Summary
Disneyadults are simply grown-ups with a deep obsession for all things Disney — whether it’swatching movies, buying merchandise, or making regular visits to the theme parks. Of course, this love can come at a steep price, especially when park visits are part of the mix.
That’s why Disney adults have to find magic wherever they can, and what better way than through video games? While some Disney titles are clearly aimed at kids (likeDisney Learning: Phonics Quest), there are plenty of gems perfect for the more mature fan. So grab that overpriced popcorn and turkey leg, sit back, and dive into these magical titles Disney graciously released from their vaults.
Anyone who’s ever ridden theToy Story Midway Mania!attraction at the Disney parks will find this game very familiar. Released in 2009,Toy Story Mania!is a shooting gallery that is almost a carbon copy of the famous 4D ride.
In this 2009 title, players joinBuzz Lightyearand Woody as they go through carnival-style games that can be played alone or with up to four friends. The game isn’t a complete retread of the popular ride, though, with new, original levels for players to enjoy. It’s a great game to help fans practice for the real deal – without the lengthy wait.
Disney Magic Kingdomsis acity-building gamethat brings the magic of Disney Parks right to fans' mobile devices. Launched in 2016 by Gameloft, it offers players the chance to create their own park while interacting with classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Merlin, and Goofy. But there’s a catch — Maleficent has cursed the kingdom, and it’s up to players to restore its magic by completing quests and unlocking attractions.
The game also introduces fun features like parades, hidden chests, and Merlin’s Shop, where players can exchange unwanted items for useful resources.
Disneyland Adventures offers the perfect solution for fans who wish they could be in Disneyland year-round. In this open-world game, players explore a faithful recreation of California’s Disneyland Park (well, a 2011 version). While all the attractions are replaced by engaging mini-games, character meet-and-greets with Disney favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Chip ‘n’ Dale are still there for visitors to enjoy.
Originally designed for Kinect, the game was remastered in 2017 without the hardware restrictions. Now players can explore the magic from their couch, controller in hand.
Disney’s billion-dollar investment in the Star Wars universe came to life with Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These immersive areas transport fans to the now-canon Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.
But players don’t need a parking ticket to visit Batuu. Just fire up an Oculus Quest orPlayStation VR2to experience this well-received virtual reality first-person shooter. Players can explore Batuu during different timelines in the Star Wars saga and visit areas unseen in the parks. Plus the DLC adds hours of more fun to this already addictive game.
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse(2013) is a 2.5D remake of the 1990 video game of the same name. While the originalSega Genesis classiccan be hard to come by, this newer version of the game can scratch that exact same itch.
In this charming side-scroller, fans get to play as the top dog (or rodent?) himself: Mickey Mouse. It’s a solid platforming experience that’s also available for Android and iOS — perfect for killing time while waiting in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Looking back, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) saw quite a fewDisney game releases. However, none gained as much of a cult following as this beloved trio:TheLion King,Aladdin,andThe Jungle Book.
To save fans the trouble of digging out their dusty old consoles, Disney graciously re-released this iconic 16-bit trilogy as the Disney Classic Games Collection. Now players can relive the excruciating difficulty their nostalgia goggles conveniently glossed over. As an added bonus, the compilation offers multiple versions of the games, including the Mega Drive editions.
Disney Dreamlight Valleyclearly draws inspiration from Nintendo’sAnimal Crossingseries but carves out its own unique identity as a life simulation game infused with Disney magic. The game invites players togather resources, explore enchanting biomes, and build a personalized magical valley populated by beloved Disney and Pixar characters. Its peaceful yet engaging gameplay makes it a perfect fit for cozy gamers and Disney adults alike.
What sets the game apart is its surprisingly heartfelt storytelling and fantastic writing. Players will encounter heartwarming character interactions that breathe life into familiar Disney figures while adding a touch of narrative charm.
Another one for retro fans isThe Disney Afternoon Collection. This nostalgic compilation features six belovedCapcom-developed titles:DuckTales,Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers,TaleSpin,Darkwing Duck,DuckTales 2, andChip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers 2.
DuckTales, of course, stands out as the highlight of the bunch and still looks gorgeous in all its 8-bit glory to this day. While newer Disney fans might dismiss the collection as outdated, those who cherished these classics during their prime will certainly know better. And who cares anyway when players got Chip ‘n Dale to the rescue?
Fans of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, rejoice.Epic Mickeymarked the first time Mickey Mouse and Oswald appeared together in a video game. After reclaiming Oswald from Universal Pictures in 2006, Disney wasted no time putting him in the spotlight with this meta love letter to obscure Disney characters and park attractions.
The game overflows with park-inspired references, featuring areas based on Main Street U.S.A., It’s a Small World, and Tomorrowland. Forgotten characters like Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow also make delightful appearances, making this a treasure trove for Disney aficionados.
At first, the idea of merging Disney IP with Square Enix’sFinal Fantasyseries seemed baffling—and honestly, it still is. But the result is a wildly imaginative and beloved series. While geared towards kids, the plot is so convoluted it probably requires a fully-formed frontal cortex to even begin deciphering the lore.
Despite that, the payoff is well worth it for the chance to exploreiconic Disney worlds, fromAladdinandThe Little Mermaidto modern hits likeFrozenandBig Hero 6. With 13 titles already released and more on the horizon, it’s a delightful rabbit hole for those brave enough to dive in.
