Sean Faulk?

[DisneyKevin]

My biggest problem with Craig, John, Craig, Kevin, Craig, Pete and Craig is that they come across as hating WDW. Not "There's room for improvement." Not "It's nice, but it used to be better." I mean "Walt Disney World and everyone besides us who goes there is complete trash and I'd rather be shot than spend another day at the parks." They legit make me wonder why they continue to do this for a living, because they seem to despise it. Watching them is really making me worry whether things have changed so much in the 4 years since my last trip that I should've spent my $2200 on something else instead of Dinsey World.

I find this depiction offensive.

Not sure what your listening to that would bring you to the point where you hear that we think anyone is trash.

If this is what you're hearing...you should stop listening immediately.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

Can I offset this by saying that I truly love and enjoy all of you.

The greatest showman is overrated. I said it.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Can I offset this by saying that I truly love and enjoy all of you.

The greatest showman is overrated. I said it.

OK - I USED to like you, but them is figthin' words, young man!!

 

[CampbellzSoup]

OK - I USED to like you, but them is figthin' worlds, young man!!

You can NOT love me your too kind of a soul

 

[SorcererHeidi]

You can NOT love me your too kind of a soul

Aaaah, but Mr. Jackman is a STUD, and Greatest Showman is my JAM!! Seriously - I've watched the movie probably like 25 times, and listen to at least some portion of the soundtrack every day, and I'm even going to Madison Square Garden to see Hugh in June!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

The greatest showman is overrated. I said it.

You are welcome to your opinion.

It’s wrong....but you are welcome to it.

 

[KingLlama]

*note to self....don't mess with a sunburned John Magi*

 

[wiihoo888]

I think that Disney has created a huge part of the crowds problem themselves. The emphasis for years has been placed on expanding resorts, rather than focusing on expanding and improving the parks themselves. I’m hopeful that the crowds will get a bit better as the new attractions and areas open over the next few years. It has definitely become less pleasurable to get around inside the parks....no doubt.

As for the service? I don’t know what to say here. Are there a few cast members that seem like they have glossed over, are hungover, or have possibly lost that magic? Yes. Overall, I still find cast members that can make my day better than at other vacation destinations. I make sure to let them know that too

As for the DIS Unplugged podcasts? I find it amazing that people have the opinion that any of them despise the parks. They are my Disney fix when I can’t be there, and they give me sooooo much insight into planning what I want to see on my next visit. I find myself laughing along with so many of their comments. Some aren’t chimes, bells and whistles, but let’s face it....some of Disney can be a bit over the top. Sometimes new park items are good, and sometimes you just have to scratch your head. To me, the podcasts are like having a Disney kindred spirit who understands and relates to the parks the same way that I do....and in each topic, that person can vary

 

[Ron from Michigan]

My biggest problem with Craig, John, Craig, Kevin, Craig, Pete and Craig is that they come across as hating WDW. Not "There's room for improvement." Not "It's nice, but it used to be better." I mean "Walt Disney World and everyone besides us who goes there is complete trash and I'd rather be shot than spend another day at the parks." They legit make me wonder why they continue to do this for a living, because they seem to despise it. Watching them is really making me worry whether things have changed so much in the 4 years since my last trip that I should've spent my $2200 on something else instead of Dinsey World.

I find this depiction offensive.

Not sure what your listening to that would bring you to the point where you hear that we think anyone is trash.

If this is what you're hearing...you should stop listening immediately.

I agree Kevin. I would rather listen to honest opinions anytime. I mean Pete just bought into DVC. You would not do that if you did not love WDW.

 

[ELLH]

They aren't being phoned in, but there's a finite amount of topics that we can talk about before we are just repeating ourselves blindly and we hit that point a year ago. We tried with topics we thought were different and interesting, like the smells episodes, and the feedback was that we were phoning it in. We can't handle dining topics because the Disney Dining Show does that. The hotels haven't changed. The attractions have changed and we are now going to start repeating topics around them, but ultimately we are doing a weekly show that probably can't justify it for a thousand show run.

Craig, have you guys considered a "history of" type podcast series? Something along the lines of the Connecting with Walt series but more a focus on WDW specific facets. There are some podcasts that have this sort of slant and there was recently a podcast done by TheForce.net about StarTours which discussed the origination of the attraction, Lucas' involvement and it's evolutions over the years. (link here)

With the vast Disney knowledge of the DIS team and the various personalities, I think there's a viable series option here for your team to document/discuss the history of rides, theme parks, lands in the parks, etc. Depending on the topic the episode could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour+ with interviews or tidbits from those familiar with the project(s) (i.e., imagineers). I'm not sure if this is something you all would be interested in making a real series of but just tossing it out there. I know I would definitely be a subscriber.

 

[ELLH]

*note to self....don't mess with a sunburned John Magi*

I wouldn't be too scared. He's only part magic.

