I’m A Disney Adult. Here Are 10 Things I Do Differently at the Parks You Are Missing Out On.

Disneyland and Disney World are often associated with childhood magic, fairy tales, and whimsical adventures. However, for a growing number of adults, myself included, the magic doesn't have to stop at childhood and follows us into adulthood.

We are known as “Disney adults,” a dedicated community of Disney enthusiasts who cherish the parks, movies, and everything Disney.

Disney Adults Do Disney Parks Differently

While some may find our obsession peculiar, there's a lot more to being a Disney adult than meets the eye. In this article, I'll take you through ten things I do differently as a Disney adult at the parks that you might not understand.

We Understand That Disney is More Than a Theme Park

For Disney adults, Disneyland and Walt Disney World are more than just theme parks. They are places of wonder, inspiration, and community. We've made lifelong friends through Disney fan groups and forums. We've found inspiration in Walt Disney's life story and the innovative spirit that built the Disney empire. And we believe that the magic of Disney extends far beyond the park gates, shaping our values and outlook on life.

Character Meet-and-Greets Aren't Just for Kids

While children are often the primary audience for character meet-and-greets, Disney adults can't resist the opportunity to meet their favorite characters too. Whether it's Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, or even Darth Vader, getting a photo and an autograph from these beloved figures brings out the inner child in all of us.

We're Experts at Capturing the Perfect Photo

We've mastered the art of taking the perfect Disney photo. We know where to stand to get the best castle shot, how to capture the fireworks in all their glory, and which angles make for the most enchanting photos with characters.

We are well acquainted with the infamous “Instagram walls” at Disney such as the “Purple wall,” “Bubblegum wall,” and “Toothpaste wall” where Disney fans take the perfect photos for their social media accounts. We also utilize PhotoPass and Magic Shots, which create fun and unique souvenirs. Our Disney photo albums are a testament to our dedication to preserving the magic even after our trip ends.

We've Mastered the Art of “Rope Drop”

For most park visitors, sleeping in on vacation is a given. But for Disney adults, “rope drop” is the key to enjoying our park days. This means being at the park gates before they open to get a head start on attractions without the long lines. The thrill of being among the first to ride Flight of Passage or experience the magic of Cinderella Castle without the crowds is unmatched.

We Appreciate Cast Members

Disney adults more than anyone understand the importance of Cast Members and the work they do to ensure everyone has a fun and safe Disney trip. Sometimes Disney Adults even give Cast Members little gifts such as stickers, candy, or note cards as a token of our appreciation for everything they do. Since Cast Members cannot accept tips, these gifts are our way of showing love and support to those who make the magic possible.

We can only hope these gifts allow Cast Members to feel just a little bit of the happiness they create for all of the guests they encounter! Other Disney adults just make sure they thank and engage in conversation with Cast Members or even give them a compliment on the My Disney Experience App.

We Collect Pins Like a Pro

Disney pin trading is a serious hobby among Disney adults. We carefully curate our collections and engage in pin trading throughout the parks with Cast Members and fellow enthusiasts. We know exactly where the pin trading boards are and which pins are the most valuable or important to us. Each pin tells a story, and the hunt for rare and limited-edition pins can be as exhilarating as riding a thrill ride.

We're All About the Food.

Disney is known for its delicious and diverse culinary offerings, and Disney adults are all in when it comes to dining. We eagerly try new dishes and seek out the best snacks, from churros and Dole Whip to the famous Mickey-shaped pretzels. And yes, we may even Instagram our meals–it's all part of the experience.

While anyone can enjoy a meal at a Disney restaurant, Disney adults take it to the next level by Character Dining or eating at themed restaurants like the Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom or the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios. The immersive experience of dining in a setting straight out of a Disney movie is worth every penny!

We Appreciate the Little Details

While many visitors rush from one major attraction to another, Disney adults take the time to appreciate the little details that make the parks so magical. We notice hidden Easter eggs, read every plaque, and admire the intricate design of the park's architecture. For us, these small touches are what make Disney special.

Disney adults are experts at finding Hidden Mickeys, which you may not even notice if you're not looking for them. These subtle, mouse-shaped symbols are scattered throughout the parks, and spotting them is like a treasure hunt. We can't resist a good Hidden Mickey challenge!

We Celebrate Special Occasions at Disney

For Disney adults, there's no better place to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones. We wear celebratory buttons, indulge in special treats, and even have custom cakes delivered to our resorts. There's something undeniably magical about marking important moments at the Happiest Place on Earth. We also make sure to engage in the Disney Parks celebrations, such as Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary or the Walt Disney Company's 100th Anniversary.

We Dress the Part

Disney adults take dressing up seriously. We're not talking about full-blown costumes, as adults are not allowed to wear these in the parks per Disney's rules. Instead, we express our love for Disney through subtler means like Disney-themed t-shirts, mouse ear headbands, or even “Disney bounding,” where we put together outfits inspired by our favorite characters. It's a way to show our Disney pride and connect with fellow fans without violating Disney's rules.

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