Disney parks around the globe are renowned for their enchanting experiences and unforgettable moments, drawing millions of guests from all over the world. From thrilling attractions and spectacular entertainment to delicious dining options, Disney parks offer something for everyone. Yet, recently, there has been a rising debate about one particular group of park-goers: Disney adults.
What Are Disney Adults?
The term “Disney Adult” refers to adults who are passionate about Disney and invest significant time and money into visiting Disney parks and enjoying the magical experiences Disney offers. These guests often embrace Disney culture with fervor, celebrating everything from classic films to the latest park attractions.
While the concept of Disney adults isn’t new, it has garnered renewed attention recently. Some guests argue that the enthusiasm of Disney adults sometimes overshadows the experience for other park-goers, especially families with young children.
Walt Disney’s Original Vision
Walt Disney’s dream was to create a place where families could enjoy quality time together. As he famously said:
“Disneyland really began when my two daughters were very young. Saturday was always Daddy’s Day and I would take them to the merry-go-round, and sit on a bench eating peanuts while they rode. And sitting there alone, I felt there should be something built, some kind of family park where parents and children could have fun together.”
One might wonder what Walt Disney would have thought of the modern-day Disney adults. While Walt himself might have been considered an early Disney enthusiast, the reality of the parks today includes a diverse range of visitors, including dedicated fans of all ages.
The Debate Over Disney Adults
Recently, there has been an uptick in discussions on social media about Disney adults and their impact on the Disney experience. Some visitors have expressed frustration over encounters with overly enthusiastic Disney adults, claiming these interactions detract from the magic of the parks.
For instance, one parent shared a story on Reddit about a disappointing moment during a parade. The parent’s daughter was excitedly reaching out to the Fairy Godmother when an adult guest pushed her hand away, choosing instead to touch the character. This act was seen as stealing a magical moment meant for a child.
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This situation has sparked a wider conversation. Critics argue that some Disney adults might need to be more considerate of younger guests, suggesting that a balance needs to be struck between enjoying the parks and respecting others’ experiences.
On the flip side, some Disney adults have defended their fellow enthusiasts, emphasizing that individual behavior, rather than their love for Disney, can be the root of such issues. One Disney adult remarked, “I’m a Disney adult… I might miss out on a hug from Pluto, but I can live with it.”
This perspective highlights that the essence of Disney magic should be preserved for everyone, regardless of age.
Keeping the Magic Alive for All
Ultimately, Disney parks are designed to be a place where everyone—regardless of age—can experience joy and create cherished memories. The key is maintaining a balance where the enthusiasm of Disney adults enhances rather than detracts from the magic for families and children.
As we navigate these discussions, it’s important to remember that respect and kindness are central to any positive park experience. By fostering a considerate environment, we can ensure that Disney parks remain a place where the magic of Disney is shared and enjoyed by all.
Let’s continue to make Disney parks a magical place for everyone, where dreams come true and memories are made.
Do you think Disney adults are impacting the Disney experience for kids and families? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
It feels more and more that these Disney Adults are acting more like children for several reasons. The first being more of they’re overgrown spoiled brats that aren’t used to not getting what they want. That level of immaturity further affects their thinking and this the childish nature comes out.
The second reason I’ve notice is one that is growing fast and not in a good way. Internet clout. Yes, as much as everyone uses social media, some use it in a very negative way. These people, while not all are bad, tend to act up when their phones are rolling. And of course that means content. “OMG I touched fingers with the fairy godmother 😱 ❤️” You know you can see it plastered on TikTok now.
And the third reason… these immature adults.simply never grew up at all. Everything is all about them, and no one takes away their experience! If they don’t get their way, temper tantrums are sure to follow.
I’m now 51 years old. I love Disney. I consider myself a Disney Adult. However, it isn’t hard to figure out right from wrong, and I would gladly be willing to help a child see their favorite character, receive the magic they still hold dear, and see them smile, rather than be a selfish adult that thinks that magic belongs only to themselves. “Disneyland is a parents and children alike can experience magic and wonder.”
I made a typo in the end there… I forgot to put “is a place where parents and children alike…”
My bad. Oopsies.
Adults visiting Walt Disney World without children should be considerate by avoiding taking up space meant for families with young kids at shows or attractions, being mindful of noise levels, and choosing experiences designed for adults when appropriate, allowing families with children to fully enjoy the “magic” of the park; essentially, respecting the diverse range of guests and ensuring everyone has a positive experience.
