By Keston Huntington

Who cannot have a great time at Disneyland? 

It's not just for kids anymore.

What a lucky kid I was, growing up in Anahiem, California and having Disneyland, basically in my backyard!  It truly was the happiest place on Earth and I am thrilled to report after a recent visit that I still feel that way.

Certainly, when I was a child times were very different.  Of course, there were lesbians back then, but one would certainly not see them walking hand in hand around the happiest place on Earth. That would have been shocking to the nuclear family.   But today, there are lesbians everywhere and we are just as welcomed at Disneyland as any of the guests.  On a recent visit to Disneyland, I saw so many gay families, lesbian couples walking hand in hand and yes, Pride Gear being sold.  Not that it's so gay there, it just isn't an issue.

When you get to the park, there are the usual rides and attractions.... My personal favorite is Indiana Jones which recently went through it's first renovation and is more exciting than ever.  Undoubtedly the best attractions are the parades, shows (Do not miss, Fantasmic, there is nothing quite like it!!) and side shows.... this year they had a group of african contortionists whom did things with their bodies that were amazing!  Also, try to watch the fireworks from Main Street, they actually form a Mickey Mouse face!

Whatever you do, definitely visit the new California Grand Adventure Park!  They have a ride called appropriately "Souring Over California" which gives you the feeling that you are hang gliding over California. It feels amazingly realistic, complete with smells and the wind blowing thru your hair. It the California Adventure Park there are two do not miss shows... you MUST SEE the "Aladdin's Musical Spectacular" which is a wonderful elaborate production of the movie and while you may say, "Well, I have seen the movie, so..."... trust me, you have not seen it like this!  The show and its animatronics, special effects and elaborate costumes left us leaving with our mouths open.  For nostalgia grab a latte or hot chocoalate and stay for the Disney classic, "The Electric Light Parade" which is the oldest running parade in Disney history.

From what I understand the costs to stay within Disney at one of their theme hotels is astronimical and nothing special. So, considering that you will not be in your room much, you may want to go to a nearby hotel/motel instead. There are hotels all around for all budgets and most have a complimentary shuttle to and from the parks.  BUT.... I recommend staying at one of the motels within walking distance (some may be not be a four star rating accomodation, but for their convenience the get an A with us), so that it is convenient to come throughout the day to relax, have a swim or take a nap before venturing off for your Disney nightlife.

I guess, I should not have been so surprised that Disney has become so gay friendly and that they recognize that the dynamics of American Families have changed. Not only are they boycotted regularly by extreme christian groups for their refusal to discriminate us, but they even sell Mickey Mouse pride gear!  Being a leader of Corporations in California and for being as successful as they are, they often set an example for many companies to follow in their footsteps. Disney offers its gay and lesbian employees and their partners the same insurance benefits that it offers to its straight married employees and their partners. It treats them as equal.

Disney is still the happiest place on Earth!