Changing Dynamic of the Show

[Schrute Farms]

I think they would via the feedback form on the website, by putting on the boards you are opening it up for discussion, and people are gonna get hurt!

To be fair, Pete has said many times on the Podcast that he is glad to have the instant feedback he gets from the boards.

 

[wdwowner]

Where is Kevin and his clique talk? I don't want to misquote him.

My version is toughen up a little.

Hey I'm fine. I can handle it. Cliques are here and always be here, on this board and all boards, and overall it is part of life. Sometimes you just have to admit it to yourself. It is a clique just being a member of something for a long time, and a clique just being new. Being a redhead, fake or not, is a clique. People you have 'friended' or 'follow' on social sites, ect... It happens.

It was meant as a suggestion to watch the amount of discussion of events, it can turn off people very quick (not me, I'm still here, but know of some who don't listen or visit anymore).

 

[jeanigor]

So the cake just came out of the oven,, what type of frosting should I use today? I have buttercream, chocolate, chocolate buttercream and something strawberry, oh yea lemon as well.

Sorry but Lemon frosting on chocolate cake isn't very tasty. I'll take mine plain. Cake is good in and of itself. Long live cake!

I've been listening to he podcast for a little over two years now. And for what its worth, I feel that the podcast has changed. And not just with the passing of Bob. It is the way things go. Change is how things survive. If companies didn't try new things, we'd be unhappy and bored. Not every change is good. Can anyone remember Crystal Pepsi? I think the podcast has grown and developed nicely. Are there more announcements about events? Absolutely. Could you expect them to use another company? Nope. To talk strictly about podcasts, there is another one out there that uses about 12% of the show shilling at the beginning and end. I am content with the amount of airtime that Dreams Unlimited gets during the podcast. I think a lot of it has to do with the cruise. There was an increase of mentions about DUT because the trip had to be booked through them, and anytime Tracy's e-mail address was mentioned, it was said again.

I don't understand fast forwarding through parts of the show. I'm sorry but not every part of every show pertains to me. Although it is a great segment and I am quite glad she did it, Julie's piece on the baby stations will not have any impact on me. I didn't fast forward. I wanted to hear her experience and gain knowledge. In my opinion its like fast forwarding through the 6 o'clock news. Not everything has a direct influence on my life. But I watch it to be a better informed, more well rounded human being. I guess if you don't want to hear about some special events that are being held for DIS'ers, go ahead and fast forward.

As far as the content and peanut gallery are concerned. I am sorry. I like it. On both counts. I am a Disney enthusiast. It is my happy place. It makes me feel whole. I have Disney songs on my iPod. I have Disney CD's in my car. I have three and a half shelves of Disney Animated Features in my DVD library. I have my spare bedroom decorated in Disney. I put up a Disney Christmas tree. I do though, enjoy hearing about other things in Orlando than just WDW. As a cast member, I went to US/IoA a few times (and enjoyed myself). I think if the show were to be unilaterally about visiting and touring Disney parks, the show would be weaker. I am also glad that Teresa, Kathy and Walter have regular spots on the show. As was evident in this week's e-mail show, there are differing opinions (this time about a park hopper for a first time visitor). The differing opinions and Disney experience levels help the listeners. I also enjoy when Stella has some input too.

I can also understand about how the show got back to a 'normal show'. The couple weeks leading up the cruise, I know there was a lot of cruise talk. As someone that was fortunate enough to go, I was grateful for that. But I can understand the frustration behind the folks that didn't go. It was similar during Mousefest last year. It made me melancholy that I couldn't attend. But I listened, hoping to hear how much fun everyone would have--without me. (Turns out I did go, even if it was in 2D.) I expect much of the same with the DIS-a-palooza event this winter and the ABD Disneyland 2010. I will wish I was there, but still look forward to hearing all about it. And the with marathon weekend, PCC 1.5, and PCC 2.0, which I am planning on attending.

 

[CastawayJP]

I have to say that I do think that the podcast has changed, but not for the worse. IMO the changes have come because of the demand of the listeners and board members. There is more talk about Dreams events, because there are more Dreams events than in the past! I just wish I coauld take part in some of them!

