Latest news with #Disney-focused
Business Insider
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
I've turned my Disney obsession into my livelihood. Here's how I turned my side hustle into a massive TikTok following with weekly trips to Disneyland.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Blake Silva, a 29-year-old Disney-focused content creator and influencer from Ventura, California. It's been edited for length and clarity. Disney isn't just the love of my life — it's also my livelihood. I can't remember a time when I wasn't obsessed with Disney. I always tell people that I loved Winnie the Pooh before I could talk. And now that I can talk, all I talk about is Winnie the Pooh. My two siblings and I grew up in a tight-knit, loving family in Southern California, about two hours from Disneyland. My parents would occasionally surprise us when a McDonald's breakfast run turned into a day at Disney. At home, we had almost every Disney movie on VHS tapes. I watched them so much that I even memorized the commercials. I loved all of them, though Winnie the Pooh was my favorite. My friends called me Pooh — even in middle school, when I (mistakenly) thought I was too cool for Disney. I also adored classic Pixar films like Toy Story. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to be creative. So when I went to college at Cal Poly, I chose to study graphic design. When I graduated in 2018, I freelanced for my dad's company while working a retail job. The pandemic changed the way I view work Then, the pandemic hit. Like everyone else, I spent more time online and on social media. I got a full-time job in design in November 2020, working out of my bedroom, which gave me a good work-life balance. That made me rethink how I spent my time. I began posting more on Instagram, which I'd loved since my early teenage years. I tried to be a lifestyle creator and gained about 13,000 followers. But constantly comparing myself to others sucked all the energy from me, and I didn't have a goal. My relationship with social media turned toxic. During the lockdowns in 2020, I decided to post about my Funko Pop collection. I absolutely love those little figures and probably have about 500 of them. Unlike what I was doing before, this felt authentically me. I started posting about Disney at that time, too. Before I knew it, I'd created a little community with my Instagram account. I joined TikTok in early 2021, and my follower count ballooned as I found my niche — what I call "fandom lifestyle." I once gained 5,000 followers overnight. Influencing grew into more than my side hustle While my following steadily grew, I still viewed content creation as my hobby — not my career. That changed in February 2023, when I was laid off from my design job. At that point, I had about 400,000 followers on TikTok and around 20,000 on Instagram. I'd made some money by doing brand deals, but it wasn't until I was out of work that I fully embraced content creation. Two years later, I'm making a living as a social-media influencer, which once seemed impossible for me. But I'm actually supporting myself better now than when I was salaried. I still get some graphic-design freelance work on the side, but being an influencer is my main focus. I post content almost every day to Instagram, TikTok, or both. I average one to two dozen posts per week, not counting my IG stories. For YouTube, it's every few weeks, but I'm hoping to post there more. I share photos and videos of myself at Disneyland (rocking Disney merch, of course), unboxing toys, and occasionally hunting for hard-to-find Disney products in stores. Most of my videos are at least a minute long because they are easier to monetize at that length. As a creator, about two-thirds of my income comes from brand deals, which come with size and consistency — in posts and with my brand. I've worked with Mattel, Uniqlo, and even Disney itself. The type of campaign and length vary. For me, the key is making sure that the brands that reach out are a good fit so that partnerships feel organic. The rest of my money comes from TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. My content monetization rate seems to constantly shift, though YouTube has consistently paid me the best. My day-to-day schedule varies dramatically. I live about 25 miles from Disneyland and usually make it there a few times a week. When I'm not at Disney, I might be editing videos, checking which videos got traction, or catching up on comments, messages, and emails. I've gotten so busy that I just signed with an agency to handle some of those tasks. I hope that will help me focus on my strengths and take my business to the next level. My advice? Be your authentic self My life as a creator is extremely fulfilling. I've had experiences I never even dreamed of, like getting behind-the-scenes tours of filming locations, invites to new Disney cruise ships, and even meeting Jim Cummings, who voiced my beloved Winnie the Pooh. Having such a fun job is a huge blessing. But it can be hard to set healthy boundaries with work. I realized recently that I don't really take days off. My best advice for aspiring influencers? Don't try to be like me — or anyone else. Authentically show up as yourself, like I did. Take time to figure out your niche. The influencer space is saturated, though there's still room at the table if you can differentiate yourself. Also, don't try too hard to be a full-time creator. You'll stress too much about your followers and views. That inevitably leads to unhealthy comparisons with other creators. I actually don't pay much attention to other Disney creators. It doesn't help me brainstorm, since there's no point in mimicking anyone. What resonates with one influencer's audience might not work with mine, so it's really not a big competition among us. I love my life as a Disney influencer. There can be weird or silly reactions when I tell people what I do, and some people weaponize the phrase " Disney adult" to make it seem not cool. At the end of the day, it's really simple: I love having fun as an adult, and I hope my content helps others do the same.
