Bring back the old days...

[PinkBudgie]

After 5 years of listening to the podcast, I am now finally 6 months away from my very first WDW trip! Listening these past years has helped me soak up information that I never would have known. The 7 days at 7 resorts segments helped me pick POFQ. And because I learned on Kevin's restaurant review that the Liberty Tree serves rubber turkey , we are making other choices for meals. The podcast has also provided plenty of laughs along the way. I'm loving the new video podcasts and have found the pictures to be especially helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[disneysteve]

just listening to the audio only portion is really bad in my opinion since so much attention is now given to the cameras and my job responsibilities prevent me from watching the live broadcast/youtube video while at work

That's interesting to hear. I'm sure it is a challenge to balance the audio and video so that regardless of how you access the show, you don't feel like you're missing out. I still listen to the audio only as I listen in my car going to and from work. I don't have time to sit and watch the videos each week. I've watched bits and pieces of the live feed from time to time but I didn't really feel I was getting anything that I didn't get with the audio feed. If they do a video segment that I'm really interested in seeing, I can always pull it up on YouTube.

I wonder how many others feel as you do that the audio is not as good now.

 

[beachclub]

I honestly just started listening the audio only casts as a time filler while at work. I'd say I've listened to maybe 20 or so, all from this year so I can't comment on the freshness of years past but most of what the OP said seems true in my ears.
Most of all what I have noticed is that most voices on this cast, cast a negative opinion about almost everything they are talking about...Especially with their reviews of dining. One of the guys just complains about every aspect of his meals wherever he dines, this is where I can see a burnt out attitude of this dishoards team.

 

[GAN]

That's interesting to hear. I'm sure it is a challenge to balance the audio and video so that regardless of how you access the show, you don't feel like you're missing out. I still listen to the audio only as I listen in my car going to and from work. I don't have time to sit and watch the videos each week. I've watched bits and pieces of the live feed from time to time but I didn't really feel I was getting anything that I didn't get with the audio feed. If they do a video segment that I'm really interested in seeing, I can always pull it up on YouTube. I wonder how many others feel as you do that the audio is not as good now.

I'm with you. I still primarily listen to the audio podcast and if a segment is of a little more interest, I'll find time to watch. Has the podcast changed? Absolutely. But I listen to a few others as well and the crew here provide as much enjoyment/information as any. It's apparent that a large investment has been made to producing the best product possible -and it shows. Perhaps the OP should take a break, listen to some other offerings out there, and come back when ready.

 

[k5jm]

I honestly just started listening the audio only casts as a time filler while at work. I'd say I've listened to maybe 20 or so, all from this year so I can't comment on the freshness of years past but most of what the OP said seems true in my ears.
Most of all what I have noticed is that most voices on this cast, cast a negative opinion about almost everything they are talking about...Especially with their reviews of dining. One of the guys just complains about every aspect of his meals wherever he dines, this is where I can see a burnt out attitude of this dishoards team.

I am not not sure you have a wide enough sampling of shows and are making some very broad remarks about a rotating cast. It is amazing that one's perception can vary so widely from others. I do not see negativity from the team. I see honest feedback. I also realize that the teams opinion is just that, their opinion. It it is a food review, that food review in an opinion of a snapshot in time. Experiences will vary.

I have listened for a long time and I will tell you that the show works best when John and Pete are both there. There is a balance that happens, the stars align, and angels start to sing. I do not know why that is, but it is what I know to be a truth (except for the angels thing). It is a good cop/bad cop relationship that goes both ways and it works!

I find all the information useful and I have to hand it to Pete and Dustin for really stepping it up with video production. That is a heavy investment of time and money and it shows in the quality of the show. It is not Tom Brokaw and I do not want it to be. (Network news is stale and old and has not changed in decades)

 

[erinreid]

I honestly just started listening the audio only casts as a time filler while at work. I'd say I've listened to maybe 20 or so, all from this year so I can't comment on the freshness of years past but most of what the OP said seems true in my ears.
Most of all what I have noticed is that most voices on this cast, cast a negative opinion about almost everything they are talking about...Especially with their reviews of dining. One of the guys just complains about every aspect of his meals wherever he dines, this is where I can see a burnt out attitude of this dishoards team.

No. Absolutely not. My god, don't you people have any sense of history? Sheesh. Try listening to some old episodes for goodness sake. They refer to old jokes al the time and this group has always, always focused on the REALITY of Disney, not the sugar coated side of things. You want that go listen to Lou Mongello for two hours.

The team has not gotten more negative. Go listen to Kevin's first dining review. Where do you think "Sad little crab cake" came from?? And Pete became beloved from his epic rants!

Yes, fine, Pete does get bored occasionally. And he's had a pretty serious personal life shakeup recently, as anyone with any sense of awareness of the major events in his life that he's stopped talking about will clue into. But he solves that with new techniques, new people, video, all sorts of wonderful things. And it's still all for free!

Quit your griping, please.

