Recently, a controversial incident at the Disneyland Resort gained widespread attention on social media when an influencer, Dani Jackel (@danijackel on Instagram), was filmed twerking in front of Disney characters. The video captured her dance moves while the Toy Story (1995) toy soldier marching band played, sparking a reaction not only from the audience but also from those costumed characters.
The incident began when Jackel, known for her presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, filmed herself “just trying to have a little fun at Disneyland.” She twerked as the Toy Story marching band played on Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park.
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Moments after the Disney Park guest started dancing, one of the Toy Story characters shouted at her: “I said ‘get down,’ not ‘get down.'” Jackel laughed, saying the character performer “called her out.”
Winning smiles and laughter from some, the dance drew disapproval from others who felt that the twerking was inappropriate in the child-centric environment of Disneyland Resort.
Social Media Reactions to the Dance
The incident rapidly exploded on social media, with opinions sharply divided. Some users came to Jackel’s defense, arguing that children are frequently exposed to inappropriate behaviors in everyday life, implying that a dance move at the Disneyland Resort should not be the source of significant scrutiny. Conversely, many voices critiqued the Disney Park guest’s actions, suggesting that there is a time and place for everything—especially in environments designed primarily for children.
Outrage Over Family-Friendly Environment
For many, the essence of the Disneyland Resort lies in its commitment to family-friendly amusement. Users flooded in with comments emphasizing the importance of maintaining a respectable environment for young visitors. Parents expressed concern that Jackel’s dance detracted from the wholesome experience that theme parks aim to provide.
“Twerking at Disney with families there does seem low,” one commenter wrote. “Why there?”
Another said Jackel was “condoning inappropriate behavior in front of children.”
Support for Jackel
Amid the backlash, there were also voices of support for Jackel. Some users argued that modern society should relax strict norms regarding public behavior and allow for spontaneity and fun, especially in places celebrated for their joy and imagination, such as Disneyland Resort. They viewed the incident as a playful expression rather than a moral failing.
“For people complaining that there’s kids around,” one social media user argued. “I’m sure they’ve seen worse.”
“There are so much worse things to be worried about,” another replied.
Were the Disney characters right to call this guest out? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
Tacky, tacky, tacky. Have some kids seen “far worse?” Probably. Some young kids probably get to watch action films where lots of people get killed. Doesn’t make it appropriate to physically attack someone at the park and pretend to kill them. “Kids see this all the time!”
Dancing is one thing. A very sexualized “dance” is another. There’s a place for it, but Disney parks aren’t that place. Influencers are a real pain. They think they are the main character wherever they go.
Influencer!!! I hope not… poor behavior.