This week, Inside the Magic reported on a heated debate among Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort fans about giving up parade viewing spots for children. The video that sparked the discussion went so viral that an NFL star weighed in, taking a harsh stance on childless adults at the Disney theme parks.
Related: Tokyo Disney Resort Bans Select Kinds of Filming in Parks, Vlogging May be Affected
The conversation began when former Disney Park cast member Kelsey Conkling (@disneywithkels on TikTok) made a skit about an “entitled parent” shoving her daughter in front of two adults who waited for Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom Park. Watch the video below:
@disneywithkels Sorry I don’t want your kid to be parade roadkill #disneyworld #disneyparks #disneyland #disneyadult #disneymom #momsofdisney #stacyatdisneyworld #karensofdisney #disneykaren #karen #karens #karensgoingwild #disneyparade #disneytips #magickingdom #disneyorlando #disneytipsandtricks #disneyhacks #disneyvacation #disneyfamily #toddlersoftiktok
Thousands of commenters argued about the parent’s behavior. Some felt she was in the wrong for showing up at the last minute and expecting a good viewing spot on Main Street, U.S.A. Others blamed the adults for taking away from a child’s Disney experience.
Most commenters were Disney Parks fans and visitors. However, viewers were surprised when Tampa Bay Buccaneers player and Super Bowl LVI champion Greg Gaines voiced his opinion about Disney Adults at theme parks.
“Hot take – Disneyland should not let people in who are not accompanying a child,” the defensive tackle wrote. “The parks are too crowded with 30+yr olds for kids to have any fun.”
Conkling wasn’t afraid to clap back at the NFL star.
“Interesting…I guess logic isn’t something that’s taught in the NFL,” she replied.
“I feel like I’m the only one using logic here,” Gaines said.
Surprisingly, he continued to engage with Conkling and other commenters. He claimed that “adults with kids” spend the most money at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort and felt it was unfair that a family of four pays more to visit the theme parks than a childless couple.
“Childless adults are the Disney Parks’ largest demographic of visitors,” the former Disney cast member explained. “Go ahead, keep being wrong. This is fun.”
“Ya I’ve been to Disney… I can see that..(that’s the problem) a family of 3/4 pays more than 2 30+ yr old adults,” Gaines argued.
When an Annual Passholder commented that they visit Walt Disney World Resort multiple times a week without children, the NFL star insisted: “No it’s for kids.”
“Nope,” said @raelynn2525. “We go for food and wine festival, concerts, other events etc. It’s for everyone. We are local and allowed to go without our kids or with.”
Gaines insisted. His final response read:
“It literally is. The movies are for kids and the parks are for kids. There is better food, wine, and festival for adults in any part of the world. Few places for kids to enjoy all of that.”
A few commenters agreed with the football player’s take.
“Disney adults are why I will never go back,” @caffeineandconfidence replied. “Imagine being over 30 and insisting you must be in the front row so small children can’t see. Kids that believe these characters are real.”
“Kids enjoyment of a kid focused theme park is more valid than yours,” said @h.thompson82. “[Adults] enjoyment is secondary.”
Still, most slammed his opinion. Dissenting comments received double and triple the likes of anything Gaines wrote.
“Disneyland and world was intended for EVERYONE,” @therachniqueen wrote. “I’m 37 and have a blast there. Why should I be punished for not having children? Why can’t I go have fun there and spend money there?”
Do you agree or disagree with Gaines’ argument about the Disney theme parks? Share your opinion with us in the comments.
