Disney adults

[stardii]

In the last year I've met three separate couples that are so into Disney.

I know we all like different things, but isn't Disney for children?

I'm not a "disney adult", I'm not THAT into it but I am a 38 year old man and you better believe I'm jiggling my ass down the road with Poor Unfortunate Souls blasting in my earphones.

I don't think there's anything we should grow out of if we don't want to. Maturity should be about personal growth, not your cultural tastes. If grown-ass men can construct their entire identity around a bunch of guys kicking a ball, I can base mine on whatever I like.

Yeah, like I said a ball is just a toy so in that case it should only be for children.

It is sad that so many people judge others so harshly for something that is harmless... the comment saying adults into Disney are paedophiles was absolutely awful though. I know a lady who lives and breathes Disney... and she is a nurse! Another is autistic, and Disney is her special interest. Another is a man in his 60s... he goes on Disney cruises, and does the whole pin badge swap thing you can do when you go to the theme parks.

My house is chock full of "Disney" stuff, and I wear the clothing too. I can talk about the films for ages. But by all of that, I mean the Alien films, as Disney now own them 😬def not for kids!

I think most adults expand on the things they loved as children, and don't just stick to that one thing and make it their personality. Maybe that's the difference.

For example, I'm a bit of a nerd and willingly accept that! But I'm not still clutching at the exact same things I did as a kid.

When I was 8 I saw the ALW Phantom of the Opera on video. Obsessed with it.
I loved ghost stories and spooky stuff - vampires especially.
Harry Potter.
Comics.

As an adult, I'm really into folklore. I work in publishing and I also write stories with spooky themes. I have a small collection of Victoriana and ethical taxidermy, and I make dresses and costumes in my spare time. I've thrown many a fancy dress party in my time, and I still love a good graphic novel.

But I'm not walking around jabbering about it. I'm not still watching the Music of the Night on repeat (or SINGING it in work) or telling the same old ghost story to anyone will listen. I don't push my interests on anyone.

Disney Adults, the proper ones, are absolutely stuck in their ways with their obsession. And they want everyone to know about it.

I don't think being a Disney adult of a "cute girl" is really your colleague's problem here to be fair. Even if those things never existed, she would find something to attach to.

It's entirely possible, but her obsession is Disney and the childishness of it is what aids her in remaining in this arrested state of development.

She's a perfectly capable woman. She has two degrees and is good at her job. She chooses to use Disney as a crutch to hide behind, and the "I'm so sweet and cute, teehee!" as she swans in wearing a Tinkerbell skirt for Friday drinks (I'm not kidding, genuinely) and has her Auntie pick her up at 11.30 (maybe she'll turn into a pumpkin?) isn't helping her.

I feel sorry for her family. They're essentially stuck with 37 year old child who is in debt and refuses to learn to care for herself. She's an extreme example perhaps, but many of the Disney Adults out there are like this.

She's an extreme example perhaps, but many of the Disney Adults out there are like this.

How many of them have you met…!?

I am trying to picture the Tinkerbell skirt.

There are official cosplay meet-ups, she should go.

Taylor Swift isn’t meant for children, as anyone who’s given her last album even a cursory listen will realise.

Just because she wears glittery clothes, it doesn’t mean her target audience is 5 year olds ffs.

Unfortunately too many! 😆 I used to run a theatre group for adults, and for some reason it seemed to be a thing!

Yes, I've seen those ones! I think if it was focused into something like this, at least it could be a bit more social. Making costumes and doing events, etc., at least she'd have an outlet.

No it is for adults too. Ridiculously blinkered post.

I like the social aspect of those groups. It must be quite creative and I’m sure they have fun together and find friends for life. It’s different than being obsessed 24/7.

I think that's what's missing. As much as I personally don't like Disney and think it's a bit immature (I bet there's people who'd hate my mini taxidermy collection, too), any hobby (as long as it's not dodgy) is valid. It's how they're interacted with that's important really.

Just the same as a middle aged bloke sat in his mum's basement painting WarHammer figurines and doing nothing else is unhealthy, so is the Disney shrine stuff. Maybe meeting other people with similar interests could give the joy needed rather than building a whole life around it. An outlet.

What is a Disney Adult? As in, what qualifies one to be a Disney Adult?

I like some Disney movies and hate others. I love Lilo and Stitch and have some Lilo and Stitch clothing. I also love horror movies and have some horror-themed clothing.

Am I a Disney Adult?

For me it’s actually going to the parks, I absolutely love them. I have no ears though, but my dd did. She always make comments how weird but actually nice it is that anything goes at Magic Kingdom. Grown big men with Mickey ears and matching family Disney clothing. No shame, it’s all normal. If I hadn’t been there I would have thought it sounds weird. But strangely enough it isn’t weird at all, it truly is a magical happy place. When dd packed her Mickey ears going home she said Ok, sadly can’t wear these again until next time. 😂 None of us watches the films very much now, but we all just love the Disney parks in Florida.

I have a family member who also had a difficult childhood (and teens) who is very into Disney. Never thought about this connection until now.

Have you seen this?!
metro.co.uk/2024/09/05/this-unassuming-3-bed-home-a-disney-adults-dream-come-true-21554326/?ito=facebookimage&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1-CuCMQj4ehM4cu3VNVuRH5KCZ13rC1-F3eJgffL3S7idC5AO1qHl_UJk_aem_vfV1271nXeAkG4q9uHCWbg

See, this all sounds really nice! I think anything you can find some joy in like this is worth doing if you like it! Whitby Goth Weekend for example - I bloody love going along and seeing whole families all dressed up. Even my DH who won't dress up at Halloween joins in the fun. It's all about the atmosphere which can be so difficult to describe to someone who hasn't been, which I guess is the case for Disney land, too?

I know a woman who got engaged at Disney and she said it was magical because it took her straight back to her childhood wanting to be a princess!

I have absolutely no snark for anything like this. It's just good, wholesome fun and I don't think anyone should be being mean about this sort of thing at all, even if it's not their cup of tea.

I agree 100%.

I know that ‘pearl clutching’ is one of those hilarious mumsnet tropes, but you really are sounding pretty awful how you’re talking about people. Can you not see that?

I accept that i am in minority
It is v strange to me, but normal for others
So I will now shut the feck up

It’s definitely a connection. It’s such an escapist, lovely thing for people to enjoy and it’s so innocent. I don’t get why someone would be nasty about that when there’s so much nastiness in the world 🥲

Yes. I find it strange when grown ups go to Disneyland without any children.

I love visiting the Disney parks and did so as a child, a young adult and now that I have my own DC. I love the theming, the rides, the snacks, the events and the resorts. I also love the friendliness of people, especially at WDW. Disney cruising is also a lot of fun. I like a few of the Disney films and my DC do too. We aren't bothered about getting dressed up or the characters but a lot of people enjoy that side of it. We travel to lots of other places too.

You only get one life and it is important to do what makes you happy!

We as a family absolutely love Disney! My kids are grown up now and they have passed their love on to my grandchildren too

Each to their own, what harm are they doing?