2
Credit: Disney In the world of social media and the digital footprint, more and more discourse is surfacing regarding the roles cast members play at Disney theme parks, especially if they are face characters–think of the viral Evil Queen from Disneyland Resort or the interactions between Taffy the Elf and guests last Christmas season. Now, guests are debating these interactions, particularly between “Disney Adults” and the princesses.
The Walt Disney World Resort is not just known for its parks and attractions but also for the chances it gives guests to meet their favorite characters. From Frozen‘s Anna and Elsa to Peter Pan and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney guests can meet characters at specified locations, during select table dining options, or see them performing in parades like the Festival of Fantasy.
However, what do interactions like these look like in the digital world, where virality can lead to unsuspected attention on certain characters? A recent discussion elaborated on what happens when a cast member’s identity is leaked online, with at least one case of suspension reported due to a performer being too liberal with the online content related to her character, Snow White.
It seems that Disney Experiences adopts a case-by-case approach for its performers. While the official line is that the cast member is a “friend” of the character and not the character themselves, guests—especially adult guests—are obviously aware of this reality.
So, what does that mean for the “Disney Adult” community that wants to interact with face characters like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, and the rest of the Disney Princess lineup? The answer is divisive. While some agree that adults should lean into the magic Disney is offering—the mythical “Disney Bubble,” as it were—others think it’s childish and silly when the guest obviously knows it’s not Princess Aurora that they are meeting.
A Reddit thread explored the stigma around adults meeting face characters, specifically princesses. The thread comes months after a Disney investigation led to the dismissal of a Princess performing cast member at Walt Disney World Resort.
The original post outlined that this guest received criticism over her vacation choices.
I’m 30 and went to Disney World last October. It was my first time going. And the one thing I really wanted to do was to meet the princesses. People would say to me. ‘Why do you want to do that?’ Or ‘that’s for kids’ or ‘you know they’re just actors in costumes.’ Guess what? I don’t care. I didn’t get to experience meeting the princesses as a kid. And so what if I want to meet the characters. IMO that’s [part] of the experience. So yeah I wanted to meet the princesses as an adult. And you know what? I had a blast doing it. Im glad I got to experience meeting a Disney princess. And yes I know that they are actors in costumes. But still, it was an awesome experience. And when I go back, I will do it again. Do you like meeting the princesses? Or any other characters?
As stated earlier, this is a sensitive subject as the “Disney is for kids” crowd always enjoys leaning into that belief when a question like this is posed. The question quickly received comments, with many standing in solidarity with the original poster.
A comment from quartzquandary confirmed that it’s not unusual for adults to enjoy face character interactions, because it adds to the atmosphere that a Disney park vacation aims to deliver–one of whimsy and magic.
Dude, my girlfriend and I did the Akershus princess breakfast for her 40th birthday last year and we were sat beside another group of ladies celebrating a 40th birthday. It doesn’t matter that it’s “not real” or they’re “just actors in costumes”. It’s fun. It’s whimsical. Adults deserve to play pretend and have fun just as much as children do!
Responding to a comment about how the line “they are just actors” bothers them, Venomous_Ferret explained that the naysayers need to buy into the performance.
That and they don’t get it. When you see a princess in a Disney park, it is that princess for all intents and purposes. It’s not a person who’s job is to act like her. The job is to be that princess. You aren’t seeing someone acting like Cinderella, as far as Disney is concerned, you are meeting Cinderella.
A former “friend” of a character weighed in on the thread, adding their unique perspective on the issue. Rockelle_Americano explained that the only thing they “hate” is the “negative stuff” that comes with becoming one of the Disney Princesses.
Former princess character “friend” from WDW here. We love every face, from 0-100 yrs old. Hand to heart we do not judge anyone coming in line to meet and hug. We hate folks that misbehave and get in line for negative stuff more than anything. (No butt pats, non consent kisses and grabbing any parts of us) Also, my new favorite is folks asking for videos to show family/friends that can’t be there. I had a lady live stream a first grade class, and a college kid show his class through zoom and I adore it all. We are simply there to show love and make the “world” a better place (Disney world and outside world alike)
So while some “friends” may toe the line and give too much away about their experiences at the Disney theme parks online, others are genuinely happy to interact with any guest. Whether you’ve waited two hours in line at the Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland or booked a table dining reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, the Walt Disney World Resort is a welcoming place for all.
How do you feel about adults meeting face characters at the Disney resorts? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!