In Defense of the Disney Adult

And yes, I am the dreaded Disney Adult without children. For one birthday in particular, I skipped through the park on my way to see the “Happily Ever After” fireworks wearing light-up Tinkerbell wings, accompanied only by my friend of the same age. 

And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I agree with the sentiment of many Disney Adults I’ve encountered about why they keep returning. A trip to Walt Disney World feels familiar and welcoming, and it helps people reconnect with their childhood and revisit a time when they felt carefree. And with new attractions and experiences constantly being added, Walt Disney World offers nostalgia with a chance to make new memories every time.

In my opinion, Disney Adults are no different than the passionate members of any other fandom. I feel authorized to speak on this from the vantage point of a kid who practically grew up at Yankee Stadium.

My dad worked at the home of the New York Yankees for 47 years. He started as a pre-teen selling Cracker Jacks in the stands while growing up in the South Bronx. And when he later worked in finance, he kept his part-time job at the stadium doing inventory, making all of the night and weekend games for as long as I can remember.