DizNews: Rhino LIVE, TSM - Wii, Depressing News, Free Dining and Totally UnDisney Related

Rhino LIVE

Rhino the Hamster may be appearing LIVE on your favorite television entertainment show this weekend, think Turtle Talk with Crush. As part of the Living Character Initiative, Disney will have this character pose for interviews, junket style, talking with your favorite TV hosts. Sorry, I don’t have more specifics on which shows and when. I will keep an eye out for video of this online.


TSM - Wii

Not getting to a Disney park anytime soon? Disney is bringing one of their newest attractions to your living room. Toy Story Mania will be released for Nintendo Wii this fall. The game will feature the original “galleries” from California Adventure and Hollywood Studios in addition to new constructed just for the game. There will be 3D features and game play for multiple levels/abilities of players.


Depressing But...

I promise not to end of this note for the weekend but Disney is laying off employees. A sign of the times, as we all know at this point. While the numbers are not official, Disney is refusing to release how many have been let go, most websites are reporting somewhere around 450 layoffs in Florida (I haven’t been able to find a figure for California but here’s a link to an article with what details Disney is offering). One clear Disneyland casualty is the Yamabuki restaurant at the Paradise Pier Hotel. The entire restaurant will close April 11. While some positions reportedly eliminated are guest service management (think hotels, cruiseline and DVC) most are cast members who work back stage as managers. Severance packages are reported to include one weeks pay for each year of service, and the ability to purchase company health insurance at current rates. While job cuts reportedly began three weeks ago this seems to be the big week for layoffs.


Free Dining Announced

Free Dining for Walt Disney World has again been announced for this year. The dates are August 16 through October 3, 2009. Travel must bee booked by June 21, 2009. See our Current Discounts section for links and details.


Totally UnDisney Related...

For those of you who are just theme parks geeks, Theme Park Insider, is holding their annual Best Ride In America Tournament. Think March Madness for theme park attractions. Go here to vote.


World Wide Disney: I unfortunately, did not see last night’s 30 Rock but The Muppet Newsflash has video (full episode can be found on Hulu.com) of the episode that pay’s homage to the Muppets.

A continuation on Jack Spence’s pictorial on Disneyland Paris, this one has three parts starting here, on Discoveryland (think Tomorrowland) at the parks.


WDW Weather: Sunny. High of 79 F.


Disneyland Weather: Sunny. High of 76 F.