ReadOut

by Dan Avery

IT’S A GAY WORLD AFTER ALL

A new book gives queers the keys to the Magic Kingdom

Let’s face it: Disney is pretty queer. Cruella DeVil? Drag queen. The Red Queen? Bull dyke. Chip and Dale? C’mon, that’s too easy.

But how do you have a gay old time at America’s number-one family destination (and not the good kind of “family,” either)? To help hapless homos make the most of the Happiest Places on Earth, Disney-philes Jeffrey Epstein and Eddie Shapiro have written Queens in the Kingdom: The Ultimate Gay and Lesbian Guide to the Disney Theme Parks (Alyson). Packed with vital information, from which rides are the hottest tickets to where to grab a covert “gay moment,” the book is both irreverent and informative, like your best girlfriend showing you the ropes.

Epstein, senior editor at Out, met Shapiro while they were both studying at New York’s Tisch School of the Arts, and the two bonded over their love for all things Disney. “Eddie’s the real nut when it comes to the memorabilia,” says Epstein of his friend/collaborator. “I think the only reason he worked on the book was to pay for all the collectibles in his apartment.” They began writing about visiting the Disney parks a few years back and after getting a positive response from Alyson, decided to embark on the book.

With the parks’ naturally theatrical atmosphere and queer-friendly benefits, the authors say you’re as likely to find a gay person operating an attraction as riding one, so don’t be surprised if Goofy asks for your phone number. “Once we went to check out the Pocahontas show and two of the male dancers were definitely playing to us,” Shapiro laughs. “They were the friendliest Indian braves I ever met.” Other gay-interest attractions include Tarzan Rocks at Animal Kingdom (“cute guys in loincloths,” Shapiro remarks), Peter Pan’s Flight, and Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot, hosted by everyone’s favorite funny lesbian, Ellen DeGeneres. But the top queer attraction has to be Splash Mountain, which is almost completely modeled around Brer Bear’s butt. “The butt is everywhere you look,” Epstein laughs. “You can’t avoid it. It’s relentless.”

Much of the book is useful for vacationers of any orientation, including honest opinions on park rides, lodging, dining, and other attractions in and around Orlando and Anaheim—though straight folk might not be interested in knowing that Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley looks really hot in the Great Movie Ride or that the best place for a same-sex kiss is the Hall of Presidents. “It’s always empty!” Shapiro says. “Plus it’s nice and dark.”

A section of Queens in the Kingdom is devoted to the parks’ annual Gay Days, when thousands of gays and lesbians arrive en masse, sporting red shirts for easy recognition and solidarity. The phenomenon began in 1991, when members of an online bulletin board decided to organize a group trip to Disney World. Within a few years, the gathering had become a large-scale annual event. (“They get somewhere in the ballpark of 150,000 people,” Epstein says.) Gay Day 2 in Anaheim began in 1998 and is quickly rivaling its East Coast counterpart. The multiple-day celebrations at both parks include expos, soirees, and dance parties like One Mighty Party and Kingdom, the first gay party held inside Disneyland. This year, Gay Days take place the weekends of June 7 at Disney World and October 4 at Disneyland.

There are many different approaches to enjoying Gay Day, but Epstein and Shapiro embrace something of a commando mentality. “To get the most out of your experience, get up at the crack of dawn, hit the park all day, run home to shower and eat dinner, then dance the night away,” Epstein says. After a moment’s pause, Shapiro deadpans, “We realize it’s not for everyone.”

While the Disney Corporation does not officially endorse Gay Days (don’t want to give those Southern Baptists an aneurysm, do we?), they are supportive and allow unofficial events and parties in the park. “They were very helpful with the book,” Epstein says. “The average gay visitor spends about a thousand dollars at the park. Disney’s not about to turn them away.”

Dan Avery, an entertainment writer in New York, interviewed the Pet Shop Boys for the September 2002 issue.

DOING DISNEY

Here are some of Epstein and Shapiro’s tried-and-true tips to enjoying Gay Days at the Disney theme parks:

Attitude. This is an amusement park, not a circuit party, so check your snobbery at the door. “How can you have attitude when you’re hurling toward the ground at 100 miles per hour?” Shapiro asks.

Lodging. If you can at all afford it, stay at a Disney accommodation. They’re convenient and offer great perks like free shuttle service and rolling admission. Plus you’re more likely to meet other Gay Day participants.

Dining. There are a lot more dining options at Disney than most people realize, but even at the more sophisticated restaurants, there are going to be families with kids. It’s unavoidable.

Lines. “Lines are actually fun on Gay Day,” Epstein says. “You can cruise, chat with people, make new connections, fall in love, break up, and stay friends all in one spot.”

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