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One of my favorite annual weekends, Gay Disney returns, and whether you are going to GaydayS, One Magical Weekend, Girls in Wonderland, or a combination of them, check out all the info below:

GaydayS

Gaydays is very excited to be returning home to the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld as their GayDays host hotel! When I asked new owner, Joseph Clark. about his thoughts, he said: “This year’s event is going to be special in multiple ways as we return home to the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld for Gay Days Orlando, 2023. We haven’t been back to this hotel since 2018 and are happy to be “home.” This year ‘s event lineup includes some traditional Gay Days events with four days of pool parties, at both our main pool, and a bear pool which go until 2 am every day till Monday morning, the GayDays expo, Mr. GayDays Leather Competition, GayDays Puppy Mosh, Taste of GayDays, Drag Queen and Porn Star Bingos and of course the Miss GayDays Pageant. We’ve also added some new featured events: on Saturday, June 1st with the Andrew Christian Get Wet Pool party, hosted by designer Andrew Christian himself, and his Trophy Boys. One of the largest events we’ve added is Beachball at Aquatica Orlando on Saturday, June 1 from 7pm to 1am. DJ’s Joe Pacheco and Tony Moran will be spinning at this new Waterpark Party at this amazing location! The best part is that Aquatica is located across the street from our host hotel, so you don’t have to worry about driving there if you’re staying with us. We’ve had a lot of questions over the past few months on whether Gay Days Orlando was still happening based on the current actions from the state of Florida. We want to ensure everyone that it is not stopping us from coming together to celebrate Gay Days, wearing red, and being seen. If anything, I believe it has made our annual event more important for us to gather as a community and share with the world and the state that we are here and not going anywhere!

Rooms must be booked for a minimum of three nights and include Friday and Saturday. Rooms include (2) pool passes for each day booked.  There is a fee for additional guests over 2. Party pool view rooms face the GayDays party pool and will be loud during party hours.  Pool bands represent a $80 value per band per night.  That is $160 per night value.

Self-Parking for guest staying at Host Hotel – $12 per day 〈Discounted for GayDays Guests, regular rate $25〉.

Almost all the Gaydays events take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld and the events are:

GayDayS Welcome & Information Booth

Stop by the Official Host Hotel and pick up your FREE Official GayDayS 2023 Welcome Bag! While you’re there, their team of ambassadors are eager to assist you in answering any questions you may have. 

GayDayS Ticket & Merchandise Center

The Ticket & Merchandise Center is the one-stop location to pick up or purchase Official GayDayS event tickets, pool party bands, and exclusive merchandise including official GayDayS 2023 Merchandise.

GayDayS Expo

Experience one of the largest Gay & Lesbian Expos in the world featuring businesses from all over the world! Showcasing a variety of goods and services. Over 20,000 attendees, over 100 booths, giveaways, AND free prize raffles. 

GayDayS Adult 18+ Expo

Enjoy a selection of Adult Vendors.

Daytime Pool Parties (11am to 5pm)

Experience one of the many reasons guests from all over the world love their pool parties! Lay out in the Florida sun, grab an ice-cold beverage, and enjoy the variety of live entertainment and DJ’s. Advance $30; At Door $35. The Saturday Pool Party will be hosted by Andrew Christian and his models, and Andrew said: “I’m super excited to be hosting for the first time the Andrew Christian Wet Pool Party at Gay Days. I will be bringing a large group of my Trophy Boys with me. It’s always so much fun when these boys are around; but I am still trying to decide if I should put them in skirts, underwear, swimwear, or maybe, nothing at all…haha. Also, I have a few surprises planned that will show off the best of the Trophy Boys’ assets. There will also be tons of Andrew Christian giveaways along with some of my new THICK underwear that I am so proud to introduce.  I spent months perfecting THICK; and my new design has larger legs, a larger back panel, and an increased waist measurement that easily fits up to a 3XL. THICK is perfect for guys with thick legs, thick butts, or anyone looking for a more comfortable fit. I hope everyone is ready to get soaking wet….and I will see you on June 3 from 11 am to 5 pm at the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld.”

