Disneyland was always my happy place. I go to have fun with my kids. It’s something that appeals to everyone in the family, from toddlers to the elderly. It is a place that helps everyone connect, across generations.
I am a Disney AP fanatic until the past few years. The original Walt Disney is long gone and went the way of a far left liberal company. I cannot enjoy it anymore like I used to. I can't even bring myself to go back now.
We go once maybe twice yearly. We never have issues with those with children, however it happens. The WDW Company is for all ages, period. We have issue with those guest who cause issues for the cast members, or feel pushy or entitled to be at the parks, go have fun, people are here to enjoy and relax 🎉
I'm a Cosplayer and a Disney Bounder, I used to be an annual passholder in Anaheim. I now live in Central Texas and, when people ask me where I'm from, I just say "Disneyland. I'm from Disneyland."
Solid Gen X here. This is a great comment. Us adults are making up for the lack of opportunity in our youth. My parents did EVERYTHING they could for us, but WDW was out of the picture financially. And we have to remember, you only had the Magic Kingdom until 1982 when Epcot opened. So for almost two decades it's was only two parks, until MGM Studios in 1989 and Animal Kingdom in 1998. The "World" as it exists today didn't exist like that for quite some time, and didn't have the same draw for those of us far away in the US (Michigan for me)
As a child, the opportunity to go in- person to a Disney Theme Park was totally out of the question financially. My only way to enjoy Disney were the TV programs and movies. I wouldn't consider myself an "extreme" Disney Adult now but once I could afford to go as an adult I was definitely hooked.
THIS! I longed to go to Disney World as a child but lived in poverty so there was just no way. I wish people would consider that some of us Disney adults didn't have the privilege to go as children and have to make up for lost time.
Tom I hope you read this comment. The conversation about Disney adults cannot be had without talking about the vloggers. They are 100% the prime culprits of Disney adults leaving a terrible impression on other guests - a bunch of obnoxious adults who stuff their faces all day long and tell you how great everything is at the parks (you guys mentioned this but didn't go deeper). I won't name names here, but there are certain ones you can tell are just oblivious to other guests and want so desperately to be invited to every Disney event. Props to Tom, Eric, and other creators like Mickey Views for being themselves and vlogging actual reviews or covering parks history, operations, etc. The vloggers are like hamsters in a wheel of perpetually chasing that media pass and next event invite, while cutting people off at fireworks shows, talking like morons over ride audio, and being loud & obnoxious (often drunk) at dining locations. Tom was visibly annoyed at Cosmic Ray's during MNSSHP when the vloggers crashed in... I think I know which "group" that was too. I wish Disney would do something about them, but at the end of the day Disney only cares about the money they spend in the parks & free advertising - no different than how they don't put a stop to resellers. It still baffles me how dozens of people literally make the same exact videos, doing the same exact things as everyone else, and still have a viewer base & profit from it. Tom, I know this is a touchy subject because you live in the creator space (they probably already don't like you lol), but maybe expanding on this would at least educate the casual Disney visitors who get offended by Disney adults; show them that not all Disney adults are like the pretentious vloggers. Maybe people would stop funding their nonsense "adventures" too.
I’m 43. I’ve been to Disney as a child and then later as a childless adult with my wife every couple years. We love the attractions and food. If that upsets someone, find something YOU like and enjoy. I don’t begrudge anyone’s hobbies or interests as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.
Well something missed here… back when Disney opened there is a Walt Disney interview where he is asked how many adults come without kids, he talks about how they have tons of adult only visitors and he acknowledged that Disney is for everyone. Disney did not just discover this in recent time. This is evidence this is the case since Disneyland opened.😊
the bad side of disney adults is when you begin to force it onto others. i recall a post about a kids birthday presents being thrown out because they werent disney, regardless of what the child wanted. the mother was forcing the child to only consume disney stuff
I remember Walt Disney World back when it was an all-ages resort, before it became all about Princess Meet+Greets and character breakfasts. There were plenty of adult visitors without children (I and my friends included) who came for the attractions and shows at the Magic Kingdom, the studio backlot tour at Hollywood Studios, and the educational + "international" experience of EPCOT.
