The Magic and Guilt of Loving Disney

Disney has always been a source of pure joy for me. The nostalgia, the badass princesses, the way each story feels like stepping into a book—there’s nothing quite like it. And I’ve only visited the Florida park once…I’m mainly a fangirl of the movies (specifically princess) and shows that I grew up with. I could spend hours watching Disney movies on repeat, humming along to the 30 second parade video the Boyfriend sent me a couple weeks ago, and soaking in that undeniable magic. But internally that magic gets tangled with something else: eco-guilt.

My boyfriend and his family just got back from Disney, and I find myself feeling two conflicting emotions at once.

Disney is designed to feel magically effortless, like everything just exists in this perfect, polished state. But behind the scenes, there’s an enormous machine keeping it all moving—and that machine runs on consumerism.

The Magic of Disney: Why It Feels So Special

My love for Disney runs deep. Growing up, Disney movies weren’t just entertainment; they were stories that shaped my imagination. The idea that animals could talk, that adventure was just beyond the horizon, that kindness and courage mattered—those themes stayed with me long after the credits rolled. I mean, the Disney princess movies are some of my favorites as an adult. Let it Go (Frozen) and How Far I’ll Go (Moana) just put me right in the feels.

The first and only time I stepped foot in a Disney park, it felt like those (90s princess) stories had come to life. I still remember the overwhelming excitement of walking through the park, seeing the castle in the distance, and feeling like I had stepped into something bigger than myself. There’s a kind of wonder at Disney that’s hard to describe…and I felt it at 7 years old. The way the air smells like popcorn and cinnamon, the cast members who make every moment feel magical, the tiny hidden details that most people don’t even notice. It’s not just a theme park; it’s an experience.

And that’s the part I struggle with. Because even as I’ve grown older and become more conscious of my environmental impact, I still feel that same spark when I think about Disney. But with that spark comes a shadow—the knowledge that this magic comes at a cost.

The Disney Consumption Dilemma

Disney thrives on a culture of consumption. Everything is designed to make you want more—more experiences, more food, more souvenirs, more magic. And it’s easy to get swept up in it because Disney knows how to make you feel like you need whatever they’re selling.

It’s like they’ve cracked that magic code or something.

But when you start looking at it through a sustainability lens, it gets a little uncomfortable:

• The single-use plastic problem – From food packaging to shopping bags, Disney produces an enormous amount of waste every single day. They’ve made some changes, like switching to paper straws (which, let’s be honest, no one likes) and offering reusable utensils, but when you consider how many disposable cups, wrappers, and trays get tossed every day, it’s staggering.
• The merchandise overload – Disney is the king of limited-edition everything. There’s always a new pair of Minnie ears, a seasonal popcorn bucket, or a collectible that makes you feel like you have to buy it now, because once it’s gone, it’s gone. And while some people treasure their Disney merch forever, a lot of it is mass-produced plastic that eventually ends up in a landfill.
• The energy consumption – Running an empire like Disney takes a ridiculous amount of power. The rides, the lights, the hotels, the transportation—it all requires constant energy. To be fair, Disney has invested in solar farms and is working toward net-zero emissions by 2030, but it’s hard to ignore the sheer scale of the energy required to keep the magic running.

It’s a strange feeling to love something that simultaneously goes against your values. And that’s where the guilt comes in.

Reconciling Joy and Eco Guilt

So where does that leave me? Can I still love Disney while holding these concerns? I think the answer is yes.

I sometimes run moments like this through my EcoMindful filter: Is the experience worth it? Can I cut waste? Is the company doing anything right? What are my alternatives?

Loving something doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to its flaws. It means appreciating the joy it brings while being conscious of the ways it could improve. It means recognizing that I can love the artistry of Disney while choosing not to get swept up in the overconsumption.

Navigating Eco Guilt

Over time, I’ve found ways to navigate this internal tug-of-war:

• Focusing on experiences over souvenirs – The best Disney memories aren’t tied to things; they’re tied to moments. Instead of buying into the latest merch trend, I try to appreciate the atmosphere, the hidden gems, and the experiences that don’t require spending.
• Being mindful of waste – Small choices, like bringing a reusable water bottle, refusing unnecessary packaging, and making thoughtful food choices, can make a difference.
• Appreciating Disney’s sustainability efforts (while pushing for more) – I’ll give credit where it’s due: Disney has made efforts toward sustainability. They’ve invested in solar farms, water conservation, and waste reduction. Their Animal Kingdom park is a certified conservation leader, and they’ve been working on more plant-based menu options to reduce their carbon footprint. While there’s still a lot of room for improvement, it’s something.
• Allowing myself to just enjoy it sometimes – This one is the hardest. Because I think a lot of us in the sustainability space feel like we always have to be perfect. Like we can’t love something if it doesn’t align 100% with our values. But the reality is, sustainability isn’t about deprivation. It’s about balance. I can hold space for both joy and concern at the same time.

Final Thoughts on Loving Disney

In the end, being sustainable isn’t about giving up everything you love—it’s about finding ways to engage with it more consciously. And if there’s one thing Disney does well, it’s reminding us that imagination and hope can shape the world. Maybe that’s how I reconcile it all—by believing in the possibility of something better.

If a brand as big as Disney can start shifting toward more sustainable practices, imagine what smaller, more agile companies could do.

Do you ever struggle with balancing your love for something with your sustainability values? I’d love to hear how you navigate it. We’ve been talking about consumerism a lot on the podcast lately, especially how to navigate it in the current political environment — listen in for more of these honest convos.