One of the things Pete said he loved/appreciated about his job - we GET it too!

[Circusgirl]

Dodie, thanks for making this thread! I have thoroughly enjoyed the company of other DISers both on the boards and in the parks. I have made some lifelong, true, incredible friends through the boards, and my DIS experiences just keep getting better and better. I used to travel solo to Disney most of the time, and now my social schedule is often delightfully full. I loved my solo trips, but there is a special magic in sharing the experience.

I love having this place to be creative and geeky while sharing passions and experiences with a bunch of the nicest people I could ever hope to meet!

 

[scarlett873]

I couldn't agree more Dodie!

I am very fortunate to have met some pretty terrific people because of the DIS...specifically because of the Podcast. I have made many lifelong friends as well...some sparkly-eared sisters...some good friends who live locally...good friends who don't live locally...and a true BFF.

I consider myself pretty lucky to have stumbled upon the DIS and to have found such an amazing group of people!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I agree 100% and was going to post this before I came across your thread. Yes, not everyone is the best of friends, but that is a part of life. I think the good outweighs the bad here and lifelong friendships have, in fact, formed amongst so many. I am sure that this is something Pete never imagined would have happened from his big idea many years ago when he created the site.




And Tom? You got that right!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

When I was listening to that part of the podcast today, my reaction was:

Group Hug!

It's very true what people are saying. I found a lot of people on the DIS who are now people I consider friends. My spontaneous July trip was made because I found out a group of DIS women who played VMK were going to be there.

WOOHOO! Can't wait! Can't wait!!! We're going to partttttttttttay!

 

[adsrtw]

I have to chime in (in tears). Dodie couldn't have said it better.

I found the site two years ago when I had the dream of being able to afford to take my kids to Disney, but I wasn't expecting to meet such a wonderful group. I lurked quite a while, then decided to post here and there. I found my way to the Goddess thread on W.I.S.H. eventually. I posted with them off and on, then I drank the kool-aid. A few of us became a very tight group, both on the boards and off (even though we live in different states). We talked about participating in the Princess Half about a year ago and made it a reality this past March. Some of our group had met during a previous trip, but I hadn't. Little by little, we began arriving at the World for the weekend and I had absolutely no reservations about meeting (and rooming with) these ladies. <Wow, we had a ton of luggage!> Once we all arrived and said our hellos, it was like we were long lost friends. The synergy was amazing. I am so fortunate to consider them some of my greatest friends. Who would have thought that!?! Talk about an amazing force. We talk on the boards and off daily. What a wonderful result!

 

[cocowum]

Very well said Dodie! We couldn't agree more. The friendships we've made because of this board and the podcast mean so much to us.

Paul and I were just saying the other day, how lucky we were to have met so many wonderful people. People that, without this board and the podcast, we would have never known. People that have become such dear friends.

I just want to say thanks to the team for bringing us all together.


I can't wait to see you all again!!!

 

[k5jm]

Dodie was right on the nose. Christy and I have not only made fantastic friends and become part of an incredible community, we have shared our lives with you and enjoyed some of our most exciting moments (and that does not include me losing my pants at DATW, thank goodness). We look forward to our DIS Family events and seeing our DIS friends when we head to Florida, California, New York, Jerzy, Delaware, The Netherlands, Massachusetts, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Canada, Georgia, Louisiana, or even right here in Texas. Between our web of communications mediums, we have become a big family that is only physically separated yet, virtually connected. Thanks everyone for sharing your lives with us!

 

[Launchpad11B]

The boards have given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of folks who under normal circumstances I would not. There are exceptions, but as a general rule most people stick to what they know as far as social circles. For example, I'm a Soldier and for the most part have only known other Soldiers, Police Officers, FBI agents, and a whole bunch of other government people who share my day to day responsibilities. I'm good friends with DISers George, Don, Mike and Aaron. All tech guys. I wouldn't know them if not for these boards. I'm good friends with Dodie, Brandie, Jen, Kathy, Kelly, Nicole Andrea and lots of others because of the DIS. Aside from family, I don't have a single female friend in my day to day life. Todd, Dave, Chris, Don and Aaron ran the muddy buddy together for GKTW without ever having met each other. I don't know other people like that. Most people who post on the DIS are cool. The podcast team does a great job with the site and organizing events. So thanks for giving me the opportunity to know so many decent people from all different backgrounds and different parts of the country.

 

[crazydisneyman]

I couldn't agree more with everyone here. Thanks Dodie for posting this thread. I enjoy meeting new people, but finding a Disney community was the best! The people that I have met are true friends, and I agree with others here that Disney people are also good friends. I am very proud of our group. I feel privilaged that I have been able to help GKTW by running the Muddy Buddy race. I would also echo what Paul has said. I never would have met all of you wonderful people without the DIS. My wife, Kim, has really reached out to many DIS people including Corey and Julie, and it just shows that this group has quality people in it!

Thanks for making a lifelong Disney fan feel welcome! You all have a been wonderful to me and my family.

