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Are Disney Adults Mentally Ill?

If you’re a Disney enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the term “Disney adults.” These are the passionate fans who can’t get enough of The Walt Disney Company.

From frequent visits to Disney theme parks and binge-watching Disney+ to rocking Disney-themed apparel and collecting exclusive merchandise, Disney adults are all about embracing their love for Mickey Mouse and friends. Some even go all out with Disney cosplay and dive into Disney books!

Two people smiling and walking in front of a castle at Disney Parks, each wearing themed t-shirts. The left side shows the whole scene and outfits, with the right side providing a close-up of their t-shirts featuring abstract designs of a character and castle.
Credit: Disney

Disney Adults: A Matter of Personal Choice

Despite their vibrant enthusiasm, Disney adults often face criticism and controversy. Skeptics question why these fans keep returning to the parks, why they pose with animated characters, and why they seem perpetually stuck in a magical world. Critics might suggest they should “grow up” and embrace interests deemed more suitable for adults.

Recently, this debate has taken a new turn, with some public figures voicing particularly harsh opinions. Matt Walsh, a conservative commentator known for his podcast The Matt Walsh Show and columns for The Daily Wire, has added his voice to the fray. Walsh has expressed strong disapproval of Disney adults, even going so far as to label their enthusiasm as a form of “mental illness.” He questioned why anyone without children would choose to visit Walt Disney World Resort, suggesting that such preferences warrant further psychological investigation.

This isn’t Walsh’s first foray into Disney criticism. He has previously criticized Disney star Rachel Zegler for her modern take on the Snow White film and voiced his own dislike for Disney, which he claims is not suited for adult men. According to Walsh, adult men should not be enamored with Disney’s magic.

A person with long hair is standing with their back to the camera, wearing a light green Disney World sweatshirt with brown and green lettering. The background shows a storefront with signs reading "Ice Cream Parlor" and other decorative elements.
Credit: Disney

The Science Behind Disney Adults

Walsh may be calling for more research, but studies offer some intriguing insights into why Disney adults find so much joy in their passion. For many, visiting Disney parks can fulfill a travel itch that might be otherwise expensive or impractical to satisfy with international trips. Disney provides an accessible and relatively affordable alternative for those craving a getaway within the U.S.

Moreover, research highlights the power of sensory experiences in triggering positive memories. Disney parks are renowned for their distinct and nostalgic scents—think of the salty sea air on Pirates of the Caribbean or the unique aroma of Spaceship Earth. These smells are linked to the hippocampus, a brain area crucial for memory, making visits to Disney parks a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

guests visiting epcot, living with the land behind the seeds tour
Credit: Disney

It’s essential to remember that adults have the freedom to spend their money as they see fit. Many Disney adults grew up without the opportunity to experience Disney parks due to financial constraints or disinterest from their parents. Now, as adults with the means to do so, they’re choosing to spend their money on the magic they missed out on as children.

In summary, while Disney adults may face criticism from some quarters, their dedication to Disney is both a personal choice and a meaningful part of their lives. Whether it’s the thrill of the rides, the joy of the characters, or the nostalgia of the sights and smells, their love for Disney is a testament to the magic that the parks continue to offer.

What do you think about the term “Disney Adults”? Are they just passionate fans, or is it unfairly misunderstood? Share your thoughts in the comments!

For more insights and updates on Disney parks and Disney fan culture, stay tuned to Disney Fanatic for the latest news and tips!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

6 Comments

  1. How sad and pathetic that another ADULT would be critical about Grown ups LOVING Disney. The world is so hard right now on so many levels. Occasinally, we have the opportunity, after saving our PENNIES, (because that’s all that is left these days) to spend a couple days enjoying the most MAGICAL and JOYOUS place on earth with No stress except to decide what DISNEY TREAT we want next. I am 59 years old and remember the reaction from my children’s visits to Disney. I still see it through their eyes and my grandkids eyes, BUT, my husband and I NOW get to PUTTER through the park TOGETHER, no babies, take our time and enjoy the beauty of rhe park. The landscaping, food,wine season and At Christmas time they have a choir, so many things to do that are much harder with kids. Wandering Epcot is a LUXURY by ourselves and we now get to have a glass of wine in France!!. so if I am considered MENTALLY ILL, then I will GLADLY own that!!! I know Matt Walsh and I like some of his work, but REALLY, judging Adult Disney Fans is rude. He should REALLY STAY IN HIS OWN LANE. Just as you don’t want your entertainers telling you who to vote for, political Pundits should stick to politics and let us Grown ups have some fun before the journey of life is over. My thought is, if he has time to ponder other adults motivation for going to Disney. He has WAYYYY to much time on his hands.

  2. Does this uninformed critic realize that Walt Disney created Disneyland and the plans for Disney World for EVERYONE… not just adults with children. What is wrong with adults enjoying being a kid again? It is a wonderful feeling to reminisce about their childhood or youth. My 1st trip to WDW was a college graduation gift at 22 years old…. my Mom, my 26 year old sister, and me. To be honest, my Dad died when I was 17 years old and I hadn’t seen my Mom smile in a very long time. Our family had never been there before, so my Mom became a big kid again with an enthusiasm we hadn’t seen for a long time. She jumped right up on the carousel. (For roller coasters, she was the designated purse, camera holder) My husband and I got engaged there and honeymooned there (our favorite trip) Our children basically grew up at WDW. I am now 64 years old and my twins are 27 and I’m now the designated backpack, fannypack, phone, and camera holder. My son loves it there so much, he now works at Epcot. It’s my most endearing memories of my late Mom. My husband and I are limited on what we can ride, but we love to people watch. Our kids traverse all over the parks and WHY NOT? Adults live tough lives with bills, responsibilities, and obligations, so why shouldn’t they have the opportunity to be a big kid again? Walt would LOVE this joy. Kids do NOT miss a thing at WDW because of grown adults without young children. Kids see and do what they’re meant to do… have fun and build memories. It’s those fantastic memories that brings them back as adults. It isn’t any sort of mental illness… it’s happiness, laughter, memories of past trips, and making memories for the future. Walt had a wonderful vision and it still holds true today for EVERYONE!

  3. Yeah, because “normal” grown ups prefer to watch grown men beat the crap of each other while chasing a ball downfield, or swinging sticks on the ice, or just one on one in a boxing or wrestling ring.

    Blech!

  4. We just want to be happy, to enjoy every moment and forget the nightmares that exist in the real world. I enjoy seeing children interact with characters, and when I am given the chance I join in. We all deserve that joy!

  5. I have a fondness for Disney going back to my first “Coon-Skin Hat” (thanks Davey Crockett). I also bring my adult friends to Disney World and Disneyland a lot so they can enjoy the ambience. YES, MATT, I have traveled internationally many times, including almost 22 years in the NAVY, AND after I retired. I have also driven cross-country across the USA 6 times, and lost track of the side trips and the plane flights and two AMTRAK trips cross country. Calm down.

  6. I was first exposed to Disney entertainment in the early 60’s, when the N Y. World’s Fair was held. My family lived just outside the City, we we visited the Fair about a dozen times. The four Disney attractions fascinated me more than any of the others. (G.M’.s Futurama came in fifth). I nearly lost my mind when a Disneyland East was announced. I took my first trip to WDW just a few months after it opened. At first, I visited annually. By the late 1980s I was visiting every few months. In 1995, I finally achieved my dream of MOVING to Orlando- just so I could visit every WEEKEND!!! So, should I get fitted for a straight-jacket? (I should add that I just turned 69 and remain single).

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