Changing Dynamic of the Show

[bosox2001]

Frequent listener/reader but non-frequent poster, but I thought I'd weigh in on a trend I see developing with the show. Let me say that I love the Dis boards, I love the Dis Unplugged and I particularly love the cast of characters that make this site and podcast all that it is. It truly is a wonderful resource and source of entertainment for those of us that enjoy Disney.

Having said this, I have noticed that the show seems to be very slowly moving away from the nuts and bolts Disney planning content that defined its early days and more toward planning and promoting Dreams Unlimited Travel events. This thought struck me in a particular way after hearing this week's Housekeeping segment...chock full of events--great events by the way--that Dreams is offering.

Please don't mistaken me: I really love and will continue to love all that is the Dis Unplugged. But I do see a change in the dynamic of the show. And, Pete, I'm not trying to instigate a rant. Again, I love the show. But I do see changes occurring that others might be noticing too.

Thanks for all you do from those of us "quiet listeners."

 

[darth.mickey]

I have noticed a change too. But the Only change i have noticed is that the show keeps getting better and better ! I LOVE the fact that they are trying to bring the fans and Dis'ers closer and closer. I only wish i lived closer so i could attend them all. The Show ROCKS and is on the Up and Up in my opinion ! Keep up the GREAT work Team.

 

[wilde_oscar]

It would seem that the show has slipped into the form of a long commercial. Times being what they are, having a ready made audience that is easily marketed to with events related to the Disboards is an opportunity that is difficult to pass up.

Something a lot of people seem to miss is that the Disboards are a privately owned for profit corporation. As we've seen in recent changes to disboards policies, or the past use of the profanity filter to **** anyone using terms or names of competitors, free speech is relative to the mood and discretion of the owners. It is an excellent marketing platform to those that want to express and share about WDW, are planning a vacation, or are looking for a travel agent. But only so long as what is marketed agrees with the owner's profit and loss sheet.

The dynamic changed very quickly when some were brought in that previously were known not to be fans of the theme parks nor of Disney in general. Some segments have become lack luster, and we hear news on Universal and/or random events in and around Orlando more so than about WDW. Put that together with the long list of upcoming travel events that while related to the podcast, are more self serving than informative and you have started to slide that slippery slope into 4am infomercial.

 

[Tissa]

I totally disagree with Wildeoscar, Not a long infomercial at all. It seems to me anyway, he has a beef with the boards in general. There are some cool events coming up and we all want to hear more about them. I don't care who they are sponsored by.

This weeks show had info on the treehouse villas, a review of the Turf Club and some very important info for parents about the baby care centers. Oh and of course the PSA about staying out of the darned lakes. Now if Julie's segment would have been introduced "sponsored by Dreams Unlimited Travel" or something like that then we would have reason to raise an eyebrow.

Anyway, I'm just one lister and that is my opinion. I'm very happy with the way things are.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Well, I have only been listening for a few months now so I cannot comment on the changing dynamic OP mentioned. Let me say however, that the show is awesome, the boards are a fabulous tool for friendship, information, and planning, and I love the community here.

I like that the show doesn't focus solely on WDW. For many visitors, there is a life beyond Disney and Orlando has a lot to offer. I think Pete and the crew have struck the right balance of information and humor between Disney and "the Other Stuff"

And tell me where else you could find a more dedicated bunch of people (see Podcast Cruise, the special ABD Southern California tour, the backstage tour, et al)

Do I mind that Dreams Unlimited is promoted? Heck NO! Pete and Walter have every right to promote their business. I have NEVER felt it was being pushed down my throat. I LOVE the fact that Pete acknowledges their business relationships with various hotels etc RIGHT UP FRONT.

OP, you may be right in saying the dynamic changed. I haven't listened long enough to agree or disagree. But I completely disagree with PP Wildeoscar statement that the show has become one long infomercial. You can always unsubscribe if you truly believe that.

 

[fightinfire21]

just my 2 cents here but if you don't like what you are hearing... don't listen

and, not trying to flame here, but I am very surprised to hear someone who won a FREE CRUISE complain about the people who gave it to them

If someone wants to give me a free cruise I will be grateful and won't complain if you put a plug in for your business.

My family owns a business and you gotta do what you gotta do to make a profit (obviously nothing unethical or illegal). Dreams is how the podcast team makes a living. Without Dreams they would not have the time or money to do the podcast, the site, these boards or GIVE AWAY ALL THE GREAT STUFF THEY GIVE AWAY!!!

Keep up the good work guys

 

[WLfan]

Wow! Wildeoscar, I thought you were a huge fan of the show. I was kind of shocked to see that post was from you.

