Pete's rants for 8/05/09

[wdwowner]

Last week was the 2nd time I listened to a Podcast, and I have to agree with you. Insulting the president of WDW repeatedly could certainly come back to bite Pete in the derriere. If he were ordinary Joe DISer and made those comments, it wouldn't matter. But when your company does a lot of business with WDW and DCL - making the comments he did was unwise.

Thanks. I'm glad to see that I am not the only one who feels this way.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin, every restaurant, even Disney, charges a premium for dinner vs lunch. Is there any real reason to change more for dinner vs lunch? No. Everyone, not just WDW does it. Is that fair?
--

In another view of Pete's rant, I am worried the goal of the rants just may backfire on the entire Disney Fan Community. The people who love Disney soooo much and want to share with everyone by creating unoffical podcasts and website have fine line they must walk. They have to entertain without violating trademark issues and playing recordings and music that is not put out for free by Disney. Many have done it and so far has been OK with Disney.

But over the last couple weeks shows that fine line has been crossed. In last weeks Pete said that we should 'burn down the building' (a terrorist act), and now Pete is calling the President of WDW a 'stupid cleaning woman', a 'puppet for Jay Russulo' and 'run her out of town on a rail'. While I agree there are times that Disney should be called out on things, with continuing comments like these Disney will shut down the unofficial podcasts, and we will loose our connection to our 'escape' when we are not there. There are other podcast that some say 'see everything with rose colored glasses on', they are not name calling, telling people to 'just eat off site', and embarrassing the community as a whole.

As I have been told many times by Pete and others on these boards, if you don't like something, don't post. Now is the time to tell everyone, the DIS Unplugged and everyone who say they 'love Disney', if you don't like the things that Disney and WDW are doing and the way they are handling things then don't go to WDW, don't visit the parks or eat there, don't renew your park passes, don't go on Disney cruises, don't visit web sites or listen to podcasts, don't build a business around Disney, and head north to Universal. This should make lines for attractions and dinning much shorter and more enjoyable for those who want to escape from reality for a few days. No one is forcing you to go to WDW or see their movies. I'm sure Universal would love to have a full time podcast and web sites showcasing them.

How's that for a rant. Don't make the joy of getting a little Disney fix each week a distant memory or everyone.

Rich....if you eat in restaurants, I'm pretty sure you realize that the lunch menu usually involves different offerings that the dinner menu, offerings with less involved prparation. and smaller portions. This would explain the lower pricing.

As for the rest of your post....are you going to take your own advice and stop listening to a podcast that embarasses you? Are you going to stop posting only negativity and sarcasm?

This should make some threads much shorter and more enjoyable for those who want to enjoy the Dis and all it offers.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Last week was the 2nd time I listened to a Podcast, and I have to agree with you. Insulting the president of WDW repeatedly could certainly come back to bite Pete in the derriere. If he were ordinary Joe DISer and made those comments, it wouldn't matter. But when your company does a lot of business with WDW and DCL - making the comments he did was unwise.

You've made a great many assumptions based on listening to two shows.

 

[wdwowner]

As for the rest of your post....are you going to take your own advice and stop listening to a podcast that embarasses you?

Actually I have stopped listening to the e-mail shows, they seem to only have questions and replies to facebook friends for some shows and DIS cruisers. Just a lot of inside stuff that doesn't apply to 99% of the listeners. You know, the 'cliques' that really are not there.

 

[wdwowner]

You've made a great many assumptions based on listening to two shows.

But as you know, a 30 second sound clip can destroy a persons career and life.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Actually I have stopped listening to the e-mail shows, they seem to only have questions and replies to facebook friends for some shows and DIS cruisers. Just a lot of inside stuff that doesn't apply to 99% of the listeners. You know, the 'cliques' that really are not there.

So why do you continue to listen to the discussion show...which embarasses you?

And why do you continue to come to a discussion board that you feel is filled with nothing but cliques?

If you chose to participate and be friendly instead of these mini diatribes (that a lot of people have started to find entertaining, but for the wrong reason)....you might feel more like part of the group. You might actually enjoy yourself.

