To get back on the question, is the Ethos changing? Well, using a couple of JeffH's examples of his magic, these are the places where I see that something is different and it results in a less magical experience for me.
The character dining is EVERYWHERE (and the food is excellent and bottomless)
I used to have the option to eat with Pocahontas, John Smith, Gov. Radcliffe, Meeko (Artist Point, 1995). I used to have the option to eat with Clopin, Meeko, Quasimodo, Aladdin, Genie,(Soundstage Restaurant, 1997). I used to have the option to eat with Prince John, Queen of Hearts, Gov. Radcliffe, Cruella, Evil Queen (1900 Park Fare Dinner, Sept 2000). It used to be really easy to eat with unique characters, now the main option is Cindy's. That is if you can get a reservation. What happened to the variety?
Characters are everywhere (and you can find them when/where you want them)
My last trip in June, the characters in Epcot were confined to a traveling bus instead of appearing regularly in Mexico, Germany, China, Italy, Morocco, France, UK. Epcot is the main place I like to meet & greet with characters because it's more condusive to the laid back exploring unlike the MK (with full ride options) and MGM (where the number of shows, pencil you in to where you have to be a certain time if you want to see them).
MGM opened and has been populated with wonderful attractions for young and old alike.
And the park had a real strong emphasis on the "how" movies are made. But Superstar Television was replaced with a stage show and now there is nothing. Monster Sound Show was replaced with the less adult friendy 1 Saturday Morning, and now has the Drew Carey Show. I agree both shows were stale but all that Superstar needed was new scenes to play, Monster just needed a show that adults would want to follow (the kids would still have thought the funny ways people makes sounds were entertaining.) I really miss the "how" and that's why the Studios is no longer my favorite WDW park.
AK (our favorite park) opened after much planning and with deep theming including the 'indigenous' people, the intense landscaping, the shows (all geared towards the theme), the 'decorated' buildings nestled INTO the landscaping, the accuracy, the little hidden trails, the messages, even the walkways and the big fake tree.
And then what happened? In the Studios first 5 years, we saw Muppets, Beauty & the Beast, Star Tours, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a Parade, Sorcery in the Sky culminating with Tower of Terror. Animal Kingdom has been open 3 1/2 years, and major attractions take a year or two to install so if they want any by year 5 the ground should be moving, shouldn't it? What have we seen a very beautiful animal trail, a short raft ride, and a spinner and a small coaster are on the way. I look at the Studios additions, I look at AK's additions. I look at the time period MGM was expanded (the recession of the early 90's), and I wonder why is there nothing more in the works for AK?
As a whole. as many new things have been added, there is also a lot of homogeniality where there used to be a lot of variety. I suppose they do that because the character or type of attraction is "proven" and therefore less risk, but you can only do that so far before the excitement of the unexpected falls away.
