Episode 68: Gary Sells Out

So excited for new podcast! Downloaded last night from OldKeyWest....where I spent my last night of my short USA trip. ....I type this now from the USAir lounge in Philly waiting for my flight back to Switzerland. Perfect time for a podcast listen!

Will vote on the special magic bands after I listen....but I did comment to my sister, Nikki, just this morning, that I wished I had bothered to log in and customize our bands- even tho we only used for room keys (we were there only 18 hours)... Bc the grey ones are really :ack:.

Thanks in advance for the podcast....!

Did Ian have a wardrobe malfunction during the taping of Episode 66 that has resulted in FCC fines and his banishment from podcasts?

Goofy4TheWorld;2435143 wrote: Did Ian have a wardrobe malfunction during the taping of Episode 66 that has resulted in FCC fines and his banishment from podcasts?

He's back on 69 ;)

I love it when Michael is on the podcast he always says something that makes me bust out laughing. This particular episode is "And this is why we can't have nice things!"

The nickel and diming of all these "events" is annoying. We went during the Holiday events and didn't spend the extra money on any of them and still felt like we had a magical vacation. The price of admission for these events is expensive enough now they are adding to it.

I try to remember to never say never ;) but at this point in time there are no plans for my family of 4 to participate in any of the parties, the Harambe Nights, etc. The Halloween party is probably the only one that could make me part with my cold hard cash. I love that parade.

I'm okay with the changing entertainment in Epcot. I was never really an Off Kilter fan. I actually liked the Morracan band better. But truly we don't spend as much time in Epcot like we use to. My kids are BORED there. But I think there is a park for each "season" of life. Prior to having kids we spent TONS of time in Epcot. DH and I freaking loved it. We spent next to no time in Studios. With toddlers there was lots of MK and AK. Now with elementary aged kids they want to spend as much time in Studios as possible with MK sprinkled in. There is not much excitement about AK or Epcot. But I know in a few years that may change again.

Of course in a few years I will introduce them to Universal and I'm just hoping they will still indulge their sentimental mom in a ride on Small World.

Gosh I sound old.....

Just listened on my long run. Funny podcast!!! Loved it!

And carol, they do have good candy again- there was a time when it was dollar store off brand stuff. But it's back to M&M's, tootsie rolls, kit kats, Reese's peanut butter cups, Milky Way, snickers, 3 musketeers, skittles, whoppers, butterfingers.... Good stuff! ;)

really enjoyed the listen on my flight guys!

on the bands... I agree with Michael - I would take it for a much smaller fee - $5 is probably my price point. Even better would be the over-riding view is that they should be FREE!

Carol is right - you can put in the little jibbitz (?) thinga-ma-bobs to decorate but... I personally wouldn't / don't do that.

I am always interested in the Epcot discussions... John is right - of course, someone "owns" it and there must be a strategy... I HOPE!?!? It really is quite sad now. a very sad state. I remember so well how innovative and exciting it all was in the beginning.... I remember waiting in a long line for Universe of Energy as a 12 yr old and LOVING it!!

I am betting that b/c of Food/Wine and Home/Garden, concert series, etc.... they are just banking on these events holding Epcot up until after Avatar and Star Wars investments. ... question is when will that be? :confused:

another great podcast!! and even tho I really miss Ian and Mel and Christine... my vote is to have them more often - even if it has to be with less of you... the different combinations are also good!

one more comment on the extra Halloween event in the castle...

The cost is absolutely ridiculous on top of the party ticket....for what you actually get.

I read a review of the event and based on what was described - a variation of a dessert party - only quite rushed b/c they tried to get 2 different seatings in there - NOT worth it at all.

I wonder if there is an auto price adjustment simply b/c it is in the castle - who doesn't want to get in there!? (especially if you have never done an event there - it seems like it will be quite special).

If there was something REALLY outstanding... I cannot even imagine what it would be...I might be willing to splurge as a once-off...but, quickie apps/desserts and a song by the step-mother - only to be rushed out so the next group can get in... no thanks.

Septbride2002;2435333 wrote:

The nickel and diming of all these "events" is annoying. We went during the Holiday events and didn't spend the extra money on any of them and still felt like we had a magical vacation. The price of admission for these events is expensive enough now they are adding to it.

