Full episode available on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/SilentGeneration

This week’s episode attempts to address how and why many American cultural practices and institutions have been replaced by those of Disney adults.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