I just got a call back from "Karl Holz's Office" regarding the letter I sent.
The rep started by buttering me up thanking me for being a loyal Disney fan and for taking the time out of my day to write my concerns to them regarding the new policy. A couple things stood out to me.
One, I too got the speech about essentially fearing for the youngin's in rooms where there is booze. I had made a comment in my letter and on the phone about now not being able to enjoy a cocktail on the verandah that I paid for, because I will have to leave the room now to go get it (I fear I'll wake my kids coming and going, or I'll go early and end up with a gross watered down drink by the time I get to it. LOL) I said I also worried some folks will now perhaps leave sleeping kids in a room alone to go get their drinks. And I mean young kids, as that's what I have. He countered with expressing fears of little ones being in the room and having access to spirits. I countered back with "well but wine and beer". And he expressed that the alcohol content is much lower. Questionable. Makes me wonder if there is ANY instance of a child being alcohol poisoned or sick or if this is just a convenient scapegoat.
Two, he mentioned that he didn't want to get anyone's hopes up, and that he is not suggesting the policy will change again, but they are taking everyone's feedback very seriously and guest opinions matter, and blah blah blah. I don't think for a second that they are going to change this policy, but I found it very strange that he chose the words he did as it almost implies it's possible, which seems a dangerous game to play.
Three, he specifically said
DCL did not want anyone viewing alcohol carry on as a perk, or a reason to choose their line. He said the new policy is still quite lenient, and 'no cruise line allows spirits' - which from reading here I think is untrue, it's just a rather hefty price point change for that.
It was nice that they called, and he actually had called several times trying to reach me, which is a bit impressive. (I didn't know they had my cell number, and I kept seeing a florida number pop up so I was ignoring it, lol) Overall though I agree with the previous poster who said the calls - while time consuming - are to avoid putting anything in writing that can be called up later. But I am glad that I got a call - I was concerned that new cruisers would not be taken seriously. I'm booked, but my sail date is Jan 2016, so I haven't been onboard yet. Nice to know they still at least think my opinion is worth discussing.
Verdict: It's not going to change, I will be stunned if it does. They are trying to make people feel valued by listening though, which is taking man hours to do. He addressed my email by point, so clearly he read it.