Having first visited in 1985, been a DVC owner since 2000 and been part of the Disboards since the first days I can honestly say that I've never seen so much negativity regarding price increases and perceived reduction in benefits.
We are going for the first time in 4 1/2 years in May and it will be really interesting to see how much has changed. The reports of huge crowds and the way
Genie+ works are not helping in building excitement.
I get the view that Disney will keep increasing prices until attendance falls, but they well might have pushed too far by then. Sure the 'once and done' customers will keep things going for a while, but Disney has always been about emotion and the love for the brand has been passed from generation to generation. Break that link and future revenue will be severely affected.
I know these boards are not representative of the broader public - they are frequented by the more hard core fans, but the number of posters saying that they have reached the end of the love affair is shocking.
Brits have had some benefits over the years, but I think it's the cost of basics in WDW that is frightening. $16 to $17 for an average cocktail - $10 to $12 for a quick service burger - paying to get on a ride that was previously free - it all is getting too much for many people.
I really hope that I'm wrong and that we will still have the love for the place after our next holiday, but it's getting harder to justify the cost.