8. Star Wars superfans

Image: Disney

The subject of Star Wars and Disney parks is a surprisingly controversial one, but there’s no doubt that that familiar Galaxy Far, Far Away has made a huge impact. With the imminent arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, that effect is only going to grow. Star Wars has brought with it Star Wars superfans—easily spotted by the wide-eyed reactions of glee to things like Hollywood Studios’ March of the First Order, A Galaxy Far, Far Away, or even Star Wars Launch Bay.

Star Wars fans have gotten a bad rap the last few years due to unfortunate behavior from vocal and toxic outliers in the fanbase. The average Star Wars superfan, however, can’t go on enough about their excitement about the Star Wars additions at Disney’s parks. They giggle with delight at seeing Captain Phasma accost guests along Hollywood Boulevard. They happily help their kids initiate into the Jedi order building their first lightsaber. They grin when the park’s roaming stormtroopers arrive, and when Galaxy’s Edge opens, they’ll be just as excited about the scenery as they are about flying the Millennium Falcon or taking on the First Order. Some Star Wars fans even organize to dress up and cosplay for Star Wars film premieres in Disney Springs. While they’re a somewhat newer addition to the Disney superfan family, Star Wars superfans are part of the magic at Walt Disney World now.

9. Insider experts

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We mentioned Disney lore-masters, but there is another type of Walt Disney World expert fan who you want on your team when planning your next trip: Disney parks insiders.

Disney parks insiders don’t just know all the ins and outs of planning the ultimate Walt Disney World vacation—they are thrilled to help you plan the same for your family! They’re like travel agents in their own right, quick to help you track down the best deals like renting Disney Vacation Club points or catching rare promotions. They know the best resorts, the best restaurants, which Fastpass+ reservations are worth it, and even which parks to visit on which day of the week. Having this type of superfan in your life is like having the entire archives of Theme Park Tourist as a human friend. They know the experiences worth splurging on, those worth skipping, and they love helping other people plan a great Walt Disney World vacation.

10. Kids… Just kids

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All of these superfans are great, from the Club 33 elite to Disneybounders, but one demographic surpasses all of them.

Kids.

Kids make the Most Magical Place on Earth truly magical. They are the true ultimate superfans of Walt Disney World. They see the parks through eyes untainted like we jaded adults. For them, Walt Disney World is a place where their imaginations can run wild. They really are pirates on the high seas. They really are Jedi in training preparing the fight the dark side. They’re really ready to take on any bad guys who jump out of the bushes or face down Maleficent’s dragon in a magical showdown. They are future Disney princes and princesses, writing their own parts in the story of the Magic Kingdom even as they experience it. Mickey and Minnie really do become their dear friends, and every new experience is an adventure.

We love our adult-only trips, but without kids, the Most Magical Place on Earth loses some of its luster. There’s a freedom of joy and celebration that kids bring with them that really makes Walt Disney World special. Truly, they are the best fans you will ever find.

Are you one of these types of superfans? Do you have one as a friend or family member?