it's interesting. I've been going "all of my life" (first trip was when I was 6 months old. apparently my favorite attraction back then was kicking off my shoes
). But we also live up north, and a yearly trip to Disney was never in our budget.
I recognize that things have changed, some for the better, and some not as much. But then, the outside world is a lot different than it was in the 70's and 80's too. And while some of what kids and families expect in a vacation are the same, some are different. Remember when the only "thrill ride" was Space Mountain? Technology is changing at a pace that only gets faster by the year. I'm not sure Disney can risk waiting until all the bugs are worked out before they start trying things anymore. Walt was a big fan of innovation and progress, and the fact that the company is trying new ways to engage guests, especially young ones who are "digital natives" and are used to much more personalized experiences I think is a good sign that the company is not willing to just sit on their laurels, but want to innovate in using technology to personalize guest service.
Change management is difficult for any company, and not everyone is going to be happy with the changes. While FP+ in its current incarnation isn't working for everyone, and while it is difficult to plan a vacation when procedures are being changed and tested, I still found the vacation I took last month to be something special, and something I don't think I could replicate at another park. Some of it is that to me, the core of the Disney experience remains the same, even while the details shift. Sure some cast members were phoning it in, but then every day I could identify several who went out of their way to make the day special for our non-special family. And when I look back on this vacation in months and years to come, Ariel the safari guide, David the Wilderness Explorer leader, and Wendi our server at California Grill are the people I am going to remember.
The other thing about a Disney vacation for my family, is that it has layers and layers of fond memories. I can go to Rafiki's planet watch and remember when the goat climbed into my mothers wheelchair and snatched the park map out of her hand. I can sit on a bench on Main Street USA and remember the time my sister and my cousin stuffed themselves into a stroller that wasn't big enough for either of them while we watched the parade. When I sit outside Fultons, I remember when it was the Empress Lilly and Mr. Snee stole my eggs at a character breakfast. I can still see my grandfather sitting at the head of the table at King Stefan's. Not all of these people are still with us, but those memories are precious to me. Maybe some of those memories cover over the cracks that Disney is showing with age. For me, it's worth it.
I wonder if the changes are felt more keenly to people who visit more frequently than I do. I can only go every few years, so I never really get "used to" one system long enough to be upset when the system changes. My dad has an annual pass, and the changes don't really seem to bother him, but he usually just goes to ride a couple rides, have dinner, and people watch, so I doubt much will get in the way of that.
Anyhow, I guess these are just some of my thoughts.
BUT we're planning Aulani at least.
I always stay in good digs, eat well, and have fun at WDW. The rides and fp+...I just don't care ...I miss rides every trip 
