If you've been keeping up with some of the recent headlines from Disney Parks, Disney Animation, or even The Walt Disney Company as a whole, it feels like there's a massive schism between the corporation and the studio. Either way, the consumers aren't happy.
Many, including this writer, would readily agree that Disney has been struggling with some massive identity issues, especially in the parks. With recent reports complaining about increased wait times, overcrowding, and unruly guest behavior, it feels like the magic is dwindling. However, some Disney fans are making a very interesting observation.
Are families to blame?
In a recent TikTok video @kaylatheshow comes to the aid of the In out that certain families are the ones causing so much drama at the parks. In the footage, the creator states,
"The ones [families] that spend a lot of money expecting magic, but they don't have a connection to Disney at all... You have to build a connection at home before you take it to the parks."
Granted, the current Disney Parks have plenty for modern kids to enjoy, especially with the inclusion of characters like Bluey and our heroes from the MCU. However, it's safe to say that most of the people raising such a social-media-stirring uproar aren't Disney's prime audience in the first place.
To take a page from @kaylatheshow, Walt Disney DID build the parks for dreamers of all ages and nostalgia is the national bird. But why go if you're not going to relish in those warm and fuzzy nostalgic vibes?
This writer has said time and time again that Disney needs to treat nostalgia like a seasoning and not an entree, but this creator brings up a massive point. Disney Parks are for Disney fans, so if you're not a fan, you're not going to enjoy it.
With that in mind, I want to serve the ball back to Disney's court with this question. Is it more important to serve as many people as possible, no matter what the outcome, or is it better to cater to a healhy, established, and trusting fanbase?
Some will say, "Disney's main focus is the shareholders and little else," and there's certainly some truth to that. However, Disney doesn't just need to start listening more to its audience, it needs to listen to the right audience. Yes, family imagery and values are still important, but if Disney creators don't cater to Disney fans, they are throwing money at the wall and out the window.
Who do you think is right?