what is micechat?

[ashpinoza]

i registered on the site, but does anyone else go there, do you like it, i think i really like it here better. LOL

 

[KCmike]

I enjoy both. Miceage.com is great for updates throughout the week and breaking stories. Al Lutz's columns are great over there. You will love their photo reports and weekend updates.
You gotta love the Dis though. Everyone here is so friendly and knowledgeable.

 

[LuLusApple]

love all the columns, darkbeer in the parks, al lutz. But....they appear to be a pretty cynical bunch. Many threads re: their own ideas for the parks, how they would do it better, and what they don't like about this or that.
Ummm drama is the word IMO
I registered there first and posted maybe 10 times. I got an email (well a couple) from this guy telling me about how I Should this and that with my iPhone (my sig tag used to refer to the fact I make many typos, sorry I am on my iPhone; I don't have a regular PC) well he was so brash I just stopped posting, and came here.

 

[bumbershoot]

I like it for the really serious knowledge. For trip planning...not so much. The planning stuff is over in a different forum, the "southern california trip planning" one. And when I've looked there, it's quiet.

It's a super-fan site, but one where they don't just gush over the place...they want the place to be absolutely perfect, and of course opinions are strong. It's of course to remember, during all the little serious conversations about what exactly is perfect...that they go *often*, they are the only site I know of that has a *weekly* meet-up rain or shine, they hold their Gumball Rally either at DLR or WDW annually...they might bicker and act like they are criticizing, but they do LOVE the place.

I rarely post there b/c it scares me, LOL, but I'm hobbitfeet there (and on mouseplanet).

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I agree with KC and Molly. They do have really great updates and they really do love the place. But they are die hard fans who go all the time, so they are a little cynical and have strong opinions about what things need improvement or could/should be done better. But they do have awesome first hand info that we don't always get here right away on the Dis and MP unless someone has read it on Miceage/Micechat first and then posts it here. They can come off as negative because a lot of them subscribe to the WWWD philosophy (What would Walt do) and no one is going to be as good or as imaginative as Walt. Plus, Disney is very 'Corporate' now, worried more about shareholders than about the experience. The MA/MC people have had some very good points over the years regarding mismanagement of the parks by the former Presidents of TDA, and a lot of their complaints are being addressed/fixed as we write -- chief among them the DCA transformation & the recent cutbacks to middle management. Disney corporation isn't perfect, they don't always get it right, and the people at miceage really point it out. For people who are planning who don't get to go all that often, I suppose they don't want to know what's wrong with the place and what could be done better, because they want their trip to be perfect. That's probably why there isn't a lot of traffic on their planning boards. I like their boards and their updates though. I don't post there or at MP as often as I do here. (Even the boards at MP seem to move slower than these boards!) I must say though, that since they broke up all the DL planning boards here, they all seem to move a little slower. All the personal posts, and POTDs, games, and So Cal planning questions did seem to make this board move faster.

 

[teatime]

I agree with you all,I have lurked there a long time, but that board is scary. the opinions are harsh, and there allowed to be. There more of a social board where everyone meets and greets and less on trip planning and helpful info. Oh the park updates are wonderful, and I love Als updates, but as far as posting there, No its just to much for me I hear the mods are all close friends with each other, and the owner of the board., When one dislikes you, they all bad rep you. Its a Disney board, but more of a social network .

 

[bumbershoot]

Further to teatime social network thoughts, there have been at least two marriages that I know of, between members. I think there's at least one other couple that met through the board and meetups. Though now that I think about it, I'm not sure that one of the couples met through micechat...but they had their proposal at a meet!

I don't pay any attention to rep etc, doesn't really matter to me.


Something I have been noticing though is that when someone new posts something, if a longtime poster gets harsh with them, there has been another longtime poster coming in after to tell the harsh one to take it easy. So that's been nice.

 

[Darkbeer]

I agree with KC and Molly. They do have really great updates and they really do love the place. But they are die hard fans who go all the time, so they are a little cynical and have strong opinions about what things need improvement or could/should be done better. But they do have awesome first hand info that we don't always get here right away on the Dis and MP unless someone has read it on Miceage/Micechat first and then posts it here. They can come off as negative because a lot of them subscribe to the WWWD philosophy (What would Walt do) and no one is going to be as good or as imaginative as Walt. Plus, Disney is very 'Corporate' now, worried more about shareholders than about the experience. The MA/MC people have had some very good points over the years regarding mismanagement of the parks by the former Presidents of TDA, and a lot of their complaints are being addressed/fixed as we write -- chief among them the DCA transformation & the recent cutbacks to middle management. Disney corporation isn't perfect, they don't always get it right, and the people at miceage really point it out.

WOW, this post got me to register (I am a lurker over here, showing up about once a month). I think you got MiceAge/MiceChat figured out for the most part...

