try to avoid the "white lies" as much as possible. She does know, in very broad terms, where babies come from. Thankfully, she didn't want too much info but "mommy's tummy" was not nearly enough! Anyway, I think you get my point though. That shirt I could probably explain away, but I've seen others that weren't that easy.....

 

[cheapi86]

Never been there for Gay Days, but I have to say that the loud annoying teenagers (especially in the pool!) irked my nerves!

The insane heavy petting (you're without adult supervision, please do us all a favor and utilize your hotel room). The texting and gossiping in the line so much that they would NEVER move up, thus stopping the line from moving. And smoking all over the park (because they are ooh so cool...rock on lung cancer!)

BTW I'm not an old fuddy duddy. I'm only 20 years old. But I hated that "teenage" behavior even when I was in high school.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I'm kind of confused by all of the people saying that they don't want to have to "explain" to their kids. I can't imagine living in a free society and my kids not knowing that there are many different kinds of people and families. My older two are six and four, and they both know that some men fall in love with men and some women with women. They know that most people don't do that and that Mom and Dad aren't like that. Frankly, they don't know what hetero couples do in the bedroom, so they don't wonder about gay couples. You all realize that if you went back in time, you'd hear your same comments being made about African-Americans.

What I find difficult to explain to my kids is why we see so many parents hitting and swearing at their children at WDW. DH and I have always said that we never see evidence of child abuse except on our annual Disney trips (nothing against WDW). I hate seeing the sad, confused looks on my kids faces when someone is smacking their child at the next table or ahead of us in line.

I have a 5 year old daughter and a 17 month old son. Obviously, I don't need to explain things to my son, but my 5 year old I would have to.....and quite frankly I DON'T WANT TO.

My 5 year old is completely different than your children. She doesn't know that men "fall in love with" men and vice versa. Why? Because I don't want to explain it to her at this young age. She goes to a Catholic elementary school and assumes that boys and girls fall in love and get married. End of story for her.

Personally, I think 5 years old is a little young to have to explain why men are kissing men and vice versa. I don't agree with it, therefore I am not going to explain it to her until age appropriate.

I also think it's sad when I see spanking and other forms of abuse in public. I see it everywhere and it's very sad.

 

[HelenePA]

mine dont know what "fall in love with" means either.. they never asked at disney... I never said.. what I WOULD have said if they would have asked is "they love each other" they dont need to know anything R - X - PG-13 rated... and if you dont agree with it fine.. just make it short and simple for them..they are children, keep it that way.. dont teach hate.

I hardly doubt at disney they were looking at the people around us! They were looking at the castle, they were looking for Mickey... NOT at chickens who like lollipops on t-shirts, the one that stands out in my mind was on a lady.. it said "strong enough for a man made for a woman" LOL FUNNY funny stuff... Me and DH were looking for the T's.. I'll admit it.. we loved it... no either of us are gay..

 

[halld6479]

We set our first trip with teenage grandkids last long before I knew about gay days, as I learned our date was running at the same time I mentioned to the kids while talking what to pack but do not include red shirts and they ask why I told them there is gay days while we are there and I would like to avoid any comments towards you kids. We entered Disney and enjoyed every minute of our trip we never seen anything out of line and actually found alot of polite people enjoying the same things we were. I learned so much from this trip and walked away with nothing but understanding that this time is no different then any other week at Disney. We then in fact returned again this year during the time frame and again saw nothing out of line except a truck load of red shirts enjoying Disney. In fact I learned alot from gay days, I see they are no different then any one else. We live in a small mid west town and don't see the open relationships much. Kids need to learn about black, white, mixed and different things, life it is not a one kind world. If you are uncomfortable explain the truth just tell them you are not sure what the shirt means but they are there to enjoy the mouse too. Trust me kids attention span is seconds while at Disney. I sure would not let this week cancel or move a vacation they are just like you and I wanting to drop $$$ on a mouse.

 

[cuppycake]

I'm kind of confused by all of the people saying that they don't want to have to "explain" to their kids. I can't imagine living in a free society and my kids not knowing that there are many different kinds of people and families. My older two are six and four, and they both know that some men fall in love with men and some women with women. They know that most people don't do that and that Mom and Dad aren't like that. Frankly, they don't know what hetero couples do in the bedroom, so they don't wonder about gay couples. You all realize that if you went back in time, you'd hear your same comments being made about African-Americans.

This is the same for me. Maybe I don't think much of it because before moving to the mid-west recently, we lived just outside of Washington DC where you see gays much more openly. Our children are only 4 and 2, but I have no problem answering any questions they have about such things. How else will they learn? :

My daughter has asked about guys kissing before and we simply said that they were in love. She told me guys should kiss girls, mommy , and i said, oh? sometimes that is true, and we left it at that.

My hubby and I were having a conversation about such things just today. This area is SO MUCH LESS tolerant than DC (I guess that's to be expected, since you see EVERYTHING in the DC area). My neighbors are disgustingly prejudice, and I can't wait to see what they think when some of our best friends (who are not the same race as we are) come to visit in a few months!

We teach our children that it's fine to have your own feelings and opinions, but we must respect what others think and feel as well. I would rather answer their questions than shelter them from the facts, but that is just me To each their own, really. It's good to know when the gay days are so those who don't agree or are uncomfortable do not have to be there.

 

[merryweather's twin]

We were there this year and at MK on Sat with all 6 kids in tow. I was suprised at the number of red shirts this year. We got a picture in front of the castle about 2:30 and all you could see was red. It was so cool! I took a picture of it. I wish we disers could all go at the same times in the same color. That would be cool also.We have been going at this time for years and I had never seen that many red shirts. My older 2 kids, 12 and 10 figured out what was going on this trip for the first time... They read the t-shirts. When they asked I just said it is a convention of people who love WDW also. My 10 dd then became upset... When I got her to stop crying she explaned that she thought the symbols on the official t-shirts were witchcraft symbols and all the people in red are witches!!!(There we were in a vast red sea of witches!)LOL. I explained that it was a gay symbol and releif swept over her face. She said o' thats all and was fine all day!

 

[happypooh]

We were there this year. While we did notice one guy in a very short skirt, that was the only thing that I really paid any attention to. DH was very uncomfortable the entire time, but that's just how he is. DD7 didn't notice a thing. She did read the "Zip a Dee Doh" that was written huge on some shirts, but she didn't know to read the back that said, "Zip a Dee Gay!" Honestly, if DH wasn't so uncomfortable, I don't think that it was any big deal.

I saw the guys that wore those Zip a dee tshirts too! They looked like they were having a fun time. I think I saw the person with no shoes too! We went this year and certainly noticed all the red shirts even though we avoided the designated days...on saturday late afternoon it seemed like there was an exodus from the MK to Epcot as we were in line to enter Epcot and had many red shirts go before us...nothing inappropriate at all for the weekend and got to chat to a few people who were really nice. My DH was a little uncomfortable but not unduly so, and he was relieved that I planned our red outfits for later on in the week and not on that weekend! I did notice that Animal Kingdom was especially busy the day we went as most families were there maybe trying to avoid other parks that were designated - but I would probably still go the same weekend if I had to and would agree that this weekend was more pleasant than the Pop warner weekend that we went to last year!