Alligators, Amoebas, and a Resuscitated Horse

[fakereadhed]

Thanks to the DIS for giving us an unbiased Podcast. :thumbsup2

The horse isn't dead yet. Just finished listening to "a certain podcast I won't name names" WDW Radio Show and the last email was from someone who wanted to get a second opinion :rolleyes: on the alligator and amoeba discussion "from a certain podcast".

The information given was not fact, and stated there were no "flesh-eating amoebas" in Bay Lake and that Discovery Cove :rotfl2: is not infested with alligators.

While I don't believe everything I hear, I do have google and snopes and (half)a brain and I don't need to consult another podcaster to know that the info from the DIS was fact with the opinions of some folks at a roundtable thrown in for good measure.

Anybody else hear this?

[Becx N Gav]

My goodness! There are such extremes, some people will believe anything you say, others can't think for themselves and make an educated decision!

I would ask myself (if I doubted the Podcast crew - which I don't!) what would the crew have to gain? I giant lake all to themselves!

I guess that teaches you to listen to 'another' podcast :lmao: LOL

To be honest it may be better if people do start to catch this amoeba - shorter lines, ADR's available, fewer crowds?!?! :rotfl2:

When I mentioned this to DH (about people wanting to swim in the lake) he turned his nose up :snooty: and wondered why anyone would have the urge to do that when there are perfectly good pools at every resort AND 2 water parks :confused3

[DisneyKevin]

Discovery Cove?:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

So that's what makes it soooo expensive.

Discovery Island folks........Discovery Island is in the middle of Bay Lake.

[fakereadhed]

My goodness!
I guess that teaches you to listen to 'another' podcast :lmao: LOL


If only every day was Wednesday... ;)

[cocowum]

That podcast is like The Birnbaum guide (sp?). He wears seriously Rose colored glasses. I'll stick with the DIS.

He also said that the stroller increase was not that bad. :rolleyes:

I love that the Team gives it to you straight. Good or Bad. :thumbsup2

[WaltD4Me]

Ok, I listened to the podcast and that was strange. I listened three times and still didn't understand the email or the response. It was confusing.

The emailer wanted to re-assure her kids they could swim in Bay Lake and not be eaten by alligators, amid much laughing he promised that they would not be eaten by alligators, but then said you aren't allowed to swim in Bay Lake anyway because of bacteria. :confused3

And who said anything about amoebas in the sand? How in the heck could amoebas live in sand? :confused3

[SamIAm21]

Flesh eating... sheesh. :scared1: Nothing like blowing things out of proportion. Maybe had the question been posed more credibly, the answer would have made more sense.

[MenashaCorp]

And who said anything about amoebas in the sand? How in the heck could amoebas live in sand? :confused3

"And when there was no crawdad to be found, we ate sand."
"You ate WHAT?"
"We ate sand."
"You ate SAND?!?"
"That's right..."

[aspen37]

I just listened also.:rotfl: I went to Discovery Cove and did not see alligators!:scared1: Now that was a few years ago. Hey Corey and Julie did you see any alligators at Discovery Cove?:rotfl2: I think they should have listened to the Dis Unplugged before they made light of show and what was said.:rolleyes:

[WaltD4Me]

I think they should have listened to the Dis Unplugged before they made light of show and what was said.:rolleyes:

I didn't think of this, but I agree. Not something you want to give out inaccurate information about. I was a little surprised he promised they didn't need to worry about alligators. Can you imagine how awful if something happened to someone?

[Becx N Gav]

I just listened also.:rotfl: I went to Discovery Cove and did not see alligators!:scared1:

Maybe it was an 'add on' you can now purchase :confused3

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

[rlduvall]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

Excellent e-mail. I also heard this Podcast today and was shocked at the misinformation given by the requestor . . . as well as the equally misinformed response. Of course there are alligators in the water . . . that's Florida in general. :cutie: And most people should know about the Amoeba danger. It's very common in my neck of the woods.

Also, the Travel Agent gave an incorrect response to verifying numbers of days on old passes. There is now a number you can call to get this information. Now, the individual asking the question was wondering about the water parks and I am not sure about that, but the Travel Agent acted like it couldn't be done at all.

