INTERCOT Insider  January 2005 - Edition One

Brought to you by INTERCOT's network of sites:
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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 >>

Happy New Year! It's time to get your 2005 Walt Disney World vacation planning into full swing, and we are here to help! Throughout the year, the Insider provides great planning tips and the latest news about the Walt Disney World Resort. Reading the Insider, and participating in the INTERCOT discussion boards, are great tools for planning that perfect getaway. Get comfortable and enjoy the first INTERCOT Insider of the new year!

<< Disney World Events with DisneyWizard >>

Changes are happening at Walt Disney World, and most are involved in the new Magic Your Way packages. Be sure to stay tuned to the News, Rumors, and Imagineering discussion forum and especially to Info Central. We are constantly updating new information regarding the events happening!

- Disney offers Magical Express Service -
Disney will soon offer a new, free, bus service from the Orlando International Airport to all of the Disney-owned hotels. After guests using the service tag their own luggage the luggage will then be picked up upon arrival at Orlando, loaded onto a Magical Express bus, and delivered to their room at their destined hotel. The service begins during the Happiest Celebration On Earth and is a part of the Magic Your Way plan.

“I can't believe they didn't think of this years ago…I really hope this lasts.” –DunkieKong
“If you are at the mercy of stopping at all the other resorts I don’t know if I’d take advantage of it or not...I liked early flights and going straight to my resort.” –Crow
“Even if it does take a little extra time out of my day, it is okay... with the money I save we can stay another night!” –Here we go again…
Discussion and Details

- New dining options with Magic Your Way -
A new meal-plan will premiere interlinked with the new Magic Your Way package. Offered with Disney hotel packages, the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining allows guests to include a variety of meal options for only $35 per night per adult ($10 per night for children). Each day a full service and quick service meal will be offered, as well as a snack. Check below for the new Info Central page on this feature.

“I really like this plan. The reason that I most like it is that in planning the trip I can budget a fixed amount for dining.” –hope2survive
“I'm really missing my Silver wishes right about now…” –robyn221
“I'm all for the new dining plan.” –Dr. Disney
Details and participating restaurants

<< Carol's Communicore >>

Happy January, Everyone.

- Disney Dining Experience for Passholders -
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders now have the opportunity to join the Disney Dining Experience. This allows them 20% off a vast array of Disney World restaurants throughout their use year. Annual Passholders are also entitled to a $25 discount and can purchase this dining perk for $50. Info Central's Annual Passholder page has been updated to include this new incentive as well as listing all of the 2005 benefits currently being offered.
2005 Annual Passholder Benefits

- Princess Storybook Meal Extended - 
Due to popular demand the Princess Storybook Breakfast is *not* just for Breakfast anymore.  The Princess Storybook characters will be available for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at Restaurant Akershus beginning mid April. Our sources tell us lunch and dinner is going to be served family-style instead of via a buffet. The food will still have the Norwegian flare but will offer items that children will also find palatable. More details as they become available.
Discussion

- Second Annual "ESPN The Weekend" -
ESPN and the Walt Disney World Resort are once again joining together to offer fans the opportunity to see and hear some of their favorite ESPN personalities and athletes during the second annual "ESPN The Weekend". The event is presented by Speed Stick 24/7, and will take place at Disney-MGM Studios on February 25-27, 2005. The 2005 theme is "It's A Sports World After All". The "Weekend" will feature on-site telecasts, star motorcades, Q&A sessions and much, much more. Our very own INTERCOTee vz9p57 (Scott) will be attending and has promised to share his photos of the event - so stayed tuned to the page below for more.
Event Details Here

- Stitch's Great Escape Update -
The height requirement for Stitch’s Great Escape! has been changed from 35 inches to 38 inches. Parents should be advised that the attraction includes brief periods of total darkness, loud noises and over-the-shoulder seat restraints; some effects may frighten young children.
Ride Height Requirements Page

Park Hours and Events are currently posted through March. Visit Info Central to fine-tune your vacation plans.
Park Hours & Events

See you next month. Happy Planning!

<< Bytes & Pieces with TiggerRPh >>

News, Rumours and Imagineering…what is it? Well, the INTERCOT boards describe it as, “The latest Disney news, information and rumours. Find out what is currently going on with the Disney Company and what is in the Imagineering pipeline.” Okay….but what does this all mean in regard to discussions on the boards?

