Disney has helped to shape the American culture. Over the years, a Disney store has become an institution – a symbol for middle-class families living the dream. However, today, it looks like the Magic Kingdom is crumbling down.
The largest share of Disney’s public – middle-income households – are struggling to afford Disney tickets, products, and streaming services, and that is putting the company in a very complicated financial situation. With expenditures surpassing profits, the entertainment giant is now dealing with some billionaire losses that are leading to mass layoffs, business shutdowns, and an internal reorganization as it tries to survive the storm.
CEO Bob Iger is warning about major challenges for 2023, and millions of fans will likely be devastated to lose their local Disney stores in the months ahead.
These days, the remaining Disney Stores are few and far between. They’re also mere shadows of their former selves, lacking the unique features that defined the franchise at its peak and largely today serving as an outlet for parks and online merchandise that failed to sell. It seems like the magic of Disney has been no match for the downturn in mall foot traffic and the general crisis of brick-and-mortar retail.
As of today, the family entertainment and media enterprise has just 22 stores in the U.S. But what could possibly have happened to bring down such a beloved store at malls across America?
The answer is not that simple, but one thing is abundantly clear – the company has fallen victim to what made it so successful in the first place – all the care that was put into its creation and management that many of these locations became too expensive to keep running. That’s why similar retailtainment companies – such as the Warner Bros. Studio Store – proved unprofitable.
In the few stores that are still standing, prices are rising much faster than what Disney fans can pay. A report by Business Insider, citing an analysis run for the outlet by travel firm Touring Plans, revealed that food and souvenir prices at Disneyland parks have jumped by as much as 33% since last summer. By comparison, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported earlier this month that the country’s Consumer Price Index stands at 5%, meaning that Disney prices are outpacing inflation in the U.S.
This month, the enterprise is closing its Star Wars-themed hotel, the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, just one year after opening. With trips starting at $4809 for two guests in a standard cabin and going upwards of $6000 for a family, it was out of reach for many visitors from the start. Over the past year, the company has also shut down several of its retail locations, according to Fox Business.
Earlier this year, the company said it wants to shut down 20% of its brick-and-mortar stores by the end of the year as a part of a new reorganization plan. Unfortunately, the closings may be the least of Disney’s problems. The enterprise is facing a media industry in turmoil, plunging cable subscriptions, a still-recovering box office, massive streaming losses, skeptical shareholders, management changes and layoffs, and growing labor disputes with employees. That’s a lot for CEO Bob Iger to handle.
The decay of this global media leader symbolizes the downfall of our culture as a whole. It unveils the dire state of our economy. The breakdown of our middle class. Sadly, Disney is not alone, and we will continue to see many major companies in America going down the same path.
Video and article cross-posted from Epic Economist.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.
Go woke go broke. I’ll never spend a dime for ANYTHING Disney.