Gay Disney began in 1991 as a single designated day (always the first Saturday in June) when the LesBiGay community and friends were encouraged to “Wear Red and Be Seen” while visiting the world’s most popular theme park. From it’s beginnings (spearheaded by the GLBT Community Center, local activists, businesses, and the online friends and users of Compu-Who) with 3,000 attendees, this one-day park visit has evolved into a week long, citywide celebration offering round the clock activities including multiple theme park visits, cocktail soirees, concerts, and a host of internationally renowned parties. Gay Disney attracts over 150,000 celebrants from across the nation and around the globe!
Gaydays.com
When GayDayS.com launched in April of 1998, not only did Orlando’s Gay Days gain an impressive state of- the-art marketing tool, it acquired the first ever year-round staff of professionals dedicated to establishing Gay Days as a fully recognized and respected addition to the Central Florida tourism and cultural calendar. In 1999, GayDayS.com/Gay Days, Inc., was added (albeit with some hesitation by the OCCVB) to the membership roster of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Now GayDayS.com is a member of VISIT FLORIDA, the state tourism agency. They are actively working to bring more GLBT tourism to Florida throughout the year. GayDayS.com is also a member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), the Metropolitan Business Association and is a registered seller of travel in the state of Florida. The events that GayDays.com throws are dance parties with deejays from around the country; one of the world’s largest GLBT travel, business and entertainment expos; an 18+ expo; free HIV rapid testings, A Taste of Gay Days, Girls at GayDays parties,Gay Days Literary Festival, pool parties, and much more. For more information, visit GayDays.com
Mark Baker started his career as an art director for television commercials. He went to one of Jeffrey Sanker’s parties and he thought that he too could get in the business of throwing parties. Although his first party didn’t go as well as he expected he regrouped and came back strong. Mark started throwing parties in 1999 at Gay Disney (Gay Disney parties) and as we all know they became super successful. His events are basically big dance parties that put some of the top DJs in the world at the helm of the turntables. In 2005, he sold his Gay Disney parties to Johnny Chisholm and after Johnny filed bankruptcy in 2009, Mark decided to come back and give the party “circuit” scene what they wanted. He has put together a line up of parties including his famous pool parties, night time parties and of course, legendary after hours/morning parties. The roster of entertainers Mark put together this year for his events include: Kidd Madonny and The Perry Twins, Wayne G, Luke Johnstone, Manny Lehman, Rafael Calvente, Freemasons, Alan T., Paulo, Abel, Chus & Ceballos, Taito Tikaro, Hector Fonseca, Peter Rauhofer and Pagano. The host hotel is Buena Vista Palace. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to MarkBakerEvents.com
Riptide at Typhoon Lagoon and Drink Around the World and Retro T-Dance at Epcot
Let’s Go Play brings you two amazing events this year as part of your weekend of fun. The first is the ever popular “Riptide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park”. With over 6,000 people from around the world in attendance, this is one of the weekends hottest private events. The second event is new to Gay Disney Weekend and will be Sunday at Epcot. Lets Go Play donates a portion of each ticket sale to HIV/AIDS charities Broward House in Fort Lauderdale and Hope and Help in Orlando. For tickets to addition information, visit LetsGoPlay2011.com
Girls in Wonderland
This year Girls in Wonderland has joined forces with The Dinah, Booty Bar, PhishPhest Entertainment, My Sisters Room, magic C Events, Lesbian Lush, Cherry Grrl and promotional partners around the country to present a new event line up that promises something for everyone including Live Women’s Music, spectacular dance parties, The Real L Word Celebrities, More Pool Parties, Comedy Show, two Women’s Host Hotels, theme parks and thousands of women from around the country and the world celebrating Gay Days Orlando and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. There will be a stellar line up of the hottest girl deejays and entertainers, including comedian Erin Foley and the ladies from The Real L Word. From pool parties to dance parties, cocktail parties to live music, there is something for everyone. Check out all of the action at GirlsInWonderland.com
Many individuals and organizations have contributed to the success and growth of this wonderful vacation opportunity. Without them, Gay Disney would not be the same!