You might actually get to know some of the folks that post on these boards and participate in our events and shows. And you might feel like you were part of the clique instead of an outsider.....but then I've explained this to you before.

It's at this point that I tell you that you are entitled to your opinion, but I have to ask why, after telling us how much better you like the other podcasts that make you feel good....why you insist on coming back here?

Dont they pay enough attention to you?

You've been invited to join the party....you choose not to. It's your choice. I dont understand it....but it's yours to make.

 

[DisneyKevin]

But as you know, a 30 second sound clip can destroy a persons career and life.

Thanks for worrying about people that embarrass you.

We'll be fine.

 

[NancyIL]

You've made a great many assumptions based on listening to two shows.

I know what I heard on the show last week. One can disagree with executive decisions without making personal attacks about the person(s) making them. I'd be worried about DU's business dealings with WDW after last week's show, if I were Pete.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I know what I heard on the show last week. One can disagree with executive decisions without making personal attacks about the person(s) making them. I'd be worried about DU's business dealings with WDW after last week's show, if I were Pete.

Thanks for your concern.

We'll be fine.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

Kevin, every restaurant, even Disney, charges a premium for dinner vs lunch. Is there any real reason to change more for dinner vs lunch? No. Everyone, not just WDW does it. Is that fair?
--

In another view of Pete's rant, I am worried the goal of the rants just may backfire on the entire Disney Fan Community. The people who love Disney soooo much and want to share with everyone by creating unoffical podcasts and website have fine line they must walk. They have to entertain without violating trademark issues and playing recordings and music that is not put out for free by Disney. Many have done it and so far has been OK with Disney.

But over the last couple weeks shows that fine line has been crossed. In last weeks Pete said that we should 'burn down the building' (a terrorist act), and now Pete is calling the President of WDW a 'stupid cleaning woman', a 'puppet for Jay Russulo' and 'run her out of town on a rail'. While I agree there are times that Disney should be called out on things, with continuing comments like these Disney will shut down the unofficial podcasts, and we will loose our connection to our 'escape' when we are not there. There are other podcast that some say 'see everything with rose colored glasses on', they are not name calling, telling people to 'just eat off site', and embarrassing the community as a whole.

As I have been told many times by Pete and others on these boards, if you don't like something, don't post. Now is the time to tell everyone, the DIS Unplugged and everyone who say they 'love Disney', if you don't like the things that Disney and WDW are doing and the way they are handling things then don't go to WDW, don't visit the parks or eat there, don't renew your park passes, don't go on Disney cruises, don't visit web sites or listen to podcasts, don't build a business around Disney, and head north to Universal. This should make lines for attractions and dinning much shorter and more enjoyable for those who want to escape from reality for a few days. No one is forcing you to go to WDW or see their movies. I'm sure Universal would love to have a full time podcast and web sites showcasing them.

How's that for a rant. Don't make the joy of getting a little Disney fix each week a distant memory or everyone.

I have some bad news for you - Pete's been speaking about Disney in a brutally honest fashion about what they do right and wrong for 10+ years now and has only become more successful for it.

I've been in business meetings when he's told Disney upper management this type of thing right to their faces.

Disney has no power over fan communities or independent websites. Do you think they have any jurisdiction over a podcast? Do you think they are going to shut down all podcasts because Pete said mean things about them?

As far as DU is concerned I am willing to take my chances with any backlash from Disney and stand behind what we say on our podcast. We are, and always have been, honest in our opinions of Disney and as a result we continue to thrive and grow. I believe this growth is a direct result of people recognizing the character of who they are doing business with. We are passionate about the things we like and the things we don't like. If that results in a negative impact in our business that's a risk I'm willing to take - so far it hasn't.

Rich - I have to wonder why you even listen to our show. It seems to me that all you ever post are negative comments about it or us. In my opinion all I ever see from you is contradictory posts to what we say and our points of view.