Evening Pool Parties (5pm to 2am)

Experience the same thing you did during the day, just with it being dark and the lights making the party even better. Advance $40; At the door $45 

Taste of GaydayS (Thursday June 1; 6 – 10pm; 21+ event)

One of the tastiest annual events returns! Enjoy samplings from local restaurants, exciting beverages, and live entertainment! Note: This is not intended to be a dinner, just light bites, and drinks. $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

Drag Queen Bingo (Friday, June 2; 5 – 7pm)
Family friendly event Drag Bingo is hosted by Twila Holiday. Join all the fun of bingo with a twist of drag! $15 in advance and $25 at the door.

XXX Porn Bingo (Friday, June 2; 7:30pm)
Back by popular demand, play bingo with host Addison Taylor and her team of Fabscout Porn Stars. Just wait till you see what happens when O-69 is called! $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

7th Annual Miss Gaydays Pageant (Sat June 3; 6-8pm)

Honoring Phoenix Endora, Miss GayDayS 2022. The Contestants will battle it out until only one remains and takes the crown! $20 in advance and $30 at the door. I asked Phoenix about her reign, and she said:

Being crowned Miss GayDays 2022 has been one of life’s absolute blessings. During my reign, I was called upon to travel around the country representing the Miss Gay Days title. For the most part, I saw lots of love, kindness, joy, and family. Some of my best moments were spent getting down to the little one’s level and chatting with the next generation. For the most part, my experience gave me hope. Here at home, however, the LGBTQ+ community and Drag performers are being attacked and targeted. Don’t Say Gay is not only policy; but the practice has now been extended to include high school curriculum and our transgender brothers and sisters are being devastated by the new health care regulations that have been put into place. We need to continue to fight for our rights, continue to entertain, to inspire, to live, to say GAY! That’s why I am so excited for this year’s GayDays events. It’s a chance for us to gather and celebrate our community, to focus ourselves on the battle ahead and to remember why we are all fighting in the first place! So come on down and join me for Gaydays 2023- friends, fun, and Home Coming Weekend at the Double Tree!

Beach Ball at Aquatica Orlando (Sat, June 3; 7pm to 1am)

Get Ready to make a splash at GayDays Orlando’s new waterpark party at Aquatica Orlando! They invite you to join them at this new party and dance the night away to the beat of their amazing DJ’s – Joe Pacheco & Tony Moran, relax in the wave pool, and enjoy the park’s attractions under the stars. Admission is $90 in advance. I spoke to both DJs to ask them their thoughts on playing this inaugural event and they said:

I’m so ecstatic to be making my debut next month for Gay Days’ inaugural waterpark event at Aquatica. It’s such a full circle moment because some of my best childhood memories have been of Orlando and Seaworld. I’m also looking forward to playing alongside Tony Moran; not only is he a living legend, but he’s also one of the DJs that truly “gets it.” Every time I’ve been on his dance floor, he would always deliver music that keeps me dancing until those club lights turn on. A Waterpark. Fierce Music. Great Vibes. At Night? SIGN ME UP! I’m ready to kick off Pride month with such an awesome event, and I hope all of you can join me for this moment. Now let’s make a splash,” said Joe Pacheco

Tony Moran said: “Gay Days 2023 is going to be unforgettable. I am honored to be a part of the history of this event and along with Joe Pacheco, you can expect many original sounds, edits and remixes that will stimulate your aquatic journey.”

GayDayS Puppy Mosh (Sunday, June 4; 2pm – 4pm)
Who doesn’t love puppies! Join the other puppies in an indoor puppy mosh! The human pups will romp, wrestle, and play.  Your tail will wag for sure! Come jump in the balls or just run around the yard! Admission is $10 in advance and $20 at the door.

