Josie Maida, a 28-year-old Orlando-based content creator, proudly embraces the term “Disney Adult.” Living just a mile away from Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle, Maida has the opportunity to visit the theme parks at least once a week. During her visits, she creates food-related content to share with her large online following. However, Maida’s posts are not always lighthearted. She openly expresses her liberal views, often sharing them on her Instagram story. She, along with others in her network, tends to disapprove of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis. In the Disney community, individuals who support Trump have faced backlash online.
The relationship between Disney and politics has become more complicated since DeSantis made Disney his adversary in the conservative culture wars. Overnight, Disney went from being intentionally inoffensive to being demonized in right-wing media for allegedly promoting “grooming” and pedophilia. Disney Adults, who were once a solidly apolitical fandom, have been caught in the middle of this fallout.
The Disney Adults, who typically discuss fun topics like trips and changes in Disney subreddits, have now found themselves embroiled in political discussions due to DeSantis. Many Disney Adult fans who identify as Republicans and dislike DeSantis are frustrated with the politicization of Disney.
The fact that DeSantis is losing support among GOP Disney Adults highlights his overall weakness in the presidential race, as he polls far behind Trump. The battle against “wokeness” that was supposed to rally support for DeSantis has backfired, with many people scratching their heads at his actions, particularly given Disney’s status as one of Florida’s largest taxpayers.
The clash between DeSantis and Disney has been especially hard for the Disney Adults, as their fandom centers around escapism and fantasy. Many fans are unhappy that the political conflict has entered their beloved “Disney bubble,” a place where reality is left behind. The magic of the Disney experience has been tarnished for some fans due to this politicization.
Blame for the rift between Disney and politics is placed on various parties. Some say that former CEO Bob Chapek’s response to the “Don’t Say Gay” law, which was seen as part of the broader GOP attack on LGBTQ+ rights, put the company in opposition to Republican leaders. Others believe that DeSantis acted out of spite, making Disney a target for GOP influencers.
The impact of the political rift on Disney’s bottom line is unclear. The company is currently facing a summer slump, which it attributes to factors such as the heat and ticket prices. Some analysts speculate that Florida’s political climate may also be deterring guests. Disney declined to comment on how politics is affecting its business.
One example of a dissatisfied Republican is Brittany Jean, the leader of a GOP club in Tampa, who has decided never to return to Disney World. Jean expressed her frustration with Disney’s COVID mask mandates, which were widely criticized by Republicans in the state. She believes that Disney is pushing a “woke agenda” on children and does not want to expose herself or her family to it.
Overall, the politicalization of Disney has caused divisions among Disney Adults, with some feeling uncomfortable with the scrutiny their fandom now brings to their political beliefs.