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INTERCOT Insider
April 2007 - Edition One |
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<<
Introduction >>
The April Fool and the Easter Bunny have come and gone, but the Insider is
here to keep you up-to-date on all the latest Disney Vacation happenings.
Unfortunately, the calendar was not our friend this month. We're sorry
we're behind. So enjoy this pre-Mother's day April in May Edition of
the Insider. We’ve combined our regular columns from our first and second
editions into one mega-packed edition. In this edition we cover Disney
happenings from coast to coast, the hottest topics on the discussion boards,
take another look at new board features, get some more great timeshare tips,
cover the March water cooler happenings and countdown favorite frozen
treats. Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here’s the most
informative ride on the Internet!
<< Coast to Coast Disney with Mel >>
- Pirate & Princess Party Returns in August at WDW -
Due to the popularity of
the Pirate & Princess Party held this Winter, the event is returning late
Summer. Guests will embark on a quest for beads and chocolate treasures, be
witness to a Pirate and Princess parade, character greetings, fireworks
spectacular and some of the most popular attractions. Experience Pirate
Coves and Princess Courts filled with treasures and special themed
entertainment. The party will be held on August 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31
and September 3. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2007. Call (407) W-DISNEY.
This will just add the pixie dust to our trip! – steph436
We're headed down August 8-17 and I was really upset because of the HM
refurb, now we have the P&P Party, so I'm smiling again. – Mousehead35
More Information
Discussion Here
- It's a Pirate's Life For You at Disneyland!
-
During The Year of a Million Dreams, wannabe buccaneers can live like a
pirate, play like a pirate and eat like a pirate. You can even shop like a
pirate thanks to cool, new Pirates of the Caribbean 40th anniversary
merchandise!
Details
& Discussion
- It's a Girl! -
The Walt Disney World
Resort’s Animal Programs team welcomed a 6-foot-1 inch, 151-pound bundle of
joy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Nikki, a 10-year-old giraffe, gave birth to
a healthy baby girl on March 26th. The calf, named Rori, was Nikki’s first
and both the calf and Nikki are doing great and are expected to rejoin their
herd on the savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the next few weeks.
Rori's adorable.....hopefully I get to see her in person SOON. – Mickey
101
She's beautiful. It amazes me something so large is a newborn. -
magicofdisney
Discussion Here
- Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Now Open -
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival begins opened April 5 and
will continue through June 3. A flower-festooned pirate ship has dropped
anchor and Disney princess topiaries color the landscape at the 14th annual
event. Previously a seven-week event, the popular festival expands to 60
days this year and offers more floral fantasy and gardening fun than ever
before. Paul Revere and the Raiders will kick off the Flower Power Concert
Series at the American Gardens Theatre. Other highlights include Themed
Weekends, Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden,
Daily Ladybug releases and much more. The festival is included in regular
Epcot admission.
Event Details
- The Three Caballeros Debut -
After a brief delay, the "Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" at
Epcot's Mexico pavilion opened April 6. Replacing "El Rio Del Tiempo", The "Gran
Fiesta Tour" offers a new storyline and film starring Donald Duck, José
Carioca, and Panchito. It features an animated overlay of the caballeros
being reunited for a grand performance in Mexico City. Along the way, Donald
disappears to take in the sights of the country, leaving José and Panchito
to search for their missing friend. In addition to the new film, the boat
ride's props, set facades and sound system were also refurbished and
enhanced.
More Information
- Changes Ahead for Epcot's Spaceship Earth -
In a press release issued April 11, Disney announced that remarkable changes
will be taking place over the next several months to the Epcot icon. A
re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of
the attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which
provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures. New show scenes
will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects,
costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score. With phased
renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is
scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008. The attraction will be closed
on the following dates for refurbishment; May 7 - 10, 2007, June 22 - 23,
2007 and July 9 - November 1, 2007.
I have to say that i am just glad that they are keeping this a "ride slowly
through scenes" type of ride. – 4ubie1
From what I've read the changes all seem positive, and won't change what I
love about this attraction. – 2Epcot
Details & Discussion Here
- ‘Pirates’ World Premier Celebration at Disneyland Park -
The Walt Disney Company is helping to make wishes come true for children all
over the world by donating proceeds from the highly anticipated World
Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures/Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ “Pirates of the
Caribbean: At World’s End,” to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America and
Make-A-Wish® International. The event will take place on May 19th at
Disneyland® Park in Anaheim, California, with all of the film’s stars
expected to participate.
