Seeing places before they disappear

It looks like WALL•E, the pint-sized star of Disney-Pixar's newest computer-animated feature, may be coming to theme parks as part of Disney's "Living Character Initiative." Lou Mongello of disneyworldtrivia.com first reported the rumors of the "live" interactive character on his Disney World podcast, and he recently posted some video to back up his claims. The video, shot by a /film.com contributor, shows a Disney employee on the streets of Los Angeles with a rolling, talking—well, beeping anyway—and very real WALL•E. WALL•E appears to be the latest in Disney's "Living Character Initiative." The bold project by Disney Imagineering has the goal of creating "living" characters who can actually interact with theme park guests. It's been rolled out in phases. It started with a talking garbage can at Tomorrowland, and advanced to the far more sophisticated "Turtle Talk with Crush," where youngsters in a theater can actually talk to (and get answers from) a high-quality computer rendition of Crush in his tank. The kids eat it up, and as an adult, you'll not only be floored by the "cute" factor, but your inner geek will wonder just how they do that! I was actually able to see first-hand how a talking garbage can at Disney's Animal Kingdom was operated. But I won't ruin the magic for you!

NeOn, a new twice-daily bus service from New York to Toronto, launches today with one-way fares starting at $1. Similar to BoltBus, each bus is outfitted with free Wi-Fi, TVs for DVDs, and power outlets. The 10-hour trip departs New York’s Penn Station at 8:45 a.m. or 8:45 p.m. daily. The bus drops you off at the Royal York Hotel, about one block from Toronto’s Union Station and two blocks from the shopping on Yonge Street. NeOn, which stands for New York-Ontario, is a partnership with Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound Canada. Book early or expect to pay the full round-trip (refundable) price of $159 if you buy from a driver. greyhound.com.

Memorial Day Weekend: It's going to be three days of parades, flags, and pool openings. And in Rock Island, Ill., 10,000 spectators will cheer on 600 cyclists in the Quad Cities Criterium. Men and women from novice to professional (even kids!) will race on the 3/4-mile, hourglass-shaped course, complete with a wheel pit and a screaming crowd. In addition to food and live music, there's also a bike rodeo, where beginning (or just rusty) bikers can learn about safety, technique, and more. In its 42nd running, the race is actually the last leg in a series—the towns of Burlington and Muscatine, in Iowa, play host to the first two legs. There are also many events around the country to honor war veterans. Washington D.C. will have its annual parade on Monday, with marching bands and other military representatives from all 50 states. The emotional wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery will take place Monday morning. If you're on the other coast, you could always check out the Horned Toad Derby in Coalinga, Calif., one of the events that Budget Travel listed in its Wacky Festivals Roundup. No matter what you end up doing, enjoy the weekend!

Amy Koller of Yucaipa, Calif., who wrote about her family's trip to Hong Kong for our all-reader 10th-anniversary issue, just emailed to share an amusing story... I just got the most random phone call. The caller id said "private," so it was a risk to answer it. But once I did, I was met with the most star-struck little old lady. Here's a bit of how the conversation went (events may be slightly dramatized for effect)... Me: Hello? *said with a cool air of calm wisdom* LOL (Little Old Lady): Is this Amy Koller? *voice shaking with anticipation and pure excitement* Me: Yes...? *drenched in compassionate knowing of what was about to transpire* LOL: Oh my... I'm just a little old lady from Yucaipa. I live up on Fremont Street in the mobile home park. I just got my issue of Budget Travel and I saw you in there. I'm just a little old lady from Yucaipa! *she sits to avoid fainting from the mere sound of my voice* Me: hahahaha... yes. Aren't you cute. *This was like the politician kissing the local babies... just keepin' it real* LOL: Oh my... I'm just a little old lady and I've lived in Yucaipa for so long and I saw it in the magazine! *probably just forgot to mention that she was more excited about talking to me than about seeing the name of her city in a magazine* Me: hahahaha... yes. *I have such a way with words!* LOL: Well, did you see it? Did you get your copy yet? *breathless from the earth-shattering excitement of actually getting through to a famous author* Me: yes I... LOL: I'm just a little old lady up on Fremont Street in the mobile home park. Well ok. bye. *click* Me: thanks.... *dial tone* So that was random... but fun. Feel free to start the official fan club now. I know a little old lady in a trailer park in Yucaipa who will wear the button! (and you can probably convince my mom to join too).