Tell us your DIS story...

[WebmasterPete]

Hey Pod Squad!

I'm working on an upcoming piece for the show, and I'm interested in hearing your DIS story. You all heard mine last year, how the site was started, etc - but now I'd like to hear yours. What brought you here, what special friends have you made, what keeps you coming back.

Thx
Pete

 

[Cruz Family]

Pete, are you looking for us to post it here, PM it to you, or something else?

 

[Zdog]

Hi Podcasters,

First off, you guys rock! I work in the broadcasting business (please, I ask for no pity, and don't think unkindly of me, its just a job, I swear! ) so I know what goes into producing a show, and I find the quality and quantity of yours to be outstanding! You must realize by now the connection your listeners have with all of you, which I'm sure you do based on the number of fans you have...and it's a growing audience too. I came across the podcast after finally learning how to upload your shows onto my nano ( I know, welcome to the 21st century, newsguy!!). While I've yet to make friends on the board, I enjoy the quick responses I receive every time I post a message. I find this site to be addictive, and have passed this addiction on to many of my coworkers who are also planning trips in the coming year. All have become quick fans of the site, wasting countless hours at work checking things out.

I'm planning our third trip to WDW this August ( I know, HHH weather, but I'm from upstate NY ((Syracuse)) , so a little sun and sweat will do us all some good) and will certainly keep an eye out for any of the podcast crew, even though my guess is your time in the parks in August may be limited. I'd love to hear your strategies for August visitors, as well as any additional thoughts you have about the Wilderness Lodge, were we've stayed twice before and plan to stay once again this year. Should we spring for a higher priced delux resort? I've also heard you say how your crew has some excellent photographers, and would love to hear a segment on tips for taking the best photos in the parks, the kind that would be most memorable, humorous, and make best use of my wife's scrapbooking talents.

Thanks for the great shows, the great entertainment, and keep up the fantastic work.

Keith K.
Syracuse NY

 

[msteddom]

Okay, I'll start! I grew up going to Disneyland several times a year. Then when I was eight my family took our first trip to Disney World. I couldn't believe there were TWO parks! We went a few more times over the next ten years or so.

Now fast forward to 2002. I had moved back in with my parents, I had just finished my teaching credential and I couldn't find a job. My best friend was in law school and we were both in desperate need of a vacation. We decided on Disney World. Because I had lots of time on my hands and had been to WDW more recently I took on the role of trip planner. I believe I found the DIS thanks to the Unoffical Guide, or from one of the other cites listed in that book, but that summer my Disney obsession was reborn, and the DIS was my enabler.

We were able to book the Fairytale 4+3 package, which allowed us to both stay onsite at Port Orleans Riverside and stay for an entire week, all while staying within our budget. I gained so much valuable advice from the people here on the DIS that helped me have a wonderful vacation! Since then I have been back to the World about twice a year. So I think Pete owes me several thousand dollars! Thanks guys for all that you do! By the way it is 70 degrees here in So Cal today!

Melissa

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I was planning a trip for May 2003 when I found the DIS. I lurked for a few months and then in July of 2003 I registered.
I started posting and over the years I have made some great friends. I spend most of my time on the resort board and have met several of my "Dis" friends in person. I dont call them DIS friends or internet friends they are just friends now and I even speak with several on the phone once a week. They are great people and its nice to have friends that get the Disney "obsession" because my family sure doesnt. Oh and Pete its freezing here in MA!

 

[LovesThumper]

First trip 1977 with three of our kids. (the 4th came later). We felt we were the last folks in Connecticut to go to Disney World. Only the Magic Kingdom and we loved it. Fast forward to the 90's and a couple of trips with our 4th kid- the others were in college. Then in 2000 for my birthday we had our entire family, grandkids and girlfriends- 18 in all down for a week. That was the beginning of my husband and myself coming at least once a year and some years 2-3 times if Southwest is dinging well. I live to walk down Main St. in the Magic Kingdom. I cry at Wishes. I love the street players in Hollywood Studios. Our oldest son is a DVC owner, so the gene has passed on at least to one of our children. We spend our down time planning when we are going again and what new things we will do. Son number 1 is going down with his kids for school vacation next week and my husband, myself and several friends are going in April after the Final Four Basketball Tournament in Tampa. We can't wait to share the experience with friends who have not been there. To those who say how can you go so often- I say How Lucky can I be that I can go that often.
Thanks Podcast crew for helping me to enjoy my Disney fix each week.

 

[stitchlover]

I was a Disney kid. Can't remember what year my parents started taking me but I believe it was the mid-70's. We didn't have a lot of money but every other summer we drove to Florida to visit my great grandmother who lived in Zephyrhills. We always got to spend on day at the Magic Kingdom. By the early 80's those tripped stopped. My husband and I made a day trip to EPCOT in '91 (2nd anniversary) and '92 (3rd anniversary). We NOW ask ourselves WHY didn't we go to the Magic Kingdom all those years ago?