<< Timeshare Tips >>
by The Timeshare Store
Purchasing your membership in the Disney Vacation Club through the Timeshare
Store is a very simple process. The only costs incurred by you (the buyer)
are the purchase price, closing costs and dues for the points that you
receive for the current use year.
For example, let’s say you purchase 150 points at Old Key West at $80 per
point. Your purchase price would be $12,000. Closing costs are based on the
selling price. For a $12,000 purchase, closing costs would be $475. That
would include a complete title search (making sure that you receive your
property free and clear of any liens or encumbrances), title insurance and
cost related to recording of all documents and deeds.
If you were to receive all points for the current use year, Disney requires
that the dues for those points are paid in full at the time of closing. If
you are only receiving partial points for the current use year, you would
only pay the dues on the points that you receive and would be able to use.
(The seller would pay the dues on the points that they borrowed and used).
If the listing you purchase has banked points from a previous use year, the
seller has already paid dues on those points and they would be “free” points
to you.
Visit The Timeshare Store’s website to review our current listings. If you
have any questions on the resale process, please call The Timeshare Store
and talk to any of our DVC resale experts. We are here to help you and your
family have many magical vacations for years to come.
<< INTERCOT Hot Topics >>
There are lots of great discussions going on as INTERCOTee’s
start to plan for Summer Vacations, so let’s look at the Hot Topics for
April 2007.
- Park Hopping? -
poeticeclipse want to know how other INTERCOTees took advantage of the Park
Hopper Ticketing Option. Here’s what some of the INTERCOTees had to say:
“We love to go to one park in the morning, take a break at the hotel, and
then we usually go to Epcot to eat or we go to another resort and eat, and
then go to another park. We just hop all over Disney World!” --
cinderella crazy
“We usually park hop on the day that we go to Animal Kingdom. We do Animal
Kingdom for most of the day, then park hop to see one of the night time
shows at one of the other parks.”-- Speedy1998
“I love to go to one park in the morning, take a nap or hang out in our room
for a while, then make it to another park in time for our dinner reservation
and to stay late for the Extra Magic Hours. I used to think park hopping was
silly, but now I can't imagine what I would do without it.”-- MMouse6937
“We generally try not to hop during the day, we usually save that for late
in the day when one park closes an hour or more before another.”-- Jasper
“I love park-hopping. We usually start in one park, go rest in the pool
mid-afternoon and then go to another park for the evening. This is
especially helpful when AK closes at 5 or 6 pm. Just hop on over to another
park that is open later.”-- dolphinmickey9170
- Lunch at Disney-MGM Studios? -
IceCreamlover was looking for a place to get a light lunch at the Disney-MGM
Studios. Here’s some of suggestions INTERCOTees offered:
“Backlot Express is a basic Disney counter service place, but we love the
themeing of a backlot warehouse.”-- Polynesian Dweller
“Starring Rolls. Huge sandwiches big enough to share and the best desserts
at Disney-MGM Studios.”-- Natazu
“Backlot Express gets my vote. Food is good, service is good, and there are
plenty of seats if you go before or after the traditional meal times. It's
one of my favorite places for a cool break.”
-- Granny Jill A
“The ABC Commissary.... it’s a very nice counter service location with a
variety that is not "burger and fries" that you get everywhere else. We
always make it a point to have lunch there...it's inside (so air conditioned
in the summer) and pleasant atmosphere”-- WishingStar2006
- Magic Kingdom Dinner: Liberty Tree or Tony’s? -
5fromabove sought the input of fellow INTERCOTees on deciding between the
Liberty Tree Tavern and Tony’s Town Square Restaurant for a Magic Kingdom
Dinner. Here are some of opinions INTERCOTees gave:
“My family really enjoyed Liberty Tree Tavern; the food was good and the
character interaction was great. I ate at Tony's on one of my solo trips and
it was ok, but nothing I would make a point of trying a second time.”--
auntfrannie
“We've been to both; I would recommend Liberty Tree Tavern. We love the food
at Liberty Tree Tavern and the kids enjoy the interaction. It's just good
home-style comfort food. We enjoyed Tony's two years ago; I would return for
lunch. Service was great and the food was good, just not as good as Liberty
Tree Tavern.”-- adamsfam5
“I prefer Tony's for lunch - they have a soup or salad and sandwich combo
which is excellent.”
