Best LGBTQ+ Travel Tips for Theme Parks

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Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is something to be proud of. However, based on the discrimination we continue to face, traveling somewhere new, even theme parks, can be a bit overwhelming, which is why having LGBTQ+ travel tips for theme parks can be helpful.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I know how great it can be to experience an amusement park. I also know as a queer person how disheartening it can be to see acts of homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, and more when you’re somewhere on a vacation.

In this guide, I’m going to use my expertise of 25+ years as a theme park expert, as well as my knowledge as a travel agent and queer traveler, to give you the best LGBTQ+ travel trips for theme parks.

1. Choose A Theme Park That’s LGBTQ+ Friendly

Some parks are very welcoming to LGBTQ people. Universal and Disney parks typically tend to have Pride events and Pride merchandise around June, for example, with proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ charities. 

Disneyland Paris was the first Disney park to have an official Pride event, which began in 2019 and runs each year. And Disneyland Park in California now has its own after-hours Pride celebration.

While Walt Disney World does not have its own official pride event, there is an annual Gay Days celebration, featuring in-park gatherings and after-hours hotel events.

Some Six Flags parks in recent years, have also begun having pride celebrations, including DJs, drag queens, and special performances.

Well, it’s not common to see theme parks come out right and say they don’t support LGBTQ+ rights, there are some parks that unfortunately are in locations that are not the most LGBTQ+ friendly. 

For example, I love Dollywood, but unfortunately on my last road trip to Gatlinburg, TN, there were some instances that made me nervous about being a gay traveler in that environment. 

And even though Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World have Pride murals and sell Pride merchandise, they are located in Florida, which has seen an uptick of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as of late.

It’s important to remember that sometimes you can be in the park and feel completely safe, but you should still be mindful of where you are whenever you are walking around. Sometimes theme parks are a nice little bubble of inclusivity that may not extend beyond the park’s borders.

A theme park located in Los Angeles, California is more likely to be in an area that’s more welcoming of queer people than the area surrounding a park in rural Texas, for example.

If you’re looking to have the best vacation, work with me as a travel advisor! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I can help you enjoy your next trip and make it one to remember. Whether you’re a family planning the ultimate trip, an LGBTQ+ couple seeking a safe, romantic getaway, or a solo explorer ready to conquer the world, I’m here to craft the perfect stress-free itinerary just for you.

2. Stay Safe As An LGBTQ+ Traveler At Theme Parks

When traveling anywhere as an LGBTQ+ person, it’s important to know the laws and customs of the country or state where you’re visiting, and theme parks are no exception. For example, theme parks in Dubai would not be accepting of signs of affection from LGBTQ+ people, so do not engage in that at all when visiting.

As mentioned above, sometimes parks are located in areas where queer people may not be as welcome as others. It’s important to be mindful of that when traveling outside the theme park’s borders as well. To stay safe, don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself if you know LGBTQ+ people are not as welcome in the area you’re visiting.

There are unfortunately situations where you can be harassed for being a member of LGBTQ+ community. When that happens, follow these tips to try and de-escalate the situation:

• Try and remain calm. Do not engage in a shouting match or physical altercation with the harasser.
• You can try to politely de-escalate the situation, but only if you feel safe doing so and can do it without yelling or fighting.
• Do your best to try and walk away from the situation. 
• If the harassment continues, walk towards the front of the park, where security can usually be found. You may come across security on your way there, but they are almost always also located at the front gate.
• ALLIES – this is where we need you! If you see a queer person being harassed at a theme park, do what you can to protect them. Try to de-escalate the situation if you feel safe doing so, or even offer to walk with the LGBTQ person/people to security. Strength in numbers is important in these situations.

When traveling anywhere it’s important to know where the safe spaces are. A lot of times, as in the case with Florida, theme parks are actually one of the safer spaces. 

If a theme park is located near a gay-friendly city, usually finding a queer-oriented night club can be helpful in determining a safe space. 

You can also do some research ahead of time through various apps and websites to determine where to go for safety. You can also use social media to try and meet up with other queer people or stay in touch throughout your journey for safety. Use resources like:

• IGLTA
• GayCities
• Reddit
• Facebook Groups

Keep in mind that using these apps in locations where being LGBTQ+ is illegal may not be wise, as unfortunately, there may be people there undercover trying to catch illegal activity in that country.

3. Maximize Your Theme Park Experience As An LGBTQ+ Traveler

Once you’re at a theme park, there’s so much to do, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to dining at some of the most unique locations. 

Are you an LGBTQ+ couple celebrating a romantic anniversary? There’s some great photo opportunities at theme parks, and sometimes even a theme park employee there to take the picture for you!

Looking to stay somewhere on a friends trip that gives you the feeling of an LGBTQ-friendly tropical island? Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando may be great for you, with restaurants like Strong Water Tavern to try new Caribbean flavors and rums.

Want to try a new, exciting dish? Places like EPCOT’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World have lots of unique cuisine to try that can be hard to find elsewhere.

And if you’re wanting to explore some nightlife after visiting the parks for the day, some LA parks aren’t that far from the iconic nightclubs of West Hollywood. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time for rest!

You can use the Vertigo Views blog to research some of these options. You can also reach out to work with me as your travel advisor, and I can help create the perfect theme park trip for you as an LGBTQ+ traveler.

4. Explore With Confidence and Expertise

Traveling to a new location as a queer traveler can be stressful, but with these LGBTQ+ travel tips for theme parks, hopefully I’ve made it a little easier for you.

Once you’ve thoroughly done your research (or worked with me to do it), explore your new location with confidence. This may be the only time you visit this theme park and its surrounding area, so try and enjoy it as much as you can.

Respect the local laws and customs, and know how to stay safe based on what you find. Remember – you’re a guest in these locations, and their laws need followed, even if you don’t agree with them.

When you’re ready to have an amazing LGBTQ+-friendly theme park vacation, reach out to me for my personalized travel planning services. As a member of the queer community who also loves travel, I want to make sure you’re able to enjoy theme parks as much as I do while still feeling safe, relaxed, and comfortable in your own skin.