How to Plan an LGBTQ-Friendly Disney World Trip

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Walt Disney World Resort is known as “The Most Magical Place On Earth.” But if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s common to wonder how safe and welcoming a space can be.

As a theme park enthusiast with over 25 years of studying, visiting, and working in theme parks, I’m also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community myself. Having visited Disney World multiple times, I want to help you understand how welcoming this destination theme park resort can be.

I’m going to share some of the things Disney has done to make this a welcoming space, tips on how you can plan an LGBTQ-friendly Disney World trip at this massive resort as a member of the queer community, and what you can do to make this an even better experience overall.

Does Disney World Support the LGBTQ+ Community?

Disney has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and this includes creating inclusive experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort.

With their inclusive policies, diverse representation in both its Cast Members and media, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy visiting these parks.

For example, in 2022, Disney changed the name of its Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Cast Members from “Fairy Godmothers In Training” to “Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices” to create more gender-neutral titles for employees transforming people into iconic Disney princesses, pirates, and more.

Many Cast Members working at Disney World are out and proud members of the queer community. You’ll also often see same-sex couples and LGBTQ+ families at Disney daily.

Is Disney Safe for the LGBTQ+ Community?

While Florida may have a concerning political climate right now, members of the LGBTQ+ community can feel safe inside Disney World, where Cast Members work hard to make sure everybody feels safe and welcome in their parks.

When planning your LGBTQ-friendly Disney World vacation, think of Disney World as a bubble of inclusivity, where you can be yourself and see other LGBTQ+ people enjoying the parks with their families as well!

Does Disney World Do Anything For Pride?

During Pride Month (June), Disney usually has Pride-themed merchandise, specialty snacks, and rainbow displays throughout the parks. Some of the proceeds from these efforts usually go to LGBTQ-friendly charities and organizations.

There are also occasional photo opportunities related to Pride, including murals and magic shots in front of park landmarks that Cast Members can take for you.

While Disney World itself does not host any LGBTQ or Pride-specific events, there are events held by third parties that often partake in visiting the parks and resorts, like Gay Days and One Magical Weekend. Keep in mind that these events are not sponsored by Disney themselves.

If you’re looking to have the best Walt Disney World vacation, work with me as a travel advisor and Authorized Disney Vacation Planner! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I can help make it one to remember. Whether you’re a family with kids, a solo traveler, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you’ll have an stress-free, safe Disney trip!

Navigating Disney World As An LGBTQ+ Traveler

As an LGBTQ+ traveler myself, I know it can be uncomfortable to be somewhere you don’t feel safe and welcome. Luckily, I’ve always felt welcome at Disney World as a member of the queer community.

Whether it’s dressing up as your favorite character or getting made into one at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Disney encourages guests to dress how they’re most comfortable, especially for character meet and greets.

Disney World Cast Members are trained to respect pronouns, gender expression, and gender identities when speaking with you – they can even use gender-neutral terms like “Royal Guest” if you make that request!

Rides like it’s a small world celebrate global diversity, whereas those who want to experience the scariest thrill rides have those options available to them as well. Be sure to use Lightning Lane to speed up the process and experience some of the most popular rides at the resort.

Not sure which rides to use Lightning Lane for? I’ve got you covered with my guide on the best rides for Lightning Lane reservations!

And don’t forget all the amazing dining opportunities across the resort. Whether it’s drinking a tiki drink at Trader Sam’s, grabbing a Mickey pretzel in Magic Kingdom, or exploring a festival at EPCOT, there’s something for everyone. Some locations may have those special Pride-themed eats and treats as well!

Staying in the “Disney bubble” is easy thanks to their free transportation options to the theme parks, water parks, resort hotels, and Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district. Whether it’s a bus, boat, monorail, or Skyliner car, there’s a way to get around the resort without having to pay!

These truly are some of the best theme parks in the world, and you deserve to be yourself and feel comfortable doing so.

Let the outside world and its worries fade away when you’re visiting Disney World! As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I can help you plan which transportation you’ll need to take and when!

LGBTQ-Friendly Disney World Resort Hotels

Luckily, all the hotels at Disney World are friendly for queer people!

This means you have your pick of some of the most popular theme park resort hotels anywhere that come with the safety of Disney World, and their perks like early entry or extended evening hours.

Whether you want to explore the laid-back island vibes of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there’s music and food of New Orleans at Disney’s Port Orleans: French Quarter Resort, or the larger-than-life Disney theming of Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, there’s something for everyone’s style and budget as an LGBTQ+ traveler!

Booking And Planning Your LGBTQ-Friendly Disney World Trip

There’s a lot that goes into booking and planning an LGBTQ-friendly Disney World trip (or really any Disney trip). That’s why I’m here to help you as an LGBTQ+ travel agent specializing in theme park vacations!

With my expertise and experience as a theme park enthusiast and Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, I can help make your trip as stress-free and seamless as possible.

I’ll help you plan your custom itinerary and pick the best time for you to visit, whether you want to visit during Pride month for a celebration or avoid the crowds during a less busy time. We can even plan around events like Gay Days or One Magical Weekend if you’re interested!

Not sure what a Park Hopper ticket is and whether or not you need it? We can work together to see if those tickets are best for your trip and then I can guide you on the best ways to use them!

Not sure which of the Disney World Resort hotels you want to stay at? I can give you options that fit your budget and preferences!

My ultimate mission is to handle the details and help every traveler experience the magic of the theme parks without the stress – especially my fellow LGBTQ+ travelers who deserve a safe and joyful experience anywhere they go.

Book your LGBTQ-friendly Disney World vacation with me today and experience the magic without the worry!