request from your moderator of this forum

[macraven]

Request from your moderator Macraven of this forum.



This forum is a great source for finding information for Aquatica, Sea World and Discovery Cove.

I believe it is time to update the forum and create new and more stickies so newbies can find information in one place.


We lose some viewers if they can not find what they are looking for or do not get replies to their questions when posted here.

I have found valuable information buried in past pages that should have had more reads.


This will be a temporary sticky for me to learn what you feel is important to make this forum flow better for all.


Let me know your thoughts either in the sticky or by a pm to me.
All pm's I receive will be read.

If you are shy and do have an opinion or thought, please pm me with your ideas if you don't feel comfortable posting on the sticky.


I want this to be a group project with input from those that post here regularly, or never post but always read, etc...
What I feel is more important may not be what you consider eligible for a sticky.


My thoughts were at first to sub divide the forum into three sections.
But after reading through every single post in all the pages here, whew.....
I see too many questions that involve split day visits and subdividing would not work well.



I know we need to hit on transportation from Universal, Disney or offsite hotels on how to get to SW, Aquatica, DC
shuttles from hotels, uber, private car service, public transportation, walking, parking policy, etc
links would be included when possible for all to secure the service online in advance


Information on ticket prices, sales, where to find the best deals or promotions.
(which would include links for all places)



Food at each place and include packages, menu, prices, policies, alcohol, dietary restrictions info, etc
would like to incorporate each place/DC, SW, Aquatica menus and all policies in the sticky and contact numbers for those with dietary needs.


Picture sticky of all and anything at DC, SW, Aquatica
We will try to make it pictures only with exceptions of where you took the pic, date, make a comment it has your family members in it, just simple comments.
Other picture stickies have been cutting out conversations and one word comments of thank you, so beautiful, i wanna go there too, etc.

pictures can tell a thousand stories so it is good they stand alone just for your enjoyment or an enticement for you to take your family there to see it in person.

The forum regular conversations will continue but the stickies on top of the page will be there for all to gain quick info all in one place.

Of course there will be conversation with questions and answers in the stickies.
That will never change.
This is the Dis, we love to exchange info with others and help them have a fantastic vacation at all of the places in this forum.


information and policies of each park.
to include website, phone number, directions, park hours, park restrictions, parking lot, eateries on site and hours, etc. this list can go on and on but will provide basic info that any newbie can use in planning their trip.



None of the above suggestions are etched in stone, they are ideas that came to me after reading through the entire forum.
The stickies can be updated with new/current info at any time.

I am sure you have ideas that I haven't even mentioned in this post.
I'm sure I have over looked other topics that should have sticky status.
Point out to me what you want to be highlighted/included for the readers in this forum.


Please share your thoughts on what you would like to be the stickies for this forum.
I'm a new moderator for this forum and not one to do everything the way I want things done.
I want what you want....

There will be stickies in the near future for the forum.

I will leave this open for the next 30 days.
Then this will be removed.

Macraven

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Great ideas, macraven.

In addition to the dining, tickets, transportation and photo stickies, I would like to see one for info on 'upgrades' ... things like cabanas (for Discovery Cove and Aquatica) and tours (SeaWorld). Perhaps that would also be a good place to include information on Photokey (the photo service at the SW parks) too.

Looking forward to seeing more organization (and hopefully more activity) here as a result of your hard work .

 

[JaxDad]

Trip reports???

 

[macraven]

You don't realize how much I appreciate your suggestions !

I know the forums have not had the love as other forums but I want that to change.


I could create stickies on my own but feel the regular and one time posters /readers should have a voice here.


I think we have a great start already.

Upgrade sticky is a necessary
We lose too many readers when they have no where to go for up to date info.
A reader can get lost reading threads that turn out being useless to them in fact finding.

I need someone to work with to keep a sticky updated when promos come out.
If I have someone that wants to take over a sticky for updates, I can start it out and all can add to it

Another yes for trip reports.

I know we have a separate forum for all trip reports but with Sea World, Discovery Cove and Aquatica gaining more visitors, we need a separate sticky for that in our own forum here.

I can move trip reports from the other forum to a new created forum
All it will take is my time.

Thank you and if anyone else wants to make suggestions, please don't be shy to post here or pm me.

 

[jennasmommyinMS]

This is so exciting to me! I've spent so much time digging around here for information that I need for our May trip, and I'm happy to see the changes coming! The suggestions that you've received (and thought of yourself) are exactly the ones on my mind, but I'll post with anything that might come to mind.

