Since younger Disney fans often receive the majority of focus, especially online, it can sometimes be somewhat easy to forget that the company and it cross-generation appeal reaches across the age spectrum.
Magic Kingdom
Recently, we reached out to Disney fans in their 40s, 50s, and 60s asked simply, “What’s one Disney trend that you HATE??” Unsurprisingly, our post received a ton of feedback from “older” Disney fans, many of whom weren’t shy about sharing their opinions.
Let’s begin with reader Leilani, who took issue with guest etiquette during fireworks shows. They wrote, “Kids on shoulders during shows. If you’re going to do that, you should be in the back where your kid isn’t blocking the view for multiple people behind you. Don’t get my started with blocking others view because you’re videoing the fireworks – why should other people have to miss it live just so you can watch it live AND again at home? Phones and children should not be raised higher than your own eyes.” Picking up on a similar vein, reader Mike expressed bluntly, “Needing your cell phone for everything!”
From the train station
Reader Rachel took issue with how Disney classifies the plant-based options on their menu, writing, “Lumping vegetarian & vegan options into one thing. I’m allergic to tree nuts and Disney uses a lot of cashew based cheeses & creams in their vegan options. But since there’s only 1 per most menus, I usually can’t eat it or I have to get all the flavor removed. It would be nice if there were two options per menu. 10+ years ago I use to love eating at WDW because I felt like there were so many amazing food choices for me. But it feels like there are less now and they’re not as good. However, they’re still light years ahead of other parks in that department.”
Vegetable Lentil Pie
Meanwhile, reader Jessica expressed a sentiment shared by many readers, lamenting the lack of spontaneity in the current Disney experience. They wrote, “The meticulously planned itinerary that cannot be altered. The rushing to fit in as much as possible in one day. Nope, not us. For the most part, I don’t even care about the rides anymore. Been there, done that. It’s all about the vibe now. We buy hoppers and go wherever we feel like whichever days we feel like it while we are there. Much more enjoyable.” Reader Shannon agreed, writing, “You need to be practically a Disney expert to get the most out of the parks. You can no longer unplug and just let the day take you places unless you are okay with long lines and quick service food.”
Booking The Beak & Barrel Online ©Disney
Several readers brought up bubble wands, the popular children’s souvenir available across Disney’s parks. Reader Carolyn wrote, “Please don’t hate me, but – bubble wands. As the owner of a dodgy knee and collapsing back, I use a mobility scooter at the parks, meaning I’m on eye/mouth level with streams and streams of soapy bubbles. I don’t mind kiddies playing with them, just please don’t walk or ride in a pushchair round the parks with them constantly turned on!”
Bubble Wand
Reader Jennifer stood up for Disney Adults hitting traditional middle age, writing, “People hating on me because I’m a “Disney Adult” and branding us with that just because we aren’t 5 anymore. First time I was brought to Florida was under a year old, been going religiously ever since. My Aunt and Uncle and other elders who used to go religiously were never called Disney adults or made fun of. I’m just following my families footsteps on being lifelong Disney fans for life. It’s what makes me happy and calm and comfortable. It’s my happiness and escape and something I naturally do on my own in general.”
Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land
These were just a handful of the many, many responses we received from Disney guests in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any other Disney or travel-related topic, follow us on the DFB Facebook to join in on the next conversation!
16 EPCOT World Showcase Projects Sidelined by Disney Imagineers
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I’m a Disney & DVC adult (1st trip was in 1962 & I was HOOKED!) but that being said, 60+yrs later the shine has tarnished because of Disney cutting so many corners to save a buck! Repeating the obvious but…Magic Express, cking luggage, room to move around in the parks, fast pass, more reasonable priced nice restaurants, NO phones everywhere, less rude people, & better behaved children!!! I must be getting old!!
I understand there is alot of walking at Epcot, but was it necessary to move the handicap parking to the west end of parking and make us walk to the east end entrance. Sometimes on the weekends they do open the east end but usually close it by 1pm. Handicap people are second class again behind the people who can pay the premium for what used to be handicap parking.
I really hate those who stop in the middle of high traffic areas. in the parks. Our most recent trip, a man walked in front of me and took 5 steps and immediately turned around to head in the opposite directions. We nearly met with our chests! Luckily I veered and he kept on going. But it happens at any time in every park. I wish people would just move to the side and avoid stopping when a group of parkgoers are following them.
My issue is with some people think as a Disney adult we don’t have right to n there my sister and me grew up on Disney we rushed home from school
To the Mickey Mouse club and started going to Walt Disney World with our husbands when there was the E-TICKETS rides and that was n the and r there was only the magic kingdom and we all have annual passes now and still do for years so Disney world is for all ages that’s why Walt Disney created it and n every adult there is that little kid that wants out and every time we r there our little kid inside of us come out and every adult should do that it’s so much more fun
I totally agree with the person talking about holding children on their shoulders during fireworks and parades. Get in the back if you need to do this. My biggest pet peeve is when a group of people walking along decide to stop right where everyone is walking to talk. Move to the side. Lastly the clothing Disney sells now is such poor quality. I have t-shirts and polos from 15 to twenty years ago that I still wear. The stuff they sell now does last a year.