Disney Fans Rally Behind Special Needs Adult Who Enjoys Character Hugs

Disney Parks hold a timeless appeal for anyone regardless of age, whether adults or children. However, Disney-loving adults sometimes feel the need to justify their fondness for these beloved vacation destinations as they are normally regarded as places for kids. There have been a lot of discussions lately around the adult presence in Disney theme parks, and a great deal of it has been negative or diminishing.

One of the reasons some adults find themselves drawn to Disney destinations is the cherished opportunity to reconnect with beloved characters from their childhood. One special needs Disney adult recently took to social media to question his love of receiving hugs from his favorite Disney characters. It didn’t take long for Disney fans to rally behind him, expressing their collective agreement that there is nothing wrong with enjoying a warm hug. Many even shared their own appreciation for Disney character hugs!

We All Love Olaf’s Warm Hugs

This special needs Disney enthusiast explained his situation on Reddit, wondering if his passion for visiting his favorite Disney pals at Disneyland Resort in California is childish or odd to the characters.

I’m a 35 year old white adult male with high functioning autism, depression and anxiety. I have a pass to Disneyland because I live near there. One of the things I enjoy when I’m there is meeting characters. I enjoy meeting and getting hugs from characters, but I feel that they think that adults giving them hugs is odd. Especially special needs adults, because nobody sees me as special needs. It makes me think that I don’t deserve their hugs just because I’m an adult. I even treat them all with kindness because many others don’t often. Is it a bad thing for special needs adults like me to get character hugs? Because I feel like they’d rather just kids do that. A Cast Member even told me there’s many things with characters they’d rather save for just for little kids.

Is it a bad thing for special needs adults to get character hugs?
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The responses that he received were not only reaffirming but incredibly heartfelt as well. Most supporters even shared reasons that they love hugging characters too. Grown adults from every corner of life chimed in with their personal experiences on why it is important.

“I’m a grown woman in my 40s, and I hug every character I see,” said one enthusiast. “Disney magic is for EVERYONE.” Another mentioned getting pictures of her veteran father enjoying a hug with goofy. This man stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day and embraced a Disney character years later with no judgment.

One response assured the original poster that the characters love interacting with adults.

I saw a video from a cast member one time saying they enjoyed adult interactions the most! She said it can be exhausting trying to entertain young children all day so it was a relief to interact with an adult. I say hug away! I bet the majority of the people on this sub are adults who have hugged a character! Do what makes you happy!

An adult commenter gave a heartfelt story about their elderly mother with Alzheimer’s having a personal meet and greet with a special needs Mickey Mouse and retaining the memory till the next day!

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Related: Big Win for LGBTQ Community, Pixar Has its First Non-Binary Character

One person further explained how hugging characters is even enjoyed and encouraged at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, where embracing family members isn’t as common as it is in the West.

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Places like Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom provide special places to interact with characters personally that you wouldn’t normally find just watching a fantasy parade. Princess Fairytale Hall at Walt Disney World has unique character greetings where Guests can meet their favorite princesses or seek out favorites like Donald Duck in other locations.

Walt Disney knew the power of a good squeeze! Hugs are a cherished way for us to really connect with each other. Embracing your favorite character can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, and no one should be able to take that from you. Here’s hoping this special needs Guest feels a new sense of vindication for loving Disney character hugs when he next visit Disneyland Resort!