The Disney Parks were created in the name of family. The primary goal of the creator, Walt Disney, was to build a place that families could visit where everyone could join in the fun. He took the simplicity of “fun”, usually associated only with children, and turned it into a family-friendly, all-inclusive sport that anyone could enjoy. Over the years, the definition of family has evolved; we live longer and have more options than ever before, which can ultimately see multiple generations of families visiting the parks together. The standard picturesque family of two parents with two children has been replaced by a multifaceted collection of new families in all shapes and sizes. It’s part of what I love about Disney and the perfect example of how the joy of storytelling can transcend time, connecting us through culture, tradition, and community. However, of all the new types of families we see in the Disney Parks, one emerging demographic changes the mold: the Disney adults.
We grew up in Disney culture, our childhoods fortified in the magic and fantasy that told us we could be anything we wanted. And we did: Disney adults. We are Disney’s Peter Pan generation, refusing to outgrow our childhood love of the parks and not feeling like we have to pass it down to anyone in order to keep enjoying ourselves. We won’t grow up, we won’t give up, and we won’t be told no. We’ve been accused of taking up space in the parks that are meant for families, a sentiment that might be the most absurd assumption ever, basically inferring that there is an age limit on what is considered family. Some of us have children, others don’t, but in any case, we refuse to give up the notion that there is a piece of the Disney dream available for all of us, and you don’t have to fit into some stupid mold to be worthy of it. Even so, in recent years, one thing has come to my attention. Disney is seeing us.
Disney adults, especially my fellow Gen X-ers & millennials, have it all: a nostalgic, emotional connection to what was, accompanied by an interest and desire to see change, enjoying the notion of what’s to come. We appreciate the old ways and the new, and we don’t believe that our children can be the only ones enjoying the rides and attractions. We might be the last working generation who can somewhat afford the parks, with younger generations enjoying less and less disposable income, and I’ve noticed that Disney is starting to seek us out. Gone are the days when parents only played a supporting role in their children’s happiness or, god forbid, adults were seen in the parks without children. Now, Disney is marketing specific events directly to us, with after-park parties, pairing events, and drinking around the world. Even designer merch is leading the way, with adults as the target market for park-specific items like ears, apparel, and accessories. Where adults once only spent this sort of money on dress-ups and children’s toys, we are now splurging on Spirit Jerseys and Loungefly, DisneyBounding our daily home lives in between park visits. It’s got me wondering: Could we be Disney’s new target audience?
Are you a Disney adult? Let me know your take on this one, whether you identify as part of the Disney Adult Club or are watching from outside the bubble.
Feature Image: Photo by Nicholas Fuentes on Unsplash