Edited to Add: I do really like and respect this Podcaster, though. He has a heart of gold and is not a mean spirited person in any way. I think alot of it was the way it was presented to him.

[Kimberle]

Nancy - Bravo!:thumbsup2

I listened to that podcast today. I was appalled at how he & the travel agent were laughing at a very serious question.

I do like listening to him, but take everything with a big grain of salt. Let's see, last week he said you could refill the refillable mugs given with the new counter service dining plan in the parks.

Also, in today's show, he and his travel agent guest answered a question about park hopper tickets. The listener was staying for 2 weeks and wanted 14 day park hoppers with water park admission. Instead of telling them they could go to the parks 10 different days and the water parks the remaining 4 days, they told the caller to buy 1 day water park tickets, 10 day + 4 park hoppers, or annual passes.:sad2:

[aspen37]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

Nice job Nancy.:thumbsup2 I did post on his website some of the same info. You did a lot better job with your email.:)

[fakereadhed]

Here's a copy of the email I sent to Lou to correct him for his response. I listened to his show today and was appalled that he, as a healthcare institute attorney, didn't consider his liability in his flippant response. I hope others will send him a response as well.

Lou,

Please take the time to bear with me as I address a couple points regarding your answer to the woman who emailed you regarding Amoebas and Alligators. I feel that you lost a bit of credibility and needed to research that listener's email a bit better before responding. I don't know your relationship with the other podcast that this came from, but I really was saddened at the type of response you gave. You accidentally ended up making light of a very tragic problem in Florida and now in California, as well. I think the information I am about to give you would be enlightening and educating to you and your listeners.

1) The Amoebas.... The policy of "No Swimming in the Lake" is not due to bacteria, as you suggested and as most people commonly mistake it to be. It is actually a Florida-wide problem - the presence of a microorganism that is an amoeba, which thrive and reproduce in warm water lakes - not in the sand, as the reader mistakenly commented. Here are some links to refer to, so you can be much more informed about this problem.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18/zarrella.killerlakes/index.html

Volusia County Health: http://www.volusiahealth.com/eh/public_updates/amoeba.html

WESH Orlando Orange County News: http://www.wesh.com/news/13875028/detail.html

These tragedies can be avoided by reminding people not to swim in the lakes - which is unfortunately a common sight at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake - despite the signs. There are several instances of deaths in FL and recently one of a 9 year old in Lake Elsinore in CA about deaths from them. The reason swimming is outlawed is because swimming is a prolonged exposure, where water is ingested - expecially by children. Amoebas enter the nose when water is inhaled and travel through the sinus cavities in the head to the brain. There, they reproduce and destroy tissue. A cruel death for the children who have suffered from it.

2) The Alligators. We all know there are alligators in the canals at WDW. I have personally been on a Disney University tour of the on-property conservation area and have seen them for myself. I've even seen them in the minor canals alongside the roadways while driving on property. Alligators usually avoid the areas with high water traffic. but they are there. So, yes, they can get into the lakes at WDW. Disney is good at checking for this, removing them, and putting them back where they belong. Since Discovery Island has been uninhabited for 10 years now, it has also become a wildlife haven. Frankly, I am more worried about the poisonous water moccasins that have been seen swimming near the areas that the fishing excursions go. Ask any pontoon rental captain and they will tell you!

I did listen to the original podcast and the woman who emailed you did not have her facts correct. They had genuine concern for the WDW guests and their families, no panic buttons, just stressing the need for common sense. The topics came up two-different shows. One listener emailed them with concerns about Disney not enforcing the "No Lake Swimming" policy. That brought the amoeba topic to light. The wildlife topic came up when they did a review (with photos) of the fishing excursions that go out of Fort Wilderness. They actually have photos of the water moccasin swimming on the blog entry. They were told about alligators in the lake by the Pontoon CM that led their excursion. This then led into "yet another reason not to swim in the lakes, beside the amoeba issue" conversation.

I know that you would like others to respect your podcast, so please do not laugh off the information that other ones give, based on an incorrect or non-researched email. I feel it would behoove you to gain some professional respect back from your listeners by making an amendment to your comments on an upcoming show.

