Just remember that for about the first 15 years of WDW, Disney's hotels at the time (today reclassified as "Deluxe") charged today's equivalent of around $150 to $200/night.
At today's equivalent of $200/night, it was not a cheap room and many families had to stretch to afford that but service was outstanding back then. Year after year, Disney consistently reported occupancy rates of 95%. People knew they were getting a good value.
Heck, it wasn't that long ago (mid-2000s) that I remember getting a room in the Garden Wing of the Contemporary in the spring for about $230/night, no discount.
Today, that same room lists for $436/night.
So, when you write, "Especially when compared to the past", I'm still not with you.