Orlando gay days

In the 1980’s, Walt Disney Animation Studios hired the out gay writer Howard Ashman, one of the pioneering figures who was most responsible for the era now-known as the Disney Renaissance. His work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast revolutionized and enlightened the studio for years to come.

Everyone’s on their best behavior.

Specialty cocktails, beer and wine are only served to those who are seated at table service resturants, which keeps the atmosphere serene.

But the night is a rather sober affair.

When it’s time for fireworks, you’ll definitely spot some lovebirds who are holding hands, hugging, and wiping away tears.

It’s an incredibly well-oiled machine by now, and here’s why I think it deserves extra accolades:

• It’s diverse. OMW’s organizers have made very concious, intentional efforts to extend invtations to all segments of the LGBTQIA+ community. Comfortable, affordable, and wonderfully close to the parks. And beloved villains have been serving full camp, like Cruella DeVil, Maleficent, and Snow White’s Evil Queen.

  It’s all delicious.

  Instead of overhearing space-age music in Tomorrowland or plucky banjos in Frontierland, you’ll hear pop tunes spun by live DJ’s. Think Radio Disney, Pride Edition: a whole lotta first-named divas like Britney, Christina, Cher, Whitney, Madonna. (I’ve personally stayed in all of them during my own trips to Orlando.) Are they the right fit for you?

  Here’s a terrific LGBTQ+ Facebook Group that organizes meetups during Gay Days and throughout the year.

  Is Gay Days appropriate for young guests and children?

  Remember, Gay Days in Orlando isn’t just one thing.

  Nearly all the private nighttime parties during Gay Days weekends are only for guests 21 years of age or older, the legal drinking age in the United States.

  (June is celebrated as Pride month in many parts of the world.)

  As of today, it’s the only LGBTQIA+ event on the 2025 calendar that’s organized and hosted directly by The Walt Disney Company. To connect with Orlando’s most fun-loving locals, head to the longstanding nightclub / party Southern Nights, where a welcoming, ethnically diverse crowd is ready to throw down the kinda dance moves that get your heart pumping.

  Explore engaging panels, shop from LGBT+ creators, and meet fellow fans of your favorite TV shows, anime series, movies, comics and more.

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  2025 Orlando Pulse Remembrance Events

  Every year on June 12, also known as #OrlandoUnitedDay, Orlando’s community comes together to honor and remember the 49 lives lost at Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016.

  “I think Orlando was always a diverse community,” says Christ, “Since the Pulse tragedy, Orlando has really changed the focus.

  I’ll point out which meetups and events are extra noteworthy, which hotels offer the best access, and which tickets you should be sure to buy ASAP. The hotel’s rooms are in need of renovations – the in-room air-conditioners are pretty loud and janky — but it’s a perfectly clean, solid property.

• Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista | 2025 host hotel for One Magical Weekend | The OMW organizers have bought out the whole hotel, a rare treat.

  They typically post their party calendar online about 2 weeks in advance.

  Check out Southern Nights on Instagram ▸

  What are the host hotels during Gay Days in Orlando?

  As I mentioned above, each of the event organizers above has its own host hotel — all of which are perfectly pleasant.

  (Disney tickets do sell out, so — be sure to get your tickets as soon as you’ve got plans to attend!)

  BUYTHEME PARK TICKETS | Get the best pricing & options for your Walt Disney World Gay Days theme park tickets ▸

  Where can I find Disney Pride merchandise at Walt Disney World?

  Each Spring, Disney announces its new annual Pride Merchandise line, with unique items themed to MARVEL, Star Wars, and Pixar characters.

  | Get pricing ▸

• Residence Inn at the Anaheim Resort – Convention Center | One of the closest resort hotels to the Disneyland theme park entrances, with one of the best walking paths — right past a huge CVS / Walgreens / Starbucks / Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf combo… perfect for morning grab & go breakfasts or late night snacks.

  Best of all, this recently developed area (home to Disney’s sparkling new housing for its College Program) also enjoys the fastest, lowest-traffic commute right onto Disney property. Everyone’s wonderfully friendly, respectful, and polite.

  As with Pride Nite at Disneyland, public displays of affection within the parks are exactly the same as what you’d expect from straight couples.

  Explore dynamic live performances by Black LGBTQIA+ artists, hear from inspiring speakers and storytellers, shop Black-owned businesses and LGBTQIA+ vendors, and enjoy food trucks, a dance floor and more.

  Discover: Juneteenth Events

  The Official Pride Bar Crawl (June 21, 2025)

  Prepare to finish Pride Month on a strong note with the Official Pride Bar Crawl, which starts at Underground Public House and continues with stops at multiple downtown Orlando bars.

  Nonthreatening.

  

  These sister properties share a terrific central pool, spacious suites with kitchens / kitchenettes, a Target supermarket within walking distance, and heaps of great restaurants nearby. No one’s remixing EDM or deep tribal dance beats.

  But there is a country music dance floor in Frontierland’s Golden Horseshoe that will undeniably be Beyoncified!

  What Disney characters appear during Pride Nite?

  At each of the last two years’ events, Clarabelle Cow has been stomping, slaying, and owning the place.

  | Get pricing ▸

• Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel & Water Playground | This old-school hotel brand has fully embraced its mid-century vibes in a recent hep-cat renovation. Everything to know about Gay Days 2025
  • Gay Days Orlando is an annual unofficial LGBTQ+ gathering at Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks.
  • The event takes place from June 5-8, 2025, with designated parks and times for attendees.
  • Participants often wear red shirts, a tradition started at the first event in 1991.
  • Florida's recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has raised safety concerns, despite the event continuing as planned.

  Pride Month is almost here, with the entire month of June dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexualities.

  The "Gay Days" event will make its annual return to Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks next week for LGBTQ+ community members and theme park lovers alike.

  Here's what to know about the annual LGBTQ+ gathering in Florida.

  What are 'Gay Days' at Disney World?

  Gay Days Orlando is where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and supporters go to Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks

  Need a news break?