Sincerely,
Nancy

Well stated! :thumbsup2

I feel like the DIS gets treated like a stepchild. I think commenting on another show was really uncalled for.

[WaltD4Me]

Well stated! :thumbsup2

I feel like the DIS gets treated like a stepchild. I think commenting on another show was really uncalled for.

I agree, very well stated email! I'll be curious to hear if there is any response to it.

I didn't feel like the DIS got treated like a stepchild though, he didn't even mention the name of the DIS. I do think it's very poor reporting and in this case possibly dangerous, not to research the question. Does that podcaster live in Florida? Maybe he hasn't heard of the amoeba problem. I know I never heard of it until Pete talked about it.

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments about the email. I tried really hard to make it one he would actually read, as opposed to an offensive one that could have been easily blown off. While I do like listening to Lou (admitedly sometimes he gets a little over the top and everything is "his favorite thing"), he is a podcaster based out of NJ, and doesn't have the "local advantage" that our team does to know or acknowledge the issues that are faced in Florida.

I think it's a symptom of the greater issue - no one wants to face reality when it comes to Disney or their vacation, in general. Especially in a place that is synonomous with Happiness TM, adorable critters and Magic Moments TM. Remember the flack about Pete's Bahamas comments..... :rolleyes1 Another thing that solidifed that for me was the travel agent saying she would be out of a job if they had alligators and amoebas.

I also thing that for a lawyer doing a show, it was a little sloppy. Doesn't he realize that someone could try to make him held liable for his claims, if something happened to their kid and he guaranteed it to be okay? Anyone can sue anyone, anymore. It felt like he was in a rush to get that juicy email out there and on the air, by his comments regarding it. Then he pushed things a bit too far when they commented about "other podcasts and extremist reporting".

I really do hope he makes a retraction on another episode.
Nancy

[fakereadhed]

I didn't feel like the DIS got treated like a stepchild though, he didn't even mention the name of the DIS.

That's what bothered me. If you aren't going to mention it, don't mention the podcast at all. Lots of other podcasts reference each other openly. And I don't think it would have hurt to talk to Pete about it before putting the email to the top of the list to read either.

[adsrtw]

Please forgive me if I am wrong, but...

Aren't gators the state reptile for Florida?!? :rotfl: Heck I remember being a dumb 20 something a few years ago driving along 312 near Ocala when one jumped out at me. Ok, Ok, it didn't jump, but it scared me enough that I jumped while driving.

It shouldn't take a group of people who care about tourists' welfare to bring sense to this situation (I'm talking amoebas too). But it is appreciated and very classy. I would not have known about the amoebas otherwise. Swimming in stagnate lake water is just plain gross. I don't know about y'all (had to get the Evansville twang in there), but I would rather have something else become gator/amoeba bait.

I am respectfully stepping off my soap box for now. Who's next?

Amiee

[DaParkers]

Sherin said exposure to the amoeba can be detected by an MRI and it can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, but Sherin said he believes medical personnel are not in the habit of looking for the disease.
From CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/09/18...kes/index.html





One side note that Pete missed. He said that there is no cure. NOT TRUE! In the letter to Lou, YellowMickeyPonchos put a link to a CNN story. In that story, it says that a person can be treated with antibiotics IF CAUGHT EARLY ENOUGH! If you know anyone that swam in a lake and starts to feel bad, PLEASE make sure that they are tested for this. It does not have to be a death sentence. Most doctors just don't check for it soon enough. With that being said: Please don't ignore the signs. Stay out of the water!

[WebmasterPete]

I haven't listened, and don't plan to - but if someone is making claims that there are no gators on Disney property - well, that would certainly call credibility into question.

It is a gospel truth when you live in Florida : if there's water, there can be gators. They're found in peoples swimming pools all the time. They are found in retention ponds near residential developments every day. Disney has alligators. Disney lakes have alligators. Disney lakes have poisonous snakes (we have video of one from our fishing excursion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr049dQlGio), where the fishing guide can clearly be heard saying what we were filming was a poisonous snake. I believe she added "it will rock your world".).

