Disney World 'Gay Days' Event Paused for 2026 Due to Sponsorship Loss

Pride event organizers cite 'broader challenges' impacting LGBTQIA+ events nationwide

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The long-running 'Gay Days' Pride Month event at Disney World in Orlando has been placed on pause for 2026, with organizers citing a loss of key sponsorship support and other logistical challenges. The event, which has taken place for over 30 years, typically draws thousands of LGBTQIA+ attendees to the theme parks and surrounding area each June.

Why it matters

The 'Gay Days' event has been a controversial topic over the years, with some families and parkgoers expressing concerns about certain behaviors and events associated with the gathering that they felt were not aligned with Disney's family-friendly atmosphere. The pause in 2026 raises questions about the future of the event and the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ pride celebrations more broadly.

The details

Organizers of the 'Gay Days' event announced on Sunday that they have made the 'difficult decision' to pause the 2026 gathering, citing changes to their host hotel agreement, the loss of key sponsorship support, and 'broader challenges currently impacting LGBTQIA+ events nationwide.' They expressed hope for a future return, stating 'This is a pause — not an ending' and that their focus is now on 'reimagining the future and returning with a stronger, more sustainable event.'

  • The 'Gay Days' event has taken place annually in Orlando for over 30 years, typically in June during Pride Month.
  • The 2026 event was scheduled to mark the 35th anniversary of the gathering.

The players

Gay Days event organizers

The organizers of the long-running 'Gay Days' Pride Month event at Disney World in Orlando.

Walt Disney World

The iconic theme park resort located in Orlando, Florida, which has hosted the unofficial 'Gay Days' event for decades.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Gay Days event organizers (Breitbart)

“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.”

— Gay Days event organizers (Breitbart)

What’s next

Organizers stated they will share updates in the coming months as they 'shape the next chapter' for the 'Gay Days' event.

The takeaway

The pause of the long-running 'Gay Days' event at Disney World highlights the broader challenges facing LGBTQIA+ pride celebrations, with organizers citing sponsorship losses and other logistical hurdles. This raises questions about the future of the event and the ability of such gatherings to continue in a family-focused environment like Disney World.