So anyway...in '06 we took our daughter, then age 10, on her first trip. We had never stayed onsite so we did and we were hooked. In January '07 while looking for more information about Disney to help us with our March '07 trip I discovered the disboards. I also haven't really made any friends on the boards but I love taking part in the "conversations" that go on and finding all the information I need and also sharing the information I have. I think I learn something new everyday.

I just started listening to the podcast in January and now I'm REALLY hooked.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I don't really remember how I ended up here.

But I knew that early on I found the WISH board, and got a lot of support for my weight loss efforts through the kindness and friendliness of the folks I met there. Then I got caught up in the whole WPASADI thingy, and that turned my life around...it seemed I couldn't live without these people! I got so caught up in the competition, then I got caught up in their lives, and their troubles, and their dramas...I finally had to step away because I got a little TOO caught up!
Then, the gift...I got an iPod. What to do with it? Music? Sure, but I'm not a big music head. I'm not sure how I discovered the DIS Unplugged...probably accidentally, like I discover most of the best things in my life. But OMG, it was the coolest thing! People discussing some of my favorite topics in the world...Disney, and food! I think the first one I listened to was the one in California, and you sounded like you were having so much fun. I just kept listening, and listening, and like so many have said, it was like I was talking to friends every week (of course, you were snubbing me back then). Then, when I had the opportunity to meet you...well, I was a little nervous at first. I felt like Kevin probably did when he met Samantha Brown...starstruck. I wasn't sure I could talk to any of you...but you fixed that right away, and actually came over and talked to ME! Boy, you guys are easy to like!

So yeah, I'm a groupie now.

 

[Launchpad11B]

Hey Pod Squad!

I'm working on an upcoming piece for the show, and I'm interested in hearing your DIS story. You all heard mine last year, how the site was started, etc - but now I'd like to hear yours. What brought you here, what special friends have you made, what keeps you coming back.

Thx
Pete

My DIS story is more of why I continue to listen, then why I started. My DW had been on the boards for awhile. Planning trips and getting great deals, advice and knowledge. I lurked for about a year over her shoulder but I guess I was a pain in the neck and I was "forced" to register. I'm in the military and my present duties find me on a counter-terrorism team. Needless to say there are not to many "light" moments in my work day. Lots of stress, lots of deployments, lots of time away from the family and also it's a dangerous job. The levity you guys bring to my day is much appreciated. Your humorous back and forth banter is friendly and genuine. You all put out great information and really seem to care about your audience. Disney and your pod cast are something me and DW share a passion for and she's my favorite person. Long story short....Coming from someone who sees and trains for some of the worst things.....You guys and the job you do are some of the best things. Thanks for that Pete. Take care and see you on the pod cast cruise

 

[crazytp93]

I didn't find the DIS. The DIS found me! I googled "Disney World" one day, and about 4-5 pages in, there was something that said: The DIScussion Forums. I clicked on it, and I lurked for about a month. Then I decided to register, and it was the best thing I'd done that year (2007.) My trip in August was a million times better because of this great website.

Tom

 

[Tissa]

First a little background. I am raising my two special needs nephews with the help of my mom. So our little family is me, mom, ds10 & ds12.(I consider them sons)

It was December 2004 when I mentioned to my mom about taking the boys to Disneyworld for Spring break. We had never vacationed anywhere growing up and I wanted to experience that with the boys. I have always wanted to go to Disneyworld and looked around on the internet and found an offsite hotel with a decent price and was real excited. Talked to mom and she said sure lets do it, so I needed more information. I did a Google search for "Disney planning website" and the first thing that came up was the DIS. I became immediately addicted. I spent countless hours reading over everything. Getting up first thing and checking what was new on the DIS became a morning ritual.

I owe the DIS a lot of thanks. If it weren't for the Dis I would have never known about a code that was out that allowed us to move onsite for our first ever trip. Having a child in a wheelchair and one with Autism going to the Disability board with all my questions helped make our trip manageable and special. Without the DIS we would have gone, had a miserable time and never returned. The DIS helped us enjoy the magic and I am forever grateful for this site.

 

[DisDarling]

I have always had a love for Disney ANYTHING. I collect it, I go to the theme parks, I have worked at the Disney Store and for Buena Vista Home Video, I watch the movies, and I never miss the Christmas parade each year on t.v.

When I found this site in 2004, through a search engine, I was just AMAZED at the amount of information that I could sink my teeth into and just gorge myself on. To be able to hear why everyone else loves it, to know you are not crazy, and to be a part of a community is something really special that the Disboards offer.