If you think I'm the only one saying stay out of the lakes, the Centers for Disease Control agree with me. To quote them:

Naegleria is found in many freshwater lakes and rivers in the United States, particularly in southern tier states. Therefore, it is likely that a low risk of Naegleria infection will always be associated with swimming in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

Some measures that may reduce this risk include:
• Avoid swimming or jumping into bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs, and thermally-polluted water such as water around power plants.
• Avoid swimming or jumping into freshwater during periods of high temperature and low water volume.
• Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when jumping or diving into bodies of warm
freshwater such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
• Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while swimming in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
• Do not swim in areas posted as “no swimming” or in areas warning about an increased risk of Naegleria infections.
Add to this the very SIMPLE fact that the SIGN SAYS NO SWIMMING.

Anyone advocating swimming in freshwater lakes in Florida during the summer is, at best, grossly ill informed. At worst, they are being willfully negligent.

Pete

[timmac]

Also, in today's show, he and his travel agent guest answered a question about park hopper tickets. The listener was staying for 2 weeks and wanted 14 day park hoppers with water park admission. Instead of telling them they could go to the parks 10 different days and the water parks the remaining 4 days, they told the caller to buy 1 day water park tickets, 10 day + 4 park hoppers, or annual passes.:sad2:

I was thinking about this one too... assuming they actually planned on visiting parks for more than 10 days (enough that the water park days wouldn't fill up the extra time), my suggestion would have been a 10 day +WPM+PH, and then a 4 day base ticket. You certainly don't need the WPM on the extra ticket, and if you plan just a bit, you can use the base tickets on days when you don't forsee hopping.

I don't think the response was a bad one, but certainly wasn't the only option.

[timmac]

Like several others, I heard the show as well, and had a similar surprised reaction. That said, I'd also like to give the benefit of the doubt to everyone involved (although I do have to stretch a bit to do that).

I think a large part of Lou's reactionary response was the nature of the question. I don't think it was wrong to include the fact that it was mentioned on another podcast, though I'm certainly glad he didn't name it (not that it mattered really), since that's what was in the e-mail. I got the sense that his response was mostly in the tone of trying to calm a ridiculous fear. That said, I also got the sense that the original question came from someone not terribly familiar with the DU podcast; again giving benefit of the doubt, I can see how someone not familiar with the beloved "Pete rant" might misinterpret it as salacious journalism.

It was absolutely incorrect to say that there outright aren't gators in the water, and I was really surprised to hear that. The "I promise" comment came across with similar surprise.

As for the amoeba, if you listen carefully towards the end of his response, it was clear he was commenting more towards the sense of over-reaction by the commenter than he was actually talking about the original facts. (let's face it, by the time that person wrote in, they weren't talking about reality anyway) His response was facetious that there is no "loch ness monster" or "brain eating monster" (clearly suggesting he wasn't really in tune to the discussion's factual point, the amoeba)

Anyway, I too, hope he offers a clarification on a future show; I think the e-mail probably would have been much better responded offline, and left out of the show entirely.

[jessily]

I was listening to the podcast this morning (downloaded it last night) and it cut off abruptly at about 42 minutes. I didn't hear that question/answer. I'm wondering if that portion of the podcast was removed? (I could have just missed it, I was running and am easily distracted).

[aspen37]

I was listening to the podcast this morning (downloaded it last night) and it cut off abruptly at about 42 minutes. I didn't hear that question/answer. I'm wondering if that portion of the podcast was removed? (I could have just missed it, I was running and am easily distracted).

I just checked and he did not remove it. The time stamp is 48:54. When you are on the webpage click listen now. You have to wait for it to buffer before it will play.:)

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I just checked and he did not remove it. The time stamp is 48:54. When you are on the webpage click listen now. You have to wait for it to buffer before it will play.:)


Hey Aspen - saw your post on his boards - no real replies to it, either. Hmmmm. Thanks for doing that for all of us listeners that aren't on his forums.

[jessily]

I just checked and he did not remove it. The time stamp is 48:54. When you are on the webpage click listen now. You have to wait for it to buffer before it will play.:)

Thanks for the info! I must had an interruption in the download... I'll give it another try tonight and try to catch the rest of the show.

[Regina]

I personally pointed out a 4 foot gator to a Cast Member in the canal at the Beach Club Resort. His response "Oh that one's not that big." :scared1: :scared1: He then said he'd contact someone to remove it.

