That's some very good insight. Thank you for sharing this! I was in
Disneyland Paris the past few days and one thing we noticed that they were still selling pens and autograph books. They didn't remove them from the shops.
Also in comparison to last summer with covid measures they had removed most of the magic shots of from the park. Last year there were so many options, and they had several new additions between June and October. But as photopass isn't a big thing in Paris. The photopass is free for the highest tier AP card, they probably make a loss on this. Therefore, no wonder they got removed. It is a pity as it was one of the most fun things of last summer.
There are indeed several positives about it. It goes quicker, lines are shorter, people can do more things in a day. And I can imagine it's great for people with (young) children as they don't get restless while waiting.
You can still have magical moments. For example, Minnie is meeting in Disneyland Paris in a remote corner of Frontierland. While we approached her, we saw a little girl, 3-4 years old having the time of her life as Minnie had no other guests at that moment, and they had a private meet & greet. Normally you cannot meet Kristoff, Anna or Elsa. the toddler in front of us was enamoured by Kristoff, and really didn't want to leave.
A few moments later, she was playing peekaboo with Elsa. It was adorable and all without hugs or autographs.
Characters have more freedom (and space to move around), it takes more of their improvisational skills. They are also meeting in couples, which helps to create fun interactions between the characters.
Below clip wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for covid measures. Currently at Disneyland Paris there are characters to welcome you from the train station. There is a song over the speakers next to the Main Street USA music. Donald is meeting 50ft away. There was a quiet moment as the photopass girl was changing the batteries on the camera. Donald starts dancing to the song, and I joined in. It became without a doubt one of the best character interactions I have ever had. Could there have been another magical moment at that quiet moment? Maybe. Maybe not. But dancing with Donald was more magical than any hug he could have given me.
(No, I don't know why you only hear the Main Street Music in the video, the song was quite loud)