Mr. GayDayS Leather Competition (Sunday, June 5; 5-7pm)

Who will take home the sash and patch this year at their Mr. GayDays Leather Competition and represent GayDays at various events and prides in the coming year and go to IML next year? You must be there to find out. Admission is $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

I asked the Gaydays Entertainment Director, Chantel Reshae, her thoughts about the upcoming Gaydays 2023 and she said: “The best thing about this year is that we are returning to the Doubletree at a time that we need to. Gay days started cause a group of people were met with opposition and now we are moving back to our hotel to fight against all the things that are being thrown at us. We are coming together as a community to fight against people who think we shouldn’t have any rights! The best part about the Doubletree is that we are going to have a lot of the events that made Gaydays special. We are also creating new events and moments that only this location allows us to. In addition to Beachball at Aquatica we are also introducing Adison Taylor as a permanent member of our family, and she will continue with Porn Bingo, be the pool game hostess, and is now our pageant manager for Miss Gaydays.  As someone who started working at Walt Disney world in 1991 and experienced the birth of Gaydays, I am excited that nothing is able to stop us and we are back in all our glory.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: Gaydays.com.

ONE MAGICAL WEEKEND

One Magical weekend returns to the popular Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort for a 4th time and invites you to join them for their amazing weekend of events. The Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort features 2 resort-style pools, spacious fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, a fabulous restaurant and much more.

When I asked owner Tom Christ about his excitement going into this year, he said: “OMW 2023 is set to be the biggest yet!  The Host Hotel has sold out and we are working on a second overflow property.  The events are going to be packed with revelers ready to kick off Pride month and celebrate RED Shirt Pride Day.  We are working hard to make 2023 an exceptional experience with the introduction of an EDM Twilight at Riptide with DJ Shane Codd along with an exceptional DJ lineup including Paulo, Tom Stephan, and many of the most famous DJs on the planet.  We are thrilled to have Jorgeous, Phoenix, Peaches, London Adour and Cara Cavelli Andrews to werq the stages!  Don’t MISS it!”

The Sheraton Lake Buena Vista is Sold out (next year, book your rooms earlier), but there is great news as OMW has an overflow hotel – The Crown Plaza, which is an easy walk from the Sheraton and the daily Therapy Pool Parties, Cadabra After Hours Parties, WIG, and the Gay Biz Expo! Book your room now at the Crowne Plaza – one of the official host hotels of One Magical Weekend and the Pride Cup Athletes, as they are going fast. If you book your room there (3 night minimum) through the link on the OMW website you will receive 2 Therapy Pool Party Wristbands for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday pool parties ($180 value). Bring your confirmation from the Crown Plaza to the gay Biz Expo (11am to 6pm Fri and Sat; and 11am to 4pm on Sun) at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista after you check in to receive your passes. The other events OMW have are:

Riptide at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark (Friday, June 2; 8pm – 2am)

For one night, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark becomes entirely ours for one of the parties of the year! OMW’s signature event once again washes ashore Disney’s entire 52-acre fantasy water park.  6,000 party animals clad in little more than a bathing suit dancing to the beats of International DJ GSP with DJ Shane Codd doing the kickoff set at sundown. In addition, DJ Paky Chulo will be spinning at the Tidal Wave Bear Lagoon. Don’t miss the amazing water rides or just chill out inside this sprawling theme park. It’s no wonder Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark is known around the world. Imagine you’ve been washed ashore a giant hidden lagoon where you encounter a massive six-foot wave pool and giant water slides. All around you lies the strewn debris of abandoned fishing ships. Explore isolated alcoves with your friends – or a special new friend. I spoke to all 3 DJ’s about their thoughts at playing Riptide and they said:

GSP – “I am super excited to be part of OMW this year. This will be my first time at the festival, but it has been on my DJ bucket list for many years. On top of that, performing at the iconic Riptide on Friday makes it even more special for me. Originally, I was supposed to perform at OMW in 2020, but covid had other plans. I am incredibly honored this year to be given this event to spin at and bring in my #gspinthemix sound to One Magical Weekend which will be truly magical!”

