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Influencer Under Fire for Twerking at Disney Theme Park Characters

A girl twerking in front of several characters at Disney California Adventure Park.
Credit: @danijackel via Instagram

In a recent event that captured significant attention online, Instagram and YouTube influencer Dani Jackel was filmed twerking in front of Disney characters at Disneyland Resort. This moment took place at Pixar Pier during a performance by the Toy Story (1995) marching band but gained notoriety on social media after Jackel posted a reel on Instagram.

Jackel quipped that she “was just trying to have fun at Disneyland” when the Disney characters stopped her mid-dance.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dani Jackel (@danijackel)

As she began twerking, one of the Toy Story characters jokingly shouted at her, “I said ‘get down,’ not ‘get down.'” Jackel and her friend laughed, saying the character “called her out.”

While some social media users found the encounter harmlessly amusing, many others felt that the nature of her dance was out of place in such a family-friendly setting.

Public Reaction: Social Media Storm

A group of excited people ride a red roller coaster with their hands gripping the safety bars. The coaster is mid-ride with steep, looping tracks and supports visible in the background. Everyone appears to be enjoying the thrill, smiling and laughing.

Credit: Disney

The video’s release sparked a multifaceted reaction across social media. Many viewers were divided on whether Jackel’s twerking was appropriate for a theme park designed primarily for families and children.

Supporters of Jackel argued that the world is oversensitive to acts of personal expression, especially in a place renowned for its whimsical and fun atmosphere. They contended that children encounter inappropriate content daily and that a simple dance move should not be subject to harsh scrutiny.

In contrast, detractors criticized her actions vehemently, suggesting that Disneyland Resort should maintain a particular level of decorum, emphasizing the importance of a respectful environment for younger guests. Some claimed that there is a distinct line between playful behavior and inappropriate conduct, particularly in family-oriented spaces like Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Support for Jackel

Pixar Pier

Credit: Disney

Despite the backlash, many social media users rallied in defense of Jackel.

“For people complaining that there’s kids around. I’m sure they’ve seen worse.. in 2024,” said one commenter.

“All those kids have [Instagram], Twitter, [and] TikTok,” another wrote. “Stop the faking.”

Critique from Disney Parks Fans About Family-Friendly Spaces

pixar pier

Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Dining

Conversely, many Disney Parks fans expressed concern regarding the implications of such behavior at a venue designed for young audiences.

“Imagine doing this at a kid’s amusement park just to make an underperforming Instagram post,” one social media user wrote.

“There are kids in this place,” said another. “Have some decency.”

Was this Disneyland Resort guest behaving inappropriately? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments. 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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