 

[DisneyKevin]

The boards have given me the opportunity to get to know a lot of folks who under normal circumstances I would not. There are exceptions, but as a general rule most people stick to what they know as far as social circles. For example, I'm a Soldier and for the most part have only known other Soldiers, Police Officers, FBI agents, and a whole bunch of other government people who share my day to day responsibilities. I'm good friends with DISers George, Don, Mike and Aaron. All tech guys. I wouldn't know them if not for these boards. I'm good friends with Dodie, Brandie, Jen, Kathy, Kelly, Nicole Andrea and lots of others because of the DIS. Aside from family, I don't have a single female friend in my day to day life. Todd, Dave, Chris, Don and Aaron ran the muddy buddy together for GKTW without ever having met each other. I don't know other people like that. Most people who post on the DIS are cool. The podcast team does a great job with the site and organizing events. So thanks for giving me the opportunity to know so many decent people from all different backgrounds and different parts of the country.

Well said!

We probably would have never met or become friends without the Dis.

 

[Launchpad11B]

Well said!

We probably would have never met or become friends without the Dis.

I'm happy we did. Getting past society's stereotypes is tough. Physical appearance is the first impression people get. Most folks think I'm very mean when they see me. I'm not. Everyone on the boards has a similar story I'm sure. The DIS allows us to get past that ingrained initial judgment.

 

[k5jm]

Most folks think I'm very mean when they see me.

Paul, mean

 

[SamSam]

What a wonderful thread! Although I haven't met a lot of the dissers in person, I still feel part of this wonderful, supportive community.

I have met most of the crew; at a December event held at the Swan (actually got to meet Bob at that one), and then at what turned out to be Bob's Memorial.

It is a very special group of people, and like others have said, we all 'get it'.

 

[jcb]

I lead something of a double life. Professionally, I'm confident (some say arrogant) but personally and socially I'm shy (to the point that I'm sometimes referred to by the name of a particular part of the anatomy ).

Before the DIS, I would never have joined an online community or gone to any public event it sponsored, much less introduced myself to anyone at the event but I found I really enjoyed TSM (1.0). I'll always be a social misfit but the DIS has helped me overcome some shyness (though I doubt seriously I'll be up on stage during karaoke night on PCC 2.0).

 

[wishspirit]

I'm happy we did. Getting past society's stereotypes is tough. Physical appearance is the first impression people get. Most folks think I'm very mean when they see me. I'm not. Everyone on the boards has a similar story I'm sure. The DIS allows us to get past that ingrained initial judgment.

I haven't met you yet, but I hear very mean things about that pinkie!

 

[DisneyKevin]

I lead something of a double life. Professionally, I'm confident (some say arrogant) but personally and socially I'm shy (to the point that I'm sometimes referred to by the name of a particular part of the anatomy ).

Before the DIS, I would never have joined an online community or gone to any public event it sponsored, much less introduced myself to anyone at the event but I found I really enjoyed TSM (1.0). I'll always be a social misfit but the DIS has helped me overcome some shyness (though I doubt seriously I'll be up on stage during karaoke night on PCC 2.0).

I enjoyed meeting you too and count you as one of my friends.

Now....about that karaoke thing......you might not to let Yvette get wind of this.

If she finds out, you might find yourself not only singing but leading a conga line through the main dinner seating.

 

[kimisabella]

I'll throw my two cents in here as well - I too feel so blessed and happy that not only myself, but my family was introduced into this wonderful group of people. Just last week some friends, came to the D2D LI meet. All of them came from very far away - 2, 3, & 4 hour drives, one way, to spend time with each other. This speaks volumes as to the strength of the bond between all of these people. New friendships were made and others got stronger.

We initially came together for our love of Disney, but, quickly found out that we have many other things in common. It's fun to know people from all over the country, and the world!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it to Hershey in August, then again for PCC 2.0.

 

[cocowum]

I'll throw my two cents in here as well - I too feel so blessed and happy that not only myself, but my family was introduced into this wonderful group of people. Just last week some friends, came to the D2D LI meet. All of them came from very far away - 2, 3, & 4 hour drives, one way, to spend time with each other. This speaks volumes as to the strength of the bond between all of these people. New friendships were made and others got stronger.

We initially came together for our love of Disney, but, quickly found out that we have many other things in common. It's fun to know people from all over the country, and the world!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it to Hershey in August, then again for PCC 2.0.

*like* *like* *like*

 

[DVCsince02]

I'll throw my two cents in here as well - I too feel so blessed and happy that not only myself, but my family was introduced into this wonderful group of people. Just last week some friends, came to the D2D LI meet. All of them came from very far away - 2, 3, & 4 hour drives, one way, to spend time with each other. This speaks volumes as to the strength of the bond between all of these people. New friendships were made and others got stronger.

We initially came together for our love of Disney, but, quickly found out that we have many other things in common. It's fun to know people from all over the country, and the world!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it to Hershey in August, then again for PCC 2.0.

 

[kimisabella]

*like* *like* *like*

awwww, group hug