I love the fact that they are offering these events for us, and I think it is great that Pete and John have been able to pull in more business because of them. I never used a TA before I listened to the show, but because I wanted to support them and give back in some way, I started using Dreams for our cruises, and other Disney outings. I could not be happier!

Something else that I appreciate about Pete and John is that they are committed to making these events top notch. I have not been able to participate in any of them yet, but will in the future because of all the positiove feedback I have heard.

And one last thing. I listen to a lot of Disney podcasts, and the DIS Unplugged is by far the one that gives back to the listeners the most. Because Pete and John are owners of Dreams they have the know how and resources to do more than the rest of the podcasts out there. As John said in his post, they are willing to take a financial hit to make our experiences much better, and I appreciate that.

I love the show... I love Dreams Unlimited... I love the DIS...

Thank you Pete, John, Kevin, Corey, Julie, Kathy, Theresa, Walter, and of couse Bob!

 

[fakereadhed]

OK, ot, but I love your Mr. Potatohead!!

and I think I'll have a piece of rum cake tonight! We bought it in Nassau.

Thanks!
http://disney-clipart.com/toy-story/toy-story-animations.php

 

[Leigha]

My two cents are that it is their show and they can do what they want with it. I can choose to listen or not. You can hardly call it advertising since, for example, the Adventures by Disney trips are really so limited in number. Although it is a little sad to hear about all these nice trips I can't afford to go on, that feeling is greatly outweighed by the enjoyment I get by listening to them tell me about their amazing adventures! THANKS for all the time you guys put in!

 

[fakereadhed]

Being a redhead, fake or not, is a clique.

Really?

Could someone in my clique please pass the cake...

 

[wdwowner]

Really?

Could someone in my clique please pass the cake...

 

[Schrute Farms]

Really?

Could someone in my clique please pass the cake...

I just had some peach cobbler, but I don't have red hair. I am so confused because no one has told me what clique to report too.

 

[irunnoft]

The day of Bob's memorial service you said to Kevin and I "I was hoping Pete was here. I thought if he spent time with me he would hire me on the spot to replace Bob". Not only did I hear you say that, Kevin was there as well. This goes down as the single, tackiest thing anyone has every said to me in any situation.

 

[DVCsince02]

Two of our favorite things.....iPhone and cake.

 

[Nom]

I don't understand fast forwarding through parts of the show. I'm sorry but not every part of every show pertains to me. Although it is a great segment and I am quite glad she did it, Julie's piece on the baby stations will not have any impact on me. I didn't fast forward. I wanted to hear her experience and gain knowledge. In my opinion its like fast forwarding through the 6 o'clock news. Not everything has a direct influence on my life. But I watch it to be a better informed, more well rounded human being. I guess if you don't want to hear about some special events that are being held for DIS'ers, go ahead and fast forward.

That's not really it- it's not that the promotions don't pertain to me. The reason I fast forward during housekeeping recently is that it just gets boring, in my option, to hear the same promotional messages every week over and over again. I don't feel bad that I did not go on the cruise (although I am sure it would have been fun and I am considering joining the 2010 cruise). I just get bored listening to what seems like 20 min worth of ads each week. But I don't begrudge them- I just fast forward.

 

[L.E. Ott]

A couple of things I thought about...

Imagine a world where DU and the DIS do so well that no matter what time of year, or which coast you go to, there's a DIS/DU sponsered fan appreciation event going on while you are there.........How many of you just smiled? That fantasy isn't so far fetched. Know why? Because DU and DIS are so SUCCESSFUL!

Here's another one. The content of the podcasts must be pretty informative, correct, and appreciated by fans considering it got the attention of Lee Cockerell, The Disney Institute, and quite a few current Disney suits. From what I understand, it's pretty hard to get the Disney Juggernaut to take notice....

 

[wishspirit]

Oh Goodness! I almost forgot how nasty the castle looked back then!

Thank goodness that's gone!

