Gay Days Orlando will not take place at Walt Disney World Resort in June 2026. The Central Florida organization was scheduled to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year.
The LGBTQIA+ organization announced the decision on February 9, attributing the cancellation to lost sponsorships, changes to hotel agreements, and what it describes as “broader challenges currently impacting LGBTQIA+ events nationwide.”
Organizers Cite Financial and Logistical Issues
Gay Days Orlando released a statement across its website and social media channels explaining the cancellation of the event, which typically includes takeovers at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to pause the GayDays Orlando event scheduled for June 2026.
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. This is a pause — not an ending.
For more than 30 years, GayDays has been built by and for our community. Our focus now is on reimagining the future and returning with a stronger, more sustainable event.
We will share updates in the coming months as we shape the next chapter together. Thank you for your support, your patience, and for being part of the GayDays family. #GayDays #LGBTQCommunity #SeeYouSoon
An additional message appeared on the organization’s website:
GayDays Family — it is with very heavy hearts that we share GayDays 2026 will not take place this year. This was an incredibly difficult decision and one that was only made after every possible option was explored. GayDays has always been more than an event — it is community, family, and a place where so many memories are made. While this pause is painful, it also gives us the opportunity to step back, listen, and begin shaping a stronger and reimagined GayDays for the future. Thank you for your continued love, patience, and support. This is not goodbye — it’s a reset, and we look forward to creating the future of GayDays together.
While some social media posts from organizers call it a “pause,” the website confirms that the 2026 event is officially canceled.
Gay Days Background
Gay Days Orlando started in 1991 as an unofficial gathering at Walt Disney World Resort. Initially, Disney posted warnings informing guests they might see “homosexual” activity during the event period.
The third-party celebration has grown over three decades into a major Pride gathering in Central Florida. Many Disney cast members now participate, and the event typically coincides with Pride Month offerings at Walt Disney World Resort, including special food items and Disney Pride merchandise.
California Event Proceeding
Gay Days Anaheim will continue as scheduled, September 18-20, 2026, at Disneyland Resort.
Have you ever attended Gay Days Orlando or Anaheim? Share your favorite memories with Disney Dining in the comments!
