As someone who was born in Central Florida, went to high school in Central Florida, lived 37 years in the Orlando area, several pre-dating Disney World -- and as someone whos livelihood has never depended on Disney or any post-Disney firm or company, I say Pbtbtbtbtbtbtbtbt!
It seems chic in some circles to blame WDW for all of Orlando's ills and to allude to some sort of Disney Mafia that holds the town captive. Hogwash! I remember, as a child, the lovely drives from Winter Haven to Sanford -- when all you saw for most of the way was citrus trees and cow pastures. It was beautiful. I'm nostalgic for those days. But if WDW had not come to Central Florida, it would have stayed pristine only a few years longer. Don't kid yourself -- those groves and pastures would be lost eventually, anyway, and perhaps for even less attractive things, like strip malls or mobile home parks.
Walt Disney World didn't make Orlando or ruin Orlando. It certainly has been a significant player in the direction Orlando has taken in the state and even the world. Some of the effects have been negative, most have been positive. And I think, for all it's weaknesses, it is a fun and magical place. (Just not in July or August!)
Did why did you recommend that I go in August?