This week’s episode attempts to address how and why many American cultural practices and institutions have been replaced by those of Disney adults. Nathan is joined by his friend Tiffany Wright, a Disney theme park aficionado with a deep knowledge of the community, to discuss the topic. They begin by defining “Disney adult” and note their psychological motivations. They then survey several Disney resorts (Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Abu Dhabi) and popular Disney influencers like Dear and Darling. Amongst other things they discuss Disney adult critiques and defenses, the enduring relevance of Mickey Mouse in fashion, and the phenomenon of adult infantilization more broadly through Funko Pops and Labububus. 

Links:
Tiffany Wright - Instagram page
Tiffany’s Disney adult Halloween costume
Disney Adults: Exploring (and Falling in Love With) a Magical Subculture by AJ Wolfe 
The ‘Disney Adult’ Industrial Complex by Amelia Tait 
Three Maligned Modern Tourists Defend Themselves by Amelia Tait
How ‘Disney Adults’ Became the Most Hated Group on the Internet by EJ Dickson
Don’t Judge Disney Adults. Try to Understand Them by Jodi Eichler-Levine
What Exactly Is the Magic of Disney World? by Kathryn Jezer-Morton
K-HOLE #5: A Report on Doubt
Disney’s FastPass: A Complicated History - Defunctland 
A Deep Dive Into Disney Adults - Kurtis Connor
Disney Adult (Urban Dictionary definition)
Grown woman who cried upon meeting Goofy Tik Tok video
The Segregation of Social Desire: “Religion” and Disney World by William Arnal
Disneyland Abu Dhabi Would 'Never Work' Outdoors Says Park Boss by Caroline Reid
Dear and Darling  
Dear and Darling Pluto story
Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing
Pokemon scalper cleans out entire shelf of destined rivals etb in front of kid
Once Upon A Time: The Pop Culture Impact of Mickey Mouse Watches by Rhonda Riche
The enduring appeal of Mickey Mouse: Why the fashion industry is still interested by Anya Georgijevic
Disney adults when they're not at Disney?

Artwork:
Britney Spears Once Went On an INSANE Disney World Shopping Spree by Alessia Dunn

Recorded on 8/17/2025