News is a report of an event or a press release of an announcement by Disney. By definition, news is verifiable. Discussion of news topics generally centers on whether the event or announcement is good or bad for the company or for Disney fans or guests. The news items can be about the Disney Company, Walt Disney World or the other parks. The exceptions would be that we generally want news items about Disneyland and California Adventure put in the Disneyland forum and any Disney-related entertainment news for the most part goes into the TV/Movies forum.

Now, a rumor is according to Webster’s “a statement or report current without known authority for its truth.” This means that rumors are unverifiable and therefore cannot be right or wrong. Pretty much all that can be said about rumors is whether we believe or want them to be true. Occasionally, we do get inside tips about plans at Walt Disney World. Even though our sources are very credible and dependable, technically the tips we receive are still rumors because they can’t officially be verified or Disney hasn’t officially announced it yet. And as we all know until Disney officially announces it or starts building, it’s never a sure thing.

For our purposes Imagineering topics are “blue sky” topics. They are what you’d like to see done in the parks. In other words, if you were in charge at WDW what you like built or done? Since the sky is the limit and we don’t have to worry about budgets, we are free to “imagineer” anything, though we are also free to debate whether it’s likely to ever happen.

So there you go…all you needed or wanted to know about what is news, a rumor and Imagineering topics for INTERCOT. Aren’t you glad you asked?

<< From the Insider's Inbox >>

Waiting in the Insider mailbox around the New Year were two member holiday memoirs. Steffi and Tina & Chris share their experiences with the Candlelight Processional and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Thanks for sharing!!

Steffi writes: “Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time at the Candlelight Processional starring James Caviezel on 12/6. We ate at Italy (a bit pricey...$95 for two) but the food was good. I would go to a less expensive restaurant next time. We had the last show reservations and had dinner completed in plenty of time. We were shocked to see the lines for our show! We went online about one hour ahead of the time of the show and the line was stretching from the American Pavilion for about 4 countries. I didn't think we'd make it into the show but was relieved when we finally got in. I don't know if any of the general seating line actually got in. If they did, I'm sure there weren't too many seats available. The line for that was extremely long and I think that the cast members should have told people that they probably would not get in, especially since people waiting such a long time.

The seats we had weren't that good as I was seated with percussionists in my view. James Caviezel was excellent. His reading was done with such passion! The singing and music was phenomenal. I felt moved...elated and peaceful all at the same time. I would recommend seeing the show but giving yourself enough time to get into an earlier show or buying the dinner package. It was well worth the wait. Thank you for your great website.”


Tina & Chris write: “Just wanted to give you our opinion. We--two adults, no kids--were at WDW this year from 11/28-12/5. We bought advance tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that cost--even at pre-trip price--a total of $78.00. We attended Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) the Tuesday night of 11/30. We visited Downtown Disney on Wednesday, 12/1 and attended the late performance of Cirque du Soliel, La Nouba, splurged for great seats (10th row/center), and paid $180.00 at the box office for two seats. While the fireworks at Magic Kingdom for the MVMCP were nice (Epcot's holiday fireworks/laser beat this hands down!), and shorter lines for the E-ticket attractions were handy (we walked on Pirates and Haunted Mansion--no wait) we felt that the Cirque show was more worth our money.

La Nouba was an AMAZING MUST SEE--to say the least!! If you have been to Disneyland in California at the holidays, and you've seen their holiday parade already we highly recommend you skip MVMCP and spend the extra money to see La Nouba; it's worth every penny (and yes, they have less expensive price options for seating than what we paid so you could come out ahead overall). Two other notes...if you're trying to justify MVMCP thinking it's great for the kids...it isn't. We don't have children yet but I saw plenty of tired, stressed-out parents with tired, stressed-out, over-hyper and/or sometimes crying (or sleeping--read: waste of the ticket cost for entry) young children at MVMCP--which doesn't start it's festivities until 7:00 P.M. As far as less crowded--it's not much less than a daytime crowd at MK during the post-Thanksgiving/pre-Christmas time of year. Sidenote: I would not recommend La Nouba for young children (i.e. under age 9) unless they have the maturity and attention span to last through a 105 minute live show--with no intermissions.

