DIS Unplugged Show Feedback and Suggestions

I'm not sure when I started listening to DIS Unplugged but it's been at least five years. In that time other podcasts have come and gone from my rotation but the DIS has stayed as a regular part of my playlist. The hallmark of the show is definitely the group dynamic and having a discussion based format.

Lately I feel that some of the subjects posed feel a bit forced in the alternate segments (ie Disney Dream Park). Those segments might be better if there is a looser question posed to the group rather than a round robin activity.

It seems to me that some of the best discussions revolve around reviews and/or experiences. I would suggest to keep doing those and continue to explore other unique ways to talk about Disney subjects, not only park related bit maybe also movies and more.
 
Cormoran said:
I love the news segments because of your opinions. I just wish that when a topic was hot and the conversation was flowing, it didn’t get cut short for the sake of additional new stories, or rapidfires. I wish that when a topic was hot, you’d continue the conversation. This is where I think the spontaneity on the show has suffered.
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I'd agee with this. I realize the show is slated to run a certain amount of time, but whether the podcast comes out to 30 minutes or 90 minutes I don't think matters to most listeners, as long as the content is good and engaging. When people are on a rant or the opinions/conversation are flowing, sometimes I don't even realize how long it's been!

BradChristian said:
Jimmy,

I doubt logistically they could often have listeners sit in on the podcast, but social media can help build that bridge. Using Twitter for conversations and reading tweets on the show would be helpful.

I'm loving what Pete talked about in having the listener voicemail. I would also have a 'question of the day' or something submitted over instagram.

Instagram is now the social media platform with the most engagement! Blowing twitter and even FB out of the water on the engagement factor.
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They do Skype in people from time to time. Maybe something like a "listener of the week" or of the month who is pre-screened, vetted, and prepared with topics (obviously willing to be on camera) who could provide some feedback from the true vacationer which I'd say most of us are (as opposed to locals). Maybe people could submit a summary about why they'd like to be a guest on the podcast, what they have to bring to the table to discuss, etc and then the panel can choose.

Another thing I thought might be cool to see is a "behind the scenes" type thing. I'd be interested in seeing a typical week for the crew - how they go about coming up with content, how they produce it, what their trips to the parks look like for work, a tour of the studio, etc. It's such a cool job that it would be neat (at least to me!) to see how it all comes together week after week.

I also agree that I'd love to see more dining reviews (both TS, QS and maybe snack credits too) and I think this would be great for Universal who probably has more QS locations. I really enjoyed the Universal show's Cowfish review, so more of that would be cool. And it may already be in the works but I think a CityWalk 101 segment would be ideal. Before my first trip, I didn't know what to expect with CityWalk and a video segment on that would have been great.
 
JimmyV said:
This is great stuff. In addition to doing things like "7 in 7", send your folks into the parks with the mission of exploring the different outcomes that result from a change in variables.
  • Corey booked his 3 FPs in Epcot in the afternoon. Here is what he experienced in terms of standby waits and additional FP availability
  • Craig booked his 3 FPs in Epcot first thing in the morning. Here is what he experienced in terms of standby waits and additional FP availability.
  • Dustin booked his FPs only 3 days in advance. Here is what he found to be available.
  • Julie booked a FP for the parade and Corey did not. Here is the view that Julie had. Here is what Corey found as a decent spot arriving only 30 minutes before the parade started.
This stuff would be extremely valuable to us. More so than:
  • Roundtable Member #1: "I really don't like FP+"
  • Roundtable Member #2: "Stop being the mayor of Bittertown"
Reports from soldiers at the front. That would be great. We get it at resorts. We get it at restaurants. We get it on ABD trips. But there is actually very little discussion of this on the podcasts. And given that we are now about 10 months in to one of the most game-changing roll-outs in WDW history, it should be about time to start testing the system and reporting on its limitations and benefits.
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DisneyKevin said:
You have already suggested that I'm disengaged. This would put me to sleep.
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You know what? My response was a bit rude and I'm sorry.

