One Mighty Weekend: An Update on Orlando’s Epic Gay Days

WHAT’S CHANGING?

Beach Ball moves from Typhoon Lagoon to first-ever Buena Vista Beach Luau

2008: DJ Tracy Young at Typhoon Lagoon
2009: DJ Joe Gauthreaux at Buena Vista Beach (Theme: "Luau")

EDGE Analysis: There is no question that we will miss this the water slides, the wave pool, the lazy river, and the opportunity to werk those sexiest speedos. However, one can still experience all the fun and debauchery of Typhoon Lagoon: Better sound system, better lighting, and more opportunities to sneak off and be debaucherous under the stars - without a lazy river attendant catching you in the act.

One Mighty Party moves from MGM to Gaylord Palms Resort

2008: DJ Joe Gauthreaux at MGM Studios
2009: DJ Roland Belmares, Kelly Rowland Performing Live, at Gaylord Palms Resort (Theme: "City After Dark"

EDGE Analysis: While we'll certainly miss the insanity of wandering through the Magic Kingdom, we're always game for something new and fresh, and there's no longer the need to wander endlessly through the park for that hot boy. You'll have no trouble finding him inside this new, spectacular 60,000 square foot space... Rarely, do any of us have the opportunity to experience new nightclubs, new parties, and new venues. We've become used to what we're accustomed to. Well, give this one a shot. We're eager for the new experience.

Grammy Winner Kelly Rowland Performs Live

2008: DJ Joe Gauthreaux at MGM Studios
2009: DJ Roland Belmares, Kelly Rowland Performing Live, at Gaylord Palms Resort (Theme: "City After Dark")

EDGE Analysis: This Destinys Child diva makes her first appearance at a gay event, and it promises to be unreal. Think Jennifer Hudson at the 2008 New York Heritage of Pride Pier Dance. You don't want to miss this.

DJ Peter Rauhofer and Offer Nissim at Arabian Nights

EDGE Analysis: Peter + Offer + Arabian Nights + Chisholm-quality Lighting/Sound + What Will Be One of The Hottest Crowds at a 2009 Gay Pride Event = The Ultimate Excuse to Miss Work on Monday

FREE Beverage Coupons at Each of the Three Main Events

EDGE Analysis: In consideration of the last-minute venue changes, organizers are giving all ticket holders and pass holders a $15.00 beverage coupon for each of the three main events - Beach Ball "Luau", One Mighty Party "City After Dark", and All Stars "Deep Blue Sea". Normally, we'd expect this type of compensation to go-to advance ticket holders. We love that you can go buy tickets now and still score this deal. Rock on.

WHAT’S STAYING THE SAME AS LAST YEAR?

Thursday Night Jumpstart

EDGE Analysis: OMW kicks off the weekend on Thursday night at the House of Blues again. DJ Eddie Baez spins. If you can make it down early, Pleasure Island always delivers good times.

3 Pool Parties at the Buena Vista Palace

EDGE Analysis: The Reunion Pool Parties are always hot and packed with young, fresh faces. Saturday and Sunday draw the biggest crowds.

3 of the Best After-Hours Parties in the US

EDGE Analysis: On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we will still be transported on "Magic Journeys" at simply the best after-hours parties you'll ever experience. The Arabian Nights venue coupled with Chisholm sound, lighting, lasers, and a gorgeous late-night crowd makes this weekend worth the trip. DJ David Knapp (Friday), DJ Tony Moran (Saturday), and DJs Peter Rauhofer and Offer Nissim (Sunday).

Spectacular Production: Lights, Camera, Action

EDGE Analysis: Expect the same quality production from the Chisholm team of consummate professionals and total perfectionists, that work together as smoothly as a Disney ride to insure that the thousands of revelers from around the world are treated to four days of legendary parties and magical spectacles.

One of the Hottest and Largest Pride 2009 Crowds in the US

Overall EDGE Analysis: Ask just about anyone. OMW draws the hottest crowds in the country. Young, fresh faces from all over the world make this weekend a must on every calendar. And once you go, you're dreaming about the magic through the next year.

THE BOTTOM LINE

How will the economy affect this year’s events?

Let's look at the track record. Over the past 16 years, OMW has been one of, if not the most widely attended Pride weekend of the year. And, just last April, Jeffrey Sanker's White Party Palm Springs absolutely exceeded expectations, reporting a 10% increase in attendance. In fact, their recent addition of a Friday Night Boxers-or-Briefs Underwear Party has been a huge hit, drawing more and more attendees to Palm Springs even earlier in the weekend. In kind, we expect the first-ever OMW Luau to be a hit as well.

We say YES

Overall EDGE Analysis: Nobody likes change. We've become used to the same parties, same DJs, and same venues. We all have high expectations. But, that's the same feeling we had when OMW announced its first-annual weekend. The same thoughts crossed our minds then as they do now: Is it really going to be good? We say yes. Every year, Johnny Chisholm's team has been hard-at-work to deliver the highest-quality events in the country, if not the world. Just think about the level of coordination and production that goes into making OMW possible. We trust that 2009 will be just as fabulous, and moreover, innovative and trend-setting.

According to Johnny Chisholm, "We want what everyone else wants. I spoke in great length to a gentleman today who was disappointed that the venues are changed. I replied that this is where we all meet once a year, and we have been friends for years! I look back when we met where we could: Civic Centers, Fair Grounds, and you said what makes the magic, where we all meet to be together. Not looking for drama, not looking for hassles, looking to dance like you never have before and meet friends you will have the rest of your life... That's the bottom line."

DID YOU KNOW?

The Facts

Johnny Chisholm donates his time and full staff resources to produce the award-winning Muscle Beach Parties for White Party Miami (November) and Winter Party Miami (March) each year-- marked by sensational lighting, d?cor and energy. Care Resources and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force have raised thousands of dollars each year thanks to these events. Johnny continues to turn down any form of compensation for his contributions.

Giving Back

Supporting Johnny Chisholm's One Mighty Weekend makes me a real difference. For the 3rd consecutive year, OMW will benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Also, OMW will be contributing to the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida Inc. based in Orlando assisting people living with AIDS. In 2008, Chisholm donated a whopping $50,000 to the Elton John Foundation for AIDS research in 2008.

Thanks to OMW patrons, Chisholm Properties has donated over $200,000 to the foundation in support of its mission.