Last weekend, the magic of Disney drew superfans from 36 countries and all 50 US states to Anaheim, California, for the company’s much-anticipated D23 fan conference. An extravagant celebration of all things Disney, the sold-out event saw a colorful mix of Moanas, Tianas, Maleficents, Wolverines, and Darth Vaders. However, one demographic was noticeably underrepresented—Generation Z, young people between 12 and 27 years old.
This lack of Gen Z presence at the event has sparked questions about whether today’s youth are less enchanted by Disney compared to Millennials and older generations. This was highlighted during panels celebrating classics like the 30th anniversary of *Toy Story*, the 50th anniversary of Marvel’s Wolverine, and the 90th birthday of Donald Duck. Conversely, a panel on *Percy Jackson and the Olympians*, a Disney+ series aimed at younger viewers, didn’t draw the same lengthy queues.
Among those attending the conference, 25-year-old Nancy Sanchez and her sister April, 23, observed that kids today are more engrossed in their iPads and social media influencers. The sentiment was echoed by Sami Wilde, 22, from Orlando, who noted that Generation Z may be financially strained, given how expensive the Disney experience has become, with daily tickets to the parks ranging from $100 to $200 and additional fees for fast-track access. The rising cost of a Disney vacation has surged nearly 25% since 2019, posing a barrier for younger fans.
Disney, aware of these generational trends and shifting media habits, is making concerted efforts to engage Gen Z. Chief Brand Officer Asad Ayaz emphasized that the company is active on platforms where this generation spends most of their time, such as TikTok, Instagram, and gaming. Disney boasts nearly 14 million followers on TikTok and has recently invested $1.5 billion in Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, to bring Disney characters into the gaming world.
Despite these efforts, the company faces a challenge in bridging the gap between classic Disney magic and the interactive, authentic experiences younger audiences crave. A promising sign is the positive reception of *Inside Out 2*, an animated film exploring anxiety, which has resonated well with Gen Z.
The ultimate test for Disney will be whether Gen Z, as they grow older, will feel the same pull to share the Disney magic with their own children. Until then, the task remains to enchant a generation that finds its heroes not just in fairy tales, but across the vast landscape of digital media and interactive experiences.
Source: Lois Beckett