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Why Disney's parks are booming even as economic growth slows
Disney fans say they don't plan on skipping their trips to the company's parks — even if a recession hits. US GDP shrank in the first quarter, and concerns about trade uncertainty have some economists convinced a recession is coming. However, in conversations Business Insider had with 12 "Disney adults" who go to the parks, only one said they would consider visiting less frequently in the event of an economic downturn. Two travel agents who specialize in Disney trips also told BI that bookings are significantly up this year. That strength was reflected in Disney's earnings for the first three months of 2025. The company said Wednesday that domestic park revenue surged 9% despite the economic noise. "Even with consumer confidence somewhat down and some issues in terms of the economy, people still believe that a Disney theme park experience is really special," Disney CEO Bob Iger said on CNBC. He said the parks are "incredibly resilient." Disney's experiences head Josh D'Amaro added that bookings "continue to look strong." The company said Disney World bookings were up 4% so far this quarter. Although Disney analysts say there's a risk that parks take a hit this year, as they have during recessions, they aren't bracing for it. Joe Bonner of Argus Research is pricing in low-single-digit revenue growth at Disney's parks this year. "Attendance levels are still pretty crazy at Disney World, as far as I've seen," said Jeremy Singh, an Orlando-based Disney TikTok creator. Disney didn't respond to a request for comment. Parks are popping off Business is booming for Rob Stuart, who runs the Disney-focused trip planning service Creating Magic Vacations. Bookings are up 25% year-over-year through April, Stuart said. It's rare for Disney World not to be packed, he said, especially with older and multi-generational groups. Instead of sitting on retirement savings that they'll later pass along, Stuart said many people in their 60s or 70s are opting for family trips. "They're saying, 'You know what? I'm just going to take my kids on the trip of a lifetime — they can earn their own money,'" Stuart said. Jenn Novotny, a lifelong Disney fan who runs the Upon a Star travel service, is also busy. Her bookings are up 14% so far this year, she said. She said families are making trips to Disney World a top priority. "Disney is now considered a rite of passage for a lot of kiddos," Novotny said. However, Stuart and Novotny almost exclusively serve US clients, so they might not be seeing the apparent slowdown in overall travel from places like Canada amid a trade war. UBS media analyst John Hodulik said foreign travel has historically made up about 20% of Disney World's attendance. 'We know it's going to be expensive' Max Traughber-Crismon — a Disney fan living near Portland, Oregon — doesn't sweat the cost of taking his family of six to Disneyland. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. What is your job title? (1 of 2) Entry level position Project manager Management Senior management Executive management Student Self-employed Retired Other Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . "We know it's going to be expensive," Traughber-Crismon said. "We can either complain about it and not go, or we sit there and say, 'Hey, it is what it is — we're not going to let this ruin our experience.'" When asked if he'd consider skipping a Disney trip if money got tight, his response was telling. "There isn't anything — honestly, it would take a catastrophic event," Traughber-Crismon said. Lucas Lozano spent his honeymoon at the Disney parks. He and his wife are planning a Disney cruise later this year, even if there's a recession. "I want to make experiences with my family," Lozano said. "So if I have a job and if I feel that I am comfortable, I'm still willing to go on the cruise." Balling on a budget Since they don't want to skip trips, some Disney fans have learned to get creative with money. Traughber-Crismon said he brings snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into the parks and then gives his kids $50 each for treats. "We don't feel like we're missing out," Traughber-Crismon said. John Telyea and his wife get plenty of value from their annual passes, which they see as an escape from their stressful jobs. Navigating Disneyland's prices may also seem stressful, but Telyea said he's gamified the process. "Part of the reason why I love Disney is I like to figure out, 'All right, here's our day: How do we make it through frugally?' That's kind of a challenge," Telyea said. But despite the resilience in demand from fans, Disney might not be completely immune to a downturn. David Lewis said that while he's pining for a Disney trip, he and his wife are already talking about what they'll do if the economy slows. "If we need to go do something different because it's more affordable, we're going to have to make that decision," Lewis said. "It's just sad."
