INTERCOT Insider  April 2004 - Edition One

Brought to you by INTERCOT's network of sites:
INTERCOT - Walt Disney World Inside & Out
INTERCOT West - Disneyland Inside & Out
INTERCOT's WebDisney - Guide to Disney on the Internet
INTERCOT's MousehutMail - Free Web Based Email
INTERCOT's Thrillride Experience - Thrill Ride Parks & Attractions

This newsletter and other past issues can also be read online at; http://www.intercot.com/interactive/insider/archive

<< Introduction >>

"If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat,
If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet." --George Harrison

Sorry we're a little bit late. At least with this deadline, you guys won't audit us. Will you? I'll get my files in order just in case.

"April showers bring May flowers." Well, that saying certainly covers the Flower and Garden Festival now underway at Epcot. It doesn't make up for the wet weather that the spring season may bring, though! Nevertheless we have some great tips and updates for you in this edition, so let's get started.

Now onto the Insider ....

<< WDW Events with DisneyWizard >>

- Breaking News: WDW to Test Varied Extra Magic Schedule -
In response to guest comments, Walt Disney World theme parks will test a varied Extra Magic Hour schedule from May 9-22 to include time in both the early morning and evening. The revised schedule will give Guests eight opportunities to enjoy the Extra Magic Hour each week (one hour prior to and as many as three hours after regularly scheduled park hours). Guests staying at Disney-owned-and-operated resorts, as well as those staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, or the Lake Buena Vista Hilton, may enjoy both the morning and evening Extra Magic Hours at no charge with valid theme park admission. Guests staying at Shades of Green may participate in the morning offering only. What does this mean? Too early to tell.

April has been a pretty slow month when it comes to events for Walt Disney World, but there still has been some activity. Particularly with higher prices, construction projects, and good ol' fashioned rumors.

- Disney increases park ticket prices - Disney recently announced its largest ticket increase in the history of Walt Disney World. A one-day, one-park adult ticket has been increased $2.75, totaling $54.75 before tax. The reasoning behind the price-hike is the strengthening economy and two new attractions for the year - Mission: Space and Mickey's PhilharMagic. Annual Pass prices have also increased.

"Sometimes I just wonder when the buying public will say enough is enough." -Joe, Sue and Joey;
"The timing on this is poor, not to mention it's pretty uncalled for." -WDWacky;
"I'm curious to know where all the money is going. The parks have been going downhill the last few times we went." -tinkerbelladonna

- Asia expanded in preparation for Everest - With the upcoming Expedition Everest attraction, set to open sometime in 2006, construction is well on its way. Recently a walkway has been opened in Animal Kingdom connecting Asia and Dinoland together. This offers new views of the Tree of Life, new restrooms, and a few themed buildings. This is, of course, besides the up-close-and-personal view of the construction going on right now.

"This should be a great addition to the Animal Kingdom!" -Thumper2;
"That should surely help the traffic flow at AK." -Jeff;
"It will make getting around AK a lot more convenient." -jefmblrd

- Rumor of Fantasyland lagoon construction - Rumor has it that the lagoon surrounding Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, former home to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride, will start construction soon to fill it in. Although complete speculation right now, this has been mentioned with different ideas as to what would serve as replacement. Anyone know more?

<< Carol's Communicore >>

I just wanted to take a few moments to let you know that updating and reformatting on the Resorts section of the site is currently underway. Take a look when you have time. We've added more information and photos. We've also added a map for Pop Century.

In Info Central you'll find a new page pertaining to the Disney Cruise line. It details the cruising dates for 2004. For the first time ever, Disney plans to embark on a 10-night holiday cruise vacation from Port Canaveral December 18, 2004.
Disney Cruiseline

The guest list for Star Wars Weekends is starting to develop. Thus far the tentative line-up is:
May 14, 15 & 16 -- Jeremy Bulloch & Jake Lloyd
May 21, 22 & 23 -- Peter Mayhew
May 28, 29 & 30 -- Anthony Daniels & Andy Secombe
June 4, 5 & 6 -- Warwick Davis & Billy Dee Williams
June 11, 12 & 13 -- Daniel Logan
Star Wars Weekend

Night of Joy tickets go on sale April 21, 2004. For the dates and prices visit INTERCOT's information page below;
More Information

Park Hours and Events are posted through June. You may also want to take a peek at the Rehab page. The dates have changed once again for Animal Kingdom's Dinosaur. The attraction will be closed from April 24 - June 4, 2004. More details below;
Refurbishment & Closing Schedule

See you all next month.

<< Bytes & Pieces with TiggerRPh >>

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."
- Ron Wild

INTERCOT is a community of members of all ages, some young, some older. Some of our members read the boards here with their kids. Because of this we have rules about what is appropriate to be posted on the INTERCOT boards and what isn't. The rule that we use around here, we call the "Six Year Old Rule." This rule basically means that if you wouldn't want your six year old to read something or you would feel uncomfortable explaining something you were posting on INTERCOT then it's probably not appropriate for the boards.

Another area that can be a concern in a post is what we call "the gag factor." Excessive talk of bodily functions will guarantee an edit or a deletion of a post (if editing can't save a post). A good test would be if you have a teenager: if they think it's gross it probably is inappropriate.

