Many Americans will take on debt this summer for a family trip to a Disney theme park. So why is the happiest place on earth breaking their bank accounts? Teo takes Clare on a fantasy trip to Disneyworld to find out, and see if Clare can have a truly magical experience on a budget. 

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Sources in this episode:

• Disney’s Magic Kingdom Raises Prices, CNN News Room, 2014
• Disney and the Decline of America’s Middle Class, New York Times, 2025
• Can America Afford Disney?, Disney Tourist Blog, 2025
• How Much Disney Can America’s Middle Class Afford in 2025?, Touring Plans Blog, 2025
• The U.S. Economy Depends More Than Ever on Rich People, Wall Street Journal, 2025
• Even Disney Is Worried About the High Cost of a Disney Vacation, Wall Street Journal, 2025
• Why do people keep coming back?, USA Today, 2026
• Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023
• How Do People Afford Disney?, Reddit, 2026 
• Earnings Report, Walt Disney Report, 2024
• Summer Travel Survey, Bankrate, 2025
• Disney Survey, LendingTree, 2024
• Global Attractions Attendance Report, AECOM, 2023
• The Walt Disney Company, 2026
• What’s The Current Disney Commission Rate For Travel Agents?, Mainstreet Agency Travel, 2026

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