You Might Want to Rethink What You Think of "Disney Adults": The Case for the Disney Adult
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You Might Want to Rethink What You Think of "Disney Adults": The Case for the Disney Adult
In the summer of 1955, Disneyland opened its' doors. During his dedication speech on opening day, Walt Disney said these prolific words that echo in the ears of many Disney park fans: 'To all who come to this happy place: Welcome.' Nearly 70 years later, that famous line associated with the birthday of Disneyland still rings true in the hearts of many Disney fans, most of these fans being grown-ups.
In 2023, the Internet in its typical cruel and unabashedly judgmental fashion, has found a way to turn something harmless, like an adult park guest donning a pair of Minnie ears and enjoying a delicious Mickey-shaped snack on Main Street, into something 'cringe-worthy' or 'creepy.' There are various forms of entertainment, like Disney, that transcend multiple generations, have the most fanatical fan bases (mainly adults), and yet don't get nearly as much hate as the adult Disney fan or commonly known as a 'Disney Adult.'
Several unapologetic self-proclaimed 'Disney adults' have spoken out in defense of their love for Disney and the fandom community, including Ken McGraw of WDW Magazine, who makes a very strong case for why adults love and should visit the Disney parks.
(Pictured: My fiance and me at Hollywood Studios' Galaxy's Edge)
As a travel planner and a huge adult Disney fan myself, I will often get the same question with eye brows raised from clients, family members, and 'non-Disney fan' friends alike, 'what is there for adults without children to even do at Walt Disney World?' Contrary to popular belief, which in my honest opinion may be due in part to Disney's negligent marketing in this area, there is PLENTY for adults, both fan and non-fan alike, to enjoy about the Disney parks. Once we get past the belief that Disney is a theme park solely for children, it is a pleasant surprise as to how much there is to do for the grown-up audience.
Before meeting and falling in love with my now fiance, I admittedly was one of those skeptics. Not to say I wasn't a fan, I just didn't know how much there was to do for the adult fan. Despite going to the parks often growing up, I never knew there was somuch for adults to do there until my fiance, a former Disney cast member and Disney College Program (DCP) alum, opened my eyes to those things. Now, I strongly encourage and recommend my adult 'non-Disney' fan friends and family to go.
(Pictured: After our proposal atop California Grill in Disney's Contemporary Resort)
Consider this your guide not only from the perspective of a travel planner who specializes in Disney vacations, but also as a skeptic turned 'believer' who will defend 'Disney Adults', and let you in on the many aspects of Walt Disney World there are for adult guests to enjoy:
Thrill rides- Usually when people think of Disney World, they envision 'Its a Small World' or 'Dumbo', attractions catered predominately to families with small children. While Disney has its handful of those family friendly rides, it is not short of its thrill rides either. With the opening of Guardian's of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in Epcot in 2022 and Tron: Lightcycle Run that opened in Magic Kingdom in April of this year, Disney's assortment of attractions is continuing to grow terms of thrill rides that adults can enjoy, too.
Award-winning Michelin restaurants and cuisine- Disney not only surpasses expectations in terms of being a one of a kind immersive theme park experience, it is also the home of several Michelin restaurants that are well renowned throughout the country. California Grill, where my fiance proposed, is on that list. A couple of others tucked away within various Disney resorts and along Disney Springs, include Victoria and Albert's in Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Toledo's in Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, and the Polite Pig in Disney Springs.
Broadway style musicals and performances- When I visited Walt Disney World for the first time as an adult in my 30s, I was blown away by the performance of Beauty and Beast: Live on Stage when I saw it for the first time. Beauty and the Beast was one of my beloved favorites as a child and, this performance was a quintessential Disney experience that made me feel as if I was inside Belle and the Beast's story. The Festival of the Lion King, a performance that includes puppetry and other cool effects inside Disney's Animal Kingdom park, is one that is so jam packed with incredible talent from start to finish.
