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Famous Family Gets Court Fine After Spending Thousands on Disney World Vacation

In April 2025, the Radford family, Britain’s largest family, traveled to Walt Disney World Resort, Central Florida, to celebrate Sue Radford’s 50th birthday. The Channel 5 stars, known from 22 Kids and Counting, brought 21 of their 22 children and all 11 grandchildren on the trip. Their visit reportedly cost £52,000 (about $69,000), with flights alone totaling over £26,000.

Despite previously mentioning they were “feeling the pinch,” the Radfords spared no expense on their multi-generational celebration. Sue shared updates and photos throughout the trip, capturing the family’s time at the parks.

Mickey Mouse in a cavalcade at Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World.
Credit: Scott Calleja, Flickr

However, their vacation led to fines for removing four of their children from school during term time. The family was fined £65 per child, plus £118 in court costs, totaling £756. In the UK, parents can face fines if their children miss more than ten unauthorized school sessions per year. Local councils and schools issue these fines, and courts determine the final penalties.

The Radfords fund their lifestyle through their family bakery, Radford’s Pie Company, alongside TV earnings and social media partnerships. Older children also contribute financially by paying board to live at home. Sue has emphasized they are “definitely not secret millionaires” (per LADBible).

Meanwhile, Disney has made headlines with pricing changes across its American parks. Single-day tickets at Walt Disney World will surpass $200 for the first time, alongside increases for hotels, dining, and merchandise.

A large crowd of guests on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: 0soulis0, Flickr

Analysts suggest the hikes are strategic, balancing economic realities with visitor behavior—charging more during peak times while offering discounts for slower periods. Comparatively, a one-day, single-park ticket was $97 in 2015, and by 2026, the same ticket will cost $119—a 22% rise, slightly below overall inflation over the decade.

Walt Disney World Resort is also offering some of its largest discounts in years through early 2026, leaving guests weighing the best times to visit.

Do you think UK families should face fines for taking kids on vacations? Share your thoughts with us below!

Author

  • Thomas Hitchen

    When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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