 

[zilp]

Don't forget to add Busch Gardens to the mix, sister park to DC/SW/AQ

 

[macraven]

Don't forget to add Busch Gardens to the mix, sister park to DC/SW/AQ

i will run that idea past the web masters, but i need to do some research on it first

if i can add busch gardens, it could possible open up discussions to the events they have there such as howl o scream.
The universal forum gets temporary stickies during some special events held at UO

i rarely come across posts in Universal forums about busch gardens.
i need to reread (again) all the pages in this forum to see how many past posts are about busch gardens in tampa.
if i can find enough posts about busch gardens, i could do a temporary sticky to see if it grows.
give me some time to see if i can find enough posts to fill 3 pages.


i look at the number of postings for sw /aquatica and see it has grown over the last 3 years.
i could see it eventually becoming its own forum if postings and topics surge.

my first priority is to organize and merge same topic subjects so readers can see many opinions in one spot.
i have merged some threads and still trying to see how posts can blend together for a thought and theme.

it is not going to be completed overnight as i am doing the same with the other 3 forums.
but, this forum has been my priority from the start.
stickies are important and current up to date information is very important.

Gina has given me wonderful ideas why an 'up to date' thread would be valuable.
promos on tickets come and go (including meal packages)
special buy one get one free coupons
change of park hours
price increases
cabanas
tours
special car rental discounts
weather conditions policy
etc

i'm trying to find sources that list the above type of info that readers can check
kind of a "one stop shopping" set up for this forum
if i can find the most accurate source and bookmark it, all i need to do is a check for changes daily to update info in a sticky each morning.

or it could be a thread where anyone can post and state the information and date they found it.
that is another way to have current daily information.

now the list i have just put out for you to read, doesn't mean it has to include all of that.
some of the questions i have read through in this forum have those type of questions
if i read the same type of question a few times, i assume the poster could not find the info in the forum, did not get a reply, or gave up if it wasn't on the first page.

i appreciate all of you and your suggestions.
i'm not offended or upset if you disagree with me.
i'm flexible and i play nice with everyone.

 

[zilp]

I think some info on BG would be helpful. Years ago when I first started planning a trip to SW, I learned here on this forum about deep discounts when adding DC or BG tickets. For instance, I am sure you have read that you get free admission to AQ and SW when you buy tickets to DC. For an additional $20 you can add unlimited visits to BG (for 14 days), which is a great deal! This spring will mark my third trip to FL to visit both BG & SW and my second with DC/AQ.

I also learned on this forum about some of the extras at BG, such as the safari tour. It was such a wonderful experience the first time, we are going to do it again this year.

I'm a big planner, so I relied on this forum to answer my BG questions. I know there haven't been many questions about BG lately, but maybe because people don't realize BG is affiliated with the SW parks and know to come to this forum?


eta, I know people on the boards are pretty excited about the coasters at BG, there are a lot of coaster enthusiasts

 

[keishashadow]

mac - i am loving the changes you are implenting on the boards, great job! I agree it's difficult to find current info re SW/DC/A/BG as opposed to the other boards here, stickys are a great idea.

Love the idea of photos/TRs being mostly posted in a separate thread. Offputting to see the same pictures posted multiple times within related threads. Along that line, perhaps implementation of a general discussion thread (along the idea of the SANS thread?) to help keep more informational threads a bit more concise for those who don't have the time or patience to plow thru all the threads.

many of us have been visiting BG/Sea World & DC for years, but not as frequently as the other parks...things can change between visits. These forums are great but I do think many forget there are several guidebooks out there that are easy reads and a good place to start with planning.

Agree with prior poster, BG has some amazing add-ons, my kids still talk about feeding the giraffes during a trip years ago! A separate BG/TR thread would help showcase the park. Adding their halloween info, even from years' past would be great.

There does seem to be a larger surge in interest here the last few years due to the BOBO AP promos. More than few are holding onto SW AP vouchers but, as the system is set up, frustratingly cannot price out the acccompanying discounted DC dates.

It's a lot to ask (and I have lol receiving info for individual dates) but would love to see someone with an active AP in their 'down time' go thru the year and list the dates/prices for the discount. Certainly would help with spur of the moment/bonus trip planning.

 

[macraven]

I welcome your input.

I know you are a regular in the SW/DC/ etc parks for years.

Maybe a conversational/discussion thread would be something that would keep information current in this forum.

Kind of like shopping at Walmart
Always able to find everything there in one trip.

The idea for an AP holder to post that type of info would be beneficial for readers.
Much easier to plan trip dates for a more economical vacation.
Why not schedule your time at SW for dates to save you more money

 

[macraven]

Merged the older SW picture thread to the new one that Gina started.

Going through and presently updating that portion of the thread as i have found so many posts have pictures that have been removed, or no longer available.
Out of 4 pages completed so far, 143 posts have been deleted mainly for no pic showing up or having the link lead to a private site.

