If a buffet of big beefy boys with bounce is on your vision board, then you probably need to add the World Bear Weekend in Orlando onto your travel wish-list.
Let’s get into the details.
When Is World Bear Weekend in Orlando?
September is when you need to be booking that annual leave – this event runs over four days, from 21-24 September.
This is the 5th edition of Orlando’s World Bear Weekend and hundreds of burly guys are expected to be there.
The hub of the action is going to be the Hilton Doubletree at SeaWorld.
What is the price to attend World Bear Weekend?
If you’re assessing your bank balance and wondering whether you’ve got room in your budget to splash out on World Bear Weekend, the main costs that you have to contend with are your event pass, your accommodation, and your travel. Plus you’re going to need some walking around money, and some cash to tip the go-go boys.
There’s three tiers of event pass to choose from: Basic ($100), Standard ($150), or VIP ($260). There is also a Day Pass option for $50. Check out the breakdown of the different options on the event website to figure out which pass is going to suit you best.
For an event like this, you really want to be staying in the host hotel so that you’re right in the thick of all the action. The room rate options at the Doubletree range from $134 per night up to $275 per night.
Doubletree is at the premium end of the Hilton brand, and the SeaWorld property is big – you can fit a lot of bears in there.
What can I expect during World Bear Weekend in Orlando?
The organisers of Orlando’s World Bear Weekend aren’t reinventing the wheel – there’s going to be parties, there’s going to be entertainment, there’s going to be discussions and workshops, and plenty of opportunities for socialising.
The pool parties at bear events are always really fun. Plus, Coco Peru is performing on the Friday night.
One of the things that has caught our attention on the schedule of events for World Bear Weekend are a series of naturist opportunities for those of us that like to get our clothes off. Go Naked Magazine are coordinating the naturist events, which include a gamer’s lounge, coffee mornings, cocktail party, shopping trips, and an introduction to naturism.
Who produces World Bear Weekend?
The three main movers and shakers behind World Bear Weekend are Adam Rodriguez-Routt, Mason Stryker, and Paul Lanner.
These are men who are part of the bear community so have an in-depth understanding of what guys are looking for from an event such as this.
Are there contests during World Bear Weekend?
There are four titles up for grabs at the World Bear Weekend.
- Mr. World Bear (male-identifying)
- Ms. World Bear (female-identifying)
- World Cub (all genders)
- World Pet (all genders and all species)
Each of the title winners will receive a cash prize of $1,000.
Full details for the entry requirements for each title contest can be found on the event website.
How Can I Get My Gay Cruising on in Orlando?
Orlando has a robust gay cruising scene which includes gay bathhouses such as Club Orlando, and gay hookup bars such as Barcodes, Savoy, and Hank’s Bar.
While you’re in town for the World Bear Weekend, log onto Squirt.org and put the technology to work. Given that everyone will be staying in the host hotel, you won’t have to travel too far for dick, but if you want to explore the city then there will also be plenty of local gay men in Orlando who will be up for some fun. Just search for gay and bisexual men near you and see who gets your attention.
Is Orlando a safe travel destination for the LGBTQ community?
Orlando is in the state of Florida – one of the US states that seems to have been at the forefront of the anti-LGBTQ legislation that we’ve all been reading about in the news.
The Human Rights Campaign, working with Equality Florida – an LGBTQ advocacy group – has issued a travel warning for the state, saying that Florida may not be a safe place to visit for LGBTQ people. The travel warning was issued in response to specific legislation that adversely impacts LGBTQ people, and a rise in homophobia in day-to-day life.
In response to the state’s anti-LGBTQ legislation, you may choose to boycott travelling to Florida. That’s fair enough.
If you choose to go to an event such as World Bear Weekend, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any safety concerns or blatant homophobia or discrimination. Orlando has a large, visible, and vibrant LGBTQ community, and you’ll be at a Bear event surrounded by fellow queers.
What other bear parties should be in your diary?
If you can’t make it to the World Bear Weekend, some of the other events for beefy boys that should be on your radar include Bear Week in Stiges, Key West Bear Weekend, and Lazy Bear Week in Guerneville, California. Plan accordingly and ensure you don’t miss out on the horny, boozy or fun-filled social events in the bear community.
Find out more about the World Bear Weekend in Orlando