Paky Chulo – “When I received the proposal, I was working in Maspalomas during the Bear Carnival. For a long time, someone had been silently observing my work through social media. I had replied with a comment to a very first post about Orlando Bear Pride and after a few days the proposal for a pool party arrived, but no one had revealed to me that it was the iconic Riptide. Just before signing the contract, I was told that it was the RIPTIDE and I said ‘what!!!’ I cried like a baby….”Me? Riptide? Walt Disney World?”. It was obviously joy and fear at the same time. I always get excited in front of a new experience and although I started very young (I started in 1998) to give emotions and joy through this intense work I still get excited. I work a lot outside Italy and coming to the United States was a longed-for but far-away goal. I ask myself many questions including “will the bear community of the States like me?” Let’s cross our fingers and wish me good luck and hope it’s the beginning of a new and long partnership. I am freaked out with happiness. I’m full of energy and I’m preparing music that excites me and the people who will listen.”

Shane Codd – “I came to typhoon lagoon as a kid so it’s amazing to be playing here now at riptide! In my set you can expect to hear 90s and 2000 classics and remixes of them. I’ll also be playing a lot of my own tunes and unreleased music I will be bringing out this year.”

Red Volume VI, Roundup (Saturday, June 3; 8pm – 1am)

RED takes place at House Of Blues at Disney Springs and stars DJ/Producer Jackinsky with heart thumping sound and euphoric visuals, grab your friends and join them for the game! Don’t miss 2 SPECIAL performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Phoenix! Dress code: Show your RED Western Spirit #GearUp. I spoke to DJ Jackinsky to ask what his: “OMW is going to be epic this year! Not only because of all the excitement and buzz around this event, but also because everyone involved with its production has been working very hard to make it an unforgettable one. Seeing what is happening around us, I feel that this year I must give more than ever to celebrate who we are, what we stand for, our rights to love who we want to, and enjoy what we want to without harm to anyone. Our community is resilient, has always embraced unity, and has made it through a lot, because love is powerful to conquer all. OMW is quite special to me, so I am excited to be part of this event, and deliver a set that will make people happy, smile, dance, and have a ton of fun. I am spinning for the Red Party, vol 6, which has been one of the hottest parties of the weekend, and I am super happy to share the spotlight with the fierce Phoenix. Expect a red-hot time, a red-hot crowd, and music that will turn up the heat! 

Wig (Sunday, June 4; 9pm – 1am)
Get ready to strike a POSE and let your inner diva run wild! Hit the dancefloor at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort for their closing Sunday T-Dance party! Whether you prefer a short bob, or a full blow out, rock your favorite wig and get ready to werq the floor with the sounds of International DJ Kitty Glitter! And of course, heels & harnesses are not necessary, but they are more than welcome at their 3rd Annual WIG party! Wig will feature special performances by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14, Jorgeous as well as performances by Cara Cavalli Andrews and London Adour.

I was able to track down Jorgeous as she is traveling around the world performing and asked her about her thoughts at performing at the WIG party and she said: “OMG, I am so happy to be at One Magical Weekend! I saw all the posts last year and thought that looked like so much fun. I have not been to Florida in forever and can’t wait to come and twirl!”

Therapy Pool Parties (12pm – 7/8pm)

The parties taking place daily alongside – and in – the two sprawling pools at Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort bring the concept of “pool party” to a whole new level. Whether just soaking in the rays and the man-filled landscape; dancing to the sounds of world-class DJs; or enjoying the refreshing drinks and light items from the Pool Bar & Grill, being surrounded by all your current (and new) friends is the kind of physical therapy you’ll find at One Magical Weekend.