 

[corky441]

I've been listening to he podcast for a little over two years now. And for what its worth, I feel that the podcast has changed. And not just with the passing of Bob. It is the way things go. Change is how things survive. If companies didn't try new things, we'd be unhappy and bored. Not every change is good. Can anyone remember Crystal Pepsi? I think the podcast has grown and developed nicely. Are there more announcements about events? Absolutely. Could you expect them to use another company? Nope. To talk strictly about podcasts, there is another one out there that uses about 12% of the show shilling at the beginning and end. I am content with the amount of airtime that Dreams Unlimited gets during the podcast. I think a lot of it has to do with the cruise. There was an increase of mentions about DUT because the trip had to be booked through them, and anytime Tracy's e-mail address was mentioned, it was said again.

I don't understand fast forwarding through parts of the show. I'm sorry but not every part of every show pertains to me. Although it is a great segment and I am quite glad she did it, Julie's piece on the baby stations will not have any impact on me. I didn't fast forward. I wanted to hear her experience and gain knowledge. In my opinion its like fast forwarding through the 6 o'clock news. Not everything has a direct influence on my life. But I watch it to be a better informed, more well rounded human being. I guess if you don't want to hear about some special events that are being held for DIS'ers, go ahead and fast forward.

As far as the content and peanut gallery are concerned. I am sorry. I like it. On both counts. I am a Disney enthusiast. It is my happy place. It makes me feel whole. I have Disney songs on my iPod. I have Disney CD's in my car. I have three and a half shelves of Disney Animated Features in my DVD library. I have my spare bedroom decorated in Disney. ). I think if the show were to be unilaterally about visiting and touring Disney parks, the show would be weaker. I am also glad that Teresa, Kathy and Walter have regular spots on the show. As was evident in this week's e-mail show, there are differing opinions (this time about a park hopper for a first time visitor). The differing opinions and Disney experience levels help the listeners. I also enjoy when Stella has some input too.

I can also understand about how the show got back to a 'normal show'. The couple weeks leading up the cruise, I know there was a lot of cruise talk. As someone that was fortunate enough to go, I was grateful for that. But I can understand the frustration behind the folks that didn't go. It was similar during Mousefest last year. It made me melancholy that I couldn't attend. But I listened, hoping to hear how much fun everyone would have--without me. (Turns out I did go, even if it was in 2D.) I expect much of the same with the DIS-a-palooza event this winter and the ABD Disneyland 2010. I will wish I was there, but still look forward to hearing all about it. And the with marathon weekend, PCC 1.5, and PCC 2.0, which I am planning on attending.

My sentiments exactly

And to JOHN - BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for speaking up & standing up for the Podcast & Dreams and most of all your Friends

 

[wilde_oscar]

Hm, you have your version of what happened, it doesn't seem to account with mine... if it was the singular most tacky thing said to you at Bob's wake, how did it become an invite to do a meal review?

I refute some of what you say, and most of what you imply. In regard to my original points... which are untrue?

It is long into the show before there is content that is not related to promotion of Dreams Events. (by this I mean recently)

Disboards has in the past used the profanity filter to **** names and terms of competitors. (I can understand not allowing people to promote their products, then it would be nothing but spam... but not allowing anyone to mention them?)

Disboards and the show are an excellent marketing platform.

Some involved with the show, were not fans of Disney and the parks.

There is increased content about non-disney related material. (there used to be a separate show to cover universal, which was great... my memory of universal is that is smells like stale beer)

The show is increasingly about promoting Dreams product and less about Disney content. (haven't listened to this weeks show, but since returning from the cruise, it would be 30+ min. into the show before anything not related to upcoming Dreams events is the topic)

My public email address has not and is not linked to paypal.

Changing the topic to my having a fleeting interest in joining the show a couple years ago is an interesting retort. That interest died. This is a recent example of why...

I have the best team EVER. When I say that the podcast cruise was a team effort, I mean it sincerely. The reason we kick the @ss of every other site, travel agency and podcast out there is because I have a team that is second to none - and if anyone doubts it, I submit this podcast cruise as exhibit A to prove my point.

