ignorant comments on the Podcast

[DaParkers]

I have called Pete out a few times, but this is ridiculous. You not only insulted him with your "typical European attitude", you insulted me as an American. My post would be deleted and I would be banned if I typed what I want to. I sure hope Pete reads this and comments since they are taping now.

 

[DisneyKevin]

My post would be deleted and I would be banned if I typed what I want to. .

As long as you stay within the guidelines set forth by The Dis, you are welcome to post your opinion.

If your posts have been deleted or you have been banned, then your posts disregarded the Dis posting guidelines

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I have called Pete out a few times, but this is ridiculous. You not only insulted him with your "typical European attitude", you insulted me as an American. My post would be deleted and I would be banned if I typed what I want to. I sure hope Pete reads this and comments since they are taping now.

I can understand that you are upset. You are more than welcome to share your ideas here as long as you remain respectful and following the DIS Posting Guidelines.

 

[Danibelle]

I am just now listening to the above mentioned comments. I lived in Italy for 3 years (lived in Europe for 9 years) and sort of consider myself well traveled when it comes to Europe. To keep it short, I actually find myself agreeing with Pete. To only spend a few minutes in the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's is terrible. There is much to see there and it's unbelievable that the guide just rushed through.

As to the food, while there is boiled beef (bollito misto) in Italy, it seems odd that this was the entree. Yes, pasta is served everywhere (and is mostly good). I would have been very disappointed if I had those experiences with ABD (and paid dearly for the experience).

Pete, thank you for being honest about you ABD add-on and your Disney Mediterranean cruise.

 

[WebmasterPete]

I feel I have to comment about some of Pete's comments on the ABD review on the Podcast. He made several comments that I would consider "typical insular American" views. I have noticed this before, that he travels abroad but expects other cultures to conform to those he finds at home. I remember similar ignorance about the culture in Egypt. If you go abroad you have to accept that they do things differently and respect that.

The two examples that come to mind on this occasion however are:

1. The buffet where he had to eat seafood. In Mediterranean islands most of the food is seafood. That is what they eat. If you want international food that is dumbed down for American tastes then stick to Epcot.
2. Having to listen to the guide having to speak for 15 minutes in front of a "fricking poster" of the Sisteen Chapel. The reason is that you are not supposed to talk inside the chapel so they have out posters outside so that the guides can explain the layout and what to look out for. Not that you'd know given the amount of largely American voices talking in the chapel!

Another example was when he was complaining that they were not being given pizza or pasta enough. Like I say, if you like your culture American flavoured and stereotypical stick to Epcot Pete!

As others have pointed out, you apparently didn't really listen to the show. You'll note that my main complaint with the food was that much of what we were served I could have had at Denny's. The food being served was dumbed down american food - I wanted a more authentic experience.

Also, as has been pointed out, my issue with Tunisia (not Egypt) was their treatment of women. They have every right to do what they want, my point was that if Tunisia was to be a port of call, I would not be getting off the ship. Not sure what issue you have with that, but clearly you hear only what you want without really listening.

Also, if you're going to call my comments ignorant, you may want to use spell check when doing it. It's Sistine chapel, not Sisteen. Just sayin'

Pete

 

[Emiel]

The discussion of Egypt on a previous show referred to the difficulties female guests and employees had as a result of customs. I also believe it was mentioned that a female had to go back and change as her outfit was considered "too revealing." I found this offensive for many reasons including the fact that the country I live in does not require someone to change her clothes before setting foot on the soil.

As mentioned in other posts the discussion was about Tunisia (not Egypt). Since I was there I know that more than one female had to go back to their stateroom and change clothes.

In my opinion however, part of the Tunisian culture is that women (and men too by the way) can't wear outfits that are too revealing (at least shoulders and knees have to be covered).

The point made on that particular podcast was about the fact that DCL had not announced this in advance: they even came over the intercom into all staterooms to announce that if you were going ashore you had to make sure you were wearing clothes in which your shoulders and knees were covered.

Even though I'm glad that my country doesn't requires this either, I think you can hardly call this offensive..... it's their culture.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

As mentioned in other posts the discussion was about Tunisia (not Egypt). Since I was there I know that more than one female had to go back to their stateroom and change clothes.

In my opinion however, part of the Tunisian culture is that women (and men too by the way) can't wear outfits that are too revealing (at least shoulders and knees have to be covered).

The point made on that particular podcast was about the fact that DCL had not announced this in advance: they even came over the intercom into all staterooms to announce that if you were going ashore you had to make sure you were wearing clothes in which your shoulders and knees were covered.

Even though I'm glad that my country doesn't requires this either, I think you can hardly call this offensive..... it's their culture.

That's Disney's fault, though, not Tunisia's.

 

[Emiel]

That's Disney's fault, though, not Tunisia's.

My point exactly

 

[*NikkiBell*]

The OP said it was Egypt, but you are correct, it was Tunisia. I agree that DCL should have alerted guests ahead of time if this was to be expected. I'm confused by what you wrote though. Did they come over the intercom to do this or not?

I can understand and respect that this is a part of the Tunisian culture. However, I think I would definitely blink some eyebrows if I was one of the women in this situation. I can imagine they felt extremely uncomfortable which is a sad thing to experience on a vacation.

 

[DaParkers]

As long as you stay within the guidelines set forth by The Dis, you are welcome to post your opinion.

If your posts have been deleted or you have been banned, then your posts disregarded the Dis posting guidelines

I've never had posts deleted or been banned that I'm aware of, but at that time, my post would not have fallen within the guidelines.

