I'm through with WDWToday Podcast and Unofficial Guide

[Matt]

Maxie, don't try to use logic with him, it really messes his flawed points. I have never used the UG but nothing about that podcast makes me want to run out and get it.

 

[PantherFanStan]

AROOOOOOOOOH! again

 

[Pedler]

There is a post from Len on www.wdwtoday.com saying

"I'm fairly certain Christina was joking about abusing the guests. Sorry that didn't come through on the show. (She wasn't joking about jumping in the photos, the cucumbers, deodorant, or - God help me - seeing phallic references on Splash Mountain.) "

I am not sure I buy that she didn't also give wrong directions or misinformation on hidden mickeys. If your willing to be so bold as to jump into peoples photos then giving wrong directions would be minor by comparision.

Personally I wouldn't let one immature person stop me from buying the UG. It has always had an edge and I never thought they were of the "Disney Magic" type of publication. They are much more cynical on Disney and I do think that they are just in it for the money. BTW I don't see anything wrong with that either. Heck they wrote in the UG about PAL Mickey doing drugs, If they are willing to put that into print you have to figure the people involved in the research / publication are a bit more cynical that your typical DISer. Note: They did portray Christine as a UG researcher in the Podcast.

 

[ChairborneRangr]

I will still get the UG. It is like the encyclopedia. I am sure there are characters I would not like that collected info for the Britania, but it is still useful, even if a litle stale by the time it is published.

I simply don't like Christina (I think that is her name.

As far as their podcast... I have listened to almost all of them. I find http://www.distantcreations.com/************** to be FAR superior.

Everyone of them really hates the animal kingdom, and most of them hate value resorts. In fact the All Stars are universally hated on the wdwtoday podcast. I really think that does a disservice for those people that can only afford ASMo etc and want to give their kids the onsite experience.

I enjoy mgmstudios[dot]org, mouseplanet[dot]com, UG, and mouseworld radio. These guys are the hosts for wdwtoday. I think it is too bad that people that produce such excellent resources, are not very personable.

And I also think everyone should settle down a bit. If you do not like what was said, email them and tell them. I'll bet they will respond.

 

[Daryl]

She was trying to be funny, like a Disney version of Howard Stern...it was pretty weak.

 

[Mamu]

I've found over the years I now do my own thing. Let me make my own mistakes and learn from them.

I used to read and read trying to get the most out of a trip. I now go into a park and let the park draw me, right, left, straight. Does it really make a difference. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore, some are wonderful little hide away spots.

As far as their food reviews go. My taste and their taste are completely different.

I guess it all comes down to get a good book read it, get to know whats rated good, not so good, then make your own decisions.

I do think the more you return, the more you enjoy each park. There are so many little things that I enjoy, yet their hardly ever talked about in these tour plans. I also think places like this web-site have so much to offer.

For 1st timers read the books, Tour Guide Mike or Pass Porter are 2 of the best, plus this web site.

Sometimes too much of a person shows their true colors. Kidding or not I don't think this broadcast helped them.

 

[ChefBilly]

This is the best response yet.
Right on the money.

I've found over the years I now do my own thing. Let me make my own mistakes and learn from them.

I used to read and read trying to get the most out of a trip. I now go into a park and let the park draw me, right, left, straight. Does it really make a difference. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore, some are wonderful little hide away spots.

As far as their food reviews go. My taste and their taste are completely different.

I guess it all comes down to get a good book read it, get to know whats rated good, not so good, then make your own decisions.

I do think the more you return, the more you enjoy each park. There are so many little things that I enjoy, yet their hardly ever talked about in these tour plans. I also think places like this web-site have so much to offer.

For 1st timers read the books, Tour Guide Mike or Pass Porter are 2 of the best, plus this web site.

Sometimes too much of a person shows their true colors. Kidding or not I don't think this broadcast helped them.

 

[cdpa4d]

I've found over the years I now do my own thing. Let me make my own mistakes and learn from them.

I used to read and read trying to get the most out of a trip. I now go into a park and let the park draw me, right, left, straight. Does it really make a difference. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore, some are wonderful little hide away spots.

As far as their food reviews go. My taste and their taste are completely different.

I guess it all comes down to get a good book read it, get to know whats rated good, not so good, then make your own decisions.

I do think the more you return, the more you enjoy each park. There are so many little things that I enjoy, yet their hardly ever talked about in these tour plans. I also think places like this web-site have so much to offer.

For 1st timers read the books, Tour Guide Mike or Pass Porter are 2 of the best, plus this web site.

Sometimes too much of a person shows their true colors. Kidding or not I don't think this broadcast helped them.

Agree whole heartedly! Good response. This particular podcast missed the mark for first timers and for people looking for other useful information.

 

[Matt]

To be fair to the podcast, I didn't say I wouldn't listen to it. Although, the audio could stand some improving. My friend runs the Cinema Blend Audio Show and he uses Skype to talk to his guests. His production values are very high. This podcast could improve that.

However, they do have some interesting shows. I really liked the Jim Hill interview.