 

[jcb]

When I hear "burnt out" all I think about is Spencer Tracy in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

(slightly)

 

[OKW Lover]

I am not not sure you have a wide enough sampling of shows and are making some very broad remarks about a rotating cast. It is amazing that one's perception can vary so widely from others. I do not see negativity from the team. I see honest feedback. I also realize that the teams opinion is just that, their opinion. It it is a food review, that food review in an opinion of a snapshot in time. Experiences will vary.

I have listened for a long time and I will tell you that the show works best when John and Pete are both there. There is a balance that happens, the stars align, and angels start to sing. I do not know why that is, but it is what I know to be a truth (except for the angels thing). It is a good cop/bad cop relationship that goes both ways and it works!

I find all the information useful and I have to hand it to Pete and Dustin for really stepping it up with video production. That is a heavy investment of time and money and it shows in the quality of the show. It is not Tom Brokaw and I do not want it to be. (Network news is stale and old and has not changed in decades)

Good perspective Mike. I'm with you about having both Pete and John or (yin and yang) on the show. Love Pete's out there comments as well as John's understated humor.

Some of the recent video productions have been outstanding. I know that takes both equipment and talent. Kudos to Dustin and Craig (he of the broken toe) for coming up with some really great footage.

Looking forward to seeing what the new year brings in terms of further evolution..

 

[jcb]

I'll be negative where it is deserved. We've had an enjoyable stay but, to me, there are some pretty big warning signs showing throughout the resort.

A CM on the Joe Fowler ferry boat yelled, in a horrible tone, to guests who committed the unpardonable sin of touching the stairs. It wasn't the direction but how he said it that shocked me. This wasn't a young CM either.

At the MK, a CM walked from the people mover to buzz lightyear stepping right over a guide that had fallen on the ground.

But perhaps worse, routine upkeep and maintenance seems to be stretched to the limits. Did anyone else notice the badly faded the paint on Minnie and Mickey and the EPCOT main entrance. I realize the Florida sun can be brutal but letting Mickey's red pants turn dull pink is an embarrassment.

There were, in contrast, some very nice cast members and some nicely kept grounds, but I prefer to listen to a podcast that is honest even if it might sound, to some, negative. I'll leave the Panglossian view of Disney to others.

 

[Pooh2]

Just discovered the podcast about the time video started last year when I was home recuperating from surgery so do not have a feel for the "old podcast" but enjoy the podcast just the way it is now! I enjoy the banter across the table and the honest opinions and discussion. Keep up the great work podcasters!

 

[DSNY4ever]

Hmm, I have been listening almost from the beginning. I definitely agree things have changed, but not in the way the OP mentioned. Things seem more organized and more formal...which has made me miss some of the silliness and spontanaity that seemed to come out before (I guess when they knew they could edit it if necessary!). I do still like it because I think a lot of the video clips going up are just awesome. Like some others mentioned the hotel clips and 7 in 7 were some of my favorites, and the clips being added in while talking about segments is so neat. But I miss the goofy conversations that don't happen as often...and I miss Bob But still a lot of great info as always.

 

[jenrose66]

As I listen to the podcasts from years ago, I am reminded of the freshness and excitement that used to exist for all things Disney. Of course there were critiques, but they were always with merit and done both respectfully and tastefully. As I scroll through the past years podcasts, I am sadly reminded of the great Dis podcasts of the past. Now, they seem poorly planned, rushed reminders of once great discussions and reviews. In my opinion, most of the regulars seem to feel almost bored by all things Disney. The podcasts seem like a "job" now, with average reporting and just poor banter. Maybe it's a simple transition from audio to video that has shifted the focus from creative and informative to how I look on camera. I continue to listen, but I grow less and less interested as weeks pass. I hope that the podcast family can breath some new life into a very special podcast because it truly feels like a simple shell of it's former self.

I respectfully disagree I love the podcasts and don't think anyone sounds bored.

 

[disneym2m]

I will agree that the show has changed over the years. It has to, to survive. I have noticed that there is change in viewpoints, and that is okay. You can only talk about the same parade or same firework show so many times. Sometimes Disney news is slow during the week, so there isn't a lot of new stuff to discuss. How can a person get all excited about the same parade they have seen more than a dozen times? Now don't get me wrong. Some podcast team members still get excited over something they have seen more than once.

I do know that the podcast team does prepare for the show. And because the show is live they do have to be more careful about what they say and how they say it. There is always a plan because they need "slides" to show when they are talking about a particular subject. They also need to make name credits when they have a guest. Putting a show on once a week, can be difficult, I am sure. Especially if Disney news is slow.

Give the podcast team a break. They have their own lives to live during the week and what they do for us, who can't be there in Florida, is an amazing opportunity to see things we may not otherwise get to see. If it wasn't for the team I wouldn't have gotten to see the MNSSHP parade or fireworks, or the amazing stuff from Disneyland during the holiday season.

Yes the show has changed. But it is suppose to or else it would be stale.

