We now have a direct statement from Nomura that the Disney worlds are thematic
Soriku theorists have long been saying that the worlds are thematic and parallel what's going on in the broader story, but often gen fans simply say things like 'It's not that deep' or 'You're reading too much into it, it's just glorified Disney advertising'
However, while explaining that Coco was chosen because it was suited to the themes and to Sora's situation, Nomura also said that they always choose the worlds this way. Which is kind of vindicating, not gonna lie.