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Disney World hits food and beverage with management layoffs*

By Robert Niles
Published: March 25, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Scott Joseph is reporting on his website that Disney has laid off lost its Food and Beverage VP, Rosemary Rose. [*Update: She resigned. She wasn't laid off.] Resorts VP Mahmud Dhanani will now take that job, which will also be responsible for food at Disneyland as well.

Out in the day's layoffs is Disney World's Master Sommelier, one of only 100 in the US, John Blazon.

If you have news of other major departures, post 'em in the comments.

Readers' Opinions

From Joshua Counsil on March 25, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Why'd they fire the Master Sommelier? Was he wining too much?

...

Shut up, Josh.

Seriously, though, it's a damn shame. Some of the best wine I've had was in The World.

From 75.83.134.187 on March 25, 2009 at 9:27 PM
When are we going to get some news about the 160 layoffs at WDI? You know, some names?
From Anthony Murphy on March 25, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Some Assistant Managers at the Disney Stores have been laid off too!
From 72.95.248.219 on March 26, 2009 at 1:07 AM
There were 160 layoffs at WDI?
From 75.59.219.102 on March 26, 2009 at 2:26 AM
Disneyland let go of MAJOR entertainment, and possibly more, salaried CMs yesterday. Lots of pretty prominate people who'be been with Disney for a while sadly.
From 70.118.73.41 on March 26, 2009 at 10:52 AM
*Rosemary Rose actually left the company of her own discretion. I work at the Magic Kingdom and know this for a fact.
From Robert Niles on March 26, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Thanks for the update. Scott's corrected his piece, and I have above.
From 68.84.254.252 on March 26, 2009 at 1:00 PM
The Epcot International Food & Wine festival has also lost its' Projecy leader, Nora Carey. Carey came from Paris 5 years ago to transition the Festival from 30 to 45 days and to add more international content.
From sophie chabal on March 26, 2009 at 4:19 PM
The role for leader of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival was also eliminated at WDW on March 25th. Nora Carey has lead the festival for the past 5 years. Carey was brought in from Paris, France to make the transition from 30 to 45 days and to add an international flair to the Festival. During her reign, we saw the festival grow, become more professional and offer an interesting array of specialty programs. Last year was particularly exciting with the Bocuse'Or competition and Gala dinner... does anybody know if Disney is still going to do the Festival this year?

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