You Might Want to Rethink What You Think of "Disney Adults": The Case for the Disney Adult
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Share:
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 Rebekah Land
Rebekah Land
Ready. Set. Let's Vacay!
Hello! I am a wife, mom, friend who loves to travel! Whether it's an anniversary trip with my husband, summer vacay with the kids, or a girls weekend getaway. Sign me up!
Research and planning is a big part of travel and that's where I excel. I'll make sure you're prepared from the time you leave your home until the time you return. We'll work together to formulate your wishlist items of travel expectations.
I am passionate in curating extraordinary experiences that will leave you lasting travel memories. I specialize in tailoring premium, personalized service to elevate your travel to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for 5-star accommodations, all-inclusive and family friendly resorts, cruising or European travel. I'm here to help curate those details with you for your next unforgettable trip. From Private Deluxe transfers, VIP excursions, Airport Fast Track requests, guided tours, to planning notable shopping outings or reservations at the most trendy restaurants and nightlife in your travel destination. I can help!
It doesn't end there. I'll be there to provide support and guidance throughout your entire trip. Ensuring stress-free, seamless planning and an enjoyable travel experience you will love!
Traveling is a staple for our family. We've snowmobiled with bisons in Yellowstone on spring break not on purpose but it was an experience. We've taken ski trips to Colorado, Montana, and New Mexico. Beaver Creek Ski Resort in Colorado is a famiIy favorite. I had my own destination wedding at Beaches, Turks and Caicos a place I highly recommend. My favorite girls trips have been to New York, Chicago and recently to Paris.
I've learned a lot over the years from my own personal travel experiences. But what I've learned the most about travel ... togetherness during travel is a bonding experience of shared adventures leaving lifelong memories.
Rebekah Land
You Might Want to Rethink What You Think of "Disney Adults": The Case for the Disney Adult
Dallas Travel Agent Near Me
Share :
Ready. Set. Let's Vacay! Hello! I am a wife, mom, friend who loves to travel! Whether it's an anniversary trip with my husband, summer vacay with the kids, or a girls weekend getaway. Sign me up! Research and planning is a big part of travel and that's where I excel. I'll make sure you're prepared from the time you leave your home until the time you return. We'll work together to formulate your wishlist items of travel expectations. I am passionate in curating extraordinary experiences that will leave you lasting travel memories. I specialize in tailoring premium, personalized se... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow Rebekah Land on all the socials!
Facebook Group
Join my group on Facebook! See latest deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share great tips and tricks, videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
TikTok
Follow me on TikTok! Watch and share my videos on my personalized travel feed just for your vacation needs! See my latest videos highlighting deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share new videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations!
Instagram
Follow me on IG! Visual content to connect my travel experiences to you! Join me as I travel around the world! I share new pictures and videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out on IG!