There's many different kinds of experience to be had in Venice. If someone comes as part of a tour group, and their Italian is limited to 'grat-see', then yeah,

There's many different kinds of experience to be had in Venice. If someone comes as part of a tour group, and their Italian is limited to 'grat-see', then yeah, they're 100% going to have a particular kind of experience (for which "adult Disneyland" is a great label). The stretch between the Rialto and Piazza San Marco, inclusive, is 100% for tourists. Some other stretches are heavily touristy too these days - the seaside walk between Piazza San Marco and Arsenale, the isles of Burano & Murano, etc. This is really no different from a place like Prague, where the historic heart is also 100% for tourists. There's other places in Venice though - quieter parts, less touristy streets. You see fewer selfie sticks and more people with grocery bags, you see lawyers' offices and dentists, you see cafés selling coffees for more reasonable prices, etc. I would imagine that there would be beautiful charm to living off the beaten path in Venice, strolling along the canals every time you want to go for walk. If you're someone who greatly values beauty, paying Venice's cost of living premium in exchange for that privilege might feel like a good deal.