 

[YesterDark]

They aren't being phoned in, but there's a finite amount of topics that we can talk about before we are just repeating ourselves blindly and we hit that point a year ago. We tried with topics we thought were different and interesting, like the smells episodes, and the feedback was that we were phoning it in. We can't handle dining topics because the Disney Dining Show does that. The hotels haven't changed. The attractions have changed and we are now going to start repeating topics around them, but ultimately we are doing a weekly show that probably can't justify it for a thousand show run.

I hear ya, and it's tough. I've done these kind of shows before when I was in the fansite business and I've been there. Hopefully you don't take my feedback to critically, I still watch/listen to all the show and love what you guys do.

If you'd like some unsolicited advice! here are few things that used to help me organize shows:

1. If schedules and time permit, try not to record multiple shows on the same day. You can tell as a listener when it's been long in the day for you guys (you actually sometimes reference this in the show).
2. When you come up with a topic for the show, do not discuss any of it with your colleagues before you hit record. The best shows are when we the audience get to hear your genuine reaction/surprise to someone else's list.

Was it last week or the week before that you were discussing the new Lightning McQueen show and Ryno had a visceral reaction to it. That was actually great content because it spurned some pretty good conversation with the group. The reaction was genuine and in the moment.

Try to switch up the format of the show. Get away from "The Top X Worst/Best Things about Topic". You used to do polls. Do them again and discuss the results. Start polling people on the same topic from a year ago and get an update and see where there are changes. Start running the polls on the message board and not facebook (I don't used facebook so I'm biased), this way you are engaging these message board more which seems to be something that you're pushing right now (This show is brought to you by the disboards...)

You just had a long trip out to Disneyland with a lot of work days. Why not a Best and Worst of that trip? Why not have a 10-15 minute show about the Best and Worst of the aspects of some big announcement, movie, news item, update etc.?

PM me if you really want to and we can discuss in more detail if you think my advice is useful. I just want to see you guys grow and succeed as much as you can.

 

[ELLH]

2. When you come up with a topic for the show, do not discuss any of it with your colleagues before you hit record. The best shows are when we the audience get to hear your genuine reaction/surprise to someone else's list.

This is a really good point.

I do a podcast (and have been featured on a couple others) geared toward audio (think: audiophiles, without snobbery) and we used to structure our interviews/discussions so that we appeared more "polished" and "prepared" but what we found was that the listeners appreciated the real-time discussion/reactions. If your podcast is telling a story then structure certainly applies but for discussion-type podcasts the structure is more of a limiting factor.

When the conversation is more "off the cuff" it tends to be more lively. Of course, I'll often jot down things I want to talk about with my fellow podcasters and I take notes as they say things I want to come back to but we don't discuss anything about the topic before we hit the record button. At some point the audience is past listening strictly for the content; it's the personalities that keep them coming back to a podcast/team. When conversations are more organic the reactions are not just more "real" but... there. The listener, IME, appreciates the feeling that they're in the mix with you in real time moreso than listening to after-the-fact thoughts and anecdotes. You guys do a great job of this in your weekly DIS Unplugged podcast and maybe extending that out to your other series' would benefit you and the listener.


Edit:
I also don't want this to be perceived as anything other than some feedback from a listener. I think you guys do a great job with your shows. But the PP made a good point in response to Craig's earlier reply and I wanted to expand on that with my own podast experiences. I really and truly appreciate what you all (the DIS team) are doing. I understand how feedback can sometimes feel like a slap in the face for all the work you're already doing and I hope my responses are not taken as anything more than constructive criticism.

Thanks,
Erin

 

[jbish]

Start running the polls on the message board and not facebook (I don't used facebook so I'm biased), this way you are engaging these message board more which seems to be something that you're pushing right now (This show is brought to you by the disboards...)

Totally agree with this one. I'd gladly participate in polls that will help drive podcast conversations. I see the DVC show is using the DVC board for feedback/ideas. I don't use FB anymore either and your most direct connection to your most loyal listeners/readers are on this board already. I'm a big supporter of the podcast and the boards (Patreon), so I also just want to give a little feedback here since I want all platforms to continue to be successes.

 

[YesterDark]

we used to structure our interviews/discussions so that we appeared more "polished" and "prepared" but what we found was that the listeners appreciated the real-time discussion/reactions. If your podcast is telling a story then structure certainly applies but for discussion-type podcasts the structure is more of a limiting factor.

Big time. I love Connecting with Walt and that show is incredibly well done. That kind of show you need to prepare for and be polished. It's a History lesson. Best and Worst shows should be like we are sitting at the table with you sharing a beer and anything goes.

 

[OKW Lover]

I think that Disney has created a huge part of the crowds problem themselves. The emphasis for years has been placed on expanding resorts, rather than focusing on expanding and improving the parks themselves.

I don't think this is true. People don't come to WDW simply for the resorts. People come to WDW for the parks. Some of them prefer to stay at a WDW resort rather than off property. Its that off property segment that is the target of the resort expansion/enhancements. Its the number of people going to the parks that is increasing, perhaps due to better advertising or current enhancements.