... at this point in time there are no plans for my family of 4 to participate in any of the parties, the Harambe Nights, etc.

It no longer bothers me if they nickel and dime these "special" "extra" events, as long as they do not interfere with the experience of the day guest (which was discussed at length in the "Numbers With Ian" podcast- excellent episode by the way). I think they are desperately trying to recoup their expenses on the My Disney Experience investment and if they can get it back by offering events for those who are willing to pay for them - that's great.

I agree that the "extras" do not appeal to me at all and I appreciate the people who enjoy them and are willing to pay for them, because in my small mind, I believe they are helping to keep the prices for general admission and resort stays from going up exponentially.

Is it incorrect or naive for me to think of it that way?

Okay I'm finally catching up on podcasts.

First off, did I miss "Gary Selling Out"??? Maybe I missed that.

Anyway, I just wanted to say JOHN!!! Canada will be staying at Old Key West as well for RunICOT!!! Now we need to convince Ian, Michael and Gary to stay there too and we've got the makings of a party! Carol and Mel, and Cindy & Christine, you guys can come join us too! WOOT WOOT! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

As for the special magic bands? Uhhh no. That ain't gonna happen. Maybe if they did it as an upgrade to the free magic bands, I might get my kids a couple, but I'm not paying $30 when they can get a perfectly good free one in the colour of their choice.

Buttercup;2435906 wrote: Okay I'm finally catching up on podcasts.

First off, did I miss "Gary Selling Out"??? Maybe I missed that.

Anyway, I just wanted to say JOHN!!! Canada will be staying at Old Key West as well for RunICOT!!! Now we need to convince Ian, Michael and Gary to stay there too and we've got the makings of a party! Carol and Mel, and Cindy & Christine, you guys can come join us too! WOOT WOOT! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

As for the special magic bands? Uhhh no. That ain't gonna happen. Maybe if they did it as an upgrade to the free magic bands, I might get my kids a couple, but I'm not paying $30 when they can get a perfectly good free one in the colour of their choice.

Nice - see you at Olivias or out on the deck for a drink!

Gary sold out by doing a mention of a couple folks on the show... maybe you missed that part?

Ahhhhh no you're right. I did hear that. Haha sellout!

Villains Sinister Soiree -
My comment's not just about this event, but about all of these extras Disney now wants you to purchase. My question is, as John would say "Seriously", is the Disney company doing so bad that it has to have all of these extra money events to make a profit? Someone at Disney has gone off the deep end thinking that they can continue to just keep adding and adding and adding all of these extras for lots of money.

Buttercup;2436126 wrote: Ahhhhh no you're right. I did hear that. Haha sellout!

It helped me raise $2000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So I have that going for me.

Another great PC!

MM good to have ya back. Loved the THIS is why...nothing nice comment! Histerical!!!

I'l take the bands as long as they are not money grabbing EVERY BLASTED DAY EVENTS like its THE 3RD Tuesday OF The Month Magic Bands.. I like momentos and think Disney again struck gold on these bands. They PLUSED the RFID usage IMO with the accessories/gibbits and event bands. Still don't like MDE or prescheduling my vaca but I like the band in general.

What Did We Learn? NOTHING again?

I do wish they would throw some money at EPCOT!!! Maybe with Magic band sales they will make $$$ and improve Epcot? ;)

Drones, neat but even at Disney R/C flight will be risky. Lots to contend with while flying quads and multi rotors. Am I excited? YES but thinking their projected use on paper won't come to fruition in the parks once tried in real life situations. Yeah I know it's Disney but they can't beat gravity and simple physics when trying to hoist or carry a screen/payload via R/C. Love to see it!

ALSO - that flying dragon? What if it were BLUE and flew in I don't know AVATAR LAND?!?!? Thinking a good test to fly around the castle and prove it out... :secret:

Great PC! Loved the math lesson too. Thanks AgentC! AND though I'd buy a band for an event DW and I are not event crazy. We feed the mouse pretty regularly but just don't see the need to overfeed him.

THANKS!!!