Not just replying to you but my points sort of follow on.
I've personally never done MNSSHP, but probably will next year.
From reading this forum and other blogs etc it seems that the parties feel busier to a lot of people, but what people really want are characters, Jack Skellington, Seven Dwarves, Villains, Princes and all the other ones that only come out for parties.
Do you think the theme of the party has switched from fireworks/parade/candy and rides with short lines. To characters and fireworks/parade and no-one at the party cares about rides anymore? If less people are in the the ride lines then the walkways will feel more crowded?