FRIDAY June 2
DJ Roland Belmares

DJ Chris Sugden

Saturday June 3
DJ Guy Scheiman

DJ Charlie b

SUNDAY, June 4
DJ Mohammad

DJ Tdon

Cadabra After hours (2am – 8am)

The Magic continues into the late hours as One Magical Weekend presents a series of After-hours Dance Parties that they call Cadabra at the host hotel, Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort.  This is magic and mystery, a sensual musical journey! Cadabra presents a world class dance extravaganza with a DJ line-up of only the very best. Welcome to Cadabra…the sixth year of the ONLY Afterhours to be held in Orlando during One Magical Weekend. Cadabra nights are 21+.Friday, June 3
DJ J Warren

Saturday June 4
DJ Paulo

Sunday, June 5
DJ Tom Stephan

I caught up with the globetrotting DJ Paulo and asked him what we should expect from his set at Cadabra After Hours on Saturday and he said: “I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be returning to OMW and to where it all started -“ Cadabra Sat Afterhours” where I’ll be preparing a special wicked afterhours set ! But it’s not only about the music. As artists, we have a responsibility to use our platforms to send positive messages and bring people together – especially in our current political situation. That’s why I am not only excited to play, but to share this message to our community and remind them that we’re in this together – never take our freedoms for granted So get ready to dance and spread some love! See you on the floor in Orlando!

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: Onemagicalweekend.com.

Girls In Wonderland

Girls in Wonderland is your ULTIMATE resource for women to create a magical weekend from parties to their exclusive women’s resort (Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive – 8001 International Drive), to Kindred Pride’s Red Shirt Day! So, hop on board for a weekend that promises something for everyone including Live Women’s Music, spectacular dance parties, Celebrities, Pool Parties, a Comedy Show, theme parks and thousands of women from around the country and the world celebrating in grand style. All events including their resort are 21 and over.

Welcome Happy Hour (Thursday June 1; 6 – 8pm)
Presented by Lexi Goza State Farm, mix and mingle with new friends at their NEW host hotel. Live music, and free bud light draft for GIW attendees until it runs out, so get there early. Free for GIW host hotel guests.

Traffic Jam – GIW Opening Party (Thursday June 1; 9pm – 2am)
This party takes place at Cuba Libre (9101 International Drive. Red means taken; yellow means approach with caution; and green means GO FOR IT! Sexy go-go girls work the traffic all night long.

Out for Laughs Comedy Show (Friday June 2; 7:30 – 9:30pm)

Opening comedians – Carolyn Bergier is a New York-based comedian, writer, and podcaster who produces and co-hosts the popular LGBTQ+ podcast Dyking Out & Lee Cohen is an Orlando based comedian, tiktoker, and influencer.  Headliner is Sydnee Washington. Join them for an evening of laughs with some of today’s hottest LGBTQ+ comics.

Black and White Masquerade Ball (Friday June 2; 9pm – 2am)

Taking place at Pirates Adventure (6400 Carrier Dr, Orlando) this party is led by Ivy Les Vixen and her sexy Vixens, so get ready for a wild night. Shuttle service available.

GIW Signature Event (Saturday June 3; 9pm – 2am)

QUEER PROM- All Decades at the host hotel. Whether you went to your prom and want to relive it, or this is your first prom, this prom is sure to be a great time!

Last Chance Party (Sunday June 5; 10pm – 2am)
Say goodbye to another amazing Wonderland in their Bud Light Disco with beats by
their guest DJs at the host hotel. 

Pool Parties (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 5pmish)

Get ‘wet’ at their pool parties for the weekend at their Host Hotel. Indulge in the scenery, relax, swim, eat, drink, and dance at their dual pools while dancing to your favorite DJs making waves.

After Hours Parties (2am to 5am)

Sat AM June 3 – After Hours, Afterglow 

The party continues back at the hotel, with Guest DJ TBA who will throw down house,
indie beats, and more in the Bud Light Disco for a late night social.

Sunday Am June 4, After Hours, GIRL

One of the biggest and best lesbian party in the country, Girl The Party, takes over the afterhours for a night of debauchery. All your favorite DJs, go-go Vixens, and more hit the stage. Guest DJS throw down house and indie beats in the Bud Light Disco.​

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: Girlsinwonderland.com.

While in Orlando for gay Disney, don’t forget to stop by all your local bars, restaurants, Nightclubs, and establishments as many of them are also celebrating with fabulous events for Gay Disney!