Even if I don't post alot, I am constantly reading on the newest tip, the best code, or my favorite is viewing the endless pictures of magical memories being made.

Congrats to Pete and your team for making a place where we can all share our memories together- and I vow that one day we will meet when I work at Disney World in the future.

DisDarling
aka Amy

 

[MouseEarsForLife]

I have always loved Disney. When I was little, my family lived in Southern California, and I went to Disneyland several times. I had plenty of Disney clothes, and watched almost all of the Disney movies. It wasn't ever an obsession until I wanted to learn more about my favorite ride, the Haunted Mansion. I loved looking up info and learning the fantastic facts about it. Then I discovered the sites with WDW in general information. So, I decided I wanted to go back to WDW. I was googling for information about going with disabilities (for my mom) and found the DISabilitys board here. I lurked around the entire site for about a month, joined, and then lurked more. I don't think I would have ever planned my trip the way I did if I didn't have the DIS.

 

[Jacksmom99]

Back in 2001 we bought into DVC at the VWL pretty much sight unseen. We had stayed with relatives at OKW in January 1999, and it took the next ffew years to figure out how we were going to do it. In March 2001, armed with our new purchase, DH was googling DVC sights, looking for info and the DIS site came up. He came home from work all excited and laughing about the passionate people who argued about pool hopping. I was hesitant to read, not having much interest in the internet other than doing research for my master's program. I registered in May 2001 and haven't looked back. I spend at least an hour or two a night browsing and reading. I mostly lurk, but have found the best information for all aspects of trip planning from these boards. I'm the one at work people come to for their trip planning information. Most recently I helped at family from the Netherlands plan their first (and possibly only) trip to the US and WDW. They are there right now and emailed me their photopass link. They look like they are having such a great time!! It makes me happy that I can help other plan, and I have the DIS to thank for it.

My DS8 has turned into quite the Disney planner as well. I found the podcasts last February when I got my first ipod. I travel an hour to work each way to the school district where I teach and where DS and DD attend school. DS is now listening to the podcasts with me, and I download the old ones to catch him up. Now DS is recording his own Disney podcasts for kids into our computer so I can put them on my ipod. He's too adorable!

 

[daneenm]

I was completely new to the concept of Podcasts when I found the DIS Unplugged. Pretty sad for a veteran Apple employee who has had an iPod since the first generation, I know . At any rate, I was planning our family trip to WDW and being a California girl and DL veteran I thought I would just check a bit of info and I'd be all set. Little did I know!

I found the DIS and Deb's site first. Wow, what a lot of information. I really didn't realize there was a DIS podcast until I was out on iTunes one day and just stumbled across it. One listen and I was hooked. Put my audiobooks on hold during my commute and spent hours catching the back episodes. My daughter (11) was excited to help plan our trip and started listening with me. We learned a LOT and put it all to good use. Our trip was last August and we could not have had a better time.

My daughter and I became so attached to all of you that we still listen, even though there is not a trip to WDW in our future for quite some time Still we get good mom/daughter time while we listen.

Thanks for the great job you all do!
Daneen

 

[jcb]

The DIS played into my need to grossly overplan my last two trips to WDW, from the helpful postings and pictures about the resorts to updates about the new attractions in the parks. Now that I am home and can only dream (for now) about a return trip, the disboards and the podcast help me stay in touch, with what, exactly, I'm not too sure, but I believe it is something akin to an addiction. I wouldn't be so bold as to say you are part of my family (even as an invisible friend) but I do appreciate you providing me with an escape from my reality while I join you on the podcast for a few hours each week.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Great question!

When I heard the History of DIS on the podcast last year, I related completely to what Kevin said...

I came to Disney World first as a 7 year old kid in the 70's. I walked through the gates and was forever changed. Period. I just got it....and never forgot it. I made several trips as a kid, teen, and young adult.

But I first discovered the DIS after my first trip taking my own children. We took our kids in 2004...and soon after returning, I knew that I just needed "more" Disney...something to tide me over between trips. I had been on other fan sites...and those were fine, yet not what I was looking for. A quick internet search, and I was on the boards. Like others, I lurked for a while before diving in.

That is how I found the DIS...but what has kept me on the DIS is two special forums...the DVC boards and the WISH boards. DVC is a big purchase...and the wonderful, patient and amazing people there answered all of my questions (for about a year!) before we bought in. And I now know from my experience here, that these same questions are asked over and over and over again. And with patience, these DISers keep answering them each time they get asked.

Secondly, the WISH forum. This is--hands down--the most supportive and positive and wonderful internet community I have ever encountered, Disney-based or otherwise (and I work primarily online, so I am familiar with many online communities).

