I also find it funny that this thread is from 2015 when a lot of people would and still are saying that Disney provided so much more value. It just seems to be revisionist history. Is it really that bad, or are people just never satisfied.
My opinion is that Disney pushed perks through extended hours, fast passes, etc. because they weren't innovating enough at the time (circa animal kingdom completion until new fantasy land timeframe). So, if they wanted people to be enticed into doing a lot of the same things over and over again, they had to make it worth it, hence free meal plans, extended hours, free fast passes, etc. Now that they have been nonstop adding to the parks, and there is something new year after year, they have been able to step back on those enticements, and they have now moved into the new rides and tech to draw in crowds. They aren't providing value in a "more for less" model anymore, it has shifted to a model where there is always something new and creative drawing you in, and that at least for me is where I see the value. Sharing a brand new experience with my wife and daughter is incredibly valuable to me personally.