Consider giving up your Disney World package to families. Fewer adults mean more space, shorter lines, and happier kids. It’s a small act of kindness that can make a big difference in someone’s magical experience.
I enjoy Disneyland now as much as I did in my childhood. To me the Disney experience is seeing children experience that same joy, like my daughter’s very first trip to this special place. I can’t understand why anyone would want to ruin that. These kids should be having the time of their lives. That includes rude parents. These adults do need to grow up.
How terribly sad…
Shame on them.
I consider myself a Disney adult, but the key word is adult. I would never take the magic away from a child. Unfortunately, it seems like these days, poor manners are way too common. When I went to Disneyland this last August, I was holding onto my husband’s backpack to keep us together and someone literally tried to rip my hand away. I never used to experience behavior like that and I’ve been going for 50 years.
I’m going back to Disney World for my 70th birthday and I love it. I don’t jump in front of kids or steal their magic but parents shouldn’t expect their child to be front and center at all times.
Totally agreed! I think it’s sometimes just rude people on both sides. Everyone feels entitled and don’t want to share. I see parents all the time acting like their child’s world will end of they don’t get every single thing they want. Same for adults. Just time for common courtesy and patience with others.
My husband and O are Annual passholders and in our 60s we go all the time. We avoid attractions for younger kids and really try to avoid families. It’s a different experience going for an evening rather than a 16 hour day with 2 kids. We know we can catch it next time.
Disneyland is a PLACE where parents and kids alike can experience magic and wonder.
My mistake, completely forgot the word Place in there. LoL
What about the pushy parents that shove their children in front of you without even saying a word of excuse mwhat do you say to them?????
I’m sure Walt would love Disney adults. Walt realised the need for the parks to make money, the biggest demographic spending money on merch, dining and themed insta worth snacks would be cashed up millennials with no kids.
Having said that, as an adult with no kids who enjoys Disney parks and cruises, absolutely the kids should be front and centre to recive a high five from the fairy god mother and other characters. I hope their parents didn’t push them to the front of the queue 2 minutes before the parade started though.
Exactly. Parents think their ankle biters have priorities.
It saddens me how people don’t even realize that acting like that goes against every value, moral, and lesson that Disney is intended to represent. Every Disney film I’ve ever seen has taught me to respect others, everyone deserves a little magic, and stealing is wrong
Disneyland would be so much better without all the children, seriously have you not got school to attend. And all those bloody prams. Leave the kids at home and enjoy a fun day out overpaying for everything.
This is so true, let the kids go to Disneyland after they have jobs and can pay for it themselves. Child free days would help, perhaps every Wednesday is adults only?
Wrong
For me, a true Disney Adult won’t need to shove children away from magical interactions as they are frequent park goers and can exprience it any time they want.
Disney Adults would encourage the interaction between the character and child and cheer it on from the side line.
Disney Adults are adults, the ones who are the passholders. The kids, they are there on what is most likely a once in a lifetime trip.
A true Disney adult wants to share their love of Disney, especially with the young ones. A true Disney adult tries to find ways to share the magic, not ruin the magic. These fools are not Disney adults, but Disney duds.
I had the opposite problem. I’m a Disney adult & was in my late 20’s at my very 1st trip to a Disney Park. Disney World to be exact. I was looking forward to Splash Mountain & had told my family that was the only ride pic I wanted because they’re always the funniest. I spent years seeing all my friends pics & was so jealous & depressed I had never been there. After waiting in line forever I had so much fun on the ride but when I went to get my pic the 2 kids in front of me had flipped off the camera so I couldn’t have my pic. They stole my magical moment
The problem is not Disney adults but Rude people! Not all Disney adults are rude and not all children are angels.
I love love this comment! To the extenteth haha. ♡♡♡
Disney Adults are not the problem. Rude adults are the problem. Disney adults know how to behave, and more than likely the parks are making lots of money from them. There are more rude people everywhere these days, including the parks.
I would consider myself a Disney adult. Sometimes we go as a family and my kids husband, and I and we enjoy it. I have gone with just my best friend for my birthday, but whether I’m with my kids or having an adult trip, it’s always don’t steal the magic from anybody else and don’t have a me first attitude. I’m raising my kids that way and I expect the same out of me. However, I’ve got to say that a lot of times it’s the other parents that are bigger issues. I have had parents push my kid out of the way and push their kid forward while waiting in lines for characters or fireworks etc.
