Being an adult and liking Disney...

*Note* If there is a thread like this I apologize, I didn't go through all the threads on this forum. If you need to close this post go ahead.

So I had something happen recently and I know I'm not alone on this. How many of you have had someone tell you, you are too old to like Disney and they weren't just joking with you.

Okay I recently bought the Barbie and Ken set from Toy Story 3 and then I told some people (which I should have just kept my mouth shut) and their reactions were "Aren't you a little old to be playing with toys?" and "Isn't Disney for children, little children?" and "How embarassing for you." Keep in mind I have not played with toys in a long time (I'm 25 BTW). My Barbie and Ken set are still in the box and on a shelf, like a collectible. I'm not mad I just get tired of hearing people say "You're too old for Disney" , ect. Everybody has something in their lives that they enjoy so what if mine is Disney.

So basically I'm just wondering if anyone else gets weird reactions to liking Disney and being an adult.

There are adults in this world who love video games, coloring books, Harry Potter, anime, etc.....Being an adult and liking Disney doesn't make anyone bad or wrong. I know some people become fans in their adulthood, but I've been a fan since birth, basically. Growing up, I watched Disney movies, listened to Disney movie soundtracks in the car, watched the Disney Channel, went to Disney World, went on the Disney cruise....some of my happiest and fondest memories of growing up include Disney. Of course I'm going to hold onto that love in my adulthood, why wouldnt I? My grandma passed away 6 years ago now and WDW allows me to feel more connected to her because of when we went as a family when I was young. We all have our own reasoning for feeling connected in some way to Disney, whether it be a certain movie, a certain song, a certain ride in the parks, whatever the case may be. Anyone who has an issue with that clearly has their own issues and insecurities which is why they're avoiding their own problems and focusing on yours. Keep doing you. Also I see this post is like 9 years old, but whatever lol!
 
Folks who say things like this have no idea of what is at WDW, and typically, their comments stem from some other issues that have nothing to do with who they are saying them too.

We all enjoy our Disney vacations and should continue to forever!
 
I was never a fan of Disney-I’ve never watched an entire Disney movie! I can’t tell you who most of the characters are or what their story is. However for me, Disney is a place I can enjoy on my own and feel perfectly safe. I just started a new part time job (I always have a second job to pay for travel) and my coworkers tell me I’m crazy to want to go alone to a children’s park. Silly people! I explained that I am comfortable being by myself in a park or a restaurant so there’s no reason to stay home.
 


I have to admit, I would have thought it odd that grown adults holidayed at Disney without kids and probably judged them for doing so..... until I went to WDW and quickly realised what a magical and amazing place it is. To be be honest, my husband and I only went for a laugh on our way to Miami and the Keys and thought we would hate it but we didn’t, we absolutely loved it and are planning our third trip there in three years.

We don’t have children and are highly educated (my spouse is a Doctor of Physics and has a hugely specialised job which brought him to the US from the UK) but we love having fun and Disney is everything to us now. Yeah, we do get comments from friends and our families (“Disney, AGAIN????”) but we honestly don’t care. Who else has a much fun as we (the Disney community) do on vacation???? It’s no reflection on how intelligent we are or how grown up and responsible we are, but it is a reflection on knowing ourselves, what we like and not be afraid to do it.
 
It can be very frustrating to hear stuff like that, my relationship ended because of my “Disney fascination”. As he put it “I have a lot of passion for Disney” and he doesn’t so... the only way I can explain it to people is that life can be dark and dreary, and Disney just adds some lightness to our lives. You can’t visit the parks or watch the films and not leave smiling.
 


Okay, thanks for resurrecting this thread and making me go through and like a bunch of 9 year old posts, ha ha! Hey, they're still relevant though I really relate to most of the posts on this thread.
 
Okay, thanks for resurrecting this thread and making me go through and like a bunch of 9 year old posts, ha ha! Hey, they're still relevant though I really relate to most of the posts on this thread.
Yea I went through the replies as well and on the one hand it’s sad that we have to “justify” our fandom but it’s great having this community to share our interests freely without judgement.
 