Love the Podcast!!! Keel them coming!!! What kind of Disney adult am I? I'm mainly a nostalgic one that aches and wishes he had a time machine to relive the vacations with my wife and 3 kids who first visited WDW in 2010. Kids were 8, 6 and 3 at the time, and my wife and I were first timers in our 30's. Now, fast forward through almost annual weeklong+ stays and WDW has provided our family a treasure trove of magical memories. Thankfully our kids all still love to go. Even though life has thrown in it's challenges since then, you can't take away the love and joy we've experienced at WDW. It is our happy bubble where the pendulum swings from daily stress, sadness, and difficulties to one of joy and happiness. BTW, just placed my first order on Carousel of Products. (12 Flags over Epcot T-shirt). Can't wait to wear it, hopefully next summer at Epcot!!
Love this content! I agree with tom on alot of things he talks about. Im the disney adult who lives in Indiana, visits once a year if only for a couple days, watches wdwnt, and tries to keep up on what happens in the parks. I love the historical side of the parks and disney as a company and what makes it so magical.
As to what you were saying about people online, hating Disney adults because they think they are weird or whatever thing that they say or come up with concerning their thoughts on them, I think that a lot of the time when you have those kinds of people that they don’t have anything else better to do and something I remember seeing someone say before was that The Internet has made people feel too comfortable with saying mean, stuff about people without any consequences, being able to say something about someone or to someone without having to actually be face-to-face with them
The “Disney adult” criticism I think is an issue about the Service Standard of Courtesy. I’ve witnessed adults bump into my wife when she is using a walker, adults stand right in front of kids which block the kids’ view of shows and parades, and during the 50th, fights broke out over merch that Disney had plenty of post Oct 1st. Rudeness, entitlement, selfishness, and violence has increased at Disney World, so the better question is how should Disney “Debug” the problems and “Plus” the guest experience to create an overall better guest experience?
I was 12 years old my first trip to Disneyland, when I was 40 we move to Florida from California in 1992 to work at WDW now 30 years later I have retired as Wdw Cast member and still Disneyl Adult at 70
I'm the childless millennial who has low expectations of my park days. I was in line at AK to meet Chip and Dale during the Christmas season , we waited about 45 minutes and the dad in front of us was vocalizing his anger that the couple in front of them was spending so much time when "they don't even have kids", as the couple walked away we all saw they were wearing Make A Wish shirts. He stopped the complaining then and everyone gave him the stink eye.
I’m a Disney adult, but I bring my wife and kids. It all comes down to attitude. I’ve waited in long lines, but I talk to the people around me and we are glad to be at Disney. Our priority is having fun. So I think to myself will it be more fun to play with the giant granite ball in front of space mountain or will we have more fun knocking out rides? Choose fun. Do what makes you and your family happy.
47:40 that is definitely true. My dad was born in '58, and my earliest Disney memories are of watching things like Davy Crockett and Swiss Family Robinson, because that's what my dad grew up with (and he's not an animation fan). Even our trips to WDW were really more about him reliving his childhood (which isn't to say my brother and I didn't have a good time, because we did, but I remember really wanting to see Universal Studios the second time we went down and being disappointed we couldn't go)
Im a Disney Parks adult. I don’t care much for Marvel, I enjoy Pixar and classic Disney movies but I don’t retain quotes or facts or character names even. The IP isn’t my biggest thing… I like the temporary escape from reality, I like the theming and attention to detail and all of that. I grew up being local to and going to Disneyland my entire life and have many great memories from that. The few times I’ve been to WDW have been really good. Great food, no driving (I commute a lot), many options of things to do, fun rides, etc… while I enjoy them, I’m not a rollercoaster enthusiast. I love to travel but the last many years I’ve done so solo and going to WDW, while expensive, is a little easier and safer to travel to solo. I know a lot of people do head off to Europe and other places alone but I’m just not there yet. I’ve actually met and had great conversations with complete strangers at the parks and it feels very welcoming. I guess growing up with the wonderful world of Disney on Sundays or whatever it was called. Michael Eisner introducing a classic movie… all that just made me feel at ease. So you have that familiarity going into the parks and it’s overall a premium product with high standards as well. Some Disney adults go too far but nowadays there are adults who are heavily into Anime or cosplay or dressing up and acting like a dog. There are adults who do all kinds of things that carry over from their childhood. There’s nothing wrong with that. I think the ones giving us a bad name are some of the gluttonous, lazy, uninspired vloggers who spread misinformation and produce lazy content. I won’t name them here but they show themselves being selfish, often narcissistic, speculating news with no sources, getting drunk and filming themselves “wooing” on rides and ruining people’s times. People see that more than actual Disney adults because of social media, and they judge based on them.
