A SFGate writer argues that “Disney adult” unfairly stigmatizes grown-ups who enjoy Disney and overlooks the range of their fandom. She says Disneyland was designed for all ages and favors “Disney fan” or “superfan” instead.
Walt Disney said Disneyland was conceived as a place where parents and children could have fun together. In a 1963 interview, he estimated that the park’s attendance was four adults for every child, counting teenagers as adults. Disney Food Blog founder AJ Wolfe says the Disney adult community spans demographics and cannot be reduced to an online stereotype.
The article acknowledges that some people go into debt for Disney vacations or form intense attachments, but argues that intense fandom is not unique to Disney. Washington Post travel reporter Hannah Sampson told SFGATE that people are less likely to criticize someone for saying they “live and breathe” a sports team, and suggested some view Disney parks as places only for children.
