I firmly believe that if Disney could remove those balloons they would. There was a lot of complaints when we stayed at AKL because balloons are not allowed there, and the whining in DAK can still be heard from guests who want one. Can you imagine if the other parks had removed them? I would not want to be on the receiving end of those emails!
I am not wearing blinders in regards to Disney and their bottom line. They are a business, and as such they will make decisions that impact them in the least negative way possible. I am also not a fan of the new policy, I am one of the worst spillers in history, and cannot walk and chew gum, let alone walk with an open container. I am that person you all are talking about when you discuss drunks in Epcot. I am stone sober, but you would not know it if you are following me. I just do feel that in fairness to Disney we need to see this from their POV, and then find a work around.