I just want to add that I never felt Pete created the magic, he was just the face of it for many of us. But it was, to me anyway, abundantly clear that everyone on the team, in front of camera, behind, around, were so I credibly talented and dedicated. That’s why I have so much respect for everyone involved in the show and hope it continueHi Everyone,
For months, I’ve debated “coming out of the woodwork,” so to speak, and posting here. It’s been eight years since I last wrote for wdwinfo and the Unplugged blog and moderated this exact board. It’s been 10 since Julie and I recorded our shopping segment at the same studio (more footage with Dustin was recorded at that time but never made it to air). It’s been 12 since I attended someone’s wedding at his home. It’s been 14 since I was made into a flattie (do people still do those) and brought on what I believe was the first ever podcast cruise. I could go on and on. Hundreds of us battled it out on Toy Story Mania into the wee hours of the night; we volunteered at Give Kids the World, and for many years, raised thousands to help sustain its efforts; there were more cruises, trips to Disneyland, Adventures by Disney, and countless hours spent in the Florida parks. Friendships were formed, some for a lifetime, others only on the surface level.
One thing always held true during those years: as much as he may have wanted it to be, it was never all about him. He didn’t create that magic. The people did. They were the ones who were truly invested and, based on the replies I’ve read here, remain to be this day. Sure, many have come and gone, but the sentiment is still there even as fractured as it may be at the moment.
I too have a story. There’s not a person that doesn’t whether they were on-air talent, a writer, editor, producer, etc. With that being said, I think we need to give everyone some grace right now. They didn’t create the monster. Making demands or offering critiques is unwarranted. Let them have space to process and move forward in whatever capacity that is to come. This is a truly gut-wrenching situation. I have full faith that things are happening behind the scenes; give them a breather so things can be squared away. Adding onto an already toxic situation will not do anyone good.
ok thank you!Dreams does not charge your credit card or take payment for any travel booked. Your credit card information is provided to the travel supplier (Royal, DCL, WDW, etc) and is charged by them. You can confirm this on your credit card statement, Dreams will never show as the payee. The payment portal is simply to collect the credit card information in a secure manner to then pass on.
Thanks, very helpful!Look at your credit card statement. That will tell you who is charging your card. It's not Dreams, it's the cruise line.
Welcome back! I'm glad to see many disfriends returning.I wasn't sure I was going to add my voice to this conversation, but several other "old-timers" have turned up so I figured I would too. As you can see from my profile, I've been here for over 20 years. I have attended many DIS events and meets in Florida, PA, NJ, DE, MA, and VA. I've met and gotten to know all but a couple of the more recent additions to the team over the years and consider many of them to be friends. I've traveled with the team on a podcast cruise. I've been about as involved with the DIS as one can be.
Dustin and Sean, I am in awe of your inner strength coming forward with your stories. Thank you for that and I hope you are both in a much better place now and continue to heal and prosper going forward.
To the rest of the team, past and present, I have no doubt that you've all endured some level of abuse at Pete's hands, whether you even consciously acknowledge it or not. You can't spend years in a hostile workplace without being affected by those conditions. I also have no doubt that none of you are in any way responsible for this situation. That responsibility lies solely with Pete.
As others have said, the DIS has been an incredibly important part of our lives for over 2 decades now. We've made dozens of lifelong friends literally around the world (right @Princess Jes). The DIS introduced us to GKTW and we became volunteers there, which is challenging living in New Jersey but we've still managed to pick up shifts several times and look forward to doing more in the future. I hope that whatever comes next for the team, we never forget all the good that has come out of this. In absolutely no way does that excuse the horrific stuff that has happened, but I still greatly value the memories and relationships that have come from our association with the DIS.
We all want to know what happens next. I'm right there with you on that. But I totally understand that most likely nobody has those answers yet. I also understand that there are likely legal issues intertwined in all of this and people need to be careful about what they say. That doesn't mean they're being obtuse by choice. "I don't know" and "I'm not at liberty to say" are both perfectly valid answers to many of the questions currently being asked. I'm sure that when they have the answers and can share them, they will. Until then, I just want to express my support for everyone affected by this.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Craig and Rino and the others all still work for the company. Their paychecks depend on the company. What an awful situation to be in. Many people have shared that they've cancelled their Patreon memberships, and understandably so, but that money doesn't all go into Pete's pocket. It's used, in part, to pay the staff. Rino shared that he gets a cut of that money. I would assume others do, too, so hearing that people are dropping that support means that income goes away. It's an awful conundrum. Nobody wants to keep supporting Pete but in doing so, that means you're withdrawing support from everyone else in the process. The whole situation sucks.This whole situation is sad but I don't fault any other members of the team. I can't imagine all the stress this puts them under. Let's give them some grace while they figure things out.