I'm not sure I'm ever going to be the news type person you are describing, but I am flattered that you chose me as Roundtable Member #1,
 
HillPete said:
I miss the dining reviews. I know there aren't many restaurants that haven't been covered, but maybe a re-review a little more often would be fun for the listeners. The same goes for experience reviews (Richard Petty Driving Thingie, the princess dress up place and the fishing outing with the water snake come to mind). Again, I know you have covered most of these in the past, but if anything new shows up, I'd love to have you guys send Kevin and John or Teresa and Kathy.
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I mostly agree, I'd love to have more reviews I don't mind the changes to the show they are going to happen. But I still would like more reviews.
 
  1. The show is always better when more of you guys are there. This year we've been seriously lacking JenniLynn (and Julie) on the main show. I understand she's doing the Trip, so that might be why. When it's Pete, Kevin, John, Jenni, Kathy, Teresa, and Julie/Corey with Craig and Dustin in the back… it's magic! And I understand that Julie can't be there all the time, but it's always great when we do get her.
  2. Just my opinion, but I agree with a couple others in that I'm not a big fan of the "occasional" additions of others to the podcast. Although I would like to see/hear "WebmasterLeah" more. I always like when she was on.
  3. Bring back the DISboard shows. Those were always amazing.
  4. More dining reviews. More reviews of everything! The 7 in 7s are always fantastic.
  5. I'm not a big fan of the "on-location" shows, just because I never like when podcasts leave their studio. It always sounds a little "off".
  6. The segment every week can sometimes be hit or miss. Usually they're great. I love the discussions like "overrated/underrated" and "little things you love". I think the segments about what to bring, what time to go, and pros and cons of a Disney trip are kinda boring. And it seems like information that most listeners would already know. And maybe a little more Pete in the segments? It was so great to hear him in the recent hotels one.

Just minor complains. The show is always awesome!
 
wellesleyprincess said:
I've been listening since about 2008. I remember the Bawb days, I remember the first Universal stuff. I still listen (I watched for the first time around the first of the year) because I use the podcast for when I run.

Things I like:

I LOVE JenniLyn. To be honest I was about to stop listening and then y'all brought her in and it was like someone finally had my questions and my personality and my answers. It was also a case of someone who felt relatable.

The separation of news/housekeeping/rapidfire and the segments. Some weeks I just listen to one and it's nice to be able to listen separately.

The start of the new Universal show and the realization that more of us are working Universal into our vacations.

Changes I'd like to see:

A refocus on the parks, their events, and reviews. I liked the 7 in 7 because it was on topic and useful. I really could care less for the "My dream resort" or "My dream park" type of talks. Those are fun discussions but I don't need to listen to other people have them on a podcast. I miss some of the more park focus segments such as dining reviews, the moms v. dads segment that JL did, the girls show Julie did, the shopping around the world.

More focus on average travel. It's great that y'all get to go stay concierge level, go on multiple cruises and ABDs, but that's not the reality for most of the listeners and often the attitude of some on the podcast becomes almost condescending when talking about Value resorts. I've felt like the trip does a really good job of this and I feel like JL and Theresa are really supportive of this group. I love back when Theresa had to plan the budget trip for her family.

I miss the question shows. They made me feel like I was contributing to the show. (And I still have my t-shirt.) And I enjoyed hearing others questions and felt like it kept the team connected to the real vacation experience.

I know things are live, but I miss some of the editing. Often there seem to be off-topic discussions (by which I mean not about Disney/Universal) at the beginning of the show and then things run out of time at the end.
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I think they need to continue to discuss topics and experiences at the different levels. They have a broad range of listeners and posters on the boards that stay at all levels of hotels from value to CL at the Deluxe resorts. I don't see how this statement can be supported without taking a statistically valid survey of all of the listeners. I enjoy listening to the different levels of the experiences and do not want them to stop. I don't find them to be condescending when talking about the value resorts. Matter of fact, I recall the AOA food court getting a lot of praise on the last round of 7 in 7s.
 
