Part 9/10:
The Disney story mirrors broader socioeconomic trends, includingthe hollowing out of the American middle class and the rise of the wealthy elite. Disney’s pricing and experiential strategies demonstrate how economic inequality filters into entertainment and cultural institutions that once sought to serve all Americans.
The company’s statement claiming it aims to “make experiences available to as many families as possible” rings hollow amid mounting evidence that consumer experience is now a luxury for the privileged few. Watching families struggle, save, and sacrifice to visit shows a stark contrast to the luxury and exclusivity now prevalent in Disney's offerings.