Have you ever seen the size of the turtles in that canal? HOLY COW!! If those are snappers, they could do some serioius damage. :scared:

[aspen37]

Hey Aspen - saw your post on his boards - no real replies to it, either. Hmmmm. Thanks for doing that for all of us listeners that aren't on his forums.

Thanks, That was my first post on his boards. I was shocked that no one cares that the info he gave was wrong.:confused:

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I may have to post on his fourm, too and put up a copy of the letter I sent him.

Notice, no one seems to be talking about that show.... He only had 6 responses on the show thread yesterday. Compare that to his other show threads....

[danv3]

I did think the e-mailer had a good point in noting that if alligators were such a significant concern, Disney probably wouldn't allow waterskiing, boating, etc.

And while Lou was clearly wrong about the bacteria/amoeba issue, in his defense he did say (more than once) that swimming was not allowed in Disney's lakes.

[doconeill]

I'll have to re-listen to that section of his podcast when I get a chance, as I was only half-listening to it before (I listen to all the podcasts at work).

Does Disney even state why swimming is not allowed? They have signs up saying it is not allowed, but those signs don't say why, and more often than not they don't advertise their reasons - and they don't have to. So part of the confusion may be that "Disney doesn't allow it - it is not because of gators, amoebas, little green aliens, or killer goldfish, they just don't allow it." And, for all we know, Disney just doesn't want the liability or cost of a lifeguard.

However, there is NO DOUBT that the amoeba infections are an active, live concern in central Florida, documented in plenty of places, including a widely reported death recently. To laugh it off is disappointing at the least.

I don't know about the gator issue. I thought I heard recently that the "gator infestation" was greatly overstated, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. But you simply can't control them at Disney. And there are those who say that a gator won't attack a human unless threatened or incredibly hungry. Yet there are stories of attacks (thankfully not at Disney to this point that I am aware of), and there are ways to unintentionally threaten an animal.

Plus, if the gator population did indeed explode, they'd be competing for the same supply of food, and some are going to get hungry. I'm sure if there was such a problem, Disney would deal with it, so I don't really see this happening.

But at any rate, why even take the chance? Disney provides several wonderful pools at each of the resorts to take advantage of, with no gators to be seen except of the inflated variety.

[fav's=mets&mickey]

there was also a email asking if there was a way to find out what is left on your park pass and they reply that they both gave was that the only way you can find out is by going to a kiosk at the park or guest services. DUH....if maybe they did a little research they would have found out that TINKBUTT...:thumbsup2 found out for us that there is a phone number that can be called to check up to 3 tickets. You gotta love his so called "RESEARCH TRIPS"........he has lost me after this podcast. NEVER AGAIN LOU. and the chuckles while talking about the bacteria and the gators really rubbed me the wrong way. almost like they were saying to the podcast team what a bunch of idiots to think something might KILL YOU at bay lake or any lake in Disney. LOST TOTAL RESPECT AND WILL NOT LISTEN ANYMORE UNLESS HE DOES RETRACT HIS STATEMENTS.

[abish19]

I have listened to the other podcast, as well as a few others, and they're just a distant second (in my opinion) to the DISUnplugged. They are all produced by people who love Disney as much as we all do, and I don't think anyone is willfully giving incorrect information.

I also want to give credit to the DIS Podcast crew - if they do make a mistake, they always make sure to make corrections on the podcast or here on the boards.

I live very near Lake Michigan, which is always clean and beautiful and there's nothing in it that will kill you (at least not right by the beach!). That being said, I can't understand why anyone would even WANT to swim in those lakes when there are beautiful, pristine pools available everywhere you go (as a PP mentioned.)

[SamIAm21]

I may have to post on his fourm, too and put up a copy of the letter I sent him.

Notice, no one seems to be talking about that show.... He only had 6 responses on the show thread yesterday. Compare that to his other show threads....


That board is much slower moving than this one. The fact that no one is talking about the show isn't unusual. Threads grow with time, they don't usually get responded to immediately, like we do here. Also, his most recent show wasn't as "exciting" as some of his others. This week was a slow news week and his guests were pretty tame. I don't think DIS bombing them with unsolicited information is going to do anything but put them on the defensive. It would be like someone over there coming here and causing a commotion. I also don't think that dragging issues between boards is a great way to foster Disney community spirit.

