I attended Disney's first US Pride event for $140. The 4-hour party was a good deal and great way to spend my first Pride.

Keith LangstonJun 21, 2023, 04:14 IST

Disneyland got all decked out for Disney's first US Pride events.Keith Langston

Disney recently hosted its first Pride celebration in the US — Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite.
This was my first Pride, and my ticket got me access to rides, fireworks, special food, and parades.

Despite being openly gay, I'd never been to a Pride celebration until recently.

Growing up was rough and I was an outcast in my hometown for being gay. Being surrounded by the LGBTQ community hasn't yet given me a sense of family and belonging, either, but with threats against the LGBTQ community on the rise I felt it was time to show up. After all, visibility is important to me.

Fortunately, Disneyland recently celebrated its first Pride, too. This month, the California park hosted two Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nites filled with fireworks, parties, parades, special food, and exclusive character visits.

I was glad to see Disney beginning to step up after its long, complicated past with the LGBTQ community. I also love Disneyland and feel very comfortable there, so it felt like a great place to celebrate Pride for the first time.

Here's what my experience was like.

The Pride Nite celebrations are the first time Disney has officially honored Pride in the US with an event.

Pride Nite is part of a selection of ticketed after-hours parties that take place throughout the year.Keith Langston

I started my trip by flying into LAX and checking into the Westin Anaheim.

The Westin had some of the best prices I saw when booking my stay.Keith Langston

My hotel was incredibly close to Disneyland and had great views.

I could see Disneyland from my hotel's rooftop.Keith Langston

Once it got dark, Pride Nite began with a huge fireworks show.

The fireworks show included music.Keith Langston

I usually skip fireworks at the parks, but this show felt special.

I had a great time.Keith Langston

The highlight of the night was the parade, the Pride Nite Cavalcade.

Even Mickey Mouse was at the parade.Keith Langston

Chip and Dale stole the show and I loved it.

Chip and Dale were on a car at the parade.Keith Langston

Eventually, we all became part of the parade.

We all got to be in the parade at Pride Nite.Keith Langston

Throughout the night, a giant party took place at Rivers of America.

There was dancing and music at Rivers of America.Keith Langston

The DJ stole the show and made me laugh, too.

The DJ had a float on the river.Keith Langston

The event had special opportunities to meet and interact with characters, too.

I'm not big on character interactions but it was cool.Keith Langston

I was also excited for Pride Nite's exclusive food options.

Pride Nite had a special menu.Keith Langston

The special churros and beignets were great.

Disneyland has good churros.Keith Langston

Of course, Disney also had some of its classic offerings.

You can't visit a Disney park without getting Dole Whip.Keith Langston

Disneyland's Pride Nite was totally worth it, and I'm really glad I went.

Pride Nite felt safe and I had fun.Keith Langston

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