Fans Were Divided in 2020—But 2025 Is Tearing Disney Adults Apart
Not long ago, being a Disney Adult meant loving the parks, collecting pins, and geeking out over hidden Mickeys. Now? It means picking a side in an ever-growing list of fan debates, often sparked by the latest headline or park change.
2025 has become the year of the Disney division. From ticket costs to ride closures to remake fatigue, the most loyal fans are split on whether the House of Mouse is still delivering magic—or chasing something else entirely.
And with every new announcement, the divide only seems to grow louder, drawing more attention to the cracks in the kingdom.
Ride Closures: Nostalgia vs. IP
If price doesn’t divide fans, ride closures might. Splash Mountain closed in 2023 to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (2024), a move that thrilled some and devastated others. The Great Movie Ride, Maelstrom, and MuppetVision 3D are also gone.
Most recently, Disney drained the Rivers of America and shut down Tom Sawyer Island, leaving longtime guests stunned.
Many Disney Adults are asking the same question: What’s next? Beloved corners of the parks keep disappearing, often with little warning. Fans who value nostalgia are watching their favorite rides vanish in favor of IP-based attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Frozen Ever After.
The message feels clear: if it’s not tied to a blockbuster, it might not survive.
Is Disney Pricing Families Out?
For many, the first friction point is financial. Park tickets keep climbing, hotel stays aren’t cheap, and Lightning Lane now charges for line-skipping. It’s a significant change from the days of free FastPasses and simple planning.
Some Disney Adults say it’s a necessary evolution. High demand and inflation require higher costs, they argue. But others feel the magic is slipping away from everyday families. Walt Disney’s dream of an affordable escape seems distant when a single-day visit can cost hundreds.
Universal’s aggressive pricing strategy only adds fuel to the fire. Fans are starting to notice—and make different vacation choices.
Universal’s Big Year Is Making Waves
Universal Orlando Resort has been rising for a while, but Epic Universe is cementing its place as a major player. The new park is fresh, exciting, and—according to some—way more innovative than anything Disney’s launched recently.
Featuring fully themed lands like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and a massive new Wizarding World expansion, it’s packed with attractions that feel bold and forward-thinking.
Disney purists remain faithful. They’ll take Spaceship Earth over Minion Mayhem any day. However, others are beginning to appreciate the value and creative risks Universal is taking. They deliver big thrills from VelociCoaster to Hogwarts Express, and now Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment without the same fan frustration.
Universal’s streamlined approach and fresh ideas are hard for many Disney Adults to ignore.
When “Woke” Becomes a Flashpoint
Disney’s efforts to be more inclusive have drawn both praise and criticism. Gender-neutral greetings. Pride merchandise. Characters reflecting a broader range of backgrounds. For some fans, it’s a meaningful evolution reflecting a more modern and welcoming worldview. They argue that Disney, as a global brand, is responsible for creating stories and experiences where everyone can see themselves represented.
For others, it’s off-putting. Some longtime fans say the changes feel forced or politically motivated, straying from the escapist fantasy initially drew them in. The debate doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon. Some applaud Disney’s progressive turn, while others insist it’s all performative and alienating.
What was once a company-wide push for inclusivity has become a lightning rod. The “woke” conversation now touches everything from parade scripts to casting decisions.
Whether guests agree with the direction or not, one thing is certain: the culture conversation has become an unavoidable part of Disney discourse—and it’s not going away quietly.
Remakes Aren’t Making Everyone Happy
Live-action reboots were supposed to bring the magic to a new generation. But they’ve become lightning rods. The Little Mermaid (2023) sparked a wave of backlash and celebration. Snow White (2025) only intensified the clash, igniting debates across fan forums and social media.
Fans aren’t just upset over casting. They’re questioning why Disney keeps remixing old stories instead of telling new ones. Swapping out iconic characters for modern versions can feel like a shortcut to inclusivity, rather than a genuine creative effort. Others think the heart of the originals gets lost in translation with each remake.
The bottom line? Disney fans want new classics—not just rebranded ones that feel like corporate checklists.
Is There Still Room for Everyone in the Fandom?
Despite the arguments, Disney Adults still care deeply. They want the parks to succeed, the stories to resonate, and the magic to feel real. But with so many different opinions and priorities—from nostalgia to inclusivity—it’s tough to find that common thread.
Maybe the answer isn’t choosing a side. Perhaps it’s realizing that Disney’s trying to be many things to many people—and not everyone will agree on how that looks or feels.