Fun, immersive bars and lounges with unique Disney theming- What surprised me the most was this part: Disney has multiple unique Disney themed cocktails, lounges, and bars that adults over 21 can enjoy. Whether you're looking to be transported into a watering hole in a galaxy far, far away at Oga's Cantina, with its assortment of out of this world alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, or you want to enjoy a cocktail that is specific to a different country of origin in Epcot, Disney offers an array of boozy options that adult guests can enjoy. Note: If you are going to drink, please drink responsibly :)
When Disneyland first opened its gates in July of 1955, the first person to purchase a ticket was 22 year old, David MacPherson. MacPherson is, you can say, the OG Disney Adult. As you can see, the case of the 'Disney Adult' is a tale as old as time (hehe, not really, but they've been around for a while).
David is proof that an adult guest can visit the parks and still have as exciting of a time, if not more, as the littlest park guest. This, after all, was Walt's vision all along when he created Disneyland 70 years ago. He wanted it to be a place where 'the young and the young at heart' can enjoy it for many years to come.
Get in touch with Jennifer Stewart
Jennifer Stewart
Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a local Kentucky Disney lover! As a devoted wife and mother of three, my family and I share a deep love for all things Disney. With the ever-evolving world of Disney, I stay committed to continuous learning, ensuring I provide up-to-date and personalized travel planning services. Whether you're looking to create magical memories at the parks or explore the latest Disney experiences, I'm here to make your dream vacation a reality!
From helping you navigate the best attractions to securing those hard-to-get dining reservations, my goal is to take the stress out of planning so you can focus on the fun. I specialize in crafting itineraries that cater to families of all sizes, making sure every moment is filled with magic. Let me be your guide to all things Disney, where every detail is tailored just for you!
Jennifer Stewart
You Might Want to Rethink What You Think of "Disney Adults": The Case for the Disney Adult
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Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a local Kentucky Disney lover! As a devoted wife and mother of three, my family and I share a deep love for all things Disney. With the ever-evolving world of Disney, I stay committed to continuous learning, ensuring I provide up-to-date and personalized travel planning services. Whether you're looking to create magical memories at the parks or explore the latest Disney experiences, I'm here to make your dream vacation a reality! From helping you navigate the best attractions to securing those hard-to-get dining reservations, my goal is to take the stress out of planning... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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I love Disneyland. I love France. This summer I had the opportunity to combine those loves into a day at Disneyland Paris. It did not dissapoint. We were staying in the heart of Paris, so we took the train. I highly recommend the train ride. We got on near our hotel which is right by the Arch de Triomphe. The train takes about an hour and costs 6 Euros. You'll know your stop as it's the last one on the line and it is clear it is Disneyland. Easy Peasy!
How about that DLP Hotel! Even though we didn't have the chance to stay there, we were captivated by its grandeur. The sight of it was truly stunning , and the experience of walking under the hotel to enter the Park was a unique thrill. Main Street is very similar to our US Main Streets. One of my favorite little shops was a shout-out to Pollyanna lovers (ME!)., simply called 'Harringtons.' It has many prisms inside to tickle your Pollyanna fancy! We enjoyed a fantastic lunch buffet-style at the Plaza Gardens, just at the end of Main Street, across from Aurora's castle. This French cuisine restaurant is amid Victorian splendor. As you would expect, the French do not disappoint. Let's talk about Tomorowland, or as the French call it, Discoveryland. This is my favorite of all the Tomorrowlands esthetically. It is stunning. You must see the posted video and photo. Nothing like it anywhere! It was amazing to walk up inside this castle while going through a storybook presentation on the tapestries of Sleeping Beauty. STUNNING! Buzz Lightyear, It's a Small World, Phantom Manor (Haunted Mansion) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, Alice's Curious Labyrinth, Blanceh-Neige et les Sept Nains (Snow White and Seven Dwarfs), were all great. However, we did encounter a significant disappointment. The entire Pirates area was closed during our visit, which meant no Jack Sparrow Restaurant, no Pirates ride, and no amazing Pirate Ship. The initial excitement of seeing the area was quickly replaced by a sense of disappointment when we learned about the refurbishment. But in the end, it's hard to complain when you're at Disneyland Paris. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, don't hesitate! Disneyland Paris Space Mountain
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