Gay Days Orlando 2025: My Stay, Pool Parties, Foam Party, and Park Days in Red
Once I land in a city, I want to do three things fast: find the market, figure out my route, and learn what to eat and what it costs. Here’s my city playbook—simple, friendly, and built for cold fingers and short daylight.
Where I Stayed and Why
I based myself at the Sheraton Vistana Villages in Orlando. It was near the host hotel for 2025, the DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld Orlando, but it came in cheaper when I booked. That helped my budget without pulling me too far from the action. The room was clean, the bed was solid after long days, and the poolsI saw were, nice but with all the time I spent in the Host Hotel pool I never used them. I liked having a calm place to recharge, then heading out when it was time to join the crowd. Plus having a full kitchen let me stop at Walgreens (which is across the street) and buy waters so I could bring a few with me to the parks, and grab stuff for breakfast each morning, saving some money over Park food!
Getting Around Without a Car
I didn’t rent a car, parking at the parks was an expense on its own and using ride shares and the Public Bus kept things simple. Most of my rides were quick and not too pricey, especially outside rush times. The buses were easy once I figured out the pickup spot. If you’re thinking about going car-free, do you want a quick cheat sheet for ride share costs and bus times based on where you’re staying?
Gay Days Events: Pool Vibes and Foam Fun
I went in ready for water, music, and a crowd that actually talks to you. The GayDays® Pool Parties were my daytime base. I’d slide in by late morning, find a chair, and start slow with water and sunscreen. The DJs kept the tempo happy. Not too hard, not too sleepy. Think pop and house with sing-along breaks. The crowd skewed friendly, mixed ages, lots of smiles. I met people from everywhere and we traded tips on which park to do and who had the best brunch.
The GayDays® Foam Party was exactly the kind of silly I needed. Warm foam rolling over the dance floor, everyone laughing, phones up, then down because, well, foam. I wore swim trunks and a tight tee I didn’t mind getting drenched. Goggles would have been smart, but I made do by stepping back when it got thick. My favorite moment was that first big foam burst when the whole room cheered like a team just scored. If you’re foam-curious, bring a small waterproof pouch for your phone and a backup shirt. Do you want a short packing list for pool and foam nights so you don’t overpack?
Gay Days Events in the Park
Saturday at Magic Kingdom is the classic Gay Days moment. I hit the park 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and wore red like so many others. The sea of red shirts never gets old. It’s bold, easy to spot, and it makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger even if you came solo. At 1:00 p.m. I joined the Bears Meet Up at the Country Bear Jamboree. It was warm, welcoming, and goofy in the best way. We chatted, sang along to the new show and grabbed photos. I liked how chill it was. No pressure, just community in a place that holds a lot of memories.
I also did Epic Universe on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for another parkday. Although there were no official meetups on the books there, but we stayed in our red and still found plenty of friendly faces. Walking past other folks in red led to quick nods, smiles, and it made it amazing knowing that you could almost immediately see who was apart of the community. As the color does the icebreaking for you. Coolest part of the day; the characters. I don’t know how but the Invisible Man was kinda hot… and that for me is not a Hear me out. Also the conversation I had with the Bride of Frankenstein about YouTube and Tiktok- Epic!
The fact that the park had just opened about 10 days prior to the General Public was shocking; although remember your sunscreen, portable fan or Sun umbrella. Hey I am diva; and staying out of the sun keeps me and my youthful glow at almost 50.
What I Packed and What I Wish I Packed
I kept it simple. Red shirts, comfy shorts, swim trunks, flip flops for pool time, and sneakers for park miles. I carried a small crossbody bag that zipped, portable chargers, and a refillable water bottle. Sunscreen lived in my bag. I wish I’d packed a second pair of cheap sunglasses because I am going to honest, I lose things and ended up having to buy a second pair. The Good thing is the walgreens in walking distance from my hotel was affordable.
Food, Breaks, and Pacing
Pool party days can blur together if you don’t plan breaks. I did light breakfasts with food I grabbed at Walgreens. Then grabbed quick bites between sets with an unlimited thirst for Water and Coffee. For Food; think tacos, burgers, fries. Nothing fancy, just fuel. At the parks I kept it easy too. Quick Service restaurants allowed me to get some food and get back to the fun fast. I I will say I am glad I did the sit down restaurant Pizza Moon at Epic Universe; I needed that time to sit after 3 days of fun and more importantly as a park that is new there was no shade so I needed out of the sun!
Meeting People Without Trying Too Hard
The fact that we all wore red to the parks made it easier to be comfortable chatting with others; especially as a solo traveler. Compliment a shirt or ask where they got their ears from. At the foam and pool party, the shared “we’re all soaked” thing breaks the ice on its own.
Tips I’d Tell you since clearly we are Friends as you read this far!
- Hydrate early. Start before the pool party and keep going.
- Sunscreen every two hours. Clouds don’t save you and at Epic Universe; if it rains a lot oft the rides and shade is non-existent.
- Grab the Apps- No need to guess how long the ride wait is or stand in line for that Mickey Waffle
- Set a meetup point. Phones die. Pick a spot if you’re with friends.
- Ride share timing. Leave the party ten minutes before the rush if you can.
What I’d Do Again and What I’d Skip
I’d absolutely do the pool parties again. Daylight, music, easy social time. The foam party stays on my list too because it’s pure joy. I wouldn’t bother overplanning food between events. Flex meals worked better than locking myself into a reservation I was too tired to make.
Want Help Dialing In Your Plan?
If you’re thinking about going, tell me a few things and I’ll help you shape your days so they actually match your vibe:
