Just a few thoughts from a long time listener...

[jcb]

My mistake on 1; it's an issue other posters raise.

I just don't see "the senior guys [who] tend to go to the negative a lot" much less "comments like that I feel like it is a little dismissive or belittling." I remember comments about how living close to the parks means they rarely (if ever) stand in lines longer than 30 minutes, and I don't doubt that some of the "senior guys" no longer ride certain attractions, but I don't recall any comments about how crazy the rest of us are if we wait in longer standby lines or want to ride the attractions.

 

[Strikan]

My mistake on 1; it's an issue other posters raise.

I just don't see "the senior guys [who] tend to go to the negative a lot" much less "comments like that I feel like it is a little dismissive or belittling." I remember comments about how living close to the parks means they rarely (if ever) stand in lines longer than 30 minutes, and I don't doubt that some of the "senior guys" no longer ride certain attractions, but I don't recall any comments about how crazy the rest of us are if we wait in longer standby lines or want to ride the attractions.

Different experiences I suppose. Different comments will stick in our minds from time to time. It is only my impression so no worries. It is just my view on it.

 

[rteetz]

What if the guys being more negative about Disney is because they haven't done a lot of positive lately. As Disney fans we expect top notch service and attractions. If we aren't getting that it's upsetting. Look at things like the new jungle book show, construction, pricing increases, changes in policies, etc. A lot of people are starting to think they are getting less for more money in terms of a day at the parks. Even the general tone of the boards has changed the last few years it's not just the podcast.

 

[Strikan]

What if the guys being more negative about Disney is because they haven't done a lot of positive lately. As Disney fans we expect top notch service and attractions. If we aren't getting that it's upsetting. Look at things like the new jungle book show, construction, pricing increases, changes in policies, etc. A lot of people are starting to think they are getting less for more money in terms of a day at the parks. Even the general tone of the boards has changed the last few years it's not just the podcast.

I think that is certainly a factor as well. It is why I said above how I am looking forward to listening to the podcast when Rivers of Light, Pandora and other updates and expansions come online. But, even while we talk about the negatives, we can also still talk about the good stuff. It was one reason why I liked the last podcast. It had a positive vibe that I really liked.

 

[disneysteve]

It was one reason why I liked the last podcast. It had a positive vibe that I really liked.

And it was so positive because Disney did something new that really hit it out of the park based on the review. I think Pete and the gang are thrilled when they get to give a glowing positive report on something. And it's happened a few times recently - Flying Fish, Tiffins, etc. But when Disney does something underwhelming, they'll let us know about that too. When there is negativity, I think it's generally well-deserved.

 

[rteetz]

I think that is certainly a factor as well. It is why I said above how I am looking forward to listening to the podcast when Rivers of Light, Pandora and other updates and expansions come online. But, even while we talk about the negatives, we can also still talk about the good stuff. It was one reason why I liked the last podcast. It had a positive vibe that I really liked.

They have talked about plenty of good things tho too. Flying fish, Tiffins, some of the Disney springs places, etc. negatives will always outweigh the positives though that's just how it is.

 

[jcb]

Ya'll know that there are people who beg Kevin to go back to shutters and coral reef, right?

 

[disneysteve]

negatives will always outweigh the positives though that's just how it is.

Ryan, why do you say the negatives will always outweigh the positives?

 

[Strikan]

And it was so positive because Disney did something new that really hit it out of the park based on the review. I think Pete and the gang are thrilled when they get to give a glowing positive report on something. And it's happened a few times recently - Flying Fish, Tiffins, etc. But when Disney does something underwhelming, they'll let us know about that too. When there is negativity, I think it's generally well-deserved.

Right but in those weeks when the podcast is mostly housekeeping and the news because Disney did not open something new and exciting, then the podcasts are going to be a little bleak and depressing. That is why I would love to have the general reviews or discussions about a topic back into the podcasts. It would mean we can at least try to moderate a depressing news discussion with perhaps something positive. Otherwise you are just left with another down week at the main podcast and it doesn't really make me look forward to the next one. Not saying we need to only do positives, but something positive in each podcast would be great.

 

[Strikan]

Ya'll know that there are people who beg Kevin to go back to shutters and coral reef, right?

Right but a negative review can still be a positive podcast with so much laughing and joking.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Don't really have a lot new to add or much to say (not like me at ALL, right?) because I've been nodding my head in agreement about a lot that had already been so eloquently stated, but wanted to welcome @Strikan here, and say I have a LOT of respect for you and your hubby to be raising twin 5 y/o's in this day and age! I also want to thank you, and all the posters thus far for making me think about all sides of several issues, and stating all thoughts and opinions in calm, rational, well-thought out and worded manners. It should always be that good! Bravo!!