I'm all for having an opposite point of view from ours and discussing it but I am beginning to think you post that way on purpose in the hopes of starting a fight or getting people upset. It's as if you take up the contrary on almost every issue on purpose.

If that's not the case and you really don't like what we say then why do you even listen to us? As you say there are plenty of other podcasts you find more to your liking, it makes no sense to me why you would waste your time listening to one you disagree with so strongly.

John

 

[yitbos96bb]

I don't know. The ticket price increase still doesn't bug me. I know disagreement with Pete's rants are futile, but it is just something that happens rain or shine that I am used to.

This dining plan thing, though, it is awful! I am glad Pete gave it the attention he did. I personally, have never used it since most of my trips are spontaneous 3-day deals. But for those families who cannot afford to go off peak, this will be a further deterrant.

Being able to afford the ticket price increase is one thing... I think what bothers most people is the PRINCIPLE of raising prices in a recession, especially with a brand built on being family friendly. They pissed away a golden PR opportunity... There are a million places you could have bumped up to cover the "needed" raise.

I also have a problem with them doing it due to the diminished capacity of some park elements (FANTASMIC) and all the hard ticket events cutting into park hour times.

 

[disneyholic family]

i don't always agree with Pete, though i often do.

In this case, i totally agreed with Pete's rant. Agreed with him 1000%. A million percent.

A person who is appropriately skilled to be the head of HR is typically NOT appropriately skilled to run a company. They are two entirely different fields of expertise.

(i'm not even going to get into why heads of HR - and corporate communication for that matter - are usually women - having to do with window dressing and the need for the appearance of a skirt in senior management.).

Over the course of my career, i've had the great misfortune of being around far too many corporate boardrooms, and there is no way any of the HR heads I've worked with could EVER have run the companies they were at. They might have been good at HR (though unfortunately, many of them weren't even good at that), but they certainly did not have the knowledge or experience to run a multi-million dollar organization.

 

[yitbos96bb]

While I certainly agree with Pete's comments concerning the increase in tix prices and the dining plan, I think it's important to distinguish between the two increases. Guests HAVE to buy tickets as part of their Disney vacation, but they don't have to purchase the dining plan. Thus, I would consider any tix price increases fair game for criticism, but Disney is well within their right to create seasonal pricing on an elective part (dining) of a MYW package. I don't disagree with Pete that the increase means that the dining option isn't worth it, but ultimately it's up to guests to determine whether they want to make the dining plan worth it. If guests do the math (which they should) and it doesn't work in their favor, then they shouldn't buy it!

Still a Pete fan, though!

Actually, if you do the math, it ISN'T worth it at all.

I also think part of Pete's rant is due to the principle of raising prices in a recession.

 

[KittyKitty]

I have been listening for a couple of years now and know of Pete's rants. If I don't want to listen to it, I just skip it as there is so much of the podcast I just luv. I don't have to agree with what everyone says on the podcast, but I will defend your right to say it!!

As for WDW choices, the people will decide if it's right or not by using their dollars. I am guessing at $47 a day for premium dining, it is still cheaper than buying out of pocket. But I could be wrong, as I usually eat counter service, and don't go during high season. Actually I don't plan on going for a couple of years, to pay off my mortgage.

If Pete wants us to boycott it, then it is our choice to do or not. As it is his choice to suggest it. $$$$ will be the deciding factor. And if people do boycott it, WDW will rethink their choice, and all the better for us!

 

[yitbos96bb]

I have some bad news for you - Pete's been speaking about Disney in a brutally honest fashion about what they do right and wrong for 10+ years now and has only become more successful for it.

I've been in business meetings when he's told Disney upper management this type of thing right to their faces.

Disney has no power over fan communities or independent websites. Do you think they have any jurisdiction over a podcast? Do you think they are going to shut down all podcasts because Pete said mean things about them?

As far as DU is concerned I am willing to take my chances with any backlash from Disney and stand behind what we say on our podcast. We are, and always have been, honest in our opinions of Disney and as a result we continue to thrive and grow. I believe this growth is a direct result of people recognizing the character of who they are doing business with. We are passionate about the things we like and the things we don't like. If that results in a negative impact in our business that's a risk I'm willing to take - so far it hasn't.