 

[kbelle8995]

I still find the podcast enjoyable and informational after all these years. I like that they can rotate the table members a little bit and shake it up.

And with moments that make me laugh so hard my co-workers wonder what I am listening to.

It's been a rough year for me and the Dis podcast has given me something to look forward to. A couple hours where I can just focus on something else. I can't thank them enough for that.

 

[wallawallakids]

I LOVE the DISpodacasts and I look forward to them EVERY TUESDAY! They make me happy. My husband just laughs at me when I get excited about it being Tuesday. I only have one complaint about the podcasts……I WANT MORE!!! I love them so much I wish you had two a week, or longer segments, but I know that would be hard on you guys so I am very thankful for getting at least one. You are my favorite podcast on Disney and I listen to them all. Thanks for all the great work you all have done and I am hopeful that you are all feeling well and I will get a show today!! Love you all!

 

[ADP]

I'd have to respectfully disagree with the op. The podcast has certainly changed, but the video portion has added a new dynamic to the show and it has a very good flow to it.

I'm enjoying the content and the honest banter back and forth in the studio. I think some of the negative discussion is warranted so that we as listeners understand what we might expect when we go on vacation at Walt Disney World. Just my two cents.

 

[LilyWDW]

The video format and this years shows are what have caused me to become a "serious" follower of the pod cast. I think they are wonderful, informative, funny, and enjoyable. I look forward to it weekly, though sometimes I have to wait a day or so and catch it on youtube.

I REALLY love the videos that are put together as part of the show. They allow the watchers to get a good idea about what the team is experiencing and talking about. My favorites? The "Drinking Around the World" ones! SOOOO funny!

So guys, from this watching, keep up the amazing work.

 

[DisneyDaddy-O]

I usually stay clear of these sorts of discussions because it is difficult to convey exactly what you feel without coming across as overly negative or über positive, so here goes...

I think change is a natural progression as with anything. I own a restaurant and sometimes when I remove things from my menu I get complaints and when I add new things some regulars refuse to try the new items. Things can't remain the same.
I started listening shortly after Bobs passing, I went back and listened to all the old shows. I really enjoyed the shows with Bob and missed him even though he was gone before I started listening. Things changed but the show progressed, new people were added and I can't imagine listening to the show without them now.

I enjoy listening to the "experiences" the podcasters are having rather than just the "coverage".
That's why I think the 7 in 7's were great because we were experiencing Pete and the gangs stay at the different resorts. Just like the DATW with Corey and the other guys, again we experienced the night with them rather than just getting a list of drinks available. John and Kevin's ABD experiences are some of my favorite shows because they are not just listing the itinerary but we got to experience it with them. Pete's trip to Hawaii and the Alaska cruise were great as well.

Getting back to "the good old days", I think the team and the listeners were experiencing things together for the first time in the old shows where as now the team is covering all the events for us. In my opinion, not better or worse...just different.

That is the fine line between "coverage" and "experiences"

Maybe that's why Trip reports like "frump style" are so popular, we are experiencing what she did during the College Program.

I continue to enjoy the show every week and will continue listening. I have met Teresa on a couple of occasions at the Welcome Center and hope to meet the rest of the gang at some point, until then...Thanks for all the hard work!!

 

[uicbear]

I found the podcast when it was already on video, so I can't really compare it to how things "used to be". But, I can say, that I have been entertained, educated, and just been able to plan my trips better because I am so much more informed from the podcasts.

I love the reviews, and since there are usually multiple team members reviewing the same things, you have multiple opinions. I don't want to hear how great everything was, I want to know how things actually were. If I wanted to go in thinking everything is perfect, I would watch the Disney planning video.

The other thing that the podcast team has done that has changed my personal enjoyment of my time in the World, are the videos of the shows, parades, fireworks, and so on. I now will sit and watch and enjoy the events before me and put the experience in me as a memory with the family or friends I am with, verses trying to capture them on video because I know, you guys have the best videos available for me to relive those moments whenever I need my Disney fix.

I am more of a reader on these boards, than a poster, but I felt I had to disagree with the OP. I am a fan of the podcast and appreciate the time and efforts of the team!

 

[Stacy's a freak]

Here's another two cents because I'm sure you all want to know what I think - ha!

I love the podcast but I myself have gotten a bit bored with it lately. The real problem, for me, is that I only listen to the audio - I am not able to fit the video podcast into my routine - so I am obviously missing good-sized chunks of entertainment. I also hate change so listening to shows without John and Kevin or maybe hosted by Dustin, just don't make me as happy as the usual core group I have gotten used to over these many years (I was a listener from the beginning, practically). I have also absorbed much in these many years of listening and travelling to WDW so the content isn't as "new" to me.

So my boredom is more MY problem - not the Podcast's problem. They are producing a show to entertain and inform the masses - not just ME! I still listen and get enjoyment from it but I realize that it has to be geared to a larger audience to be successful. And I think they are successful. Very successful.

If the OP is unhappy, there are other choices out there. That is the beauty of this world - you have choices and no one is forcing you to listen.