Thank you for this amazing podcast! Always enjoy the commentary and the stories and hearing your opinions. Great first episode and am definitely looking forward to the future episodes
I think what it boils down to is that many adults associate Disney and Disney IP with children’s entertainment and solely that. Therefore, those people find it odd that adults(especially those who don’t have children) are interested in Disney content and traveling to Disney parks. I also think the ones who judge Disney adults would secretly love to release their inner child, but don’t because they are worried about what others might think. Fortunately, I don’t care what other people think about my interests, and I can be happy enjoying Disney, The Simpsons, etc.
I went to MK as a little kid with my family, but visiting with my mom in the 1990s when I was in my early 20s was wonderful and is the visit I remember best. We stayed at the Dolphin when it was a few years old, Epcot was super fun, the MK electrical parade felt like a novel experience, and MGM studios was (almost) new as well. I'm glad I had that experience when I did, I really think I lucked out having this trip as an adult during a fun bubble in the Disney timeline.
I am definitely a Disney adult. I consider myself pretty well rounded. I love the movies, the music, the history, and the parks (even tho I’m only able to go once every few years). To Tom’s point, I was born in the 80’s, raised in the 90’s during the Renaissance era of Disney film and raised by baby boomers who watched MMC and Walt on TV at night. I never outgrew it and I never will! I’m almost 40 now and raising my little Disnerds! Also, I absolutely LOVE this podcast idea! Mainly because I love Tom’s rants and opinions. Very rarely do I disagree with the dude! Please don’t stop! We’re listening! And it’s a highlight of my day whenever you guys drop a new one! 🎉
@22:33 watch Eric’s eye roll when Tom says that guests put Duffy and friends in baby strollers, and pushes them around Tokyo Disneyland. 🤣😂 Hilarity at its finest! 😜 Thanks Eric.😉
I visited Walt Disney World last year, and it was our first Disney experience. It was worth every dolar, and all the time we dedicated to plan this trip. This year, we visited Disneyland Paris and are planning to visit Disneyland California next year!! 😁😁. It is addictive 😅😅
I am a Disney adult! I have been doing biographies of Walt since high school. When a teacher asked us to report on our favorite celebrities Walt’s been it. I was born the year of Disneyland. I am 68 years old in November. Never been to Disneyland but have been to Walt Disney world 4 times!
The Disney Adult that I can’t stand are the screaming, over reacting, Tik toking, IGing influencers that are just getting in folks way. They act like their followers and clicks are more important than all of the folks around them that are simply trying to have a good time.
I’ve been hooked since I saw the castle at MK when I was 5 years old. 🤩 I hooked my husband by convincing him to go for our honeymoon. He had been as a teenager, but not with someone in love with Disney like me. We had an amazing time. Our last several trips were with large groups with our kids. But me and hubby snuck away ourselves in 2021. Last year I had the privilege to take my grandfather who is 82 back to Disney. He hadn’t been since I was 5. It was an amazing trip and he had a great time. Memories I will never forget.
I think Duffy didn’t do well here because of the lack of effort of the character. Like you said we knew him as ‘The Disney Bear’. I remember them pushing him Paradise Pier in DCA back when and EVERYONE rejected him. And when they finally came up with a story people laughed at it. He’s so adorable, love what they did with him and other Duffy characters over seas. I personally wanted one as a kid.
I never cared about Figment. But, I moved to Florida in 2000, so my introduction to the Imagination Pavilion was Journey into Your Imagination. So 🤷♀️
I'm not particularly into Disney. We live here so my family just goes to the parks a lot. I only started following park news after Super Nintendo World and Galaxy's Edge were announced because I had to keep up with the news of their progress because they were theme park lands based on my interests. My impression of people who hate on "Disney Adults" is the same as people who hate on my other interests. Unhappy cynical people who believed it when told "You have to grow out of ___ when you get older". Nah, more and more people these days realize that things you enjoy are things you enjoy. You only "grow out" of something if other cynical people who had to give up their interests convince you to do the same. It's not actually a natural part of life, just a societal expectation, that is thankfully declining as more adults choose to continue to enjoy what they enjoy and ignore the unhappy cynical people.
