We are DVC and bought in the GFV when they opened so we also get the DVC member 'perks' as they say - some of them are worth it, others are not.
We all have our opinions on this. Right now these price increases do not impact us. My wife is a genius at finding cheap flights to and from PA. We use Magic Express so we don't pay for a rental car. We use Amazon Prime to have food delivered and we always eat breakfast in the room. We usually pay for one QS and one TS each day, with a few signature dining restaurants mixed in. Sometimes we just snack at lunch so we cut out the full price of a QS or TS lunch. Also, I am allergic to alcohol so that always cuts down on the cost.
We don't buy 'merch' outside of an occasional T-Shirt. Disney has never suckered us into buying stuff. Over time we collected the Starbuck's mugs but that is pretty much it.
We are also Season Pass holders and with as many times as we are in the parks during a year, WDW almost loses money on us.
My wife and I have found out how to make Disney affordable for us and that it is still an excellent experience when we are there. It is funny to me too because as much time as I spend on the boards, I read all of the negative responses but still go and have an incredible time. People who want to complain are free to and have every right to do so, especially if the economics of the reality are impacting there enjoyment or number of trips they can afford. I won't call people ignorant or stupid for complaining about something that is an inevitability. I only hope that people don't attack me for not getting upset about it.
