Today I went to see Finding Dory with my mom (it was everything I hoped for and more). Walking into that theater as an adult, seeing all the little kids and getting stares from middle school girls who were probably wondering what a girl my age was doing at a kid’s movie unsettled me a bit. Here I was, a college student, practically bouncing in my seat with excitement for the movie to start. A few seats down were some toddlers (who didn’t seem nearly as excited as I was). I had every right to be in that theater. Finding Nemo came out when I was about 7. Naturally, I wanted to see the sequel. So why did I feel just a twinge of shame?

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It’s something that tends to get brushed aside. You’d be surprised at the amount of comments I get from people surprised that I take so much enjoyment in watching Disney movies.

“Aren’t you a little old for these movies?”

It’s a comment I’m sure plenty of people my age has heard, one that might invoke a little bit of embarrassment. This question raises other questions in my mind, but also lights a little fire in me. No, I am not too old for Disney movies, and I never will be. But why do I love these movies so much? Why do I cling to them with such joy? Why do I get so excited for the next Disney or Pixar installment? Why are these the movies I turn to when I’ve had a long, hard, tiring day? The answer to these questions is simple: Disney understands me.

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I grew up with some of the blockbuster classics, during the time the world began to see a resurgence of Disney films and Disney princesses. The films made during this time were of exemplary status, with music and story lines that were compelling and beautiful. The films today are no different. Disney continues to hit the nail on the head with blockbusters like Frozen and Inside Out. So why do these movies speak to so many adults, such as myself? Yes, they are entertaining, but watching these movies as an adult is a completely different experience than watching them when you are a child. You see a deeper level to the story, something you didn’t notice before. Most kids just see the characters and what they are doing, follow the story and that’s that. Adults seem to connect in a different way to these movies and characters. I see myself in Elsa -- her desire to be perfect, her fear, her anxiety. I see myself in Mike Wazowski -- sometimes not feeling good enough (Monster’s University). I see myself in Dory -- forgetful sometimes, but always finding her way back. Inside Out spoke to me on a whole other level -- it’s okay to not be happy all the time. Sometimes sadness, or anger, or fear,or disgust is what we need in that moment. It’s not the end of the world.

So no, I will never apologize for loving Disney movies. They are beautiful interpretations of the human soul. They understand the human experience. They dig to levels of ourselves we are afraid to reach. They encourage. They are a model that everyone is different, and that’s okay. Everything will turn out okay.