Taking a step back, and indeed as a Disney adult surely everyone, no matter rheir age deserves that magic. You might be 6 ir 36, but it might still be your first time abd all of us should have a chance to have that magic.
If this story is true, then perhaps someone there could have spoken to this person.
I just came back today and I’ll be honest, the parents who let their kids squeal and scream on the rides, making it imposdible for others to hear (had this happen everytime on kilamanjaro Safaris) and allow their children to stand up and hang over the sides of the ride are more dangerous, irresponsible and selfish than any Disney adult I’ve come across
Little do these parents realize, their kids are gonna grow up to be these quote, adults that they can’t stand! Thats what happens when you don’t teach your kids self restraint.
I am a Disney adult. I have been going to WDW at least once a year since my daughter was 5 in 1989. That being said, I would never ruin a moment a child would have with a character as the one in this article. I now go with my 3 grandchildren and enjoy it all through their eyes. Any adult that would ruin a special character moment for a child is beyond rude. They feel they are entitled. Disney is for kids and adults alike,but in my opinion, it’s for kids first. These rude adults need to remember that there is enough magic for everyone. It’s not all about them.
We 3 sisters (2 handicapped on Amigos); are all in our 70s now. We come the week after Thanksgiving to enjoy Christmas at WDW. We’re constantly on the lookout for unattended children and inattentive adults who cut in front of us without warning, only to be cussed at by the adults because they ran into the Amigo.
At parades, when we are pulled up to the curbs, we often ask parents if they’ll let their child stand next to us to get a better view.
The worst adults are the one with their phone cameras reaching out in front of people/children trying to view the characters and float. I’m a photographer and the only face my camera is in front of is mine!
So, basically I’m now the target of complainers on 2:fronts…Adult Fan and Amigo User.
The term “Disney Adult” being an overall negative description of any adult going to Disney without children is not valid. I have been going to Disney parks for over 50-years, first with my parents, then with my children and now with my grandchildren. I did have the opportunity to go to WDW just with my wife several years ago, so does that make me a bad “Disney Adult”? People going there with kids have the ability to act like total jerks to fellow Disney fans as well as Castmembers and I have seen that plenty of times over the years. Over the past decades it is just our society in general having more and more people who feel they are somehow entitled and above everyone else around them wherever they go and never think of others. You can experience this anywhere, its just how too many people act – like entitled brats who can do anything they want without consequence. Also, due to social media craze, many people want to air out their complaints about anything and just rant.
I call BS on the Fairy Godmother story. No pic, didn’t happen.
There area always going to be rude people… and being an adult who enjoys Disney does not = rudeness. How many times have those little angels run an across, knocked over, or stepped out of line? Screaming during shows? I agree with many, a day of no kids? Wonderful idea. The adults who attend have every right to be there as much as people with children. They have paid, in most cases, MORE (remember kids tickets are half the cost). They also wait in line, spend money on the disney souvenirs, dining and resorts. If you don’t like the Disney bounding, then find another outlet, like Six Flags, but you will see the same enthusiasm at Universal with the Potter Heads in their Robes.
All ppl should be respected. I’m a Disney adult. I wait 2 hours for a parade spot because I use a wheelchair and can’t see over others. I will not allow a group of anyone just to walk in and try to get in front of me. THEY are disrespectful. Want a spot? Then plan ahead. However, I have on more than one occasion backed up for children to sit in front of me and their parents behind me. I encourage characters to react to the children. I wait in line for character photos like anyone else. I’m childless because cancer prevented a family. Disney fantasy got me through a childhood of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It brings joy and healing. So, if you think it’s only for kids, you are so wrong. In this hate-filled and entitlement filled world, we all need happiness and love. So, if you think you deserve everyone to kiss your feet and bow down to you because you want it, then grab your binky and take a nap.
Might need to remind people that today’s DISNEY ADULT was a DISNEY CHILD who still sees the magic & believes. I’ve Disney Adulted for many years now & i love seeing the children excited & memorized on the magic & not only let them have their moment il join in keeping the magic alive myself by conversation etc of the magical world of the moment!
That said my issue in guest behavior stems more just of selfish rude foreigners who refuse to follow park rules & safety measures! I’ve even taken video of it to provide Disney & cast members with should thy need arise over ones who Iin the presence of Disney cast member pretend to not speak or understand English as soon as the cast member is gone they do speak English & laugh at what they got away with.
Don’t blame the Disney Adult who just a big kid enjoying the magic & loves living it & creating it for others in that role as well.