Here's the problem, imho, with pixiedust. Because of social media, we all read about everyone else's' experiences. So, when we go to WDW, we all want the same things we heard others talking about. We all want Goody riding Barnstormer with us, want towel animals every day, free meals on our 'birthdays', etc. But, that's not going to happen. It can't. In fact, so many people are living owing for that extra pixiedust, CMs just can't make it happen! Birthday buttons used to be special. Guests wore them on their birthday, or pretty close to the actual day. Not 6 months later! Same thing with all the other 'I'm Celebrating' buttons. I've worn a button, on my birthday, and almost every CM wished me a happy birthday.
I expect a clean park, cheerful and helpful CMs, a well maintained room. If I get something extra, terrific. If not, no big deal. This whole 'I got pixedusted' thing is out of hand. If everything is special, nothing is truly special.
Disney is not the same as it was 10 yrs ago. CMs are trained differently nowadays. Things seem more lax.
I will say that I have seen more instances of guests looking for compensation for every little thing lately, than ever before. Yes, there are situations that warrant compensation. But seriously....you had an issue with your door lock and it took a bit of time to fix it, so you yell and scream until the resort manager says he'll put s $100 credit on your account? Really? I had the exact same issue, at the exact same time. I thanked the CMs who got it straightened out, finally, and went about my day...no credit for the well greased wheel! Some people just want compensation!
Well, you did say that about Disney training, and CM's not living up to the 'Disney way'! But you're way off base about value rooms. I have a room at Music, standard room, rack rate, that is $100 a night, in Nov. So, I'm not sure where you're getting your information...it's just flat out wrong. I have never, ever paid more than $130 for a value room....and that rate was for a preferred room, during a peak season. Got a room at Movies last spring for $80 a night, but that was an AP rate, but that is still what I paid, so those rates are available.