Some of the posts we end up pulling start off with, "I'm not sure if this is appropriate for the boards." A good rule of thumb would be that if you're not sure that a post is appropriate, chances are it's probably not.

Remember, if we all work together, we can keep INTERCOT family friendly and a great site on the Internet.


<< Off Topic with ChipDale >>

In like a lion or out like a lamb, we had many lively topics in the Water Cooler. March always means college basketball March Madness - did you join JohnY's UDFlyers Bracketology Challenge? With gas prices creeping up daily, Pongo wanted to know what INTERCOTees were spending where they live. Looks like our California members have the highest prices at around $2.30/gallon. But that's nothing compared to what Womble pays in the UK: $5.50/gallon!

Do you remember Alf, Doogie Howser, Skip-its, mullets, jelly shoes, L.A. Gear, and the Goonies? Well those are just of few of the things that Momof2boys reminded us of, as we reminisced what it was like growing up in the 80s. Don't remember that stuff? Then how about the Fonz, platform shoes, 8 track tapes, pet rocks, shag carpet and afros? After the popular 80's topic, Marlyn had to remind us older folks what it was like growing up in the 70's. I wonder what fads we'll be talking about in the Cooler 20 years from now!

What would Fridays be like in the Cooler without MickeysGirl? They'd be pretty boring! Her March parties did not disappoint: "I feel so . . ." was a popular party, with "stressed" being mentioned the most among INTERCOTees. Other Friday parties in March were Top 'o the Mornin' - a St. Patrick's Day party, Spring into Action! to celebrate the first day of spring, and a Shopaholics party. Thank you Jamie for making the end of the work week so enjoyable!

You just never know about crazy March weather! Beach Club Babe was excited when she could finally see her lawn, while poor PolyGirl lamented about getting another foot of snow! Looking for a good book? Don't know what to read next? Scout started a "What Are You Reading?" topic that proved to be very popular and we all got a lot of good suggestions, with The Da Vinci Code coming out a front runner with INTERCOTees.

Ever wonder how old your fellow INTERCOT members are? Well, Sinewiz' "Age of Board Members" poll revealed that the majority of INTERCOTees are between 20 & 49 years old, with the largest group being in their thirties, followed closely by the twenties.

We blew out March birthday candles for TiggerRPh, Jordan0301, T-Belle, Lil'Lady, whatagoof, ChewyStiker, michael and mommy love disney, Blaze, Narcoossee's Fan, DeDe, Fruitcake, Disney_Girl, WDWaddict, sorarail, PolyGirl40, Eeyore, KimballWDW98, LuvTheKity, Martino, duchess99, AndrewJackson, princessminnie02, Jul, Gonzo, boojum, Rachel, MegaDisney, Mickey052501, titleistboy, QTPie68. I hope all of you had a special day!

Posting milestone parties were held for PolyGirl40 - 24,000 posts, TiggerRPh - 20,000 posts, Melanears - 14,000 posts, Webmaster JohnY - 6,000 posts, MauiMouse - 5, 000 posts, ChipnDale Gal - 4,000 posts, vizsla - 3,000 posts, Mr. Brass Bonanza - 2000 posts, disneygoofball - 2000 posts, alittle figment of your imagination - 2000 posts. We have six new members of the Four-Digit Club (1, 000 posts): EmisDisneyMom, roryjulie, ChesireLisa, Liz, LarryBoy, and Sinewiz. Other milestones accomplished were Joeybun - Senior Cast Member, and Honey_BDynamo - 500 posts. Great work everybody!

That about wraps it up for March - see you next month!

<< Conclusion >>

Thanks to all of our contributors and readers. We will be back in your mailbox in just a few weeks with more topics and tips. In the meantime, Happy INTERCOTing.

<< INTERCOT Would Like To Thank>>

The INTERCOT Insider and INTERCOT.com are supported by the following sponsors who in turn, help us bring the Magic to you!

Magical Journeys
Magical Journeys is your Disney Vacation specialist. Start planning your Vacation Discount Dreams today!
Website: http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/

Radisson Resort Parkway
Right in the heart of action! Only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World is an oasis of ponds, beautiful landscaping, serene waterfalls and relaxing options hiding in every corner.
Website: http://orlando.guestselectresorts.com?pid=INTERCOTN

All Star Vacation Homes
When you need a home away from home, look no further. From comfort to luxury, All Star Vacation Homes has it all in four series of homes to fit any taste and any budget just moments from the magic of Walt Disney World!
Website: http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com?ovchn=OTHER&ovcpn=Listing+Sites&ovcrn=intercot&ovtac=AD

Happy Limo
Providing ground transportation to the entire state of Florida.
Website: http://www.quicksilver-tours.com

The Official Ticket Center
Walt Disney World’s, Universal Studios and Sea World’s #1 guest service provider for the last 3 years. The Official Ticket Center has been servicing vacationers for more than 7 years now and sells tickets only, at a discount price.
Website: http://www.officialticketcenter.com/default.aspx?affid=TC21LBC

- - - - - - - - - -
The INTERCOT Insider
Copyright © 1997-2005 Levelbest Communications - All Rights Reserved
Comments or questions may be sent to [email protected]