Whether change is good or not good depends on what changes are implemented, why they were implemented, and the desired end goal(s). Change will never please everybody, but how well change is accepted depends on how effectively the latter two are communicated. And in the case here, there is plenty of room for improvement.
While the following ‘statement’ written by me after divining the tea leaves around why the change would have occurred would be unlikely to change the opinions of those listeners who are not happy with the change, it would set the record straight as to why the changed occurred and the likelihood of any reversion back to the old format. Had something similar been released with the return of the show some of the angst seen here may have been able to be avoided.
****My thoughts and words. No affiliation with Pete or
Dreams Unlimited Travel.***
The old podcast format was not meeting the marketing and revenue generating needs of
Dreams Unlimited Travel. The DIS Unplugged
Disneyland Edition with its news heavy and timely information format attracted a primary audience of Disneyland locals. Unfortunately Disneyland locals are not Dreams Unlimited Travel’s target audience. They do not generate revenue from their Disneyland stays. They would only generate revenue if the Disneyland locals decide to go to WDW, maybe Aulina, or on a
Disney Cruise. In order to improve The DIS Unplugged Disneyland Edition’s performance as a marketing vehicle it is changing to better attract a different customer/listener audience, the non-Disneyland local, Disney fan who is interested in a trip to Disneyland. To this end the timely news and information segments of the show are eliminated as they are of limited value to these listeners/customers. These listeners are planning trips to Disneyland months out and are going regardless of what the current Disneyland news is. All that is relevant to them are the macro level Park news items. At that news level a full team of Disneyland locals is not needed, as there is not a need for in depth multi-perspective news related discussions. This change reduces the show’s production overhead, facilitates pre-recording the show as the need for immediacy is no longer present, as well as allowing for an easier transition to a primarily video format. While the hosts of the previous show did a good job with vacation planning, the planning assistance in the new show is going to be better.
The new DIS Unplugged Disneyland Edition that has been created to meet these needs is a totally new show. The only things it shares with the old show are the name, the sponsor, and the subject of Disneyland. While there may be some tweaks to the new show, the news and rapid fire heavy format of the old show will not be returning; neither will its primarily locals perspective nor will the base return to California. All the fans of the old DIS Unplugged Disneyland Edition and your long time loyalty to the show are greatly appreciated. It is hoped you will stay on with the new show and the DIS Unplugged family, but it is understood if the new show no longer meets your needs. If you leave, well wishes and know that you are always welcome to come back.
*****End of fictional statement*****
Being direct about change is frequently not popular, but sometimes it is better just to rip off the Band-Aid and be done with it. Letting false hope linger delays closure.