My wife and I are both 65. We travel to WDW every year for a week. Just the two of us. When a Disney film comes out, we are first in line to see it. I have neighbors, family and work associates who cannot understand why we are so obsessed with Disney. I tell them all the same thing. I am not obsessed with Disney. I enjoy having a good time and at my age, I like feeling like a kid again. I also enjoy being away from the "World" if for only a week, to be able to escape politics, world problems, global what ever, it's worth every penny. It is funny how no one ever critisizes someone for going to Vegas every year. If you enjoy a disney vacation or just doing something "Disneyesque", then quit worrying about what others think and enjoy yourself. You aren't hurting anyone and there are worse things you could be doing.
 
It's so funny that this thread got brought back up again! I just got home from my last trip and on the way there when checking my boarding pass, a TSA officer asked where I was headed and I excitedly said that I was going to Disney World, and he asked if I was too old for Disney (I'm in my late teens so I guess being above a teenager is too old for Disney in the eyes of many, which is disappointing, there should never be a cut-off age for having fun) and I responded that you're never too old for Disney and he laughed nervously as if I were some sort of eccentric. I suspect I'll get more of that as I get older but that's okay because maybe being a Disney fanatic is eccentric and kooky, but it's better than being unhappy!
 
Folks who say things like this have no idea of what is at WDW, and typically, their comments stem from some other issues that have nothing to do with who they are saying them too.

We all enjoy our Disney vacations and should continue to forever!

Agreed! All the people who think I'm "eccentric" for loving Disney and taking vacations there either have never been, or they've never been as adults, so they don't know what they're missing. As long as it doesn't hurt anyone, people should pursue whatever brings them joy, even if it raises eyebrows.
 
Love this thread!
When someone questions or raises eyebrows when I say I am going to Disney, I ask them what they do for fun.
It usually is something I would not consider fun and tell them.
 
Some of my coworkers used to tease me but not for the several years since I don't share my personal life with coworkers anymore. Yeah, on the occasion they may seek my advice on park tickets or visiting the parks but not that often. My family will occasionally bring it up with they want to visit the parks and seek my advice as well. I'm still a Disney fan I just don't share it with anyone at work.
 
I love snykymom's quote, I may grow older but I don't have to grow up - I'm a huge Tinkerbell fan - sitting at my desk right now using my Tink cup. Have Tink coffee mug, slippers, night shirt, etc. OP - you live your life in the ways that make you happy and to the nay sayers - they are just missing out!!!!!!!!!
Me likewise - as I say in my profile - Peter by name Pan by nature - 70's going on 7!
 
I am going to Disney World to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. My friends all think I am "nuts". But you know what? I really don't care. I love going there and enjoying the place, DH and I go every year and just have fun. We have a lot harder time getting around now, but with planning and taking it at a slower pace we get to do what we want and still rest. As for the cost, we save all year and have the time of our lives. I really think we are "Kids" at heart. DH is a young 72 and I am a young 68. I tell everyone we eat, drink and are happy. Can't wait till September. Going to enjoy.

Hi grumpy and Donald! This post could have been written by me! My husband and I celebrated our 50th last year at Disney, and had a great time.
We usually go once a year too, and at a slower pace. We are skipping this fall due to SW, which we both like but are not fanatics. We are going to Disneyland the following year (never been there) on a trip out West. Hope to get back to Disney soon, but with all the recent changes and upcharges, we are not in a hurry at this time. Waiting to see what SW does to the crowds. It is still a magical place for us, though. Husband is 72 and I am 69 y/y.
 
I don't engage with people who feel the need to question my choices for fun or entertainment. :)

"Aren't you too old to go to Disney?" The answer requires just one word. "No.", then I smile and move on. :)
"Are you going back there again?!" The answer requires just one word. "Yes.", then I smile and move on. :)

If they ask why, I'll give them 4 whole words...."Because I like it." :)

There's no reason to let other people's opinions or questions cause any distress, nor do we need to give rude or sarcastic, or clever or funny answers. Just the simplest answer and go on with your life. :)
 

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