I have been holding off on writing about WDW News Today for some time. I’ve compiled notes and put some thoughts down, but for some reason my article never really gelled. Listening to “WDWNT the documentary” gave me the motivation I needed to talk up this podcast.
I have found that in my notes about WDWNT, I use the term ‘overly’. They overly break down each decision the Walt Disney company makes, they overly publicize their inner personnel issues, they overly dissect each rumor. They chop, cleave and dismember so many topics that I am many times exhausted at the conclusion of their recordings. And this whole ‘taking an unconventional stance for the sake of the argument’, seems forced at best.
As a result, WDWNT has some of the longest podcasts out there. I joke about it now, but one day I actually left the Boston Produce Market with a load, started an episode of WDWNT, traveled to the Bronx New York Produce Market and hadn’t made it all the way through. That’s 4 plus hours! Now, when people ask me which podcast I recommend, I may mention a podcast that lasts say 1 hour and they usually balk at that, looking for a much shorter show. So, a regular show lasting 2 or 3 hours is sometimes a hard pill to swallow.
But, my attitude has been softened as I have followed WDWNT’s 5th anniversary festivities. You got to admit, 5 years is quite a milestone to begin with. And that is truly a testament to the man behind WDWNT, Tom Corliss as well as his tireless team. Well done! Along with their celebration, they released a “honest and candid look at the first 5 years” in a documentary podcast. It was a mix between Biography Channel and a Comedy Central Roast. To realize what it truly takes to produce a podcast, to overcome vocal callous, negative feedback, and even outright desertion, it truly takes a strong backbone and a true passion for the craft. I love the line that Tom was ‘just trying to bring fun to the Disney Community’.
So yes, there is a place for this podcast in the Disney community. They really take risks. Nobody else dares to record the game shows like WDWNT. ‘Match Game’, ‘Don’t forget the Lyrics’ Disney style is unheard of anywhere’s else. Boundaries get pushed back, way back with the ever controversial ‘See You Real Late, With Tom Corliss’ and the annual Christmas Podcast Parade. And I can’t talk about WDWNT without referring to their must popular segment, entitled ‘Back to the Future’. Here the staff looks at the past, present and hopeful future of each of an attraction. The in-depth analysis, thorough research and wishful ‘blue sky’ ideas all makes a segment that rekindles memories and tempts our inner imaginer. Remember those long ‘overly’ segments I referred to? Well,I must admit they sure keep me awake out on the road! Usually, my comments uttered outloud are “Oh, give me a break” or “it’s just a water play area” and the common “really, are we going there?”
More than anything, I would have to say that WDWNT is the premier site for rumors. If a credible Twitter photo or leaked document has a tip, they pounce on it. I just hope that the latest proposed ideas they have reported for Disney Hollywood Studios comes to completion.
Finally, there is no doubt you are going to get opinion. With such a diverse group, even your position will surely be brought forward, giving you the opportunity to yell at your iPod and all the other misguided thoughts presented by the other staff members. All this contributes to us becoming more well rounded Disney-philes.
Sure the sugary sweet podcasts will always float to the top of the podcast pool. But, we can dive to the deep end, letting go of our inhibitions, getting completely wet, maybe with a little water up our nose and enjoy that pool just as much.
To access the entire WDWNT network and download the audio documentary click here or on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wdw-news-today-podcast/id263174305
For brief highlights of the latest Disney podcasts you can follow Shawn on Twitter at @Dis_Pod_Review.
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