I have a strong feeling that Disney resorts will go down in price if capacity doesn't reach levels they want during whatever season. You will probably be able to snatch some deals if you plan closer in to your dates of vacation. I don't like planning within a 90 day window or less, but I think that's what you will have to do for a better deal. I think another price break time will be 45 days out. This is pure speculation on my part, but I think Disney will adjust price levels to increase capacity if they need to do it closer in. If you're savy about it, you may be able to book early anyway and watch rates on internet and get a better deal on price by calling back Disney for the new, cheaper pricing when and if it becomes available. I did this stradegy recently for the Venetian Resort and Casino in Vegas and it saved me $300 across 4 days time. Religiously, I followed the rates for 45 days and I hit better rates twice. The resort changed the pricing for me twice. I can't say for sure if Disney will have the same pricing policy, but you may have to make it a game of sorts to save some on the resorts there. Also, there will probably be more price breaks for the deluxe resorts with this type of pricing policy. Most resorts hope you will not follow internet to see better deals if they become available. This has helped me with many resorts to get a lower price through the years. It's one of the reasons I've stopped using travel agents. Most of them won't check for you on a regular basis.
I think you need to plan longer days at the parks whether you stay on-site or not to get better value of your Disney park ticket. If you already do the maximum time then this stradegy will not help much. Park Hoppers can help on AK days; so, you can go to another later park on the same day. I strongly suggest going at opening time and staying until the park closes. If you are on-site use your early and late priveleges to have even longer days at the parks. Use restaurants to rest or let your toddlers take a nap with air-conditioning and shade in them; so, you can last for the longer days. I don't think Disney cast members will throw you out, if you take a longer time at the restaurants or quick service places. Use areas like Innoventions to rest and eat or the Land Pavillon where seating seems to be very easy to get around the food stands, etc. By having longer days at the parks you may be able to save a day of vacation because you are accomplishing so much more each day and that will save money.
Also, I would think about bringing food and drink in the parks to save money on that end. Yes, it's harder that way, but you do save money. Small flexible coolers will fit in the lockers at the parks, too. Of course, you have to bring in acceptable items to Disney parks. You can use a cooler in the car and eat in the parking lot if that's your mode of transportation. Eat breakfast in your Disney resort room before your park day starts. Wait until late to eat in your Disney resort after park hours. It won't kill anybody to have peanut butter (assuming you are not allergic) sandwiches in their room, etc. to save some money. I don't like having to cut back on the food budget, but if it's a way to go to Disney or NOT then I'll do it. Also, there are coupons and the Entertainment Orlando coupon book to consider for saving money on eats and other possibilties including resorts, if you are willing to leave Disney proper.
Planning your day at the parks better will help you get more value out of your park tickets, too. As an example, we never back track at the parks. We plan show or movie times very carefully to be in the right place at the right time. It takes too much time to back track and it's tiring to do it. Think about skipping the ride with a 60 minute wait to go on three other rides with 20 minute waits. You get the idea. Use fastpass as much as you can. Plan your day! If you use these techniques well you can probably shave another day off your Disney trip.
It's a hassle, but think about staying at another resort on your short stay days when you come in or leave or both times. I know for those without a car this is a hassle, but there are taxi services everywhere Disney. Even with taxi fare to consider it may be cheaper to go elsewhere for those short days coming in or out of Disney. Try staying at other, non-Disney resorts that will save you money. I know it's more convenient and more magical to stay on-site, but I feel the parks are the main stay of Disney; so, you can save money and still see the parks by staying off-site.
We've taken over 25 trips over the last 30 years to Disney and we don't live close by and all the stradegies listed above work. When there was a good deal to stay at a Disney Deluxe we did it; we've done concierge, too. When there wasn't a good deal we didn't do it. If we had to stay at a Disney value resort to economize we did it. You make choices.
Now with all that said, I think I would start thinking about taking other, different vacations especially during the peak, more expensive times at Disney. As much as I like Disney there are other family choices like Williamsburg (very reasonable) or Hersey Park, etc. For those without kids, I would cruise it to Alaska or Hawaii instead. See the Natural Wonders, National Parks and Monuments or even state parks for those on a budget. The all inclusive Mexico trips are a big bargain if you want a warmer vacation. Expand your horizons and your horizons will expand your pocketbook.
I think others have already mentioned you can save money from 2007 rates for 2008 times if you are willing to go at less, popular times. I don't have a big issue with taking kids out of school for a week, as long as, you plan it well with homework assignments, etc. for the school time they are missing. Of course, this is based on the kids doing ok at school. I would never do it if my child was having trouble with school.
I'm sure others can share their money saving techniques, too.
We had to wear brightly colored wrist bands that clearly indicated when our time was over.
Maybe they realize that 7 hours is about all a person can take!
We don't have to work hard for our money- I have a money tree in our backyard, don't you have one?! I guess only you have to make sacrifices for your vacations- 
Disney is still a deal- just go vacation at the beach and then you'll see. 
I know, go ahead slam away. 
ok, now slam away.
It is a public forum. If you don't like it, don't read it. It is pretty simple really. 
This has to be one of the funniest things I've read in a loooooong time!!! Everyone hates price increases, we all want more bang for our buck. I have to say though, that a $10 a night price increase at WDW is really not such a big deal is it? I really don't want to get into customer service either, as far as I'm concerned NOBODY should get animal towels! How petty is that? (I bring that up because people really seemed to get stressed out on that one) On an average vacation of 6 nights, that's only $60 bucks and chances are, if you can afford to vacation at WDW then you can afford the $60. If you don't like the price increases don't pay them, stay home.
