Controversial opinion, but I was in the parks this past weekend, and I think the reservation system is working. All the parks were sold out, but the crowd levels felt reasonable, like an average summer day in the past. Between
Genie+ and one ILL I was able to get on every attraction I wanted to, some of them multiple times, and never waited more than 45 minutes. I realize it sucks for cast members and APs, but as a vacationer from out of state it ended up being a net improvement to the trip.
With the return of character hugs and most of the shows, I think Disney is pretty much back to the way it was in 2019. We may have been spoiled for part of 2020 when the crowds were just crazy low, but being there this past weekend felt like a 2019 trip. Long lines but not the 4 hour nightmare FoP used to have, and some congested walkways but definitely better than a holiday weekend back in the pre-covid.
But if you don't think this way, I definitely encourage checking out other parks. I bought a Universal AP last year because it's so much cheaper and gives you better benefits than Disney. AP hotel rates are also much more generous, like staying at Portofino for $250 a night during the week. And if I lived in the area, I would definitely have a Busch Gardens/Sea World combo pass. 3 days at Universal, 1 each at Sea World and BG, and 2 days at the beach or some of the smaller attractions is a great Orlando trip.