 

[babar41]

There is a post from Len on www.wdwtoday.com saying

"I'm fairly certain Christina was joking about abusing the guests. Sorry that didn't come through on the show. (She wasn't joking about jumping in the photos, the cucumbers, deodorant, or - God help me - seeing phallic references on Splash Mountain.) ".

Not to beat a dead horse but... does anyone else find Len's answer a bit lacking? So Christina was joking about abusing guests, but all the rest of her comments and actions were accurate? So, is it supposed to be OK for her to go on a public format representing her company and brag about her questionable behavior of jumping into others photos, make comments about "cripples", take a child like innocent place and see phallic symbols everywhere and on that public format talk about them?

Come on Len! Surely you can see that this pod cast was inappropriate. This whole thing is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Christina obviously needs to mature a little before she is let out to represent UG.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I have to admit something. Sometimes when we see people setting up photos, taking a very long time and blocking other guests from getting past, I will sometimes stand behind the people getting their photo taken and do a little wave in the background. I'm not deliberately trying to ruin their photo, just saying "Hi".

 

[jann1033]

She was trying to be funny, like a Disney version of Howard Stern...it was pretty weak.

owh..to be compared to howard stern is the lowest blow you could ever make, :rotfl2


(I know he has a following but well to borrow from a previous poster...they are idiots( just kidding and making trouble, if you want to listen to him be my guest and i'll decline the offer to do so )

 

[jann1033]

I have to admit something. Sometimes when we see people setting up photos, taking a very long time and blocking other guests from getting past, I will sometimes stand behind the people getting their photo taken and do a little wave in the background. I'm not deliberately trying to ruin their photo, just saying "Hi".

i've never done this as i hate having my picture taken but i thought it was quite funny..guess i would ruin a "cherished" photo, hadn't really thought of that aspect but personally i love getting photos back and finding a little surprise in them( ie gramps scooping out his nose at that moment, a funny face) but then obviously i am warped. it would be different if it were every picture or maybe in the ones disney takes and you pay for but next time i'm there, feel free to jump in the shot!

 

[TDC Nala]

Intentionally walks in between people who are holding hands when she is sweaty.

I've wanted to do this when they're blocking a path and not letting anyone else past.

5. Looks for sexual references on rides, especially Pooh and Splash.

I have done this. I've got a pretty good list.

Good thing I don't write a guidebook. Maybe I should write a parody guidebook.

 

[grumpymakesmehappy]

Ahh the old "you're an idiot if you disagree with me" line. I'm suprised it took this long for someone to use the old arrogant standby. Get over yourself.

If you can't see how this makes UG look bad, I don't think I can explain it to you. Gosh, I'll try though.

I mean honestly, if I went to a travel agent and then I overheard my travel agent making fun of her clients while I was in a store or something, I don't think I'd choose to use her services any longer.

Right or wrong is irrelevant.In fact, if I heard any of my employees disrespecting my clients like this, they would be fired. Once you lose sight of the true purpose of your job, it's time to move on.

I couldn't agree with your response more. My family owns a small business. My parents have taught my sister and I the importance of REPUTATION. We also know that word of mouth is your best advertisement. And guess what people? Word of mouth comes from a good repuation. See it all goes together. We don't stand for attitudes like CT in our business so why would I want to give my business to someone that supports her? Like I stated earlier on the thread, I really really like the UG as a source of info. I just hope they do something to distance themselves from her. She is not good advertisement for the UG. JMO.

 

[Planogirl]

I like the UG and still buy it every year even though we really don't need it any more. I've never heard of Testa. Are they researchers for the book? I don't get the "humor" but I'll keep on buying the UG.

 

[crazyj4488]

I haven't listened to that episode yet but have always found the UG to be a valuable resource and enjoy the banter on WDWToday. I don't think you can take those guys too seriously when they are doing the whole round table deal...their listener question segments contain the best advice.

Check out my Meandering Mouse podcast for stereo audio adventures through the parks...a different and entertaining twist on the whole Disney podcast...trust me.

I still think the guys at WDW Today do a good show and it's on the top of my listen list. I've also talked to Len over email and he's a decent guy....again, I wouldn't take them too seriously.

 

[letterdavidman]

I agree! From now on, I will stick with the Passporter.


Rachel

Uh-huh.

Only thing is, PassPorter pretty much sucks. It's like the Cliff's Notes of the Unoffical Guide, but with pockets--lotsa pockets!! (Yay! Boy, that was money well spent!)

Face it, the UG is the industry standard, Ms. Testa's comments notwithstanding.

 

[wdwcoltsfan]

Uh-huh.

Only thing is, PassPorter, IMO, pretty much sucks. It's like the Cliff's Notes of the Unoffical Guide, but with pockets--lotsa pockets!! (Yay!)

Face it, the UG is the industry standard, Ms. Testa's comments notwithstanding.

Well, I happen to like the passporter and I don't use the pockets. So, I guess it will work out just fine for me!


Rachel

 

[Kristina]

I saw that Christina is featured on the latest podcast and I haven't listened to it but I'm curious as to whether or not the disaster that was the last one was mentioned and if she apologised? Anyone know?