Disney Adults: A New Trend in Theme Park Visits
Kylie Kelsey is pondering the idea of visiting Disney parks without her children, which is becoming a common trend among some adults. On a recent episode of her podcast, “Not Gonna Lie With Kylie Kelce,” she expressed that Disney World and Disneyland might be more appealing to adults than to kids.
During the show, which aired on April 30, actress Brenda Song, known for her role in Netflix’s “Running Point,” joined the conversation and shared her experiences at the park. The duo realized that their trips to Disneyland were not just for the enjoyment of kids. Kelsey remarked, “We realized this wasn’t about the kids; it was about us. And as adults, we can appreciate not only magic, but also food and drink.” The idea of enjoying the parks from an adult perspective was a big deal to her.
Brenda, who is engaged to Macaulay Culkin and is a Disney veteran herself, expressed her desire to guide Kelsey through the park. “Please. I’m a Disney adult,” she said, revealing just how enthusiastic she is about the experience.
Kylie mentioned that while she enjoys Disney, she doesn’t consider herself a true Disney adult, emphasizing her reliance on Disney aficionados to navigate the parks. Kelsey and her husband, former NFL star Jason Kelce, are busy parents of four daughters ranging from 6 years old to 13 months. They’ve visited Disney World often, even recently going there to celebrate Jason’s upcoming birthday.
Song and Culkin also have two boys but noted that they often find themselves enjoying Disneyland more than their children do. Song shared her fond memories of the park, saying it feels like home to her, given her history working with Disney as a teenager.
She mentioned her favorite experience is the Minnie Van service, a cute, themed ride option at Walt Disney World. A Disney spokesperson chimed in, stating, “Disney Parks are for the young and the young at heart, and for those who believe that happiness and fun have no age limit.”
Reactions to the phenomenon of “Disney adults” have sparked varied opinions online. Some embrace this love for Disney, while others are skeptical, suggesting that over-identifying with the parks could be pushing it a bit. A Reddit user noted it’s fine to love Disney but cautioned against making it a central aspect of one’s identity.
Interestingly, some adults are diving deep into their passion for Disney, organizing themed weddings and even choosing Disney-inspired urns after death, turning their admiration into an extensive part of their lives. Experts observe that many adults are drawn to the parks not just for fun but often for nostalgia, comfort, and connection.
As Roy Schwartz, a pop culture historian, pointed out, “Disney is probably the most iconic brand in entertainment.” The whimsical and timeless stories associated with Disney can resonate profoundly with adults, providing a sense of joy and comfort that many seem eager to hold onto.