I LOVE your podcast. I get so much info and learn so much. I'm a former cast member/ Florida resident and I really feel at home listening. I love how you each bring your own flair to the podcast. I appreciate Kathy's love of the "little things" in Disney that make it special. Craig is hilarious and I love his dry humor! I suggest you do more vlogs on your YouTube Channel. I loved your Food and Wine vlog from this past year.

Also, you guys should cover Dapper Day. It is a HUGE unofficial Disney holiday and it's growing every year. I love attending! WDW's Dapper Day is really gaining steam.
 
I love the show, and coming off the triumphant 7-in-7 series, I don't think you need to subject yourselves to an inquest at this time. Bask in it for a bit. I know the relentless pursuit of perfection is what enabled you guys to surpass all of the other Disney-related media, but I hate to present you with a litany of things to work on when so much is going so well. That said, you asked, so I will answer: 1. I agree with others that the skype sessions are useless. The one Indiana fella was pleasant enough, but was just agreeing and repeating what said moments before. Still not sure if this was someone's relative or buddy or something, but it seemed like a waste to shoehorn these generic responses when Kathy had scant time on the mic. 2. The show clearly lacks some edginess when Peter is not in the studio. There's no need for a confrontational style, but I would think the debates would be a little more lively in his absence given that you guys are passionate about the parks. 3. Would love to hear more on life in Orlando off-property. There's so much to talk about...Restaurants like Yellow Dog Eats in Windemere, Manny's out in Haines City, the new Orlando City Soccer Team, navigating the outlet malls, Winter Garden and Mt. Dora, life as a resident of Celebration, the Kerouac House, desirable places for people who are thinking of re-locating, using Uber to get around, etc. I have more time than money for WDW, so I spend a few days doing other things when I go to Orlando...its always such a blast.
 
Saying that I look forward to the show every week is an understatement! The Dis Unplugged is my favorite podcast by far. I enjoyed the 7 in 7. Can't wait for more. I love the dining and resort reviews. As far as the cast, Kevin cracks me up. (tutus) Craig's personality reminds me of my 15 year old son's personality. I find Craig quite amusing! So more reviews of restaurants, counter service, and resorts please.
 
DevilsDandruff said:
3. Would love to hear more on life in Orlando off-property. There's so much to talk about...Restaurants like Yellow Dog Eats in Windemere, Manny's out in Haines City, the new Orlando City Soccer Team, navigating the outlet malls, Winter Garden and Mt. Dora, life as a resident of Celebration, the Kerouac House, desirable places for people who are thinking of re-locating, using Uber to get around, etc. I have more time than money for WDW, so I spend a few days doing other things when I go to Orlando...its always such a blast.
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This is a great idea. With multiple WDW/Universal trips now under our belt, we've been thinking about venturing outside of the bubbles into Orlando but have no idea where to start. Having a resource like the Dis cover this would not only be beneficial to people like me, but those of us who stay off-site as well. Perhaps some off-site or good neighbor hotel coverage could be incorporated as well. Would love to see the Four Seasons and their restaurants (even though its essentially on property).
 
Oh and I can't wait for the Disneyland 7 in 7! I'd love to hear more hotel reviews that aren't Disney-owned.
 
DisneyKevin said:
You have already suggested that I'm disengaged. This would put me to sleep.
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??? Wasn't me that said that. I'll go back and see if I can find the person to whom this should be directed.
 
thisismyusername said:
To me, the most concerning issue about the show is seeming lack of interest in Disney from the founding panelists--specifically, Pete, Kevin and John.
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DisneyKevin said:
You have already suggested that I'm disengaged. This would put me to sleep.
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I think it was the first quote above to which you were referring. I have never, and would never call you disengaged.
 
DisneyKevin said:
I am flattered that you chose me as Roundtable Member #1,
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Was it that transparent? :teleport:

Again, it wasn't me who suggested that you were a "news person". I believe that you said that you are just a guy with opinions. That is how I have always viewed you. And the podcast is at its very best when you are there to give them. Despite the fact that we have never met, I trust that if we ever did, you would see that you and I are an awful lot alike.
 
