Tough question...as others have articulately stated, much of one's personal response depends on how much compromising one is willing to make. If the costs of the new
Genie+ and LLs don't bother you; if the crowd levels don't upset you; if the reduction of services haven't reached the level of annoyance to make you cringe a little; if the overwhelming expense (DVC or not) of a trip to Disney still doesn't make you blink too much...then absolutely it can still be a magical place.
For me, however, after 35 years of Disney trips--both CA and FL--Corporate Disney reminds me of the old apologue about slowly turning up the heat on a pot of water as a frog sits in the pot--do it slowly enough and the frog will never jump out and be cooked. Again, that's just my personal journey.
Haha.....
My first Disney visit was in 1988, so I'm a bit behind you at 33 years!
It appears to me the frog is suddenly feeling the heat, or should I say a lot more frogs are feeling the heat faster and jumping out. So, if enough frogs get hot too fast and escape without spending the ridiculous amount of money required, Disney may have to readjust the heat setting.
Doubtful that will happen. But for me, I could care less. I've gotten my value out of my DVC and have learned how to manage the costs associated with any vacations, not just Disney.
One of my early Disney, specifically Magic Kingdom, memories was Main Street Bakery and getting a cookie ice cream sandwich. Then coming out and sitting on a bench on Main Street, USA to enjoy it. That was if you could find a seat, because all the old timers were lined up to people watch and offer their advice and opinions to us 'young, new' visitors.
Disney took that seating away from Main Street, and gradually most seats throughout the park. In other words pushing the people who were there to relax and spend less out of the way of the newer and ready to pay folks. The methods have changed but the main objective is the same, which is to continue to maximize value for the company.
We rarely see 'new' parkgoers coming on here and complaining in advance. They have yet to decide whether there is value for them, until they've visited, and their experience will depend on whether it measures up to what value they've obtained elsewhere. Almost everybody who is unhappy with changes usually states they will take their vacation dollars elsewhere.
That's absolutely what they should do! Some perspective may be gained and also, new experiences, even if they cost less or more will be good for the soul. Everything should not be about theme park rides and characters.
Somehow, I think what people are mostly objecting to is that their safe haven is gradually being torn away. Some are adventurous and will stray to other adventures and some will sit home and cry about the changes.
