PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

As I debated which shirt to buy at the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, a thought occurred to me: I may be a Disney adult.

The term is a colloquial and often derogatory phrase for folks whose interest in the big mouse’s parks and media has nothing to do with the presence of children — those grown-ups who enjoy afternoons in Adventureland and viewings of either “Little Mermaid” flick on their own terms. While the phrase is not new, it has gained prominence in recent years as non-devotees have complained about the cutesy behavior exhibited by many Disney adults.

I do not think about Disney and its cornucopia of films, series and branded products every day. In fact, the on-screen side of the empire is no more interesting to me than any other subgenre; there are plenty of Disney movies I like, and plenty I don’t. (Fun fact: My dissenting opinion on “Encanto” is quoted on the film’s Wikipedia page, as I was one of the only critics to grumble about the widely beloved feature.)

Though I did watch “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” last week, and it’s a winner. That “Headless Horseman” tune is timeless.

While I may not have a shrine to Chip and Dale in my house, I do harbor a genuine love of Disney World — and the Orlando theme park ecosystem in general. I go about once a year, dropping often shocking sums for the privilege of escaping into highly curated, immersive environments.

At Disney’s parks as well as those of rival Universal, there are undoubtedly great rides, from perfect classics such as the Haunted Mansion and the E.T. Adventure (a canonically accepted sequel to the film, by the way) to cutting-edge coasters such as Universal’s “Jurassic Park”-themed Veloicoaster and Disney’s new “Tron” ride, a dazzling motorcycle race.

But even more than I love the rides, I love the places. When I was at the Magic Kingdom last week, I found myself having a hard time leaving Frontierland, even after I had ridden its sole proper ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. (The Country Bears are undergoing a re-imagining.) I love the old-west theming of this area, especially the way Disney brings such concepts down to the last detail; it’s not just that the fast-casual dining hall is called the Pecos Bills Tall Tale Inn, it’s that everything from the color scheme of the cast members’ shirts to the umbrellas over the table are part of the concept.

These parks, to me, are some of the only places where that’s true — where every inch of the place is considered, curated and crafted. Even if I could visit as much as I’d like, however, I don’t want to spend my life waiting for my next drink at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. (Highly recommended, by the way.)

While I have no plans to stop making my annual Floridian journeys, I’m trying to bring some of that spirit to bear on life at home. There may not be a place in Pittsburgh where Mickey and Minnie sing in front of a castle six times a day, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate environments and activities here in the same way.

Institutions such as Phipps Conservatory, The Frick Pittsburgh and (especially) the Bayernhof Museum are as carefully crafted and curated as any in the Magic Kingdom. The coasters at Kennywood are as thrilling as those in Orlando — and a trip to Idlewild contains just as many well-preserved points of nostalgia. There are a hundred charming bed and breakfasts in this state that have as much service as, and more history than, a Disney resort.

And food? We’ve got food. I too enjoy the global smorgasbord that is Epcot Center, but around here, we just have to see which food festival is coming up next for an experience to rival Disney’s Food & Wine. Fish Fry season, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the wave of Greek Food Festivals and more — just today, I received a press release about the inaugural “Big Nosh,” a Jewish Food Festival debuting this April at Congregation Beth Shalom. All are fun, festive and authentic.

And you’ll save hundreds.

I’m happy to accept my Disney adult label, and I’m scheming for a return in the fall. But I think the line between the type of Mickey-obsessed grown-ups that get roasted online and the healthy variety of theme park fan is the ability to enjoy everyday life with the same verve we have while queuing up for the Tower of Terror. Pittsburgh isn’t quite the happiest place on Earth, but there’s magic to be found here, too.

I did end up getting a tie-dyed Pirates of the Caribbean shirt featuring the ride’s classic logo — but only because they didn’t have any Big Thunder shirts for sale. No Country Bears shirts, either! Disney: Step up the t-shirt game, you could’ve had slightly more of my money!