Thank you to those who said they like my updates

It has been a very busy weekend for me, a LOT of work, including the Disney's A Christmas Carol Train (and you NEED to check it out if it gets near your home), Universal Studios Hollywood, a local Parade with many Disney Stars, including a HSM star (Chris Warren), and of course, the Disneyland Resort. And back to the park many times this week, to cover the Memorial Day events, and the new newest star at the Anaheiim/OC Walk of Stars.

As for being part of the "cool groups/clicks", trust me, I am not a member of any of the major "clicks", and have no desire to be a member. The VAST majority of users are great (as are users of ANY Disney-related websites). But since I post a LOT of opinions, some folks have disagreements with me... which is fine, and something I expect).

It is really nice that the Local and even Nationwide Media has picked up on the Gumball Rally being offered this upcoming Saturday.

It is also very nice when I get approached at the parks because someone recoginised me. I was working yesterday, taking pictures for InBev/Budweiser and their event at DCA (Food and Wine), and got called out by the folks watching.... And I was stopped by more Disney Managers than normal yesterday.... Disney DOES care... Are they perfect, NO! But neither am I!

And yes, I met my Fiancee at Disneyland, at a Sunday Noon Meet at the Hub in Disneyland (Just Before MiceChat started... MiceAge is a couple of years older than Micechat). we are getting married next year.. And at Knott's Berry Farm, America's First Theme Park, and a LOT less expensive than a Disney "Hotel" wedding. (You can't get married inside of Disneyland during operating hours... UNLESS you are from Japan!)

 

[Darkbeer]

Further to teatime social network thoughts, there have been at least two marriages that I know of, between members. I think there's at least one other couple that met through the board and meetups. Though now that I think about it, I'm not sure that one of the couples met through micechat...but they had their proposal at a meet!

One quick comment, it looks like we (Lisa and I) will have the exact same date (January 9th) as another couple that met and got married due to Disneyland related boards.

 

[KCmike]

I was shocked to see you post over here. I love your updates Darkbeer. I don't post very much over at micechat but I absolutely love your updates and the Al Lutz columns. I always get my fix for Disneyland with your photos. Living in what feels like a world away its nice to have these kind of updates. Keep up the great work.

KCmike.

 

[HydroGuy]

Darkbeer, it was a nice surprise to see you post here. I appreciate your posts on MC and MiceAge.

I pretty much agree with everything in this thread. I would add that as a gross generalization the MiceChat forum caters to DLR regulars who are SoCal locals and frequent day trippers. It seems that many or most have never been to WDW and their knowledge is limited to DLR.

Also in generalization DIS caters more to non-locals on multi-day trips and those with kids. By its nature DIS started off as a WDW board and this DLR forum has by far the most WDW knowledge of any Disney forum I have seen. So the folks on DIS tend to have a different expectation of their Disney experiences than the MiceChat folks because it is tempered with WDW experiences.

While the detailed knowledge on MiceChat is amazing, many there can be a little lost if you ask, for instance, about kid related issues.

I stopped posting on MC a while back but do lurk quite often.

My two cents.

 

[perlster]

Caution is in order when reading micechat/miceage. The updates are certainly interesting, but should not be taken as official word of what is happening at DLR. For instance, one column reported that Astro Orbitor would be closed permanently. When this assertion turned out to be false, and I pointed this out ... you can guess what happened. The administrators need some strong doses of humility.

Any rumors reported in forums should be taken with huge grains of salt. Given how many frequent visitors are on that site, it's amazing how people will be taken in by hucksters. More than once, someone who has just registered will post some "news" about how a big change is planned at DLR. Pages of reponses will follow, invariably degenerating into personal attacks. "You don't understand basic economics" is a favorite, along with "WWWD" of course. Finally, saner heads will point out that no other Disney site has this "scoop" and the posters will move on to more important threads, like determining precisely the shade of a princess' dress,

 

[PinkBudgie]

I did a double take when I saw your name, Darkbeer. Just wanted to say I love your updates! I only post here but I go there to read what's new.

 

[Darkbeer]

Caution is in order when reading micechat/miceage. The updates are certainly interesting, but should not be taken as official word of what is happening at DLR. For instance, one column reported that Astro Orbitor would be closed permanently.

I was the one who reported it, based on the comments of MULTIPLE CM's that work the attraction. The info was wrong, and I have no problem admitting it!

But then again, heck, Rocket Rods is still returning based on Disneyland's Marketing.... (aka OFFICIAL Voice of the park)...

And once again, to all of those with kind words... Thanks... Lisa and I are off to the park.

 

[mechurchlady]

I was the one who reported it, based on the comments of MULTIPLE CM's that work the attraction. The info was wrong, and I have no problem admitting it!

But then again, heck, Rocket Rods is still returning based on Disneyland's Marketing.... (aka OFFICIAL Voice of the park)...

And once again, to all of those with kind words... Thanks... Lisa and I are off to the park.

