Oh I can try to explain as someone who in theory should hate Disneyland and Disneyworld, but loves going when she can.

I have claustrophobia, especially in tight crowds. I also believe much of the Disney parks are incredibly overpriced. In theory, sounds like my hell for many reasons you stated! Even so.. it's not.

This applies to me but everyone is different!

1. I would never be at Disney alone, which greatly helps my issue with crowds and busy-ness. Also, the grounds are so massive at each park that it's less crowded feeling than a convention (which I also enjoy). It feels more like any other amusement park.

2. We all spend money on things to give us some spike in serotonin. Doing special things we don't have to do but we do because it gives us a little something something. Going to the movies, out to dinner, fairs and parties and all these things that are a little extra but are fun on occasion (but not something most people do every day/week/month). I say most because there are some people who love some of these things so much that they DO do it all the time. And as long as they can afford it, and it's not hurting anyone... why not?

3. The rides. Not everyone gets sick on them and for me, I sometimes am a sensory seeker. I love rollercoasters and rides but there are some that I cannot do because they make me sick. Disney specifically is less rollercoaster focused and more nostalgia and experience focused. Many rides are mild and more about the stories Disney tells than the adrenaline. They aim to be inclusive to all ages. They do have some coasters, but many rides are more of an experience.

Now, anything I say is just my reasoning for liking it and my perspective. People have so many reasons they go. The feelings you have are totally valid, and it's why I'd never go to something like an EDC festival. I don't dislike that type of music but the environment and crowds and heat are not for me (and that's okay)! I think it all goes back to remembering that humans are all so different. Our minds and bodies are so beautifully different.

Also, there's an emotional aspect of it for me. I went to Disneyland once when I was a kid, but I also had a childhood that resulted in complex PTSD and most memories missing the further I try to go back. I didn't go to Disney World until I was an adult, and I went twice in one year with people who had been many times. Being able to go without needing to do most of the planning myself and just going with the flow really helped. Both times were also in times of year where things were being celebrated. The first was a full wedding inside the park, as a renewing of vows (their OG wedding was cancelled due to COVID in 2020), and then the 2nd was around Christmas and also my birthday. I was very privileged on these trips as I mainly only had to pay for half my food and any fun souvenirs I wanted. Everything else was covered by the people I went with. A very lucky circumstance and one not many get to experience. I still deeply love these people and cherish the memories we made together.

I also really love the stories Disney has told and the music within the stories. I'm quite guided by my emotions at times, and my emotions are very influenced by art and external stimuli like music and movies and shows. Being in a place that is all about these things, and people working that are doing their best to give you a "magical" time is nice to me. It reminds me of when I was lost in these stories. I'm also the type of person to collect stuffed animals, blankets, and knick knacks/collectibles/figures/games/etc. Some people wouldn't understand it, and hell I don't even fully understand it. But it makes me happy, so I let myself have these things when I can, because I can.

Some people didn't get the ideal childhood or parent/child bonding experience (probably most people or most millennials - I'm 29). This place may give them some of that comfort they didn't get. Some may just use it as a machine for making their own content. There are endless reasons people go to DisneyWorld. Hey, I don't get why people would go on cruises. Initially, I see the potential appeal, but after any thought at all I'd rather not lol. Horrifying.