Thank you for talking about Duffy! I always liked him when he had his meet & greet at Epcot and never understood why he wasn't more popular. Still waiting on that Duffy series that was supposed to come to Disney+ in 2023...
As a child we went to Disney world as a family every 2 years starting when I was 6 in 1989. I think those are my favorite memories and we also had a video camera and it was really only used on vacations so it's the one thing I can look back on all the time. I started taking my own daughter to Disney when she was 4. It's now our special place, and even though she is a teenager now she still wants to vacation with her mom to Disney which makes me happy. I'm perfectly fine calling myself a Disney adult and I'm certainly raising another.
Perfect. Thanks for bringing this back. I can watch while I am at work earning my next Disney trip. 😂 been going every year since 1972. Grandparents lived in FL.
Anyone else here from the dis unplugged? Great conversation guys! This is the content I want. On topic and insightful without all the unneeded feelings/emotions.
Hi. I'm a Veteran Social Worker. People brought small photos to war, not stuffed animals. Figment was the best...but definitely not this version. We need to sign a petition to bring it back. I think the round track is still there.
I always considered myself a Disney person ever since I could remember. My mom was seven when Cinderella was released and she was a Disney fan and passed that love for Disney on to me. We both loved the Disney parks. We couldn't afford to go to Disney every year but we went to WDW from Spring Break every year from 1992-2000. Even though Disney has done things I don't agree with, I can't turn my back on Disney entirely. My dad put up with it because he loved us.
I completely agree with Tom that WDW in Florida will NOT get a 5th park anytime in our lifetime. I'm really tired of people saying "Disney needs another park to compete with Universal". No they don't! Expansion to the existing parks is the way to go. My last WDW trip was 10 days (which most people only get 7, and includes 2 travel days, so really 5) and I still didn't get to do everything I wanted to do. There is a limit and a 5th park goes past that limit of saturation.
They dont HAVE to have a 5th gate.....but a villains kingdom would rake in buckets o' dollars and help alleviate the congestion in the other parks. I think they need another free night time spot like Disney Springs for the same reasons
@disneyforthewin Bringing back shows and entertainment helps alleviate congestion. Villains can have plenty of room at MK. A separate gate isn't the answer. Disneyland has 6 classic dark ride attractions, MK only has Peter Pan and Pooh. Expansion is the answer.
The woman wasn't complaining about not being able to buy a pretzel for her kid. She was complaining, because childless adults had pretzels and their kid saw them and started crying saying they wanted them and she didn't want to wait in line for them, so somehow it's the adults fault. She said how dare childless adults be here, Disney is not for you, it's your fault my kid is crying, effectively.
Thanks, Tom and Eric, for sharing this worthwhile discussion with us. Maybe it goes without saying that it's nice to hear validating thoughts from other Disney adults, regardless of where someone may fall on the spectrum of Disney fandom. I was introduced to Walt Disney World in the mid-1970's along with the early Disney films, and like most everyone else here, I have indelible memories of these. Nowadays, I would call myself an avid, actively-engaged Disney adult, and I keep an eye on several WDW social media channels and newsletters every day. My fandom is mostly focused on the WDW park itself (I usually visit once or twice annually) and Walt Disney's personal history and philosophy...and Mickey Mouse, too, of course. Very glad to see the podcast is back - I enjoyed this format, and I watched this one twice. Looking forward to your future podcasts. Keep up the great work!
Yay! It’s Tom and Eric! 🥳🎉 Thank you for this podcast! My Dad took me to WDW when I was 2 1/2 years old back in 1975! Yes, I’m old.😜 Notwithstanding, Disney, more specifically, Mickey, has always been my spirit animal and brings me joy as a Disney Adult. As others have said, as an adult, I can visit WDW on my own terms and schedule. 🥰❤️💛🖤
It's already been mentioned that the Disney parks always welcomed adults, but I just want to add the extra: Disney has that age old quote that is still very important today "You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.".