It this being gracious? Is there no other way to recognize your team than putting down others? I sat though a great presentation by Lee Cockrell that everyone is important. Is beating up and belittling your competitors really necessary? There have been many times that apologies have had to be made over content of the show. There have been rants I found offensive. I don't recall the exact rant, but I do remember thinking... on the surface this seems great, but after hearing all that, it probably isn't. That changed my mind about the nature of working with the show. Asking around to folks that have done business with, or been the subject of one of "Pete's Rants" doesn't paint a very pretty picture.

Someone else brought up the topic that the show is spending a lot of time on self promotion. Others have agreed.

 

[jeanigor]

The only downside to all of the special events is the 'clicks' that have developed, those who have been part of things and those who have not and cannot be part of them. It is the slippery slope of doing them, and talking too much about the events before and after will just create a larger divide between all. Just need to be careful of that. JMHO.

I hope that you just used the wrong word.

a clique is defined as: "a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons ; especially, one held together by common interests, views, or purposes"

I have never encountered anyone on the boards or in person that was exclusive to people. I have found just the opposite. I have found everyone inclusive. I find the DIS to be the antithesis to a clique.

 

[dalt01]

The day of Bob's memorial service you said to Kevin and I "I was hoping Pete was here. I thought if he spent time with me he would hire me on the spot to replace Bob". Not only did I hear you say that, Kevin was there as well. This goes down as the single, tackiest thing anyone has every said to me in any situation.

i do not think i would use a funeral as a launching pad for a job interview unless i was applying as an undertaker.

 

[wilde_oscar]

It will be a couple days before I have a chance to reply, I have to go be a part of gay days. A topic of another one of Pete's rants that some people find offensive...

By Pete Werner
DIS Founder/Webmaster

Authors Note: This article pertains mainly to the Saturday event during Gay Days. The rest of the week is fairly benign. My suggestion to those who wish to avoid the event is to avoid the Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday of June. During the week, a different theme park is featured for the "Gay Days" event. If you wish to avoid the crowds, I suggest that you avoid the scheduled park for that day.

The Gay Days schedule for 2008:
Thu, June 5 - Animal Kingdom
Fri, June 6 - Disney's Hollywood Studios
Sat, June 7 - Magic Kingdom
Sun, June 8 - Epcot

“Go get a room”.

That’s exactly what I feel like yelling this time every year as Gay Days descend upon Orlando. I know that during the first week in June, unsuspecting families and otherwise good and reasonable people will, at times, be confronted with images and events they would probably rather not see or experience on their family vacation. These people paid to visit Disney World, but during the first week in June, it looks a lot more like South Beach.

For the record, I’m a 42 year old gay man living in Orlando. I’ve been to Gay Days before, and thought it was a little bit over the top, but always bit my lip – especially here on the site. This year though, it just seems completely out of control, and I wanted to get this off my chest.

I’ve watched over the years as Gay Days has grown in scope and size. What once was a small group of well meaning gay men and lesbians has grown – and in my opinion, deformed – into what is now nothing more than a vile spectacle of self indulgence and indecency.

No matter how prudish that last sentence may sound, trust me – I’m no prude. I have a liberal streak that cuts through me like a hot knife through butter, but I like to think that I was raised with a certain sense of decency and a pretty good sense of right and wrong. There is a time and a place for everything, and Disney World is neither in this instance.

Over the years I have heard about, and have witnessed, what is commonly referred to as PDA (public displays of affection) during gay days, and almost always it’s done in full view of a family, or at least children. I don’t care if you’re straight or gay, there are some things kids don’t need to see – and trust me, two queens frenching outside Cinderella castle is really high on that list.

