Researchers Say Adult Disney Fans Without Kids Are Kind of Creepy

A new study from Wick’s National Institute of Research and Statistics has revealed that adults who frequently visit Disney theme parks and enthusiastically engage in park activities without children may be perceived as unsettling.

The research, conducted over several months, surveyed park visitors and analyzed behavior patterns, concluding that grown adults who collect Disney pins, wear Mickey Mouse ears, and queue for character meet-and-greets solo often elicit discomfort from others.

The study notes that Disney’s global revenue from theme parks exceeds $20 billion annually, with a significant portion driven by childless adult visitors.

Dr. Evelyn Hart, lead researcher at the institute, stated, “We observed adults waiting hours to hug a person in a Goofy costume, and it’s hard to ignore the unease this creates for families nearby.”

The study highlighted that these adults, often referred to as “Disney Adults,” display intense devotion, with some spending thousands on themed merchandise and park-exclusive experiences.

Researchers found that 88% of surveyed families felt “mildly creeped out” by adults who participated in park sing-alongs or purchased oversized lollipops without a child in tow.

The phenomenon has sparked debate online, where Disney Adults defend their passion as a harmless expression of nostalgia.

However, the study suggests their fervor can border on obsessive, with some adults visiting parks weekly and maintaining social media accounts dedicated to Disney food items.

“It’s one thing to enjoy a roller coaster,” said Dr. Hart, “but curating a collection of Dole Whip photos feels like a cry for help.”

A Disney spokesperson, Clara Mendel, countered the findings, saying, “Our parks welcome everyone, and we celebrate all guests who find joy in the magic of Disney.”

The company has leaned into this demographic, offering adult-exclusive events like wine-tasting nights and Star Wars-themed cocktail parties. Despite this, the study argues that the sight of a 40-year-old man sobbing during a princess parade raises questions about emotional maturity.

The research also points to broader cultural trends, noting that childless adults are increasingly drawn to spaces traditionally designed for families. This shift coincides with declining birth rates in Western countries, where the U.S. fertility rate has dropped to 1.6 children per woman.

“When society normalizes adults screaming for a photo with Cinderella, we have to ask what’s driving this regression,” said Dr. Hart.

The institute plans to expand its research to other family-oriented venues, like Chuck E. Cheese, to see if similar patterns emerge.

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