 

[DLM1980]

Go with me on this for a second. Imagine a 50 foot ladder. Say six flags standards are at 0-10 foot mark. Disney is above them so their standards are 20-30 feet and us being fans think Disneys standards are at the 50 foot mark. Most of the time Disney does great but when an issue arises or a cm has a really bad day we as fans say their standards are slipping anything less than 50 feet and it's bad but in reality Disney is still within their 20-30 foot standards window


This is what happens in some podcasts Disney didn't hit our standard but they did hit what was within acceptable range for their company standards.

Bathroom cleaning though that's like going off the ladder and into a 50 foot pit

I'll have to finish this later lunch break over. I owe I owe it's back to work I go!

 

[Strikan]

DLM1980 - I think you are right. We do have very high standards for Disney. Having said that, I am happy to report that our first trip with the kids in May did not disappoint. I was all ready to notice all the declining standards and mean CMs, but everything was great. Perhaps we lucked out or were Disney Magic blind because of the kids. Either way, it was fab!

Sorcererheidi - thank you so much for the kind words. You know we really didn't know what the hell we had let ourselves in for when we had the girls. We went from one self induced crisis to the next each week. We live in New York but our families are in Europe so it was pretty much just us. We just kind of muddled through. I think we did ok - they are both still alive so that is good. ;-)

Having said that, these forums were a great resource for our first Disney trip with the kids. Invaluable advice on many different things.

 

[rteetz]

Ryan, why do you say the negatives will always outweigh the positives?

Take a look at the news for example. A shooting will always be the first breaking story before something like a donation given to a local charity or a police officer helps a little boy. When I turn on the news it's always shooting here, car accident there, or something along those lines. The positive news always comes last. The negative stuff always seems to hold more weight than the positive.

To relate it to theme parks for example, SeaWorld does amazing work rescuing animals. That news rarely ever gets past the local Orlando or Florida stations. However look at blackfish is when SeaWorld does something wrong it's national news.

 

[Aerin75]

I did Disney for the first time in 2012 - I had always thought I wouldn't like it because I don't like crowds or fast rides or crowds or noise or crowds.... But when I got there I immediately started hunting for my way back. I definitely fell into the bubble and hold them up on a pedestal!

I like all the info on the podcast, positive and negative, because it gives me different perspectives - I never would have thought of the perspectives of people with disabilities without Kevin's well deserved mini-rant in an episode for example. I think I value the negative even more because it gives me a reality check.

Don't get me wrong - I only listen (albeit often to the video in the background at work) to the main podcast, and I don't get to see the You Tube videos as much as I'd like, so I would love more audio only content. And I do miss the extra content at the end of the podcast, but all in all, I'll take what I can get.

And especially I'd never know about the business end of things without this podcast. Not that I couldn't, just that I wouldn't.

Just my two cents.

 

[Strikan]

Aerin75 - you are so right about the disability points. I agree that rants and criticism are absolutely necessary. I just would like a little more positive as well. The older podcast format had additional features which I think helped to counter the negative so you had a full well balanced podcast show. I liked that. If I wanted just all singing birds and sparkle magic I can listen to Lou at the WDW Radio Show (which I often do).

 

[disneysteve]

Right but in those weeks when the podcast is mostly housekeeping and the news because Disney did not open something new and exciting, then the podcasts are going to be a little bleak and depressing.

I don't think I've ever found the show to be bleak or depressing regardless of the content.

Right but a negative review can still be a positive podcast with so much laughing and joking.

Absolutely. Some of the funniest, most memorable reviews have been the most negative ones.

Take a look at the news for example. A shooting will always be the first breaking story before something like a donation given to a local charity or a police officer helps a little boy.

Gotcha. I thought you were referring to the podcast specifically. Yes, the negative and sensationalistic stuff is what sells papers.

 

[disneysteve]

If I wanted just all singing birds and sparkle magic I can listen to Lou at the WDW Radio Show (which I often do).

I tried to listen to his show once and couldn't even get through a full episode. The "singing birds and sparkle magic" was nauseating.

 

[Strikan]

I tried to listen to his show once and couldn't even get through a full episode. The "singing birds and sparkle magic" was nauseating.

Small doses, small doses.

 

[Strikan]

I don't think I've ever found the show to be bleak or depressing regardless of the content.

Probably too strong in my description, you are right. In my defense I did say "a little bleak and depressing". ;-)