Celebrate RED Shirt Pride Day in Orlando

What’s the most magical way to mark the start of Pride Month? A trip to Disney World, of course. Back in the 90s, a small group of LGBTQ Central Floridians had the same idea. In June 1991, they held the first RED Shirt Pride Day at Magic Kingdom to boost LGBTQ visibility by enjoying the parks in matching red shirts. What started as a small movement became a sea of red shirts in a wonderful display of pride and unity. The initial events were met with resistance and controversy. Over the years, however, such perceptions have turned to widespread acceptance.

Throughout the years, RED Shirt Pride Day and other Gay Days events have undergone many changes. Now, this annual tradition draws hundreds of families and guests from all over the world. Disney even has Pride-themed merchandise, including rainbow-striped Mickey ears. While the official RED Shirt Pride Day is June 6, you can sport red during other Gay Days events throughout the month to celebrate and show support.

Who Can Participate in RED Shirt Pride Day?

Everyone – members of the LGBTQ community and allies alike – is welcome to participate in RED Shirt Pride Day. Families, singles, couples, and friends are all invited to join the theme park festivities.

How Do I Participate?

At the Orlando theme parks

Regular ticket admission is required to participate in each of these events. However, these Pride Month events aren’t official Disney events, which means there are no separate tickets needed and no itinerary — so you are free to enjoy the parks as you like. Just don’t forget to wear your favorite red shirt and visit the theme parks during the following Gay Days events:

• Walt Disney World®’s Animal Kingdom – Thursday, June 4, 2020 |9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• SeaWorld® Orlando – Thursday, June 4, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Walt Disney World®’s Hollywood Studios – Friday, June 5, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ – Friday, June 5, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Walt Disney World®’s Magic Kingdom – Saturday, June 6, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Universal Studios Florida™ – Saturday, June 6, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Walt Disney World®’s EPCOT – Sunday, June 7, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Discovery Cove – Sunday, June 7, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Around the world

Thankfully, you can still celebrate RED Shirt Pride Day even if your Orlando vacation doesn’t coincide with the above dates. That’s because the KindRED Pride Foundation envisions the holiday as one where everyone shows their support of inclusion, diversity, and kindness by wearing a red shirt — no matter where they are. To show your solidarity with the LGBTQ community, put on your brightest, boldest red shirt on June 6.

What Other Pride Events Are There in Orlando?

RED Shirt Pride Day is a partner event to another popular Pride Month tradition in Central Florida, One Magical Weekend (OMW). From June 4 – 8, OMW hosts pool parties and other events for the LGBTQ community and supporters. These events take place in some of Orlando’s most popular venues, including Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and House of Blues at Disney Springs. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate pride a little later in the year, be sure to join the fun at Orlando’s annual October pride parade and festival, Come Out With Pride.

An Orlando Hotel Close to Walt Disney World®

Families, friends, and solo travelers visiting Orlando for RED Shirt Pride Day will want to stay near Magic Kingdom and all the other participating theme parks. Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista is minutes from your favorite resorts. In fact, the hotel offers free shuttle services to Walt Disney World® theme parks, Universal Orlando® Resort, and SeaWorld® Orlando — along with spacious accommodations at a great value. Complete with a Kids Eat Free program, a children’s playground, two pools, and a splash zone, it’s also the perfect choice for families. Book your Orlando vacation by calling 407-996-7236 or by clicking “Check Room Availability” at the top of the page.