Surely though they have some in reserve and Kevin and John must have some with all the trips they go on to support the business? Like any major business some years you have to support it and others reap the rewards.Another thing to keep in mind is that Craig and Rino and the others all still work for the company. Their paychecks depend on the company. What an awful situation to be in. Many people have shared that they've cancelled their Patreon memberships, and understandably so, but that money doesn't all go into Pete's pocket. It's used, in part, to pay the staff. Rino shared that he gets a cut of that money. I would assume others do, too, so hearing that people are dropping that support means that income goes away. It's an awful conundrum. Nobody wants to keep supporting Pete but in doing so, that means you're withdrawing support from everyone else in the process. The whole situation sucks.
True, but put yourself in Rino's shoes. He likely isn't privy to the finances of the company. He sees people pulling their support that helps pay his salary. He sees his employer being sued for 900K. He's got to be wondering how stable the finances are and how secure his income is and for how long. If it were me, I'd be pretty worried.Surely though they have some in reserve and Kevin and John must have some with all the trips they go on to support the business? Like any major business some years you have to support it and others reap the rewards.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Craig and Rino and the others all still work for the company. Their paychecks depend on the company. What an awful situation to be in. Many people have shared that they've cancelled their Patreon memberships, and understandably so, but that money doesn't all go into Pete's pocket. It's used, in part, to pay the staff. Rino shared that he gets a cut of that money. I would assume others do, too, so hearing that people are dropping that support means that income goes away. It's an awful conundrum. Nobody wants to keep supporting Pete but in doing so, that means you're withdrawing support from everyone else in the process. The whole situation sucks.
I’m not expecting to hear from him on here prior to a week from tomorrow at the earliest between the ABD trip that starts today and the event at the end of the week.If John were to put out a statement that says PW will no longer be involved with Dreams from this day forward and does not continue to profit off of Dreams bookings or Patreon subscribers, that could help ease concerns and maintain the financial support quite a bit.
You’re hitting the nail on the head for me. I just want people to really think of what their end goal is in all of this. Is it to be sure their money isn’t going to a situation where Pete is in charge of his employees in any way again? Or is it to be sure that no money ever goes to Pete by any means through DIS or DU again? I mean, in reality, every post we do here contributes to these entities as well. How far do people usually look into their finances? Its an honest question.True, but put yourself in Rino's shoes. He likely isn't privy to the finances of the company. He sees people pulling their support that helps pay his salary. He sees his employer being sued for 900K. He's got to be wondering how stable the finances are and how secure his income is and for how long. If it were me, I'd be pretty worried.
I'm out of my element on this forum here, Steve, a regular CB guy myself. But was directed by others to stop by here and see what is going on here. To say the least, very sad. I do hope the boards and all who are and that is connected with them survive these issues. It would be very sad to see it all gone due to the indiscretions of a single individual.Totally off topic but one reason I left the boards is because the ads were intolerable. I see that hasn’t gotten any better. On my phone the ad scrolls down from the top blocking the navigation buttons. At least I’m not getting the “you’ve won whatever” pop ups yet.
A statement of that magnitude can't happen without Pete being bought out. Dreams Unlimited isn't a club- they can't just kick him out. While DU is a profitable company, not too many business owners can afford to buy out a partner at the drop of a hat with cash on hand.If John were to put out a statement that says PW will no longer be involved with Dreams from this day forward and does not continue to profit off of Dreams bookings or Patreon subscribers, that could help ease concerns and maintain the financial support quite a bit.
Craig is still pretending they were moving the show for Kevin’s mobility. Kevin hasn’t cared about the show in years. It was a nonsense story in the beginning and even more so now.
If Craig is gonna pretend everything was perfectly normal up until being SHOCKED by the news in the last few days… that says everything I’ll need to know, personally