The first weekend of June is poised to celebrate Orlando’s vibrant LGBTQ community, featuring a series of events despite the announcement that GayDays Orlando’s parties will be “on pause” for 2026. Longtime event organizers, including Ethan Suarez of One Magical Weekend, aim to clarify the distinction between the now-suspended GayDays and other ongoing festivities.
Suarez emphasized that many attendees often confuse GayDays Inc. with the broader term “gay days,” which encompasses various community gatherings, including the traditional assembly at the Magic Kingdom theme park. “We’ve been trying to communicate what’s going on for 20-plus years — that we are not the same party,” he remarked. This year, One Magical Weekend will host a range of activities such as pool parties, DJ-driven dance events, a drag brunch, and a nighttime excursion to Typhoon Lagoon, a water park within Walt Disney World.
Last year, One Magical Weekend attracted around 10,000 participants, and ticket sales for this year’s event are reportedly outpacing the previous year. “Our host hotels are almost sold out,” Suarez noted, highlighting the growing interest. Preparations for the event often begin over a year in advance, and Suarez indicated that the team is well into the production phase.
The Girls in Wonderland event, a four-day gathering featuring themes like Sapphic Safari and Space Cowboy, is also set to take place. Co-founder Alison Burgos expressed confidence that her clientele, primarily women, understand that her organization operates independently from GayDays. “There is some confusion online about the status of this year’s events, but I feel our clients are aware of the separation,” she stated.
The origins of these gatherings trace back to a single day in 1991 when friends met at the Magic Kingdom wearing red shirts to identify one another. Over the years, the event evolved into a multi-day celebration that attracts international visitors. Notably, these gatherings are community-driven and not officially managed by GayDays Inc.
In a recent announcement regarding the pause in their events, co-owner Josh Duke mentioned that a loss of sponsors and broader financial challenges have impacted the organization. “Over the past few years, many organizations have taken a more conservative approach to sponsorships, travel, and discretionary spending,” Duke explained, noting that this trend affects various community events, not just LGBTQ+ gatherings.
Suarez confirmed similar challenges, revealing that two alcohol company sponsors pulled their support for One Magical Weekend due to budget constraints. He acknowledged that the current geopolitical climate also contributes to the difficulties faced by LGBTQ events in Florida.
Despite these challenges, both Suarez and Burgos underscored the importance of creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community. “Now more than ever, events like One Magical Weekend and Girls in Wonderland are crucial for ensuring that we can celebrate joyfully and safely,” Burgos stated.
A newer addition to the weekend’s lineup is the Pride Cup, which features athletic competitions organized by the non-profit KindRED Pride Foundation. Burgos, who serves on the board of KindRED, anticipates over 1,000 athletes participating this year, showcasing the event’s appeal beyond traditional festivities.
The evolving nature of these gatherings reflects a commitment to inclusivity and adaptation. Ed Salvato, a New York-based LGBTQ marketing specialist, observed that there is significant potential for growth. “If you want to survive in this crowded, competitive marketplace, you have to keep inventing yourself and creating value for your customers,” he advised.
As Orlando’s LGBTQ celebrations continue to flourish, they remain a testament to the community’s resilience and spirit. “This is a very important historical event, but it’s also a relevant event,” Salvato remarked. The family-friendly atmosphere of the theme parks makes them particularly appealing, especially as more LGBTQ individuals are becoming parents. “They feel very comfortable going there,” he added, recognizing the lasting impact of these gatherings on generations of LGBTQ families.
As the events unfold, Orlando’s LGBTQ community is set to embrace the spirit of unity and celebration, ensuring that their vibrant culture remains alive and well.