 

[firemanx]

People have asked for these events, and the crew has responded. Pete has already said they make no commision off of these get togethers. How much do you honestly think they made off the mousefest gathering? Nothing they used there own money. Same with the Podcast Cruise, and other such events!! Pete and John still need to look out for there business so why would they want you posting stuff from other sites? Would you go to a pizza place, and hang ads and articles from other pizza places? No, and I see nothing wrong with how hey run the boards. If you dont like it leave! If you dont like what you hear dont listen. Its a very simple thing. There are plenty of other sites that you could choose from. Also if you listen close enough The crew has gave shouts to other business. He mentions Len Testa and the unofficial guide a couple times and he is a major part of another podcast. I think some are overreacting to the promotions of DU. All these guys did was do what there fans asked and now have to relay the info on. Seems like there are unneeded grudges being held lately.

 

[AnninIowa]

I have often wondered why they don't use the show to promote their business MORE!! The DIS Boards and DIS Radio are very, very expensive for Dreams to provide, and they are provided to us all FREE! IMHO, they should shill for Dreams every chance they get...but they never have.

The Dreams events they have been talking about lately are due to demand; nearly 400 DISers went on the last cruise, and it looks like more will do the next one. Within minutes of starting that thread, people started posting like crazy. Same for the Universal cruise and CA tour.

I listen to a couple of other Disney podcasts and they HEAVILY promote their products without disclosing financial relationships. Pete and John ALWAYS mention financial relationships when talking about certain resorts.

Pete and John run a first-class operation here on the DIS and with Dreams and can do whatever they please with the show!!

 

[wilde_oscar]

just my 2 cents here but if you don't like what you are hearing... don't listen

and, not trying to flame here, but I am very surprised to hear someone who won a FREE CRUISE complain about the people who gave it to them

If someone wants to give me a free cruise I will be grateful and won't complain if you put a plug in for your business.

My family owns a business and you gotta do what you gotta do to make a profit (obviously nothing unethical or illegal). Dreams is how the podcast team makes a living. Without Dreams they would not have the time or money to do the podcast, the site, these boards or GIVE AWAY ALL THE GREAT STUFF THEY GIVE AWAY!!!

Keep up the good work guys

I have been critical of the show before, I'm sure I'll be critical again. Many are so supportive of Pete's rants about what he thinks Disney is getting wrong... how is it so different if I think the direction of the show feels like an infomercial for Dreams Travel?

Last week I found myself wondering when they would get to some content. I'll listen again this week. Still a fan. Enjoyed the cruise, even rebooked. This is a great group, we don't have to all agree on everything do we?

 

[WaltD4Me]

Wow! Wildeoscar, I thought you were a huge fan of the show. I was kind of shocked to see that post was from you.

Not that shocking. There has been noticeable tension for awhile.

All I can say is that I also disagree. I don't think the show is going down any slopes, slippery or otherwise and I think the Podcast trips/events that are being offered are a great opportunity for fans of show, the boards and Disney. I'm literally sick that I can't do the ABD California tour, but that sure doesn't mean I don't think they should promote it and don't hope that they do more so one day I can do one. The term "self serving" has never crossed my mind and neither has informercial. I agree the dymanic has changed, but not in a bad way and it changed sadly because it had to, which to me is WAY better than no show at all.

 

[schoen]

I agree that the dynamic is changing a little bit. That is how things evolve though. I don't think that the extra long house keepings have necessarily cut into the quality of the segments. I just fast forward to the news when I don't care to hear the housekeeping items. I still get a good hour or so of good podcast time.

The podcast is a great forum for them to discuss dreams and dreams events. I REALLY don't think they make much money off of the events they plan. I think they are hoping that we will book our next vacation through them, or refer them to our friends who are planing vacations. This just makes good business sense. If you don't like those parts you can always fast forward, they usually last around 15 min or so.

Sometimes I listen to housekeeping, sometimes I don't. I think it is fine either way, right?

 

[3guysandagal]

Quite frankly I don't see any "infomercial" type of content at all.

Let's be realistic, how many times per show do you really hear the words "Dreams Unlimited Travel"

Unless of course it is Pete doing a disclosure before a segment.

I cant watch 12 minutes of television without being bombarded with 3 minutes of advertising.

A very entertaining, high class show.

Keep up the good work team!

 

[jpeka65844]

I was reflecting today, during a station break on Dis Radio, that I've been listening to the show for almost exactly 3 years.

I was thinking about what the show's become and , (correct me if I'm wrong Roundtable), no way on earth, no way, no how, would the Roundtable have EVER anticipated that, 3 years ago over 400 people would sign up with them to cruise! And I could never have anticipated that I would feel such SORROW at not getting to go to ANY of the so far sponsored events! This has been a journey for everyone on that podcast, new and old included and their listeners. How could it NOT change?

And in light of that, they have been steadily building a (may I say it?) RABID fan base and have been responding in kind to the demand that is out there to spend time together!

As a result of that, I WILL fork over my $$ to Dreams Unlimited to book travel. Pete's paying for part of his Qantas flight with what we just spent for a week at DL at GCH! And I am GLAD to do it.

B/c DU and the Roundtable in particular are giving their fans a place to belong. You connect with people on that level, you are welcome to the riches that you may reap.

 

[daneenm]

I can see that the show has evolved. I guess we would not stick with it if it didn't. It would be pretty boring to hear the same planning tips repeated week after week.

