I typed a really long winded thing that rambled and then realized I had no idea what my point was...
So.. I'll say this..
Who are the seasoned veterans? Like what are the requirements?
Because I think maybe what you or a lot of people might call "veterans" I might call average guests in this situation, at least by their buying habits.
I saw people talking up a storm about their love of theme parks and attractions and history and Walt and whatever going and also talking about pin trading and vinylmation and Duffy and string-things and generic princess t-shirts.. etc...
I'm kind of at a point of being old grizzled and jaded that puts most people who have worked for the company their entire lives to shame.
I do not buy any of that generic merch and Disney practically has to pry money from my cold dead hands for anything. I've met very very few people like myself over the years in the fandom. Most are willing to practically throw money at the mouse.
I kid you not, I occasionally get to go to these special events that are either limited capacity for whatever reason by special sign-up and while everyone else is jamming themselves into the merch line I'm the one trying to do the historical tour or attraction offering first all by myself. Every single time.
So if these other "veterans" that don't throw money at Disney exist, I'd love to meet them.