Gay Days is one of the most popular “unofficial” events at Disneyland, drawing crowds annually the first weekend in October. The event is not presented by Disney, and Disney does not offer information about the festivities, but Disneyland Resort is supportive of the event and the many guests it brings to their parks, hotels and restaurants. Because this is an unofficial event, the parks are still open to the public, so you don’t need a special ticket to visit the parks (but there are discounted convention tickets for participants available until Oct. 3 at 9:00 p.m.).

Photo Credit: Gay Days Anaheim

Disneyland Gay Days does bring in more people to the parks. An anticipated 30,000 people will be participating at Disneyland Gay Days in 2015. There is a schedule of events for each day, with one park playing "host" during normal operating hours. There are family-friendly events, informal chats, cocktails, a concert and other events. You can find all of the fabulous details on the Gay Days Anaheim website. Whether you are planning to attend Disneyland Gay Days or just visit the parks this same weekend, here are some important details to get you ready!

Disneyland Gay Days

Gay Days and Crowds

Disneyland Gay Days does bring in quite a few people, and the impact it has on crowds is growing — along with the general higher crowds the parks see on weekends. Based on park hours, Disneyland is expecting a busy weekend! If you already have vacation plans for this weekend, don't let it stop you, but make sure to arrive ahead of park opening for each day of your trip. Take advantage of the lowest crowds early in the day by riding the most popular rides when you first arrive.  If you're really concerned about the crowds and have a trip planned on these days, make sure to avoid the park that Gay Days is being hosted in. Even with more crowds, many people report that it is a fun, festive atmosphere.

Wear Red

Photo Credit: Gay Days Anaheim

There is an official Gay Days red T-shirt you can purchase, but if you don’t have or want the shirt, the organizers suggest you stick to red shirts. The red shirts help Gay Days participants to identify each other and show their numbers. They also sell Gay Days pins. It goes without saying, but you don't have to officially be part of the event to show your support by wearing red!

Follow the Schedule

There is a schedule that Gay Days participants can follow. Consult the website to find out about parties, meals, scavenger hunts, group rides, group photos, discounts, teen events, concerts, and free activities dedicated to families with children. Whether you are participating in Gay Days or not, knowing the general schedule can help you manage your time in the parks. The most important scheduling detail to know for all park guests is which park is scheduled for Gay Days. For example, the event is at the parks the following days:

• Saturday Oct. 3, 2015 — Gay Days at Disneyland.
• Sunday Oct. 4, 2015 — Gay Days at California Adventure

Find Gay Days Menu Items

Photo Credit: Gay Days Anaheim

The Gay Days Anaheim site also promises special Gay Days dessert menu items and even some meal packages at several quick-service restaurants in each park all weekend. Check out our favorite quick service restaurants in Disneyland and in California Adventure for some ideas on where to eat. Since you can expect weekend crowds in the parks you might also make an advance reservation at a table service restaurant to secure your table.

Discover Entertainment

Photo Credit: Gay Days AnaheimOutside of the amusement parks there are pool parties, mixers, live music, DJs, dancing, brunch and other events in Downtown Disney and the hotels. Some require tickets, but many are free. One event you won't want to miss is six-time Tony winner and Beauty and the Beast star Audra McDonald, who will present an intimate concert Oct. 2 at the Disneyland Hotel.

Enjoy Halloween Time at the Same Time

Gay Days also happens to fall during Halloween Time at Disneyland, so there is a lot going on in the parks that weekend. This can also affect your planning if you are planning to extend your trip to make a long weekend of Gay Days. On Friday, Oct. 2, Disneyland closes at 7:00 p.m. for Mickey’s Halloween Party, a special event that requires a separate ticket. Also, on Monday Oct. 5, the park closes at 6:00 pm for Mickey’s Halloween Party. If you want to attend the party, buy a ticket in advance, otherwise you may want to hop over to California Adventure during the party time because Disneyland will be closed to the general public during the party.

If you are interested in other unofficial events at Disneyland, check out our recent post on Dapper Day. These unofficial days at Disneyland offer a unique way to experience the parks and meet other people. They can also affect crowds, so knowing about them can help you join the fun or plan the best time for your family to visit.

Hoppy Planning!