Queens in the Kingdom

Epstein, Jeffrey, and Shapiro, Eddie. Queens in the Kingdom: The Ultimate Gay & Lesbian Guide to the Disney Theme Parks.
Updated & Revised Edition. Emeryville, CA : Avalon Travel Publications, 2007. ISBN: 978-598800616. Softcover: $17.95.

Two of America’s favorite tourist destinations are examined in this amusing, easy-to-use guide. From the best places to sneak a same-sex kiss to the tastiest foods to the gay nightlife in the towns around the parks, Epstein and Shapiro tailor this guide to the GLBT community.

In a welcome departure from many guides to the Magic Kingdom, the authors here are not afraid to let you know when an amusement, well, isn’t. They rate all the rides on a five-star scale, from the lowest rating (Cruella De Vil) to the highest (Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious), and are refreshingly honest about how they think the rides or experience could be improved. Expect this guide to save you some pointless line-waiting!

Epstein and Shapiro do full reviews of all the major restaurants in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World—and they also quickly cover the minor eateries in each section of each park, though they do draw the line at listing the snack carts. The restaurant reviews give you an idea on price as well as a subjective but honest impression of the restaurant. Even just knowing what parts of the park have sit-down dining is likely to be a help on those long days.

Each park is handled in a separate section, starting with the original, Disneyland. Equally strong coverage is given Walt Disney World and its satellites. I was impressed that this guide even had brief sections on each of the three international parks, and the Disney Cruise experience, too.

While these ride and food ratings can be helpful to anyone, amusement park experiences can be different for GLBT visitors than for straight ones. Not too long ago, same-sex dancing was forbidden by Uncle Walt, so it’s great to find information on GLBT employee and social groups, Gay Days, and how to schedule your commitment ceremonies in the parks. Knowing which Disney resorts are most conducive to your vacation plans, from sleeping in to sleeping around, is a bonus you won’t find in official Disney literature!

Some other handy features are a guide to doing Disney with children—a good touch, considering the increasing gay-by boom; a handy chart comparing the attractions at Disneyland and Walt Disney World; and even a bibliography of other guides to Disney.

The guide is not perfect—sometimes the interplay between the authors gets a little too precious and the maps are very basic—but this is a great find, appropriate for all public libraries. Even if your library has the 2003 edition, there are enough changes at Disney to make the new edition worthwhile.

Reviewed by Louis Lang
Technical Consultant
Leather Archives & Museum

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