I'm so excited to have the podcast back. I listen to lots of podcasts during work, and listening to the WDWNT podcasts for years is a big part of why I'm still a fan of the channel and website. And thank you for releasing it on a Tuesday! I don't have any shows I listen to right now that release on Tuesdays!
Your recommendation of rope drop, nap and return is our EXACT M.O. and why we never have the frustration/FOMO that others complain about on their Disney experiences.
So, with Duffy, and the is he a plush or alive, you missed a part of the back story (as told to CMs in Paris).... He was aplush, made by Minnie for Mickey, but Minnie poured so much love into him that the magic of this love made Duffy come to life. There is some love for Duffy in Paris, where he has had his own meet and grest in town square, and near the hub, and featured in parades. Not as much in the Asian Parks, but all these younger markets have embraced the Duffy story more, whereas the domestic US market, it feels like it doesn't need him?
I’m a Orlando Native, went a few times a year as a child, occasionally as an adult (mainly food /wine). Now that Im a mom with a toddler & infant - we have AP’s and go several times a month. It’s fun for my kids and It’s close (I live in Windermere). We also go to SeaWorld a lot too. I dress in Disney gear when we go. We just got back from our 1st Disney cruise on Friday. We did the placeholder bc we had a great time! I agree, no pressure when we go to the park so we always have a great time! My toddler loves Mickey & friends.
I am absolutely a Disney Adult & Fan. I live in NY and Vacation at least once a year at WDW. I have been coming to the parks since Feb 1972. I attend a lot of symposiums & trade shows in and around Orlando and usually head to the parks at night. I consider myself a brand ambassador and frequently try to embellish the experience for others, especially family's. I was a 20 something when pleasure island opened and the festivals began. My wife & I attended annually before the kids; Our Kids are 20 something and we all vacation together at least once a year. Being a Disney Adult is a good thing, not a negative. I feel Disney adults add value to the experience and spend money. We are no different than people that wear sports jerseys and are fans in & out of the stadiums. Thanks for doing all that you do - I am big fan of all your channels as well.
Disney keeps building more and more resorts. Where are all these guests going to go? All the parks are now overcrowded and you can't enjoy yourself. You spend half your day in line for rides, attractions, food, beverages etc etc. It's not enjoyable. Not to mention the monorail is overcrowded so now you'll have guests from the new Poly resort riding it. It is all about greed right now and the guest experience is long gone.
Just as the majority of households subscribing to Disney+ do not contain children, the majority of parties visiting Disneyland, and its progeny, throughout their histories, have also not contained children. In fact, in a 1963 interview with the C.B.C., Walt Disney said that 80% of Disneyland's guests are adults.
So 28mins in, we're still talking about Disney stuff in general, and all the things Tom knows about Disney stuff, while he cleans popcorn dust off his Disney shirt. Meaning the Disney Adult IS TOM. Ok, got it. 😂 Btw, I'm an Xgen childless adult, who has a blast at most of the Disney Parks, minus Magic Kingdom. That place is a madhouse, and has to be planned out well. Lol. If people don't like us, I think your points are right. It boils down to envy, annoyance, and stress. I'm also a Universal Adult. I have fun at amusement parks. It's my thing. Don't hate. Just do your thing, whatever that is.
Wonderful show guys !! I miss this format (like to listen while doing other tasks). Can’t wait for more discussions with interesting topics about the Disney world. Thank you!
You know, that's a very good point! Thinking myself about my adventurous 21 year old daughter who likes to go camping, hiking, climbing, etc... it makes me a little nervous. WDW wouldn't make me nervous for her at all.
Another Disney adult here and a DVC member. 52 and no children, but we love to take my brother’s kids. Sometimes we go by ourselves or with friends. Big family trip of 12 planned for November! Okay, so you’re probably going to shoot this down immediately since at first these groups sound like complete opposites, BUT the closest thing I can compare a Disney adult to are Las Vegas fans. Comparisons : * Both groups travel to a bubble: unique places that can be completely immersive façades…. A departure from their everyday lives. * They both go as often as possible and can be obsessive about it. I know quite a few couples where Las Vegas is the only trip they take. It’s like a pilgrimage * The LV fans can go on and on about their favorite resorts to stay… as well as all of the places they’ve every stayed. Sound familiar? * Both groups can be fanatics about the shows and the food. I can go on, but I’ll stop here. Both trips are sensory overloaded marathons. Previously, being so firmly in camp Disney Adult, I couldn’t fathom my friends’ obsession about Las Vegas. Until one day the similarities just clicked in my brain. BTW, my LV friends can’t see this. I think they think I’m the only nutty one.
