My fear is that the new commandos are going to need a new income to keep up with the changing times.
I find myself purchasing the expensive upsells to make sure I get a good seat for shows. I have two kids in school and I teach, so we have to go during the most crowded times. The last several times we’ve been, rope drop gets us one, maybe two rides without much of a wait. After that, lines get long- even for the less popular rides.
For us, late night hours have been our best bet for shorter lines, but still it is hard to find walk on anymore.
I love the current fastpass system. It has been a complete saving grace when it comes to crowds. We regularly get 7+ fastpasses a day and don’t even bother getting in line for anything without one (unless it’s rope drop, EMH, or the ride doesn’t use FP). But that won’t last, I’m afraid. They are going to start charging everyone for extra fastpasses, or as more and more people become aware of the system, we won’t be able to get more than four or so before they all run out.
I hope it doesn’t become so that I have to do only one trip every few years so that I can afford to enjoy my vacation. I have lots of access to information, and I have the motivation and time to get to the top of the in-the-know Disney guest ladder. My access to financial resources, however, is significantly more limited.