Sad to say, for the first time in over 20 years, I won't be renewing my pass (let's forget about the time there wasn't even a pass in 2020-2021). And honestly, the price isn't even the problem -- I initially had it as a point of contention but then when I looked at other things I could be doing (for example, traveling), I'd at most be getting an extra two or three days out of a vacation of the year (since most hotels/flights/etc can cost up to $400+ a day) -- which as we know, is not worth it when compared to a year of Disney fun. The problem, however, is the price's diminishing value. By that, I mean, everything park-wide has been lessened over the last few years and drastically in the last 2 years.
I figured by now a lot of things would have returned to normalcy -- reservations, park hopping restrictions, etc.. Honestly, even those things aren't that bad, but still a slight annoyance. But compounded with the fact that the food is getting worse (my favorite Rancho del Zocalo burrito no longer comes with beans and rice on the side? C'mon!), Lamplight Lounge outside area is no longer easily accessible, the Hyperion sits empty for yet another year, parking prices continue to skyrocket, inflation on the passes themselves continue while creating more limitations, barring people from buying passes, increasing blackout dates every year -- etc etc, it goes on and on. It no longer feels "fun" and more like work, just to make sure fun can be had. I am paying for the second-lowest pass (Enchant), and it is nearly $1000. That was the price for the most expensive pass just 8 years ago.
I always thought I'd keep a pass no matter the price (within reason), I guess I just never thought the experience itself would get worse. I think I'll be okay with going once or twice a year from now on if this is how it's going to be. Very depressed to let it go, but Disney taught me that if anything, people will pay for nostalgia. And at this point, I'm nostalgic for the way the parks used to be. So if Disney wants my money towards a pass (which honestly it doesn't even seem like they do at this point), they'll have to figure out how to make their passholder system be how it used to be -- or at least a lot better than what it is now.