Original messages that ask about a specific show/picture, etc have been left in the early part of the forum.
I have removed some one liners of, "wow, beautiful picture", "i always look forward when you post pictures", "your pictures are so much better than what i have seen", etc.

All the pictures are great!
I don't want anyone to be shy and not post their pictures thinking it is not comparable to others that we see.
I want the sticky to be inviting for all to share what they saw in the park.

Please us the pm button to share conversations or praise to a poster if you are awed by their pictures.

Any information you want to say about the picture set up is fine.
See a picture and don't know what it is, ask on the thread.
Want to ask what type of camera was used to take that picture, quote the pic and ask on the thread.



I think it is wonderful when a poster lets us know the date/place for the pictures they show us.

it is your thread to share, just play nice please!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

It's a lot to ask (and I have lol receiving info for individual dates) but would love to see someone with an active AP in their 'down time' go thru the year and list the dates/prices for the discount. Certainly would help with spur of the moment/bonus trip planning.

Alrighty, its done . @macraven , if it passes your moderator inspection, would you be able to maybe make it a sticky?

http://www.disboards.com/threads/2016-discovery-cove-passmember-rates.3493397/

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

First of all macraven, thank you VERY much for all the work you do for the site as a mod!

Is there enough activity to warrant a sub forum on resorts and places to stay?

 

[keishashadow]

Alrighty, its done . @macraven , if it passes your moderator inspection, would you be able to maybe make it a sticky?

http://www.disboards.com/threads/2016-discovery-cove-passmember-rates.3493397/

thank you for paying it forward gina! now, off to plan imaginary trips

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

thank you for paying it forward gina! now, off to plan imaginary trips

You are most welcome!

 

[macraven]

Thanks homies

Right now i am in my 4th hour straight of working in the sea world picture thread.
There are 27 pages and i'm on page 8.

I have to look at the picture, if there are conversations that are important to the pic or a question asking for help, i am keeping all of them in the post.

The ones that were privately owned pics, and do not show up, i have sent pms to so i can keep those pics in place.
Some I have had to delete as I am sent to a private site.

I have had to edit some conversations that i have left in the thread.
Directives from the webmasters states in the Disboard policy, we are not to discuss sea world bashing of their care of the water animals or political policies.

I am not giving out points to anyone for that.
I was not involved in past threads made before I became a mod over here.

I don't work in the past, i work in the present.

Guidelines that were posted by metro west some years back are still in effect.
Sooner or later I will update that but it will be so similar to how it is now.

His other sticky, as a mod, was to warn all about bringing up, discussing, posting a specific violation.

If, as of this point, I do read postings violating Disboard rules/guidelines, it will be taken care of privately.


With such a great group of people here, I highly doubt that type of situation will ever happen here.
Posters here are very helpful and really want to have this forum shine.
I can work with any of you if there is a difference of opinion.
My goal is to organize this forum so well, it can work on its own.

There are some decisions that I have to discuss with a WebMaster at times, so my answers may have a delay getting back to you.

We have a goal of helping others, grow in numbers, and become a bigger forum on this portion of the darkside.

Now, I call the UO forums the darkside affectionately.
We were the red headed step children of the Disboards for a very long time.
We felt over looked and unloved at times.
We were the small group that included other parks and attractions in Orlando.
It has taken some years but now we have more newbies with questions and advice.

And, we have this forum!

Any forum can grow if we all work together.
This forum of SW, DC, Aquatica (and hopefully Busch Gardens) can provide a steady source of information for those that come looking for it.

When you look at a new forum trying to find answers, you usually look at the first page.
You don't want to deal and search all 100 pages.
Besides, you ask yourself that if i go back to info that was current in 2009, will it still be valid?

I say if we had stickies that are kept current, we will be providing valuable information to everyone.
For those that have been going to this forums' topic places, they like to look back to "yesterday" and marvel over the growth some places have had.
Walking down memory lane gives me a good feeling.


It took me many tries to establish a talk/chat thread over there on the Universal forums.
Something About Nothing is just a place that welcomes everyone and plays nice.
If you have never been to my home there, come on over and say hi and chat with us.
Todays big topic was the birth of one of the homies that finally delivered her baby and the announcement that there is an alert out for bumble bee can tuna.......lol

Like I posted last week with making this temporary sticky, it will go down within the 30 days.
This is the time for me to share what I believe I can help you make this forum develop more.
How many forums do you see have a moderator open the doors for a discussion in improving a site?
I'm opening the doors to hear what you want and how can we together, get it done.
I"m not here to make set this forum up my way, but the way you tell me what works for you.

