There's a lot to unpack in this thread and I don't know where to begin. All I do know is my experience as a "Non-Local" more and more revolves around the avoidance of massive crowds. Since Covid especially, I hate huge crowds. The biggest mistake Disney ever made, which is now being resolved, was FP+. It brought the "Locals" in by the droves. Disney makes it's money from "Non-Locals". They typically stay longer, stay at the hotels and typically eat most of their meals on property. When I spend $$$$$ on a vacation for a family of 4, I don't want to spend the majority of my time in clogged parks waiting in lines. I agree with Pete that Disney is also making the park experience with its crowd management way too complicated.
I REALIZE AND KNOW things have changed now, but prior to FP+, our October trip every year, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, People Mover and Small World were all practically walk-ons any time of day. Disney is doing its best to discourage "Locals" from coming with its pricing policy. Reducing crowds and increasing profits is always a good thing though.
We still LOVE Disney and have a trip planned next spring, unfortunately however, our kids who are a little older now when asked, which would you rather do, go to Disney or go skiing, more and more they say skiing.