I'm taking my family to Disney World in 2003 from May 31 to June 5. Are the crowds moderate at this time? Memorial weekend will be past at this time, but I am concerned about Gay and Lesbian Days causing crowds. I have read that the first weekend in June is the official start for this event, but do they really show up earlier? We have been to Disney World the past couple of years during late April and early May. I'm hoping that early June crowds will be similar to early May. Any advice?

My family went last year and were unaware that it would be Gay and Lesbian days. We were quite uncomfortable by some of the behaviour we saw at Pleasure Island. I would not go back during this theme week.

For lots of info and tips and trip reports from many contributors go to wdwig.com This early in summer should be good time, but Florida schools get out for summer in mid-May so more local families may be visiting.

Dear JLM

There are various conventions that go on in the Orlando area throughout the year. The Gay convention starts on if I am not mistaken on May 30 this year and lasts until about June 4. You can get information on the different conventions from the Orlando visitors center. As far as taking your family to Disney this time of year. If possible it would be great if you could leave a week or two earlier. You might be able to get better prices for hotels. And miss the beginning of the peak season. If you have to travel that time of year you really have no choice. Do your research get Birmbaums (I think thats how the name is spelled) book on Disney World and you will get a world of information about Disney World. This book was very helpfull in my planning my trip to Disney. Hope this helps.

Find a website that lists the activities for the G&L weekend and avoid those parks on those days. Pleasure Island is another matter though.

Why are you people so adverse to experiencing real life? Are you so info the fantasy of Disney that you refuse to believe not everyone is like you? I thank God my kids were brought up experiencing all kinds of people and lifestyles and have no prejudices about gays, lesbians, or anyone else.

I agree that kids should be taught not to descriminate against gays and learn to accept others that are different than they are. I love disney (mostly!), but I would be more afraid about your kids (daughters in particular) buying in to the disney theme that if the girl doesn't get the guy, her life is over. This is a more dangerous influence on little minds than seeing 2 men holding hands! Just one example is that the Little Mermaid gives up her whole family (FOREVER) for a man she doesn't know and is "in love" with him after seeing him once! Plus the body image of women portrayed to little girls is worse than the fashion magazines. So chill out about the gay thing, teach your children to love themselves and that it is ok to love someone else no matter who they are.

ttt

Crowds can always be a problem in Disney, you just have to plan for it. We used the book "Disney with Kids" and it was very helpful. The best advice we got from the books is to go to the parks before they open, hit the most popular things first, and fast pass for the rest of the day. Have fun!

My kids know there are gay and lesbians and we do not discriminate in any way against them. But I also would rather be at Disney at a different time. My kids (and me) don't need to see smooching and hand holding by gay and lesbian couples to know it exists.