Once I have stickies in place, and do some merging of threads by categories, I will only be here to monitor, read and help if needed.


I do thank each and everyone of you for reading, sharing and tolerating the new kid in town here....
my purpose is to serve the Disboards and meet the needs you request.

 

[macraven]

First of all macraven, thank you VERY much for all the work you do for the site as a mod!

Is there enough activity to warrant a sub forum on resorts and places to stay?

I will have to run that past the webmasters.
I will need a plan and an outline to present to them explaining why it is beneficial to the Disboards for a sub forum pertaining to vacation housing needs.

With much of my day time here trying to figure out a system for better flow of information for the 3 sections, i don't have time this week to check out the thread of Orlando hotels located in another part of the Disboards.
I know I need to read over there to see what they offer viewers for hotels in the Sea World, etc areas.
Honestly, that is one board I have not ventured to and read in a long time.....
Don't know if rental property, motels, hotels, time shares near SW is even covered in that hotel forum.

But, many do come to Orlando for Sea World, trips to the beaches and other venues.
(and want to stay near where most of their days will be spent.)
Not everyone takes in the darkside or motherland on all their family vacations stay onsite there.

It's a fair question and deserves a fair answer.
I will work on that later.


I feel the issue of Busch Gardens has value to explore now.
Some topics interrelate and it is not easy to draw a fine line to separate them.



I make notes when reading through this forum and still visualizing how to make sub forums.

 

[macraven]

Alrighty, its done . @macraven , if it passes your moderator inspection, would you be able to maybe make it a sticky?

http://www.disboards.com/threads/2016-discovery-cove-passmember-rates.3493397/

Gina you do a fine job with everything you put out there on the dis boards.
i have not looked at it yet, but will after dinner tonight.
Heck, it's 4:30 pm now and i haven't even gone to the grocery store to get the crap to make dinner.......


I trust your judgement and if you and others need something, then i will support you.
This forum has gone too long without someone to care and help organize, starting with stickies.

Anyone that takes the time and effort to make us work together, I am totally behind them.

 

[zilp]

my first priority is to organize and merge same topic subjects so readers can see many opinions in one spot.
i have merged some threads and still trying to see how posts can blend together for a thought and theme.

As far as merging past threads on topics, I must respectfully disagree. As a disclaimer, I will say that one of my recent threads was merged with another. I have been on the Disboards for years, and I'll admit I am much more of a lurker than a poster here. However, I am a very active member on another forum where there are also multiple sub-forums, similar to the Disboards. With that said, I have never in my experience as a forum member seen threads merged together, no matter what the topic.

As a poster, to have my conversation moved and placed into another conversation is.... unsettling, to say the least. To me, it looks like I was in a conversation with people when in fact I never "spoke" to them. It is questionable to see my words in places I never put them. In my experience, each thread has it's own unique tone, rhythm and natural flow. And as a poster it makes me leery that someone would take what I wrote and feel they could move it somewhere else. As a poster, I feel I have the right to participate in a particular thread if I want to or abstain, but that should be my choice.

Please, please don't take this as an attack on your changes. I realize this has been bothering me since the threads merged and wanted you to see another point of view. I suggest instead, just starting anew and leaving the old topics as is. As a forum member I do realize that some topics come up again and again. This is where I think the stickies you are creating will be so helpful.

I look forward to seeing you turn this forum into an improved and streamlined version and I recognize the long road you have ahead of you.


zilp

 

[macraven]

I don't take any opinion that differs from mine as an attack.
If something is said that bothers you, just say it.
I don't want anyone to feel unsettled.

We all do things differently to make a forum work well and improve.
I rather be told directly than have a few get together thinking strength in numbers.

Lurkers are just as important as the one time poster, limited poster or regular poster.
Everyone is welcome here with any opinion they have.
As long as the Disboard guidelines are followed, everything else is open for discussion and comments.

It will really lighten my load not to merge threads.
That is not an issue for me.

I was quite open on how things could be done but nothing is etched in stone when it comes to merging threads.
I am in a learning process to hear from all that read here, what works best for you.
You don't know me but I'm flexible.

What would make this forum shine and grow is what is important to me.
Having stickies with current info and updated is what is important to me.
Making all posters know they are welcome here is what is important to me.

I go to the same parks you all go to.
I know how difficult it can be for a newbie to find information that will help them.

Providing links, information, updates on promo sales, where to eat in the parks, how to get to the parks, how to purchase your SW AP/including DC, etc,
where to stay near by, best seats and times to be at the shows, etc, are all topics that many need help on.


My goal is to get some basics accomplished for the good of the forums.

By the way, the forum has a new sticky.