Disney Adults: Exploring (And Falling In Love With) A Magical Subculture

by AJ Wolfe

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

A fascinating and enlightening deep dive into the infamous Disney Adult community from the woman behind the popular website The Disney Food Blog.

Disney Adults are grown-ups who derive singular, almost obsessive, joy from all things Disney. They devote countless hours and millions of dollars to Disney offerings, whether or not they have children. They’re avid fans of the films, devotees of the Disney theme parks, collectors of the vast world of Disney merchandise, cosplayers who dress in clothing inspired by Disney characters.

Their ranks are so large and their cultural impact so distinct that they have their own moniker and are an economic force unto themselves. They’re often maligned in the larger culture and put on a particularly high pedestal of cringe. But in truth, their obsessive fandom hints at a universal desire for pleasure and joy, for magic and escape.

There are darker sides to Disney mania that can’t be ignored, but the ranks of the Disney Adult community are broad, deep, and ever-growing. Disney Adults are a telling microcosm of modern America, highlighting the value we place on magic and escapism, and what we deem to be “acceptable” sources of joy.

Disney Adults dives deep into a misunderstood subculture, exploring the lives and experiences of a fascinating community to better understand its devotees’ unwavering passion for all things Disney, why it offends, and why it matters.

Audible Audio

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this book, I initially was a little confused about what the content would be. I was pleasantly surprised there was some interesting data and psychology included within the text as to why people keep coming back to Disney. Disney Adults all have a particular connection to the company and it's stories and there is a whole spectrum of Disney Adults. There are definitely aspects of the subculture that are extremely cringe-worthy, but childless adults are becoming more and more prevalent in the parks, providing the "free" marketing via social media, and it was interesting to hear how Disney's culture as a company has shifted over the last century to accommodate their current audience. I did enjoy this book overall, however I agree that it did not have the smoothest transitions or flow.

[Bonnie Mazor · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) So, I am not a Disney adult. But, I have always loved all things Disney. I really enjoyed learning more about this subculture and a little about the history of Disney. I have to admit, as a Disney fan and NOT a Disney adult, some of it really didn’t apply to me and I didn’t necessary understand, like the popcorn buckets and their apparent appeal. But, as a fellow Kitchen Kabaret lover who also mourned its closure(iykyk), a lot spoke to me. I throughly enjoyed reading about the happiest people on earth.

[Assortedtrashprincess · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid Disney fan and watcher of Disney Food Blog on YouTube, I was worried I wouldn't learn anything from this book. I learned a lot about Disney wedding, Disney debt, and being a Disney influencer. I rated this book four stars because I felt some sections could have been longer or expanded upon.