Given the confusing/sensationalistic nature of the original email question and the off the cuff response, most of the folks over there probably don't comprehend the seriousness of the amoebas or the alligators and haven't thought twice about the segment since listening to the show. Hence, no major feedback.

As full disclosure I do post over there from time to time. Not nearly as much as I am here. It's a friendly board that sees 1/10 the traffic we do on a daily basis.

I have met and chatted with Lou Mongello several times, most recently at Magic Meets this past July. He's an extremely kind and decent person. If he reads your email and looks into the matter, I'm sure he'll make some comment about it on a future show.

[abish19]

Sam - Thanks for your post. I agree that it's better to keep good feelings going on this thread!

Still - nobody swim in the lakes!

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

That board is much slower moving than this one. The fact that no one is talking about the show isn't unusual. Threads grow with time, they don't usually get responded to immediately, like we do here. Also, his most recent show wasn't as "exciting" as some of his others. This week was a slow news week and his guests were pretty tame. I don't think DIS bombing them with unsolicited information is going to do anything but put them on the defensive. It would be like someone over there coming here and causing a commotion. I also don't think that dragging issues between boards is a great way to foster Disney community spirit.

Given the confusing/sensationalistic nature of the original email question and the off the cuff response, most of the folks over there probably don't comprehend the seriousness of the amoebas or the alligators and haven't thought twice about the segment since listening to the show. Hence, no major feedback.

As full disclosure I do post over there from time to time. Not nearly as much as I am here. It's a friendly board that sees 1/10 the traffic we do on a daily basis.

I have met and chatted with Lou Mongello several times, most recently at Magic Meets this past July. He's an extremely kind and decent person. If he reads your email and looks into the matter, I'm sure he'll make some comment about it on a future show.

I apologize for any possible implication that I wanted to invade their forum (not my intention) and that Lou was a bad guy - he's not - everyone makes mistakes. I was just very surprised that no one had even responded to aspen37's comments about the amoebas at the time I posted. Guess I'm just so used to our forums where we "converse" our posts. There are a couple more good posts up now and one who thought that they were simply laughing at the paranoia of the listener who emailed - which still isn't something you want to do - laugh at your audience...

I do like Lou's show and can see and respect the love and energy he puts into his projects. I just felt that he really came off as over-eager to stop the fear and kind of flippant because he perceived someone damaging the reputation of something he loves.

That being said, I'm used to hearing different podcast's tease each other - I listen to about 10 or so different ones due to Los Angeles Traffic. This didn't sound like that. I'd never heard him "dis" another podcast (and I've listened to his archives), so I think I would have been offended for the one in question, even if it wasn't ours. That kind of stuff just rubs me the wrong way. That's why I took action and wrote him a letter. I didn't just want to be someone who just complained here. I was pretty sure he didn't realize that what he did could be construed as offensive and that he just needed it politely pointed out to him via email.

I agree, the answer is not to shun a podcast or rant and rave. Politely ask the trespassor for a problem to be resolved and continue to support the folks here. And start another thread about cool things we've heard about!

[SamIAm21]

That being said, I'm used to hearing different podcast's tease each other - I listen to about 10 or so different ones due to Los Angeles Traffic. This didn't sound like that. I'd never heard him "dis" another podcast (and I've listened to his archives), so I think I would have been offended for the one in question, even if it wasn't ours.

I am going to hazard a guess and say you like to listen to WDW Today. :rotfl: Those guys are a hoot and yes, they love to make fun Loooouuuu. Oh Looouuuu! It's all in good fun though.

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I am going to hazard a guess and say you like to listen to WDW Today. :rotfl: Those guys are a hoot and yes, they love to make fun Loooouuuu. Oh Looouuuu! It's all in good fun though.

:rotfl2: Yep, them, and Ricky, and Netcot, and I'm trying a few others out, too. There are a couple that just aren't to my taste - too much "free association" and the occasional inappropriate profanity...:3dglasses :scared: :3dglasses

All in all, there's something for everyone on the net! Like anything, you have to shop til you find the right style and fit!