NYT OP: Disney and the Decline of America's Middle Class

[edhopper]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/opinion/disney-world-economy-middle-class-rich.html#commentsContainer

It's an interesting piece if you can read the Times, but if not, it is really about the erosion of the Middle Class and the catering to the Rich. Something that goes well beyond Disney.
It's not about if DisneyWorld is a place to visit, that is up to people's personal taste. So please, no "Why would people go to that place!" post.
Name a place you like to go, and you see the same thing, the Middle Class is being priced out.

The key paragraphs:

That middle class has so eroded in size and in purchasing power — and the wealth of our top earners has so exploded — that America’s most important market today is its affluent. As more companies tailor their offerings to the top, the experiences we once shared are increasingly differentiated by how much we have.

Data is part of what’s driving this shift. The rise of the internet, the algorithm, the smartphone and now artificial intelligence are giving corporations the tools to target the fast-growing masses of high-net-worth Americans with increasing ease. As a management consultant, I’ve worked with dozens of companies making this very transition. Many of our biggest private institutions are now focused on selling the privileged a markedly better experience, leaving everyone else to either give up — or fight to keep up.

[spooky3]

1. Here is a gift link:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/28/opinion/disney-world-economy-middle-class-rich.html?unlocked_article_code=1.iU8.wGnW.rerf2ekyWqOl&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

[edhopper]

4. Thanks!

[chia]

16. Thank you!

[spooky3]

18. You are welcome! Nt

[Midnight Writer]

2. I recently read an article about the best jobs that will be available in the future.

Top O' the List was jobs in personal service to the wealthy. Personal assistant, cook, nanny, maid, chauffeur, personal shopper, personal trainer, butler. It seems there is a shortage of "classically trained" butlers, and what's the point of being rich if you can't have a snooty butler?

[leftstreet]

3. So the working classes are growing

hmm

[edhopper]

5. More like

the Working Poor.

[tinrobot]

6. We don't go to Disneyland, but absolutely seeing it in other areas

Concert tickets are the most glaring example.

I like to ski, and lift ticket prices are also out of control.

[edhopper]

8. Absolutely with Concerts

Bands I saw not too longer ago for $100 are now $200 to $300, if you can get tickets before the scalpers get them.

Saw it in Hawaii recently, with activities doubling in price from pre-COVID.

And forget about Las Vegas.

[Efilroft Sul]

11. I'm going to my last concert next month to see Garbage.

They're my favorite band, it's my only chance to see them in the 30 years since they've made it big, and that's how I justify the ticket price in my head. But this is it.

[edhopper]

13. I avoid big bands in big venues

unless it's a once in a lifetime thing. We decided to pay the $$ and see Paul McCarthy, couldn't even get a ticket for the hundreds it cost. and not paying the multiple times the after market wants.
We do see older bands we like in smaller venues that are usually affordable. Recently saw Jon Anderson (Yes), Burton Cummings (Guess Who) and even Neil Young for good prices.

[Silent Type]

7. Fortunately, middle-class decline is more because some moved into upper-class, than some dropped into "lower"-class.

We still have a lot of work, but I think we'd be better off putting almost all our assistance efforts on the "lower"-class. They need the help more than those better off.

[edhopper]

9. What incomes do they consider each class

and how does that affect who can afford these higher prices?

This from a more recent Pew Survey.

The median income of middle-class households increased from about $66,400 in 1970 to $106,100 in 2022, or 60%. Over this period, the median income of upper-income households increased 78%, from about $144,100 to $256,900. (Incomes are scaled to a three-person household and expressed in 2023 dollars.)

The increase in Middle Class income has not kept pace with the higher prices for entertainment, travel, etc... And as these place charge more and more to get the Upper Class to spend, the Middle Class is excluded more and more.

What someone can afford on a Middle Class income is what erosion of the Middle Class is about.

[FirstLight]

10. It's all over socials with small business too!

As a Holistic Healer, the also target me with ads for wellness coaching etc... I have had nothing about creating good connections with clients, it's ALL about "how to make 10K a month" by targeting the BIG ticket sales. I am not gonna be a corporate sellout, thanks.
I'm also not pricing my stuff to drive sales UP to the BIG Deals, but I want to be inclusive for those who may want or need alternative therapies, but can't afford a 150/session pricetag. I refuse to see this as not valuing my work, it's SO much more about making it realistic for those who live and work in my town.
I don't want the tourist who pays big bucks for one session, never to be heard from again... that's not my gig.

But yeah, it's all over the socials... how to make the BIG MONEY by targeting the richies.
it's really disgusting, because holistic healing isn't supposed to be about the cash grab, it's literally about healing and service to others... at least that's my angle.

[edhopper]

12. Not Holistic

But being on Medicare, the money I must spend on Dental and Physical Therapy is ridiculous. Health Care is becoming a Rich only area.
And don't get me started on Concierge Practices!

[FirstLight]

14. I agree... I am on Medi-CAL in California...

which, hnestly has been so much better since Obamacare, because I can choose my company, I use Anthem Blue Cross and have had very little rejected. But Alternative Medicine has not yet been accepted at all by the business as a whole. I am hoping to get some more certification in more medical-based sound work so I could possibly do sessions through the local Hospital as physical therapy...

Dental still sucks though, closest dentist is 1 1/2 hours away and books out at least 3 months in advance. They've denied two crowns, one of which the tooth broke completely and had to be pulled... Delta Dental

[WarGamer]

15. Here in SoCal (LA suburbs specifically) the middle class is gutted...

Frankly, wide swaths of my community are the well off... and those who provide services to them.

[Initech]

17. Rich people ruined theme parks and concerts.