Did I hear Tom correctly .. "Figment is best thing WDI has ever done and the best Disney parks attraction ever made"!? I didn't grow up with Figment.. and don't get me wrong I like Figment.. But that was a bold statement. We are all entitled to our own opinion, to each their own.
My sister and I are definitely Disney Adults. We both have children now but even before that we were Disney Adults. We were Disney Kids. We’ve gone every year since 1996 so we were supposed to stop since we were adults?
I am absolutely an It’s The Vibes Disney Adult. I love this topic, because I recently had an epiphany about our type of fandom when I found out that cruise people actually have FB groups for each individual sailing, and those groups are active! That’s when I started connecting the dots between Disney people, cruise people, sports people, etc.
"I do not make films for children... or, at least, not primarily for children." "You're dead if you aim for kids." "We design the films to appeal to ourselves." "The adults have the money; ... children don't have any money." - Walt Disney
I grew up watching The Wonderful World of Disney with my family. We visited Disneyland several times. My daughter and I have had several annual passes. Although she’s grown, she still loves going to the Parks, as do I. I went to a different theme park recently, and Disney Parks (to me) is far superior. As annual passholders, we prefer to go frequently, but stay 2-6 hours. Usually, we really enjoy ourselves, and love browsing clever, creative merchandise.
I really like this forum look forward to more of it! I'm a norcal Disney adult ap holder. Go almost monthly for 2-3 days. Sometimes ride crush, sometimes chill, ppl watch. Get a lil tipsy and enjoy myself and be silly with the Mrs. Even have Disney friends we've ran into thru the visits.
Rock on, fellas! I’ve been waitin’ for this. Hopefully I’ll get to join y’all someday! I reckon you boys could help justify my Trader Sam’s obsession, & tell me it’s okay that I believe Citrus Swirl is better than Dole Whip 🍊🍦😂😳😭
As an adult, an annual pass holder and a parent, I will always give up a front spot to give a better view to a family. My wife can stand at the ropes with my kids but I have no problem standing far back to open that space up for someone that may never get to see the parade again. I have seen it numerous times. I think if I were to go overseas to another park, not being as familiar or experienced as I am with WDW, the same courtesy and latitude would be appreciated.
I agree but do agree that something needs to be done about experiences like Oogie boogie bash that sell out quickly. I hate to see vloggers brag about going multiple nights and some kids and families will never get to experience this. It's gross
I will go to my grave and die on the hill that Disney needs 2 or 3 Adult ONLY days at the park every year. No kids, no one under 18. They could literally charge $1000 a ticket for one day, open to close, no kids, and people would pay! As a Disney adult with no kids, I've had many times spoiled by children, but even more so by parents who are inconsiderate of others around them. Don't even get me started on strollers...🙄
There are way more things at Disney worse than Disney adults, I am a Disney adult I am more concerned about the resellers with merchandise and the annoying and rude RU-vidrs that vlog and talk loudly on all the rides and the other thousands of people that have cameras up in your face on rides or their camera lights on during dark rides, being an adult at Disney is the least of the worries lol….Also Tom you are correct sometimes families with kids think they are entitled to do things like that and also sticking kids on shoulders like their child is more important than an adult seeing things
yes love the podcasts!! this was great u guys always give such great insight on things!!! ive only been a subscriber to wdwnt for about less than a year so i’m not familiar with you guys doing a prior podcast…with that said lol, how often can we expect a podcast episode? im sure it was already mentioned somewhere in the video but I have goldfish brain forgive me lol
It can’t be stated enough how many millennials, who never had a chance to go to Disney as kids, who now have their own money, but don’t have children Add in the fact that Disney now is embedded in the cultural zeitgeist, and social media and RU-vid has ramped up those particular set of peoples interest in having a great vacation