When I first started listening, there were no events, so nothing to talk about in that space. However, the events are now just part of the natural progression and will be discussed now that they exist. People seem to really like them (I have not been to one yet) so I would expect them to keep happening, and being discussed, until people stop wanting them.

Not really sure why people are flaming the OP. It is his/her observation and it was stated repeatedly that they still love the show and just wanted to discuss the elements that seem different now. Doesn't seem at all like a slam to me.

Now, Oscar on the other hand...well let's just say I find your comments extreme and inflammatory. It makes me sad to hear that from you - who I followed anxiously along at home with Bob and Kevin during the night chase through Universal. Perhaps you should take the 'if you don't like what you are hearing, don't listen' comments to heart.

 

[Shasta]

First, I don't think that this is your concern but I would like to make a quick point that is relevant to your comments;

Everything changes. Few things in this world are static. When Bob died, this boards and Podcast changed, this is without debate. Was anyone's life the same a year ago as now?

As far as your direct comments to Dreams Unlimited go, I'd say that we are all getting a free service that is invaluable. Dream's Unlimited is a business and as a business HAS to make a profit or frankly, there will be no podcast.

I personally feel that there is nothing wrong with self promotion when you are supplying a service with a value such as the crew do, FOR FREE! (such as a concert I am sponsoring this weekend) I get credit through a verbal mention as well as print and radio coverage. This is the trade for my sponsorship dollars. What is unfair or unreasonable about that.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be harsh but what you are complaining about is the basic cost of promotion. Do you think for a second that TV would survive without commercials.

In my opinion, the podcast crew has been very conservative with self promotion. I'd guess that the need of increasing it comes is equal to the drop in vacation travel as a whole. Heck, everyone, is working hard to keep their employees on payroll. What would you do in this situation?

 

[doctorhead]

i agree completely with wildeoscar. everyone who is criticizing him are missing the point. what he's saying is on point exactly. the show used to just be about disney, and occasionally pete would have to mention that he has a financial interest in Dreams Unlimited Travel. Now every show is we're doing this sponsored in part by Dreams Unlimited Travel and Swan & Dolphin and Gaylord Palms, etc. i don't think that it's bad that they give the fans trips and prizes, but it has become noticeable the amount that they do plug their sponsors now. reiterating - i am not saying that they shouldn't plug their stuff (they can do what they want), but it has become more often that they are promoting their stuff. that can't be denied.

ps - their plugs do work. for the trip we are currently on, we purchased $99 7 day universal tickets through Dreams Unlimited.

 

[wdwfreeksince88]

I might be wrong but I don't think I have heard the word sponsored and dreams unlimited travel in the same sentence.(Sorry if I am mistaken on that) And wouldn't it only be an infomercial if they were making a profit off these events and trips? If I remember Pete has very rarely charged for any of these(such as the toy story meet last December which was free to dis'ers and dreams clients) and the newer meets and trips have only been charged a little just so he can try to cover a little of his cost. The show goes to great lengths to bring people closer together and have experiences that other wise a lot of us would not ever get. Just look at the stuff they did for the people on the podcast cruise and some of the stuff they have planned for the future such as taking people to the Disney archives. Not just anybody would do that. The gang goes to a lot of trouble for people like us and we should all appreciate it or someday they might not do it anymore. So for all they do for us if Pete decides to put a full commercial for Dreams Unlimited travel into every podcast then so be it, I will still listen. And as a previous poster had mentioned if you don't like then don't listen.

 

[challer]

WO, I'll go on the record and say I think I understand what you're feeling, and you have every right to share it, and I'm glad you did. Ever since the Podcast Cruise was coming closer & closer through now, there has been alot of time dedicated to the DIS trips/tours/cruise/etc. As a person who would absolutely love to go on any one of these but can't, it does hurt to hear about all these things happening and being planned. Hopefully, as the past cruise becomes more of a memory, the 'cast will get "back to business." But since you apparently won a cruise, it should bother me more than it bothers you...

 

[WaltD4Me]

i agree completely with wildeoscar. everyone who is criticizing him are missing the point. what he's saying is on point exactly. the show used to just be about disney, and occasionally pete would have to mention that he has a financial interest in Dreams Unlimited Travel. Now every show is we're doing this sponsored in part by Dreams Unlimited Travel and Swan & Dolphin and Gaylord Palms, etc. i don't think that it's bad that they give the fans trips and prizes, but it has become noticeable the amount that they do plug their sponsors now. reiterating - i am not saying that they shouldn't plug their stuff (they can do what they want), but it has become more often that they are promoting their stuff. that can't be denied.

ps - their plugs do work. for the trip we are currently on, we purchased $99 7 day universal tickets through Dreams Unlimited.

I think it is you who are missing the point. I do not find it to be "on point" at all to say the show is self serving, that there is no content or that it is becoming a long infommerical. I think those are the things people are taking issue with. I can honestly say I don't find any of those things to be true or on point. Of course people are entitled to their own opinions, but we who disagree are not missing the point.