Rich - I have to wonder why you even listen to our show. It seems to me that all you ever post are negative comments about it or us. In my opinion all I ever see from you is contradictory posts to what we say and our points of view.

I'm all for having an opposite point of view from ours and discussing it but I am beginning to think you post that way on purpose in the hopes of starting a fight or getting people upset. It's as if you take up the contrary on almost every issue on purpose.

If that's not the case and you really don't like what we say then why do you even listen to us? As you say there are plenty of other podcasts you find more to your liking, it makes no sense to me why you would waste your time listening to one you disagree with so strongly.

John

Internet Sales 101 - The potential buyers have to trust you and those wgo only spout the positive will never be trusted!

John is right

 

[wdwowner]

At one time the DIS Unplugged was fun to listen to, I was part of the community, I wrote and called in questions, donated to charities. I even called in from WDW during my vacation giving you reviews that you played on the show. John even talked about me and my donation, with my company match and not wanting anything in return (John's words, not mine), and Pete called me a 'good guy'. I cared about the show and wanted to help make it better.

Since Bob's passing there have been a change towards the way the show is presented. The team has changed and the fun has disappeared, the chemistry is gone and I lost a friend in the DU show. I guess things change but not always for the good.

Per Kevin's and John's request I will no longer listen to the show, it truly is the DU team's loss. I'm sure that if I feel this way, many others do too, they are just afraid to post.

Imagine how much good Pete and the entire DU team could do if they stuck to positive thoughts and actions. The entire world would be a better place.

As an example, MouseMeets this weekend raised over $26,000 in one day for Make-a-Wish, by being positive and keeping the Disney magic alive. And not one person was talked down to or made fun of. Maybe you can learn a thing of two from that.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I'd be worried about DU's business dealings with WDW after last week's show, if I were Pete.

Your kidding right? Somehow I don't think Disney is going to be turning away business because Pete was mean to them.

Which president was it that didn't know the price of milk? Carter? Regan? It reminds me of Disney execs. Someone needs to remind them of what is going on in the real world.

Disney may not like what Pete has to say, but aside from the fact that they don't have control over it, they also know he runs the largest Disney fan site on the web...I've checked, there is no other Disney site as large or as busy as this one. If Pete decided to make this a Universal site tomorrow, Disney would be begging him to change it back, rants and all.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

At one time the DIS Unplugged was fun to listen to, I was part of the community, I wrote and called in questions, donated to charities. I even called in from WDW during my vacation giving you reviews that you played on the show. John even talked about me and my donation, with my company match and not wanting anything in return (John's words, not mine), and Pete called me a 'good guy'. I cared about the show and wanted to help make it better.

Since Bob's passing there have been a change towards the way the show is presented. The team has changed and the fun has disappeared, the chemistry is gone and I lost a friend in the DU show. I guess things change but not always for the good.

Per Kevin's and John's request I will no longer listen to the show, it truly is the DU team's loss. I'm sure that if I feel this way, many others do too, they are just afraid to post.

Imagine how much good Pete and the entire DU team could do if they stuck to positive thoughts and actions. The entire world would be a better place.

As an example, MouseMeets this weekend raised over $26,000 in one day for Make-a-Wish, by being positive and keeping the Disney magic alive. And not one person was talked down to or made fun of. Maybe you can learn a thing of two from that.

Hmm, that's an interesting post. I don't understand how you could say that the fun has disappeared and the chemistry is gone. I find the reality to be the exact opposite. I think the show has made many improvements and has gotten even better. I 100% miss hearing Bob on every show, but the things they are doing now are great. I laugh so hard listening to the show. I feel like I've connected not only with the DIS community, but also the podcast crew. They're amazing people. I have not heard or experienced anything but kindness from them. In fact, their support of the Muddy Buddy program and Give Kids the World has been incredible. Playing the game of saying one group raised more for charity as opposed to another is childish. Both MouseMeets and the DIS have done amazing things for others and I commend them for that.