I can’t help but think of, and feel sorry for – the unsuspecting family who saved for years for a once in a lifetime trip – only to arrive and find that Disney had in fact, been invaded by he-women and shaved down muscle boys. By itself that would not be a problem, but the sheer number of people who seem to go out of their way to rub their sexuality in everyones face during this ‘event’ is nothing short of disgraceful. Is the Magic Kingdom REALLY the place for a 5 year old to ask his father why those two men are kissing? Is it really up to any person to decide for that parent when, or if, they will have that conversation with their child? I’ve always believed the best way we, as gay men and lesbians, could further our cause was to simply live our lives openly, and with dignity. Not hide in shame, and not force our beliefs or lifestyle down anyone elses throat. I don’t like it when I hear pompous windbags telling me I’m going to burn in hell for being gay, and I’m sure most of the free world would appreciate a visit to Disney World that did not include the vision of grown men in go-go shorts, and ads for lubricant prominently displayed throughout the host hotel. Oh, and while we’re on the subject of ‘image’ at the host hotel (the Sheraton World on International Drive)– the line of beer trucks outside the resort was a nice touch, and the liquor kiosks and condom ads every 5 feet will certainly not further the image of us as a bunch of drunken sex fiends.

The argument is often put forth that since Christian groups congregate at Disney World, why not us? Fair enough, except that the ‘Night of Joy’ (the Christian concert that takes place at the Magic Kingdom each year) is a hard ticket event – meaning that it’s not open to the public, and requires separate admission. The Magic Kingdom is closed down to the public at a certain time, and only those people that CHOOSE to be there are allowed in. Families that come to the Magic Kingdom on Gay Days are not afforded the luxury of choice. Since Disney does not sanction the event, it’s not mentioned anywhere, or to anyone booking a reservation during that week. If “Gay Day” at the Magic Kingdom was a hard ticket event like the Night of Joy, sign me up. But it’s not – it’s far from it. Trust me, if a religious group organized 100,000 Christians to go and ‘make yourself known’ in the Magic Kingdom one day a year – and began rubbing their lifestyles in the faces of visitors by preaching to them as they tried to ride Space Mountain – plenty of people would be up in arms.

Then there is the issue of drugs. It is widely known throughout the gay community in Orlando that if you want good drugs and great sex, the first week of June is a great time to visit. So much so, that the Orange County Sheriffs office found it necessary to station deputies and drug sniffing dogs in the lobby of the host hotel. And before the oppression chorus starts warming up, just get real – we all know that it goes on in droves during gay week – and it’s not ‘oppression’ if it’s justified. I don’t mean to imply that every person attending gay days is a drug crazed lunatic – the vast majority are not – but no one in the gay community can deny how pervasive this problem is, and the problem travels with us.

Now, I have to tell you I’m uncomfortable writing this. In the 8 years I’ve had the site, I’ve never used it to espouse my beliefs – political or otherwise, and I doubt seriously I ever will again. But, I know a little something about Disney, and as a gay man – I feel I had something to say on this issue – something that should be said, something that many good, decent and reasonable people feel – but will never openly express for fear of ‘political incorrectness’.

I’m also more than a little fed up. I’m fed up with the world thinking that this is what being gay in America is all about – it’s not. I’m fed up that those of us with some sense of ourselves outside of circuit parties and body building are painted with this tawdry brush. But most of all, I’m fed up with watching a place I love get defiled by the kind of twisted nonsense that routinely takes place during Gay Days. The Magic Kingdom is not the place to make a stand, or to further an agenda. While Disney does not openly promote or discourage the event, I know that many inside the mouse house dread its arrival every year. It’s a political land mine and Disney does their best to walk it very carefully. In my mind, Disney already does it right. I’ve stayed at Disney hotels, sailed on the Disney Cruise Line and probably eaten in every restaurant on Disney property – on both coasts– and done all of it with my male partner. NEVER ONCE was I treated any differently than any other guest – it was a non issue – the way it should be. That’s Disney's policy and it’s a good one. In return for that, my partner and I act appropriately when we’re in public – the way any couple should – straight or gay.

And before I get any emails from my gay brethren calling me a ‘self loathing aunt tom’ (someone actually called me that once), let me be clear – I’m proud of who and what I am. I just don’t feel the need to force feed it to the world in that way. Disney is a place where reality is suspended, at least for a time. It’s not a place for anyone’s political agenda – right or left. Keep Key West in Key West – and let Disney be Disney.

 

[TexDisFan]

Amazing, truly amazing!