Gay Days 2009 - What Worked, What Didn't and What's Left

Gay Days 2009 was a year of huge changes yet it was still Gay Days. With one day left here is a look at What Worked, What Didn't and What is Left.

What Worked This Year
The Weather - while rain was expected all weekend, rains early in the day let most evening rain free on Friday and Saturday.
Magical Kingdom - Rain ended by 1pm and then Overcast but comfortable.
Let's Go Party Friday at Typhoon Lagoon - The weather turned nice and the price was right.
Wanda Sykes at Hard Rock - Sold Out Show - Heard a great time
La Nouba - Always a Crowd Pleaser
Parliament House Saturday Night with Deborah Cox - Packed, great show and hot men. Gay Days Expo - Fun, samples, great vendors and free

What Did Not Work
Power at Royal Plaza - out for over 8 hours on Thursday, but once up things went well.
One Mighty Weekend - City After Dark Party - Moved from Gaylord Palms to Buena Vista with just 2 days notice!
Gay Days Reborn Party at Motion - Great DJ and we loved the idea but party was announced to late and promoted to little.

What is Left
Epcot
Sunday Pool Parties
Gay Days Film Festival
Jennifer Holiday at Parliament House
And the Last Party of the Weekend Magical Journeys III from 1 - 8am!
See full Men's Sunday Gay Days Schedule

Have fun, be safe and enjoy!

Huge Changes For Orlando Gay Days

What a difference a year can make, last year Gay Days in Orlando had huge crowds and more events than ever.

Now just one year later, Gay Days 2009 will be a totally different type of event. Seriously a totally different event.

Here are a few of the changes:
Pleasure Island closed in September 2008
- No Mannequins, Motion or Adventurers Club

Beach Ball - No Longer at Typhoon Lagoon
Now it is at a hotel and called Beach Ball Luau

One Mighty Party is NOT at MGM
- Now it is at Gaylord Palms
- No comedian or singer :(

In addition, quite a few smaller events are gone too. It is to early to predict when or if the events will return to the more popular venues, but I can say is it is a little disappointing that so many changes occured in just one year.

The good news is that the purpose of Gay Days lives on even if the venues that have made the event Internationally famous have changes.

See you all in five week.
Site updates coming this week!

Florida's Amendment 2 - It's Time to Type Politics

I normally don't discuss or review politics, but with the latest poll stating the 60% of likely voters to Vote For Amendment 2. It is time to take action and talk to friends and family in Florida about this issue.

Amendment 2 basically states:
“Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.”

Today, I saw a blog by someone called The Duke who noted...
Let us present ten principles on why defining marriage as between a man and a woman is critical to the health of our society and stength of our nation as outlined by the Witherspoon Institute:

1. Marriage is a personal union, intended for the whole of life, of husband and wife.
2. Marriage is a profound human good, elevating and perfecting our social and sexual nature.
3. Ordinarily, both men and women who marry are better off as a result.
4. Marriage protects and promotes the well-being of children.
5. Marriage sustains civil society and promotes the common good.
6. Marriage is a wealth-creating institution, increasing human and social capital.
7. When marriage weakens, the equality gap widens, as children suffer from the disadvantages of growing up in homes without committed mothers and fathers.
8. A functioning marriage culture serves to protect political liberty and foster limited government.
9. The laws that govern marriage matter significantly.
10. "Civil marriage" and "religious marriage" cannot be rigidly or completely divorced from one another.

Hmm, do you see what I see!

None of these arguements have anything to do with sex, but have everything to do with a Committed Relationship!!!

What blows my mind is that, for some reason people think that two men or two women can not have the same comittment as a man and a women.

I say it depends on the people.

Amendment 2 should NOT pass in FLORIDA, but in order to make sure it does not pass you and I have to tell people specifically to "Vote NO on Amendment 2"

If you commit to your partner and honor them with a loving relationship, why shouldn't you receive the same benefits as a married couple if something bad were to happen?

It is time to ask your friends and family to support you by Voting No on 2. Talk to them about what it means and share that it is important that this be voted down.

Please note 10 - 20% of the voting population is undecided on this issue and when undecided that tend to go conservative. So start talk about this Amendment now and when you do stay on topic, don't go to presidential politics.

Together we can stop Amendment 2.

With Mannequins Closing Other Orlando Bars Target Thursday Night Crowd

Last Thursdays last call at Mannequins on Pleasure Island was bittersweet, the crowd was great, the music was rocking, all the bars were open, the revolving floor broke and the crowd had the energy of Gay Days.

And then it was over, but with the chant of one more song the DJ played another record and the crowd went wild. And then a home to many who have found friends and a safe haven to the outside world said good bye. While it was a sad farewell, life continues to move forward and so we must now look at what is next.

House of Blues has signed the Mannequins DJ.
Pulse is having a special Pulse Industry Night on Oct. 2nd
Those visiting Revolution will see a friendly Mannequins bartender

So who is likely to succeed in driving in the Mannequins crowd.

Based solely on location House of Blues has the best chance to become the new Disney cast member watering hole and it is free for Disney cast members. However all other HoB guests have to pay a $10 cover. I can always hope for a season pass, but I am unlikely to make the trip from downtown anymore.

As for Pulse and Revolution, it is hard to say which has the best chance for success. Pulse's Thursday night track record has been poor and Revolution remains very hit or miss. I guess I will need to check out each and report back to you.

No matter where you end up this Thursday, lift you glass and toast the good old days at Mannequins.

Mannequins - Pleasure Island Closing

Disney announced that Pleasure Island, PI, nightclubs will be closing on September 27th after 19 years.

We wish everyone the best that we have gotten to know over the years.

Gay Days Weather Report Men, Men, Men and Shower?

Well it is true it will be raining men's this weekend at Gay Days however this weekend looks to be a little drier and warmer than last year and after last year's Freeze Ball on Friday night. I am happy for the change.

Forecast:
Thursday Hi 93 Low 76 - slight chance of showers
Friday Hi 95 Low 74 - even less chance of showers (10%)
Saturaday Hi 95 Low 74 - 30 chance of T-storms
Sunday Hi 94 Low 74 - 20% chance of t-storms

Here is to a weekend of pool parties and great memories.

Pleasure Island 5 day Pass Option

Going to Pleasure Island tonight to lick off Gay Days, then here is some information you should be aware of.

1. Cover for a single bar is $10.95 and you must go to the enterance of Pleasure Island to purchase the ticket. You can't pay cash at the door!

Repeat you can NOT pay cash at the door.

2. Club Capacity will be reached and the overflow bar is Motion.

3. If you plan on going to more than one bar Mannequins, Motion, 8 Trax - then get the PI pass for all clubs for $21.95.

4. Last consideer the PI 5 for $25 (ask about it - I think they still have it), if you think you may return to Pleasure Island at some point this weekend or if we get bad weather like last year. this is a back up and can save you cash if you enjoy the island.