 

[MJ6987]

As others have pointed out, you apparently didn't really listen to the show. You'll note that my main complaint with the food was that much of what we were served I could have had at Denny's. The food being served was dumbed down american food - I wanted a more authentic experience.

Also, as has been pointed out, my issue with Tunisia (not Egypt) was their treatment of women. They have every right to do what they want, my point was that if Tunisia was to be a port of call, I would not be getting off the ship. Not sure what issue you have with that, but clearly you hear only what you want without really listening.

Also, if you're going to call my comments ignorant, you may want to use spell check when doing it. It's Sistine chapel, not Sisteen. Just sayin'

Pete

Thanks for the response. Apologies that I forgot it was Tunisia not Egypt (close!) and yes, I thought "Sisteen" didn't look right!

I do listen, honest, and I enjoy the show and especially your honesty. I just sometimes find your views a bit insular (not sure if that's the exact right word but best I can come up with)

That said - keep up the good work!

Apologies to all if I came across a bit anti-American (I'm really not - got family who are American). I can see that it comes across that way now re-reading it though.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

Thank you for apologizing! Now, let's move on to more fun topics, shall we?

 

[SamSam]

Thank you for apologizing! Now, let's move on to more fun topics, shall we?

 

[TheWho]

Agree or not, that was one entertaining episode. The attention to detail and frank discussion by Pete and his team might ocassionally send them "over the line", but that's what makes it "unplugged" and entertaining. A little edgy is good (especially when every other Disney podcast sounds like a WDW infomercial). Just my 2 cents.................

 

[MJ6987]

Agree or not, that was one entertaining episode. The attention to detail and frank discussion by Pete and his team might ocassionally send them "over the line", but that's what makes it "unplugged" and entertaining. A little edgy is good (especially when every other Disney podcast sounds like a WDW infomercial). Just my 2 cents.................

Totally agree!!

Other podcasts sound like a WDW infomercial? Never!! *cough*Mongello*cough* lol

 

[Cherinva]

Agree or not, that was one entertaining episode. The attention to detail and frank discussion by Pete and his team might ocassionally send them "over the line", but that's what makes it "unplugged" and entertaining. A little edgy is good (especially when every other Disney podcast sounds like a WDW infomercial). Just my 2 cents.................

I couldn't agree more....it's the honesty of this podcast that keeps me here....if I wanted to hear nothing but Disney Fluff, I'd be somewhere else.

 

[schoen]

I think this is interesting. Quite Frankly, I don't know if there is anyway that everyone can be happy in a situation like this. I totally understand Pete's complaints about a lack of choices in many of the ports. That does seem silly. I ABSOLUTELY agree that for the prices ABD charges there should be NO issues.

Food is tough though. It is especially tough for a large group, and then when you compound that with the reality that you have different cultures intermingling, I feel like ADB is probably always going to be fighting an uphill battle.

Pete wanted an "authentic" dining experience. I think that is a common desire of international travelers. However, often when American's are presented with actually authentic options they are often disappointed, because it is not only not what they are used to, but also not what they are necessarily expecting.

I lived in Russia for awhile. I was expecting a lot of beef stroganoff, cavier, and borscht, based on my American cultural perceptions of what Russian food is supposed to be. This is what we see at Russian restaurants in the states. What I found when I got there was a lot of potatoes, A LOT of pickled fish, and more beef tongue than I ever dreamed possible.

My expectation of what was authentic and what was actually authentic did not match up. It turns out that while I respect the Russian food culture, my American pallet was just not on board. I found myself struggling to find food I liked in the country, and rejoicing when i took trips to Moscow and St. Petersberg because they had familliar food for me.

ABD is never going to be able to please everyone. They should focus on quality and experience though, so I certainly agree with Pete on that one. Choices are important for diners.

I am also not sure about the demography of a typical ABD add-on. I would imagine that there are often several non-americans? There is another set of tastes and sensibilities to cater to.

I guess I just think that food will always be a tough subject for ABD given the size of their groups (banquet food is rarely particularly great) and the various cultural expectations and sensibilities they have to deal with.

 

[jcb]

Food can be a challenge anywhere you travel. I consider California Pizza Kitchen an abomination . . .

Ok, seriously, on one of my trips to the World, I asked a CM from Norway what he found most challenging about being in the US. He said it was the food. Our food is so "heavy."

 

[mainegal]

Last weekend we wandered around the streets of Vieux-Port (Old Port) Montreal trying to find a good restaurant. I know we are in a touristy place because everywhere I turned there was another tacky souvenir shop, should I also expect to find good food? I stopped at the Tourist Information place and asked for advice on local specialties and was told poutine and smoked meat. I should have asked where they would eat, but I have a feeling it would have been the McDonald’s up the block.

We ended up having crepes, quiche lorraine, salmon and yes, I had poutine topped with smoked meat. (YUM!) Truly not sure if it was authentic, but I enjoyed the food and Stephen enjoyed some good local beer.

 

[darrengs]

...
Apologies to all if I came across a bit anti-American (I'm really not - got family who are American). I can see that it comes across that way now re-reading it though.

Honestly, it came across as Anti-American, because that is the only way it could be read. We are ignorant, "typical insular American"(s), our food needs to be dumbed down so we should stick to Epcot, and we are disrespectful of the Sisteen (sic) chapel.

When you put the word "typical" in front of a nationality, race, etc., it definitely becomes pejorative.

"If you want international food that is dumbed down for American tastes then stick to Epcot."

"Not that you'd know given the amount of largely American voices talking in the chapel"