DisneyKevin said:
You have already suggested that I'm disengaged. This would put me to sleep.
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Ha! This cracks me up and this is the kind of sarcasm that I love to read/hear! I think that my perception of the negative changes in the podcast is that I am missing this type of off-the-cuff comment. I think this is why I feel like the show is too scripted of late. There have been less of these one liners which make me laugh. And before you say it, no. No one is my circus monkey and it is no one's job to entertain just me.

A few hopes from me:
1. More freeform discussions with less strict timelines and guidelines. Clocks be damned.
2. Like other posters suggested, more segments from the perspective of out-of-town guests who don't have the luxury of coming back another day if the line is too long for Soarin'.
3. I think sending John and Kevin to the parks for a multi-day vacation would be fantastic! Let them plan it months out and report back with their successes and/or failures with FP+, dining reviews, etc.
4. Along those lines, how about a segment with an out-of-town kid (if this is even legal or logistically possible) to get his/her perspective of a multi-day trip? It would be great if they could find kid who just experienced WDW for the first time - someone with a fresh perspective. What did he/she like and dislike? What was a complete bore and what was the favorite thing? I don't know the stats, but I would guess that many first time visitors are going because they have kids and want to give the kids the experience. I think this might hit a large demographic and would be really interesting to an adult like me who has a lot of experience going with adults but is considering a trip with kids in the next year or so. Sure, everyone's kid is a different snowflake but it could be an interesting segment.

Finally, thank you for putting this question out there, Dustin! We want the podcast to be stellar too so we can look forward to listening to it every week. We're in this together, trust me.
 
I personally feel the show is in a pretty darn great place right now, you all do a phenomenal job week in week out. I am seriously blown away by the team Pete has put together, the production quality, the segment quality. Its brilliant. Everyone's love of Disney comes through loud and clear in the quality of your work. I would like to see a taste of things we've had in the past though. A couple thoughts...

1. Kevin's dining reviews, they are done so well that they deserve to be in the rotation now and then.
2. I'd love to see some small in show video bits. Send Kathy, and JL to the parks type stuff. Even short 2-3 minute bits would be super rad. It gives viewers a peak into the parks.
3. Sometimes the show feels too structured, I'd say don't be afraid to riff a little.

I think that maybe all I have. Thank you to all that make the shows happen, it rivals television programming to this Disney nerd. I look forward to a day I can cruise with yall.

Keep pushing forward, can't wait to see what you have up your sleeves.

ken.
 
JimmyV said:
This is great stuff. In addition to doing things like "7 in 7", send your folks into the parks with the mission of exploring the different outcomes that result from a change in variables.
  • Corey booked his 3 FPs in Epcot in the afternoon. Here is what he experienced in terms of standby waits and additional FP availability
  • Craig booked his 3 FPs in Epcot first thing in the morning. Here is what he experienced in terms of standby waits and additional FP availability.
  • Dustin booked his FPs only 3 days in advance. Here is what he found to be available.
  • Julie booked a FP for the parade and Corey did not. Here is the view that Julie had. Here is what Corey found as a decent spot arriving only 30 minutes before the parade started.
This stuff would be extremely valuable to us. More so than:
  • Roundtable Member #1: "I really don't like FP+"
  • Roundtable Member #2: "Stop being the mayor of Bittertown"
Reports from soldiers at the front. That would be great. We get it at resorts. We get it at restaurants. We get it on ABD trips. But there is actually very little discussion of this on the podcasts. And given that we are now about 10 months in to one of the most game-changing roll-outs in WDW history, it should be about time to start testing the system and reporting on its limitations and benefits.
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Believe it or not, I do plan personal vacations to WDW several times a year and need to deal with FP and dining. I plan like I did when I didn't live here. Having experience as a resort guest still doesn't sway my feelings about the fastpass system.
 
safetymom said:
Believe it or not, I do plan personal vacations to WDW several times a year and need to deal with FP and dining. I plan like I did when I didn't live here. Having experience as a resort guest still doesn't sway my feelings about the fastpass system.
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I don't think you should feel compelled to defend your opinions about anything to anyone else, me included. But do you think that some of the trips and tips you've learned while using FP+ Could be helpful to infrequent guests who visit the parks?
 
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