Gay Days Anaheim returned to Disneyland from September 13-15, bringing together LGBTQ+ individuals and allies for a weekend of festivities.
Attendees were encouraged to wear red shirts as a sign of solidarity and celebration.
For fans of Knots Landing, Gay Days Anaheim hosted a special event on Friday, September 13.
Iconic characters Valene Ewing, Karen MacKenzie, and Abby Ewing came to life as actresses Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee, and Donna Mills shared behind-the-scenes stories from the beloved show, which aired on CBS from 1979 to 1993. This intimate conversation revealed some steamy secrets from the cul-de-sac.
The event benefited Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, with both general admission and VIP tickets available, the latter including a meet-and-greet with the stars.
Musical entertainment was also on the lineup. Cheyenne Jackson, known for his soulful crooning and Broadway performances, took the stage with a new show featuring a mix of melodies and showbiz anecdotes. Additionally, fan-favorite Jackie Cox performed her new show, You Wish, on Friday.
Saturday, September 14, brought a variety of events, including a drag queen show and the popular The MisMatch Game. Raven, Chad Michaels, and Morgan McMichaels presented Not So Disney, a comedic tribute to Disney classics.
Dennis Hensley hosted The MisMatch Game, featuring celebrity impersonations and Disney-themed questions. The day concluded with KINGDOM, the signature dance party at the House of Blues Anaheim, with DJ Kimberly S spinning the tunes.
Disneyland was also swarmed in red as a massive meet-up took place.
Matt Desmond shared a group photo in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle with hundreds decked out in red.
“Here’s all the group photos from today’s Gay Days Sleeping Beauty Castle group photo at Disneyland!”
Here’s all the group photos from today’s Gay Days Sleeping Beauty Castle group photo at Disneyland! pic.twitter.com/gcLvfRct8G
— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) September 15, 2024
Matt also shared a video as red shirts swarmed Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland.
The red shirts are taking Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland! pic.twitter.com/sCM0ovYV7A
— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) September 14, 2024
Gay Day also takes place on the East Coast at Walt Disney World!
The first Gay Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom occurred on June 1, 1991, in front of Cinderella’s Castle just before the 3 p.m. parade. The goal was for the LGBTQ+ community to come together, all wearing red shirts, to make themselves visible at a time when doing so could be risky.
This year, 33 years later, Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom once again took place on June 1, the first day of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Thousands from the LGBTQ+ community gathered to celebrate and turn Disney red in honor of that original act of visibility and solidarity.
As we previously reported, there were tons of snacks announced for the event at Disneyland this weekend as well.
Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park offered three special rainbow-themed treats this year: Rainbow Macarons, Rainbow Linzer Cookies, and Rainbow Cake.
Rainbow Macarons were available at the Coffee House and Tangaroa Terrace in the Disneyland Hotel, while Rainbow Linzer Cookies were available at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta, Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream, Red Rose Taverne, Market House, and Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. The Rainbow Cake was featured at Paradise Garden Grill, Aunt Cass Café, and Plaza Inn.
“The first Gay Days Anaheim in 1998 attracted about 2,500 people. Today, the event attracts over 30,000 guests to the Disneyland Resort each year! What was once a small one-day gathering has become a full weekend event with parties, gatherings, a massive group photo, a scavenger hunt, private meals, and much more!”
These festive desserts celebrated the growing presence of the LGBTQ+ community within the park, promoting diversity and inclusion.
As for the rest of the weekend, the festivities continue on Sunday, September 15, with the annual pool party, PLUNGE!, at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel.
Attendees can cool off with music from DJ Ray Rhodes and enjoy cocktails by the pool. Later, Varla Jean Merman performs The Errors Tour at the Grand Californian Hotel, featuring a mix of comedy, music, and over-the-top costumes.
Throughout the weekend, attendees visited the Gay Days Welcome Center at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. The center was and will be open all three days, offering event merchandise, vendor booths, and free giveaways.
Disney has always been supportive in the LGBTQ+ space, especially Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland continues to expand its LGBTQ+ representation and support through events like Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite. This is just one of several special After Dark events, which also include Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite, Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite, and Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite.
While Walt Disney World Resort has not had a separately ticketed event for the community, the parks do celebrate Pride Month with specialty snacks, merchandise, and photo opportunities that can be found all around the parks and resorts.
Would you like to see Disney World hold an exclusive LGBTQ+-themed after-hours event?