Pete, I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that I think the WISH boards are doing nothing short of saving lives for some of the folks there. Due to the support of the people here, folks are losing 100 pounds and more...or getting healthy in a variety of ways. Losing weight and getting fit are a challenge for many, many people. And what WISHers have found is that you can't do it alone. It takes support. For me, I have started a fitness regiment I don't know how many times...only to have some success and then after a while abandon it. Although I have never been obese, I have struggled with weight. And now that I have found the WISH boards, I am successful and motivated and getting healthier every day. It is the DAILY interaction and support that makes the difference.

I am happy to say that I now run 3-4 miles/day 5 days/week and I have just signed up for the half marathon next year. I would NEVER have gotten here without the support of the amazing DISers on the WISH boards!

So, a huge THANKS to Pete and company for starting and maintaining this wonderful site!

 

[oakmanner]

Prior to finding the Dis Unplugged Podcast I was a faithful listener to another Podcast which it was my favorite. I never thought I would find another Podcast that I would like as much as my previous favorite.

After two Dis Unplugged Podcasts, the Dis became my favorite and remains so till this day. I immediately connected with Bob. Being from Massachusetts, I can relate to Bob dropping his R's and adding them where they don't belong.

But I think the main reason I love the Dis Unplugged Podcast is the format. To be honest there are many Podcasts out there that I can get the same Disney information but none of those Podcasts have a panel of distinct personalities that genuenly like each other and can goof on each other while providing relevant timely Disney information.

I've never met any of the Podcast team but feel as if they are my personal friends. Keep up the great work and never change the format, as this is the one thing that distinguishes your Podcast from the dozens that are out there!

Thanks,
Dennis-

 

[disneymom8589]

I honestly don't remember how I found the DIS boards, but I'm glad I did! I joined in July 2006 when we returned from WDW and were considering buying into DVC. I went on the DVC forum and asked some questions and the posters were incredibly helpful. I've been addicted ever since and my DH is even a regular (mostly lurker). We enjoy having our weekly Podcast "date"! Yours is the only message board I go to because of how helpful it is and how kind people are. They feel like friends!

 

[Tinkaroo]

Well, I blame my parents, really (who doesn't? ). My grandparents lived only 2 hours away from Orlando, and we went to visit them every year for 2 weeks during the summer. Once I turned 3, my parents began taking me (and eventually my younger brother) to WDW a few days out of that 2 weeks every other year. Those were some of the best family vacations - we all loved everything Disney, even though (gasp) we stayed off-site, ate most of our meals off-site, etc.

Fortunately for me, I married my wonderful DH in 1999, and he enjoyed Disney, too (he actually spent about 8 years of his childhood in the Orlando area, and had a season pass to WDW). We began taking a WDW trip every other year after we were married, and discoverd the joys of staying on-site, E-ride nights, character meal vouchers, etc.

In 2004, I asked my DH what he wanted to do to celebrate his 30th b-day in April '05 - we're not big party people, so I thought it would be more fun to go somewhere. He said he wanted to go to WDW - and he wanted to go for a while (at that point, a long trip for us was 4 days!)!

So, I began researching what all we could do to fill up our time, where should we stay (OMG - we were talking deluxe ), and in reading my Underground Guide, took their recommendation to check out the DIS Boards. I lurked for about a month, and then registered in Jan. 05. I couldn't believe all that I learned - and I was already a huge Disney geek. Thanks to the wonderful people and resources of this board, I managed to plan an unforgettable trip for my DH, complete with weeklong accomodations at the AKL (with an AP discount - who knew it could save you $$ ), a Keys to the Kingdom tour, a birthday dinner to coincide with Wishes at the California Grill, an AP preview of Soarin', and an IllumiNations fireworks cruise preceded by dinner at LeCellier (for which my parents and in-laws came in and surprised him for the last few days of our trip).

I haven't looked back since! We're now devout AP holders, bought into DVC, and I can't imagine a day without the DIS and all the friends I've made here. I happened on a little t-shirt designing thread back in the summer of 2005, and now the DDA group of women (and a few men!) are people that I consider true friends. I also have found some good friends on the Resorts board, too.

And then came the podcast! I was so excited when you guys announced you were doing one (I had been a Disney podcast junkie for a while at that point), but admittedly, didn't care for the original format. However, I left it on an automatic subscription, and on a whim last July, listened to an episode. Holy cow, what a fun, wonderful group! Now, I can't imagine not listening to you guys every week!

And believe it or not....you guys are winning my DH over to the podcasts! I had one on as I was getting ready the other morning, and he started chuckling along. He has been asking as of late for me to play them when we drive anywhere together. He loves a good Pete rant! I think we might actually truly win him over when he finally gets around to submitting some of his incredible (if I do say so myself) pictures he has taken while on our WDW vacations for the contest!

Thanks for all you guys do, and I hope to meet you sometime soon!