The Cut, New York Magazine’s fashion and culture publication, is spotlighting a new generation of Disney fans rebelling against the mainstream disdain for “Disney Adult” culture.
New York Magazine Says Disney is in Style
In “Good-bye, Disney Adults; Hello, Disney Cool Girls,” contributing writer Lindsey Bales highlights a long-developing cultural shakeup at Disney parks. Disney’s older fans—people who at one time might have been labeled with the “Disney Adult” pejorative—are leaning into their passions for both parks and fashion, and trailblazing a new “Disney Cool Girl” culture.
“Disney Cool Girls,” in this context, simply describes Disney fans who are taking park days as an opportunity to stylize and accessorize in new, boundless ways that the colorful environment of Disney parks encourages. For many, the creative exercise of designing a fashionable theme park “fit” is half the fun of a day out at the parks.
These park-goers are moving away from the highly themed, sometimes “cringe” and fashion-blind outfits that spring to mind among mainstream audiences when they think “Disney Adults.” Instead, a generation of content creators and their own fans are moving toward fresh looks that mix current trendy sensibilities with a flair of Disney style.
As highlighted throughout the piece, TikTok has become a place for fans to share their park outfits and personal takes on Disney style. Creator Jiminy Jenny is among those posting about the Disney fan community.
The Cut points to several creators, including Stephanie Arant, who posts as @shhtephs, as examples of this more personal approach.
Her looks can combine contemporary pieces, like baggy jorts and ballet flats with white socks, with Disney ears or a graphic tee.
The article also features Alex Haas, known online as @evergladescowgirl. One of her videos shows her in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland with a raccoon-tail hat, a vintage-style Tinker Bell shirt, and striped tights.
Rather than dressing as a particular character, the fans described in the story use Disney details as part of their own style. Atlanta creator Jackson Moehler says, “People are trying to change the narrative of the Disney adult that isn’t weird.”
The Cut also notes the influence of Bobby Kim, whose streetwear background has informed Disney merchandise design. The piece describes the relationship between fans and the company as a two-way exchange: fans create their own interpretations of Disney style, while those ideas can inform new designs. As Bobby Kim put it:
“The Disney cool girl doesn’t seem to be a knock but a sense of pride. It seems to say, ‘Look at how I’m dressing, how I am piecing this together, I am creating art.’”
For creator Ashley Wilbraham, who posts as @ashwilbo, choosing an outfit is part of the anticipation of a park visit.
The feature presents Disney fashion as just another magical part of the park experience. As these creators show, it’s an opportunity for fans and fashionistas to express themselves to the fullest—and there’s no denying it’s cool to be yourself.
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