Craig, have you guys considered a "history of" type podcast series? Something along the lines of the Connecting with Walt series but more a focus on WDW specific facets.

Love this idea. Although I'm a serious fan of all the Disney parks (and much more), WDW was my first park and I enjoy knowing how different attractions came to be. I love the back story. I love to see blueprints. I love to know the challenges the imagineers encountered when creating the attraction.

 

[disneysteve]

Its the number of people going to the parks that is increasing, perhaps due to better advertising or current enhancements.

I agree. The number of hotels hasn't caused the increased crowds; it's a response to them.

The public, both US and foreign, travel far more than ever. When I first visited WDW in 1978, I think I was the only person I knew who had actually been there. I was 13 and it was my first time on a plane. By the time my daughter was 13, she had been to WDW 15 times or more, had flown several times, and had been out of the country a few times including on a couple of cruises. I know people who I'd consider relatively poor (on public assistance, Medicaid, etc.) who still manage to get to WDW with their families at least once. My senior class trip in 1982 was to Washington, DC. Today, pretty much every school I know of takes their class trip to WDW. It's just a far more popular and common destination enjoyed by tens of millions of people every year.

But in many ways, Disney is a victim of their own success and is constantly trying to figure out how to manage the ever-growing crowds.

 

[Teleclashter]

Craig, have you guys considered a "history of" type podcast series? Something along the lines of the Connecting with Walt series but more a focus on WDW specific facets. There are some podcasts that have this sort of slant and there was recently a podcast done by TheForce.net about StarTours which discussed the origination of the attraction, Lucas' involvement and it's evolutions over the years. (link here)

With the vast Disney knowledge of the DIS team and the various personalities, I think there's a viable series option here for your team to document/discuss the history of rides, theme parks, lands in the parks, etc. Depending on the topic the episode could be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour+ with interviews or tidbits from those familiar with the project(s) (i.e., imagineers). I'm not sure if this is something you all would be interested in making a real series of but just tossing it out there. I know I would definitely be a subscriber.

To be honest, we have, but time comes into play with a show like this. It's asking a lot of people to spend their personal time doing research, learning, and compiling information so it's ready to go when we record and if it was a one-person show it might be easier than it is with a show that changes the panel weekly.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I don't think this is true. People don't come to WDW simply for the resorts. People come to WDW for the parks. Some of them prefer to stay at a WDW resort rather than off property. Its that off property segment that is the target of the resort expansion/enhancements. Its the number of people going to the parks that is increasing, perhaps due to better advertising or current enhancements.

Love this idea. Although I'm a serious fan of all the Disney parks (and much more), WDW was my first park and I enjoy knowing how different attractions came to be. I love the back story. I love to see blueprints. I love to know the challenges the imagineers encountered when creating the attraction.

I agree about people coming for the parks. WDW has become the go to place. I can understand this too. They have promoted so much that it really is a destination now. Just look at how many DVC resorts there are now. Rivera opening soon and another on the horizon. There always full too.

I would love a history show too. As somebody who grew up close to Disneyland I think this would be great. I just don't know if they could fit it in.

 

[Teleclashter]

I hear ya, and it's tough. I've done these kind of shows before when I was in the fansite business and I've been there. Hopefully you don't take my feedback to critically, I still watch/listen to all the show and love what you guys do.

If you'd like some unsolicited advice! here are few things that used to help me organize shows:

1. If schedules and time permit, try not to record multiple shows on the same day. You can tell as a listener when it's been long in the day for you guys (you actually sometimes reference this in the show).
2. When you come up with a topic for the show, do not discuss any of it with your colleagues before you hit record. The best shows are when we the audience get to hear your genuine reaction/surprise to someone else's list.

Was it last week or the week before that you were discussing the new Lightning McQueen show and Ryno had a visceral reaction to it. That was actually great content because it spurned some pretty good conversation with the group. The reaction was genuine and in the moment.

Try to switch up the format of the show. Get away from "The Top X Worst/Best Things about Topic". You used to do polls. Do them again and discuss the results. Start polling people on the same topic from a year ago and get an update and see where there are changes. Start running the polls on the message board and not facebook (I don't used facebook so I'm biased), this way you are engaging these message board more which seems to be something that you're pushing right now (This show is brought to you by the disboards...)

You just had a long trip out to Disneyland with a lot of work days. Why not a Best and Worst of that trip? Why not have a 10-15 minute show about the Best and Worst of the aspects of some big announcement, movie, news item, update etc.?

PM me if you really want to and we can discuss in more detail if you think my advice is useful. I just want to see you guys grow and succeed as much as you can.

I sincerely appreciate the feedback, so thank you, and I'm definitely sharing your thoughts with Ryno since he curates the show. The only thing we are locked into is the format, which I know sounds silly, but it's a format that Pete wants to have, so unless we can pull away from it with proven success, we do what the boss wants, but we are definitely trying to spice it up.