It's not that we didn't enjoy MVMCP--we did! The MK is lovely decorated for Christmas and lit up at night! The finale of the parade includes "snow" near the castle/hub area and on Main Street--very beautiful and a bit magical to see in Florida! :-) We just thought it wasn't quite all that it promised to be for the price of the admission.”

<< Off Topic with ChipDale >>

December always means talk of shopping, baking and getting ready for the holidays. Water Cooler conversations covered office Christmas parties, what do your kids want for Christmas, what to tip at holiday time, what to give co-workers, what do you want for Christmas, will your holidays be green or white and much more!

Are you doing research on purchasing something and you want honest opinions, not just some consumer report? Want to know where to find the item? Well, the Water Cooler is the place to come to! For example, alphamommy’s daughter wanted Aqua Doodle for Christmas, SallyP wanted to know about which digital camera is the best, Melanears inquired about the Mr. Coffee Home Café and drmduval wanted to get Winx Club dolls for her daughter. By asking INTERCOTees, they got honest answers and could make informed decisions.

INTERCOTees got some great presents from JohnY this holiday season! Thanks John for the cute new Santa graemlin and the wreath and snowflakes. We all appreciate the hard work you put into the site and it really looked festive!

Christmas and Hanukkah aren’t the only holidays celebrated in December. Lizzy reminded us that in December we also observe Humbug Day on the 21st, National Dice Day on the 4th, and that the 20th is Mudd Day. Tune in each month to see what wild and crazy celebrations Lizzy shares with us! And thanks to Horizons2Space, we had our own little Festivus celebration in the Water Cooler. We gathered around the pole and witnessed many feats of strength. It was a Festivus Miracle!

Jamie’s Friday parties for December included Walt Disney’s Birthday party, Deck the Boards Extravaganza tree trimming party, the Ribbons and Bows Bash gift wrapping party, the INTERCOT Office Christmas Party, and of course the office INTERCOT New Years Eve Bash! Thank you Jamie for a year filled with fun parties. I can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2005!

It simply wouldn’t be December in the INTERCOT Water Cooler without someone bringing up the Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls! Thanks SgtTigger for reminding us to get out and purchase our favorite Christmas breakfast treat!

Congratulations to AndrewJackson on the birth of his new son, Luke Golden Jackson on September 14th!

We wrapped up the year in the Water Cooler with Turkey Leg’s poll: How Do You Spend Your New Years Eve? 61% of INTERCOTees stayed home, with only 10% going out to dinner and 13% each going to or hosting a party. However you celebrated, I hope that everyone had a fun and safe evening!

December birthday celebrations were held for: usafmom, MrToad4Ever, SpecJoeMagic, Walter E. Disney, Sorcerer_Cippel33, Disney24Seven, We LOVE Disney, CrknJac, GurgiDC, offwego, disneyfan7777, poohbear813, markb, Melanears, Little Round Bale, Chip Carlton, rt207, HooksLeftHand, brownie, Munch, DisneyDudet, ALLABOUTME, PoohGirls2, tad_tad, mktiggerman, WDW crazy, BAMABOY, trackbarroness, Nuts4Disney, missouridisney, Blfarm, stitch626, HollyB, Diznee4Me, SheLovesDisney, AtlBrav, cheshirecollector, Doc Marc, goofyfanatic, GA girl, Howdy Partner, DisneyFreak1228, TheMartellFamily (mr), ParkHopper, and Disney-Nut. I hope you all had a wonderful day!

Posting milestones were reached by: WDWacky – 19,000 posts, Melanears – 19,000 posts, (what are the odds of two people hitting 19K in the SAME day?), faline – 11,000 posts, MauiMouse - 8,000 posts, JohnD – 2,500 posts, rt207 – 2,000 posts, Here we go again… - 1,000posts, Mscholl13 – 1,000 posts, grimley1968 – 1,000 posts, winky – 1,000 posts, frakers – 1,000 posts, Diznee4Me – 1,000 posts, Marilyn Michetti – 600 posts. Congratulations everyone!

That about wraps it up for 2004 in the Water Cooler! See you next month!

<< Conclusion >>

That’s all we have for this first issue of 2005! We welcome and encourage any suggestions, comments or vacation memoirs to be sent to [email protected]. You may see your suggestion in a future Insider, and be of help to someone planning their special trip. See you at the end of the month with more great Walt Disney World information!

<< 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

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