I used to see Disney through rose colored glasses but I no longer do. I remember learning that Disney did not sell newspapers on property on one of my first visits. The escapism it offered me was enchanting and I was willing to pay the price. No longer.
The stench of politics is too heavy. It’s offer of escaping the real world is gone. Too much planning and not enough value for the money.
I imagine my family of four are WDW’s target audience. We spend 8-12k a year visiting. We stay at the deluxe resorts, eat every meal on property and buy souvenirs. I would add that we are pass holders but it is clear that Disney sees no value in that.
We have one last family trip planned this month. We do have a January trip planned with in-laws but I think we will do Sea World instead. On our ‘Disney’ vacation budget we have planned a trip to Yellowstone/ Grand Teton, a Royal Caribbean cruise and a skiing trip. We will renew our Busch gardens and buy Sea World passes too.