The subculture of "Disney adults," often characterized by their fervent devotion to all things Disney, is undergoing a stylistic evolution. Influencers are increasingly adopting a more edgy, "cool girl" aesthetic, incorporating elements like tattoos and contemporary fashion into their Disney park attire, aiming to redefine the public perception of adult Disney enthusiasts.
Content creators like Ashley Wilbraham, 32, have embraced the "Disneyland's bad girl" persona. Wilbraham, a Los Angeles-based creator, frequently showcases grunge-inspired outfits on TikTok, featuring graphic tees and short-shorts, and shares reviews of Disney food and apparel. "For me personally, deciding what I’m going to wear is half the excitement of a Disney day," Wilbraham told The Cut. Her posts on the platform have garnered millions of likes.
Stephanie Arant, 35, is another influencer whose park fashion choices diverge from traditional Disney adult stereotypes. Arant opts for trendier pieces such as camouflage "jorts," oversized tops, and ballet flats, moving away from ruffled princess dresses.
This shift in style comes after years of the "Disney adult" label being associated with a perceived "nerdy" or even "creepy" obsession. AJ Wolfe, author of "Disney Adults: Exploring (And Falling In Love With) A Magical Subculture," noted in her book the significant financial and emotional investment many adult fans make in visiting the parks. "We max out our credit cards to go," Wolfe wrote, describing the obsessive planning and counting down to return trips.
Instances like the online attention received by Toni Kulusich, who was dubbed "Peter Pan Girl" for her interactions with park employees, have contributed to some of the negative stereotypes. Kulusich defended her behavior, stating that her visits and interactions make her happy, regardless of criticism.
Influencers like Jackson Moehler, a Disney influencer from Atlanta, suggest that the "cool girl" movement aims to create a new narrative. "People are trying to change the narrative of the Disney adult that isn’t weird," Moehler told The Cut. The focus is on "vibes" and presenting a more fashionable, curated image.
Disney itself appears to be responding to this trend. Last year, the company appointed streetwear designer Bobby Kim as its first creative director for merchandise. Kim's recent vintage-themed merchandise collection sold out quickly, indicating a demand for more contemporary and stylish Disney products. "The Disney cool girl doesn’t seem to be a knock but a sense of pride," Kim told The Cut. "It seems to say, ‘Look at how I’m dressing, how I am piecing this together, I am creating art.’"