Disney Gay Days - Information for Families

Every June, Disney Gay Days happens at Walt Disney World.

It's really a shame that every year, hundreds of families innocently plan trips to Walt Disney World without knowing about the events that they are about to witness. Over 20 years ago, a group started gathering at Disney World every first week in June. Through the years it's grown into a huge event. Over 100,000 people have been known to attend.

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Disney never publicizes this event. It's not an official Disney activity. Disney doesn't sanction it. Disney also doesn't mention it in any of it's materials, websites or commercials. You would have to be looking for it. A lot of travel agents don't even mention it when you book a vacation. (Unless you have a good one like Dad.)

Family Information

Being a Dad, I know that this concerns a lot of families planning Disney World trips in the summer. Dad's ask Dad page has had several questions asking if vacations should be rescheduled or canceled.

So, here is Dad's Guide to dealing with Gay Days at Disney World.

When is Gay Days

Gay Days is always the first weekend of June. There are some festivities around Orlando usually starting on Tuesday. The first activity at Disney World is usually on Thursday at Animal Kingdom. Friday is Disney's Hollywood Studios, Saturday is the Magic Kingdom and Sunday is Epcot.

In 2012, it starts on May 30 and runs through June 3.

More information

This year the hotel has moved over to the DoubleTree Resort on International Drive. That will be the unofficial home of the festivities. There are lots of special parties and events scheduled for that hotel. Families should avoid this area! This is not a family friendly area during these festivities.

Families should also avoid the park where the festivities are scheduled (see above). The park hosting Disney Gay Days will always be the busiest park.

I don't usually post links to other Disney sites, but this article talks about Disney Gay Days and what has gone on in the past. I believe you should read it if you are planning to be at Disney World during this time.

Article about Disney Gay Days

Dad's Bottom Line

You have to make your own decision about when to take your vacation. Our family avoids the first week of June. It used to be one of our target weeks, (Dad's June trip) but now we don't even think about going at this time.