[mickey]

I was just about to sit down and start inputing the remaining items that I have yet to enter into the database for ReviewCentral. It got me thinking as to how to better utilize the current system. I personally feel that is an integral part of DisneyCentral, and is what sets us apart from other Disney sites.

First off, you must understand that I am a research maniac. This is one reason why it took me 18 months to get this site off the ground, I had to research every thing that had to do with anything involved in the project. I also tend to value others opinions when it comes to researching something. If ten people have already tried it, and it didn't work for them, why should it work for me? I just love Amazon type reviews. To the point, and you get a sense of what the item is about. Hence the birth of ReviewCentral. I have tried to keep the information about the resorts and restaurants to a minimun so that the reviews would be the most important part of what you read. Is that how you want it, or would you like more information?

I guess my questions are: How can we make ReviewCentral better? What would you like to see that isn't there, and what is there you wouldn't like to see? Can we make the process easier or less complicated?

Oh, and while you are at it, do you have any other things you would like to see on DisneyCentral?

Ramble, ramble ramble. Really, and suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!!!

[mickey]

Sorry to bump this, it seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle yesterday. Thanks.

[wdwjeff]

I personally like Review Central the way it is-it's really easy to find what you want, and it's right on the front page. I guess the only other thing I'd like to see would be a park hours page. I know you post them as soon as they're on the official site, but a page for them might be helpful, and easier to find than a post. Overall, as I've said before, this is the best site going. Just the fact that you asked this question is proof of that. Keep up the good work:p :p :) :)

[brumcg]

Mickey,

I have 2 suggestions that reflect only my personal tastes... :)

One would be to note the number of reviews that have been written for the subject. When I was researching Restaurants, I didn't like clicking on something to find that there were no reviews.

The other thing that I'd like to see - and this is a real quirk with me - is a complete list of restaurants or resorts or whatever instead of several pages of items. For example, if I want to check reviews on the Maya Grill, I might click on Restaurants>WDW Resorts on the front page; then I either have to guess it's going to be on page 2 or 3, or enter it in the search window, and then there might not be any reviews when I get there.

What can I say... I'm lazy... :)

Bruce

[mickey]

One would be to note the number of reviews that have been written for the subject. When I was researching Restaurants, I didn't like clicking on something to find that there were no reviews.

Would it suffice if it said, next to the name of the item, how many reviews were avialable (Spoodles - (3 reviews))? I have been trying to think of a way to do this, but in the end, I would have to do it manually. Wouldn't be a big deal, I could just change it everytime I get a review.

The other thing that I'd like to see - and this is a real quirk with me - is a complete list of restaurants or resorts or whatever instead of several pages of items.

I'll think about that one. Man, you must be lazy.

WDWJeff, I'll work on some way to include park hours, even if they are just a link to the official page, that would be easier than finding a post, agreed.

[Goofette]

I really like the page the way you have it. The other ideas that have been mentioned would be helpful (as the hours) but I wouldn't change a thing on it. I think your ideas of the reviews is an excellent idea. And the more people who are able to go to WDW and DL the more reviews you will get. I haven't been in so long, I don't feel as though I can give a review, but I do enjoy reading others because they are helpful before a trip. When I get back from WDW the end of April I plan on giving updates about my trip. I know that tinkerbell has gone to WDW quite a bit, and I'm hoping she will put in some reviews (and any of you who haven't reviewed yet, PLEASE PLEASE do so, it really does help the ones of us who don't get to go to WDW very often.).

I hope this post made sense, I didn't have much sleep last night :( If it doesn't, I'll be editing it later ;)

[Goofette]

I do have a question. I was wondering, where it says "was this review helpful" should we always click yes or no? I feel like all the reviews are helpful so I hardly ever click on them. I sometimes forget and go on to the next item.

[mickey]

Originally posted by Goofette
I do have a question. I was wondering, where it says "was this review helpful" should we always click yes or no? I feel like all the reviews are helpful so I hardly ever click on them. I sometimes forget and go on to the next item.

You can click whatever you feel like. It was modeled after Amazon.com, and they are pretty lax at what they let be published. You see a lot of "This book is totally rad!" reviews. If I receive a review that isn't at least presentable, I will send it back for a re-write. I have only had to do that once or twice. Most of the reviews are helpful, wither they are negative or possitive. If the review helped you, click yes, but if you feel it wasn't helpful, click no. Doesn't make much of a difference either way, just say what you feel.

[lvbug]

Hi Mickey:

i agree with you -- the reviews are really important for this site and need to be expanded. I really think you have an awesome idea here.

I like to be 1-2 clicks away from everything (like Bruce -- I too am lazy!)So when I click on wdw resorts restaurants I would like to see all of the restaurants listed or if you don't like putting them all on one page then do the first section of restaurants, then do a-c | d-g | h-k whatever... Alot of time I end up with 20 windows open too.

Lastly, i think you could use some symbols like a little camera if you have pictures or an exclamation point or you could use new! when reviews are posted. Plus, I bet there is a way you could automate those tasks.

I love the way you've added the pricing and the restaurants that are in the hotel along with links --very nice touch!

[mickey]

Originally posted by lvbug
I like to be 1-2 clicks away from everything (like Bruce -- I too am lazy!)So when I click on wdw resorts restaurants I would like to see all of the restaurants listed or if you don't like putting them all on one page then do the first section of restaurants, then do a-c | d-g | h-k whatever... Alot of time I end up with 20 windows open too.

OK, I changed it so that 50 items show up on a page rather than 10, so there shouldn't be a category that has more than one page. Let me know if that is better.

WDW Resort Restaurants page

I'll see what I can do about a way of indicating new or existing reviews. That may take a while though. Good ideas, thanks.

[brumcg]

Mickey either said or asked:

Would it suffice if it said, next to the name of the item, how many reviews were avialable (Spoodles - (3 reviews))?

That'd be great - or maybe even simpler just an indication that there are reviews there - or the date of the latest review?

I'll think about that one. Man, you must be lazy.

You have no idea!

Most of it is laziness, but some of it comes from my pitiful connection at home. Which, of course, is why I do most of my surfing at work! :D

OK, I changed it so that 50 items show up on a page rather than 10, so there shouldn't be a category that has more than one page. Let me know if that is better.

You are THE man!

Bruce

[mickey]

Originally posted by brumcg
That'd be great - or maybe even simpler just an indication that there are reviews there - or the date of the latest review?

OK, if you now notice that each link in ReviewCentral has either a yellow and red mickey or just a red mickey. The one with yellow means that there is a review present, while the one without means no reviews available. Does that make sense, or should I change the icons?

Still working on the park hours thing. Any other suggestions? I am still working on adding the last Disneyland restaurants, and will then add Pleasure Island clubs. Anything else?

[mickey]

OK, park hours is up. It is located in a box on the left hand side of the main page. It is simply links to all the hours pages. May is not up yet, but I put the link in anyway. Shoud I unlink it until the hours are posted?

[brumcg]

Mickey asks:

Does that make sense, or should I change the icons?

It meets my laziness requirements! Nicely done!

Bruce

[Goofette]

Originally posted by mickey
OK, park hours is up. It is located in a box on the left hand side of the main page. It is simply links to all the hours pages. May is not up yet, but I put the link in anyway. Shoud I unlink it until the hours are posted?

I would leave it up. You never know when Disney will post. I'm glad you put the link for the hours in, because here lately I haven't been able to find Disneys official webpage to find the hours. I was curious as to whether they changed any of the parade/fireworks times for April. I'm going to look at it now. Thanks Mickey.