It seems like you are really unhappy right now. I'm sorry to hear this. If you find that the show makes you this way (which I can't possibly understand to be honest), then do not listen.

 

[WebmasterJohn]

At one time the DIS Unplugged was fun to listen to, I was part of the community, I wrote and called in questions, donated to charities. I even called in from WDW during my vacation giving you reviews that you played on the show. John even talked about me and my donation, with my company match and not wanting anything in return (John's words, not mine), and Pete called me a 'good guy'. I cared about the show and wanted to help make it better.

Since Bob's passing there have been a change towards the way the show is presented. The team has changed and the fun has disappeared, the chemistry is gone and I lost a friend in the DU show. I guess things change but not always for the good.

Per Kevin's and John's request I will no longer listen to the show, it truly is the DU team's loss. I'm sure that if I feel this way, many others do too, they are just afraid to post.

Imagine how much good Pete and the entire DU team could do if they stuck to positive thoughts and actions. The entire world would be a better place.

As an example, MouseMeets this weekend raised over $26,000 in one day for Make-a-Wish, by being positive and keeping the Disney magic alive. And not one person was talked down to or made fun of. Maybe you can learn a thing of two from that.

It's my opinion you have changed. You went from being a positive participant in the show and these boards to being negative.

In my opinion this change in you started when we did not agree with you on D23. From there no matter what the subject was you disagreed with us, and the majority of posters here.

I'm sorry you feel you lost a friend -but from my perspective you're the one who has stopped acting like a friend.

Our listenership continues to grow. The number of people attending our cruises and our events continue to grow. The amount of participation in the show (email, call-in, facebook, etc) continues to grow. If it is teh podcats that has changed than we are apparently appealing to more people than before.

It is apparent to me from this thread and others that no one here is afraid to post their opinions. They just seem to do be able to do it in a more respectful and noncomfrontational way. Kevin and Frank have been having a spirited conversation for quite some time on this thread and never did it once revert to talks of cliques or that Bob's passing has caused the show to change. These are your fall back arguments and I am pretty sure everyone recognizes them by now.

If you want to stop listening to the podcast that's certainly your right, however don't try to spin this that we 'requested' you to stop listening. We merely questioned why you would listen if you disliked and disagreed with what we said so much.

John

 

[DisneyKevin]

As an example, MouseMeets this weekend raised over $26,000 in one day for Make-a-Wish, by being positive and keeping the Disney magic alive. And not one person was talked down to or made fun of. Maybe you can learn a thing of two from that.

The Dis Unplugged raised $50,000 for Give Kids the World by being ourselves.

The folks on the Dis have donated $3400 to Albany County Headstart in honor of a man (my Dad) that almost 100% of them have never met.

6 guys, who barely knew each other and come from widely varied backgrounds and experiences, got together and raised $3500 by running the Muddy Buddy as a team.

I'm so freakin proud to be a part of this group that I have trouble even expressing it.

Please dont try and hold us up against another group. It's a no win situation.



Rich,

Things can change in the blink of an eye and we have to change with it.

You have proven time and time again, by your own words and deeds that this is not the place for you. You've told us we are a clique and that we embarass you. Why do you keep coming back?

You have chosen to be negative and sarcastic and to purposely feel like an outsider. You have been invited to join and participate and yet you choose to stand outside and criticize those that choose to be a part of the group by calling it a clique. You are like the kid who makes fun of other kids and then wonders why he isnt invited to play.

I have tried to discuss things with you and all you want to do is tell us how bad we are and how much better it is elsewhere.

Bob passed 16 months ago....and this is not the first time that you have said goodbye because of the negative changes you have seen since then...yet you still come back time and time again, to tell us how bad we are and that we are a clique. Again...what are you getting out of this?

If this is bad and that's good....go with that. It's the smart choice for you.

This is my last post re-hasing this same tired subject.

I wish you all the best. I hope you find what you are looking for...whatever that may be.