The Joy and Memories of Being a ‘Disney Adult’
I recently attended a backyard party in Los Angeles, where people enjoyed spending $30 on Erewhon smoothies. My best friend of over 20 years and I ended up discussing ‘Disney adults’ with a small group of strangers. I mentioned my annual Disneyland pass without shame, noting the mixed reactions. Some laughed, and others seemed surprised. My friend tried to help me out by labeling me as ‘more goth Disney’ to seem cooler. But I declined that path and embraced my identity, simply stating, ‘I’m just a Disney adult. I’m an adult who loves going to Disney. It’s not that complicated.’
For many, it appears complex. This conversation often arises for me, including recently with a colleague. Shane Croucher wrote a Newsweek op-ed critiquing ‘Disney Adults,’ urging them to grow up. His harsh tone did not go unnoticed. Despite the critics, my stance was simple: joy from these experiences is worth defending. Being a Disney adult isn’t about avoiding adulthood—it represents what growing up enables.
Shane argues that the parks are mainly for parents and adults without children shouldn’t be there. This logic invites questions. What alternative is there for adults to spend their Saturday? Whether it’s a bar or sports game, different interests exist. No one tells a grown man in a Dodgers uniform to grow up. Each person deserves joy in their own way.
A common joy for Disney adults is witnessing the happiness of children. Watching kids embrace characters or delight in sweet treats captures part of the joy Disney critics overlook. An adult doesn’t need to be a parent to appreciate childhood wonder.
Reflecting on where my passion for Disney began, I realized each Disney adult has unique reasons. Mine dates back to childhood when my parents divorced. Visits to my mom were rare, but during one visit, she took me to see ‘The Little Mermaid.’ We watched back-to-back showings due to a malfunction and received extra tickets. This moment of shared joy became a tradition.
After saving for 10 years, we finally visited Disney World, and traditions evolved over time. I bonded with my partner over our shared Disney love, further intertwining it into our lives. Birthdays and holidays became occasions to create memories there. If this joy is wrong, perhaps I’m missing something. Yet, our happiness says otherwise.
With an annual Disneyland pass, I’m not avoiding maturity; I’m choosing to spend my time and money where many joyous memories reside. Disney was a dream saved for as a child—now it’s a choice I freely make as an adult. There’s no shame in holding onto such meaningful experiences. This nostalgia is shared by many, both parents and childless adults alike, seeking new moments to cherish.
If an adult clinging to joy seems problematic, perhaps the issue isn’t with the Mickey ears. Disney adults aren’t judging others for their parenting choices, such as using leashes on their children. The takeaway is clear: let everyone find their happiness in their own space of joy.