Business Insider
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Disney fans explain why the parks are booming — even as economic growth slows
Disney fans say they don't plan on skipping their trips to the company's parks — even if a recession hits. US GDP shrank in the first quarter, and concerns about trade uncertainty have some economists convinced a recession is coming. However, in conversations Business Insider had with 12 "Disney adults" who go to the parks, only one said they would consider visiting less frequently in the event of an economic downturn. Two travel agents who specialize in Disney trips also told BI that bookings are significantly up this year. That strength was reflected in Disney's earnings for the first three months of 2025. The company said Wednesday that domestic park revenue surged 9% despite the economic noise. "Even with consumer confidence somewhat down and some issues in terms of the economy, people still believe that a Disney theme park experience is really special," Disney CEO Bob Iger said on CNBC. He said the parks are "incredibly resilient." Disney's experiences head Josh D'Amaro added that bookings "continue to look strong." The company said Disney World bookings were up 4% so far this quarter. Although Disney analysts say there's a risk that parks take a hit this year, as they have during recessions, they aren't bracing for it. Joe Bonner of Argus Research is pricing in low-single-digit revenue growth at Disney's parks this year. "Attendance levels are still pretty crazy at Disney World, as far as I've seen," said Jeremy Singh, an Orlando-based Disney TikTok creator. Disney didn't respond to a request for comment. Parks are popping off Business is booming for Rob Stuart, who runs the Disney-focused trip planning service Creating Magic Vacations. Bookings are up 25% year-over-year through April, Stuart said. It's rare for Disney World not to be packed, he said, especially with older and multi-generational groups. Instead of sitting on retirement savings that they'll later pass along, Stuart said many people in their 60s or 70s are opting for family trips. "They're saying, 'You know what? I'm just going to take my kids on the trip of a lifetime — they can earn their own money,'" Stuart said. Jenn Novotny, a lifelong Disney fan who runs the Upon a Star travel service, is also busy. Her bookings are up 14% so far this year, she said. She said families are making trips to Disney World a top priority. "Disney is now considered a rite of passage for a lot of kiddos," Novotny said. However, Stuart and Novotny almost exclusively serve US clients, so they might not be seeing the apparent slowdown in overall travel from places like Canada amid a trade war. UBS media analyst John Hodulik said foreign travel has historically made up about 20% of Disney World's attendance. 'We know it's going to be expensive' Max Traughber-Crismon — a Disney fan living near Portland, Oregon — doesn't sweat the cost of taking his family of six to Disneyland. "We know it's going to be expensive," Traughber-Crismon said. "We can either complain about it and not go, or we sit there and say, 'Hey, it is what it is — we're not going to let this ruin our experience.'" When asked if he'd consider skipping a Disney trip if money got tight, his response was telling. "There isn't anything — honestly, it would take a catastrophic event," Traughber-Crismon said. Lucas Lozano spent his honeymoon at the Disney parks. He and his wife are planning a Disney cruise later this year, even if there's a recession. "I want to make experiences with my family," Lozano said. "So if I have a job and if I feel that I am comfortable, I'm still willing to go on the cruise." Balling on a budget Since they don't want to skip trips, some Disney fans have learned to get creative with money. Traughber-Crismon said he brings snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into the parks and then gives his kids $50 each for treats. "We don't feel like we're missing out," Traughber-Crismon said. John Telyea and his wife get plenty of value from their annual passes, which they see as an escape from their stressful jobs. Navigating Disneyland's prices may also seem stressful, but Telyea said he's gamified the process. "Part of the reason why I love Disney is I like to figure out, 'All right, here's our day: How do we make it through frugally?' That's kind of a challenge," Telyea said. But despite the resilience in demand from fans, Disney might not be completely immune to a downturn. David Lewis said that while he's pining for a Disney trip, he and his wife are already talking about what they'll do if the economy slows. "If we need to go do something different because it's more affordable, we're going to have to make that decision," Lewis said. "It's just sad."
