Disney content creator Toni Kulusich is pushing back against a wave of online criticism surrounding her interactions with the Peter Pan character at Disneyland, defending their "special friendship" as a harmless hobby.
Kulusich, who visits Disneyland weekly using her annual pass, has gained a significant following on TikTok for her videos featuring meet-and-greets with park characters, particularly Peter Pan. While she enjoys playful interactions like playing tag, her content took a controversial turn when a video of her gifting Peter Pan a crocheted duck keychain went viral. The video, which amassed millions of views, attracted a barrage of negative comments, with some users expressing suspicion and others labeling her as a "creep."
The controversy has coincided with a surge in Kulusich's TikTok following, more than doubling to 125,000. She acknowledges the internet's often harsh stance on "Disney adults" – individuals perceived as overly obsessed with Disney – but insists her fandom hasn't negatively impacted her life. Kulusich, who has been married for four years and works full-time as a retail manager, emphasizes that her Disney content is a hobby and doesn't interfere with her daily responsibilities. "It’s just that when I’m inside Disney, I’m able to release my inner child and the kid who doesn’t want to grow up. And that’s what [Peter Pan] stands for," she explained.
However, critics dug into her past, unearthing 10-year-old videos and even launching a petition to ban her from the parks. They scrutinized the character's body language and commented on her wedding video, with some suggesting she was romantically obsessed with Peter Pan. The situation escalated when her workplace address was shared online, forcing her manager to adjust her hours for security reasons. "It’s definitely taken a toll on my mental health," Kulusich admitted, describing the daily onslaught of comments labeling her a "crazy stalker lady."
Kulusich, now widely known as "Peter Pan Girl," believes her interactions were taken out of context. She points to the rapid spread of misinformation and the tendency for online pile-ons as factors in the backlash, noting similar controversies surrounding other Disney character performers. She maintains she adheres to Disney's guidelines for "face" characters and would never jeopardize the actor's role or character integrity. To counter claims of excessive pursuit, she shared data showing she met Peter Pan only seven times in her last 30 park visits.
Despite the ordeal, Kulusich finds happiness in her Disney visits and interactions, a sentiment she doesn't intend to let negativity deter. After a period of fear, she recently returned to the park with the support of her husband and fellow Disney creators. While some recognized her, her experience was largely peaceful. A chance encounter with Peter Pan, who invited her to ride a horse next to him and told her "never to stop visiting Neverland," provided the reassurance she needed.
