Disney World Guests Fined for Extravagant $69,000 Vacation

The family, which spent a reported £52,000 (approx. $69,000) on a Disney World trip, has been fined. The startling amount of money spent on the vacation comes as the House of Mouse increases its prices and announces discounts.

Disney’s Recent Price Activity Leaves Guests Asking Questions

Earlier this week, the company rolled out increases across its American parks, affecting tickets, hotels, dining, and even souvenirs. For the first time ever, a single-day ticket at Walt Disney World will top $200, a milestone that has many visitors rethinking their next trip. And yes, these hikes come despite inflation being relatively modest—making some wonder exactly what Disney is trying to accomplish.

At the same time as raising prices, Disney is offering some of its biggest discounts in years for the remainder of 2025 and into early 2026. Guests are left with more questions than answers. According to analysts, Disney’s approach appears designed to balance out economic realities with guest behavior, charging peak-season visitors more while offering discounts to attract crowds during slower periods.

To put it in perspective, a one-day, single-park ticket at Disney World cost $97 back in 2015. By 2026, that same ticket will run $119—a 22% increase over a decade. Surprisingly, that’s actually below the overall inflation rate during that period, suggesting Disney’s price increases are more strategic than punitive.

Family Fined for Disney World Vacation

In April 2025, Britain’s largest family embarked on a lavish £52,000 journey to Disney World, Florida, to celebrate Sue Radford’s 50th birthday. The Radfords, known for their Channel 5 series 22 Kids and Counting, took 21 of their 22 children and all 11 grandchildren on this extravagant adventure–and it wasn’t their first trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth. However, their magical trip turned into a legal matter when they were fined for taking four of their children out of school during term time, per LancsLive.

Sue and Noel Radford, parents to 22 children, spared no expense for the birthday celebration. Despite previously stating they were “feeling the pinch” financially, the couple spent over £26,000 on flights alone for their large family. However, their joy was short-lived as they were fined £65 per child for four of their children who missed school between March 24 and May 1, 2025. Additionally, they were ordered to pay £118 in court costs, totaling £756 in fines.

The Radfords’ case highlights the strict laws surrounding school attendance in the UK. The Department for Education introduced fines for parents who allow their children to miss over 10 school sessions (equivalent to five full days) annually for unauthorized reasons. Local councils and schools have the authority to issue fines, and the court determines whether a fine should be issued.

Despite the hefty fines, the Radfords manage their finances through their family business, Radford’s Pie Company, seemingly along with social media brand partnerships and earnings from their TV show. Some of their older children also contribute by paying board to live at home. Sue stated that she and Noel are “definitely not secret millionaires” (per LADBible) and that they rely on their bakery business to fund their lifestyle.

During their Florida trip, Sue shared updates and photos from Disney. Despite the legal and logistical challenges, the trip was a celebration involving multiple generations of the Radford family.

Do you think it’s strange that families are fined for taking their kids out of school for vacations? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!