Things change and misinformation happens. I just had to tell a lady that WDW site info was wrong about Dumbo. It is part of being on the internet and ealing with Disney. I will not hold it against you unless you start reporting that the peoplemover will return as a roller coaster in hot pink and neon puce marking on the new ride vehicles.

Mice AGe, Mice Chat and what ever site I find is for this board and myself to e better informed about Disney parks. I take the good and the bad and sift it until I get only the very best parts.

 

[Leofoenget]

i registered on the site, but does anyone else go there, do you like it, i think i really like it here better. LOL

Micechat Miceage I'm on both, plus Mousepad. I'm on a # of them. I tend to read Dis more only because I have to read Micechat on firefox it doesn't work well on AOL. I like Darkbeers blogs and Yesterland.

 

[DLR29]

Welcome Darkbeer!!! I for one love your updates over on Miceage, but I cannot stand some of the discussions on their board. Ever since the Finding Nemo FP thing.....ugh. That was mean. But I really like the family environment of these boards, and I think you'll find it the same.

As for being part of the "cool groups/clicks", trust me, I am not a member of any of the major "clicks", and have no desire to be a member. The VAST majority of users are great (as are users of ANY Disney-related websites). But since I post a LOT of opinions, some folks have disagreements with me... which is fine, and something I expect).

You wrote the Joy of FP right? One thing that REALLY bothers me about their discussions is how half of the members think that FP is a horrible thing. The other day I was reading one of the threads and it mentioned "this other site that thought that FP was such a wonderful thing". I knew they were talking about the DIS, but w/e. If they don't want to use FP, more for me.

 

[Canyon girl]

I love reading Darkbeer's articles as well. There are some people that post some TRs with pics over on MiceChat, too. Can't have too many TRs and pics!!!

 

[teatime]

Dark Beer !!!
So good to see you here, I read your articles and love them and your pictures!!! I think any more thats the only reason I head over to micechat. your reports and pictures still thrill me I head over to micechat once a week to see dateline disney, in the park with David etc.
Congrats on you and Lisa !!! I saw you both at the park during a meet, I stayed clear of the meets but recognized you and Lisa and many of the other people on mice chat but feel no need to go to there meets since I have seen there attitude on micechat LOL and thats enough for me ! Maybe next time we get to the park I will stop and say hello to you both
I find the help in the Disneyland travel part on micechat lacks help and much info. it barely moves and even though there all locals on that board, there not to hip on helping or answering questions Because I guess there so used to the park they feel everyone should already know the info.
I also see they have a new rating system again. There constantly changing things around and it boggles the mind. you pay for this feature or that. Some times simple is better thats why I come here, this place is so chocked full of info, and yet these folks never make you feel dumb for asking a question they might have answered 1,000 times before.
I love it here, people are friendly and so helpful, and with out all that moderation and feedback ratings, and now the new one..... rating a post in the disneyland section. Also the mods there are all friends with the owner of the board which lets them get away with a lot. Some times the mods there are meaner then the people posting
I do want to tell you Darkbeer, I have kept up with your pictures for 5 years now. You do a wonderful job not only with the pictures but with your reporting! And the fast pass info you wrote, best ever!!
Keep up the great reporting, I look forward to it.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

WOW, this post got me to register (I am a lurker over here, showing up about once a month). I think you got MiceAge/MiceChat figured out for the most part...

Thank you to those who said they like my updates

It has been a very busy weekend for me, a LOT of work, including the Disney's A Christmas Carol Train (and you NEED to check it out if it gets near your home), Universal Studios Hollywood, a local Parade with many Disney Stars, including a HSM star (Chris Warren), and of course, the Disneyland Resort. And back to the park many times this week, to cover the Memorial Day events, and the new newest star at the Anaheiim/OC Walk of Stars.

As for being part of the "cool groups/clicks", trust me, I am not a member of any of the major "clicks", and have no desire to be a member. The VAST majority of users are great (as are users of ANY Disney-related websites). But since I post a LOT of opinions, some folks have disagreements with me... which is fine, and something I expect).

It is really nice that the Local and even Nationwide Media has picked up on the Gumball Rally being offered this upcoming Saturday.

It is also very nice when I get approached at the parks because someone recoginised me. I was working yesterday, taking pictures for InBev/Budweiser and their event at DCA (Food and Wine), and got called out by the folks watching.... And I was stopped by more Disney Managers than normal yesterday.... Disney DOES care... Are they perfect, NO! But neither am I!

And yes, I met my Fiancee at Disneyland, at a Sunday Noon Meet at the Hub in Disneyland (Just Before MiceChat started... MiceAge is a couple of years older than Micechat). we are getting married next year.. And at Knott's Berry Farm, America's First Theme Park, and a LOT less expensive than a Disney "Hotel" wedding. (You can't get married inside of Disneyland during operating hours... UNLESS you are from Japan!)

Welcome to the DIS, Darkbeer. I'm another one who appreciates your articles, as well as your pictures. Glad I have a chance to say thank you.