Disney Gay Days Cancels 35th Anniversary Event

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBTQ Politics

LAS VEGAS — February 9, 2026 — Organizers of Disney Gay Days have officially canceled the event’s planned 35th anniversary celebration, marking a major pause for one of the longest-running unofficial LGBTQ fan gatherings connected to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Related LGBTQ News Coverage Links on JRL CHARTS:

• Get the Latest in LGBT Politics USA Exclusively on JRL CHARTS

• Follow All the Latest Happenings with PRIDE Month on JRL CHARTS

• Democrats Enter 2026 Midterms With Momentum — But LGBTQ Civil Rights Are Now on the Ballot

• NIH Defies Court-Restored LGBTQ Grants, Confirms Funding Will End in 2026

• Pentagon Halts HIV-Positive Recruit Training as Florida Cuts Put HIV Medications at Risk

The annual event, traditionally held during the first weekend of June, was set to commemorate its milestone anniversary in 2026. However, organizers announced Sunday via a public Facebook statement that the gathering would not take place this year.

“Changes to our host hotel agreement, the loss of key sponsorship support, and broader challenges currently impacting LGBTQIA+ events nationwide made it impossible to deliver the experience our community deserves,” organizers wrote. They emphasized that the cancellation represents “a pause — not an ending.”

According to organizers, the group is now reassessing its long-term strategy and plans to “reimagine” the event with the goal of creating a more sustainable model in the coming years.

Political Climate and Event Sustainability

Industry observers note that Florida’s increasingly restrictive political environment toward LGBTQ+ communities may have contributed to the decision.

Under Governor Ron DeSantis, the state legislature has passed multiple measures affecting transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals, including restrictions on restroom access in public facilities and limitations on access to gender-affirming healthcare. Florida law also permits healthcare providers to deny services based on religious beliefs and allows state intervention in certain family healthcare decisions.

In 2023, the Human Rights Campaign issued a formal travel advisory for Florida, citing the cumulative impact of these policies on LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. While the organization clarified that it was not calling for a boycott, the advisory warned travelers about potential risks and challenges.

These factors have increasingly influenced tourism, event planning, and corporate sponsorship decisions across the state.

Related LGBTQ Florida News Coverage Links on JRL CHARTS:

• Two Florida Cities Cancel Pride Amid Funding Crisis & Political Pressure

• Florida GOP Congressman Introduces bill Banning Pride Flags

• Judge Wendy Berger Tosses Challenge on Florida “Don’t Say Gay” Law

• HRC Honors Seven Florida Cities With 100% LGBTQ Inclusion Ratings

A Legacy Event in LGBTQ History

Disney Gay Days began in 1991 as a grassroots effort encouraging LGBTQ+ visitors to wear red shirts while visiting Walt Disney World, allowing attendees to easily identify and connect with one another.

Originally organized by and for gay men seeking safe spaces to celebrate shared experiences, the event quickly expanded into a multigenerational gathering. Over the years, it attracted LGBTQ+ families, couples, and international travelers, many of whom scheduled vacations and honeymoons around the annual celebration.

Despite periodic protests from anti-LGBTQ groups, the event grew steadily and became an important economic driver for Orlando-area businesses. Local tourism officials have previously estimated that Gay Days generated tens of millions of dollars annually in hotel, dining, and entertainment revenue.

Disney’s Official Pride Initiatives

While Disney Gay Days remains an unofficial fan-organized event, The Walt Disney Company has expanded its own Pride-related programming in recent years.

In 2019, Disney launched Disneyland Paris Pride, its first official Pride celebration. In 2023, the company introduced Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite at its California park, featuring themed entertainment, parades, and merchandise.

Disney has also partnered with LGBTQ organizations through its Pride merchandise initiatives. In 2022, portions of Pride merchandise proceeds benefited groups including GLSEN, PFLAG, The Trevor Project, Zebra Coalition, and several major LGBTQ community centers across the United States.

Looking Ahead

Organizers of Disney Gay Days say discussions are underway about the future of the event, with updates expected later in 2026.

“Our goal is to return stronger and more resilient,” organizers said. “This community deserves an experience that reflects its history, diversity, and continued impact.”

Whether the iconic gathering returns in 2027 or takes on a new format remains to be seen, but its three-decade legacy remains a significant chapter in LGBTQ cultural and tourism history.

For continuing coverage on LGBTQ politics, culture, and community impact stories, follow JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics News — your trusted source for verified, in-depth reporting.