-- Belle_0717
“We ate at both Liberty Tree Tavern and Tony's for dinner during our recent
trip in January. I would definitely recommend Liberty Tree Tavern over
Tony's. Liberty Tree Tavern is typical Thanksgiving fare for dinner but it
is very good.”-- Raye3201
- Pop Century Resort or the All-Star Resorts? -
KAJUNKING wanted to know if INTERCOTees preferred the Pop Century Resort or
the All-Star Resorts when it came to the Value Category of Disney
Accommodations. Here are some of opinions INTERCOTees gave:
“Pop is newer and, in my opinion, has better theming. Also, the
transportation is better - Pop has dedicated buses, so you're not having to
stop all the time.”-- EpcotNut
“We found Pop to be too large, loud and crowded. Whenever we were at the
food court, no matter what time of day, it was packed. Our All Star resort
is the Sports. The kids like the sports theme better than any other
resort.”-- CanadianWDWFan
“We have stayed at both, and like both. Our last family trip we stayed at
Pop because it was only about 6 months old, and figured it would be nice and
new (which it was). As far as amenities, they are about the same.”--
luvkatiebug
“I stayed at All-Stars for a few trips in the late 90's and now have been
staying at Pop Century for my last handful of trips. I would choose Pop
because it is more centrally located to the parks than All-Stars, which
makes the bus rides quicker.”—Vinny
Thanks to our topic starters for asking such great questions, and thanks to
all of those who responded for sharing their insight and experiences.
<< Across the Boards with Figment! >>
Welcome Back to Across the Boards. In this edition we continue our
review of the new board features by taking a look at the new Private
Messaging system. Not a lot has changed in function, but there have been
some significant changes in form.
The private messaging feature is still accessed the same way, but following
either the link to your inbox in the upper right hand corner of any forum
page or by choosing the “private message” option found in any members
profile. The message field looks the same and functions the same way as
well, but there have been a few subtle changes that could affect your
message.
When replying to a message, you may notice that your options are “forward”
or “post reply”. The “post reply” button is the same “reply” feature as
before, it is just labeled a little differently. Choosing this option still
takes you to a reply message page which will be “sent” to them and not
“posted” on the boards.
Previously when you would send a message, a prompt would appear asking you
if you wanted a “read receipt”. A read receipt is a notice that lets you
know your recipient has read the message you sent. The new system still has
this feature, but it no longer prompts you for it. Below the message field,
you will find a field market “Additional Options”. Here there is a check box
marked “Request a read receipt for this message” check this box prior to
hitting the Submit button if you want a read receipt for that message.
Until next time, happy browsing around the boards and see ya real soon!
<<
INTERCOTee Top 5 … Ice Cream Sundaes >>
Nicer weather is starting to sprout-up as we head deeper into Spring, and
that means the ice cream sundae is starting to come back into season (not
that it is every totally out). At a resort destination as big as the Walt
Disney World resort, there are soda shops, parlors, kiosks, cafes and
restaurants abound where Guests can indulge themselves in a deliciously
decedent sundae. But with so many options (and so little time) it can be a
bit of a confectionary confusion. To help, the Insider has reviewed recent
discussions and has compiled the INTERCOTee Top 5 Favorite Ice Cream Sundaes
at Walt Disney World.
Coming in at number 5 … The Plaza Restaurant Sundae
The namesake dessert of the Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom Park, this
scrumptious sundae delivers a classic taste of yesteryear. Your choice of
ice cream smothered with hot fudge and strawberry sauce, covered in crushed
pineapple and whipped cream, dusted with chopped nuts and topped off with a
cherry. Priced at $3.99 this is a sweet treat for your tummy and your
wallet.
Coming in at number 4 … Ghiradelli Warm Caramel Sundae
A Carmel lovers dream come true, but you don’t have to be in Dreamland to
find such a treat, just dine at the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate
Shop in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Two scoops of premium vanilla ice
cream layered with warm Ghirardelli creamy caramel, covered with whipped
cream and chopped almonds, topped off with a cherry and served with a
Ghirardelli’s famous chocolate with caramel square. This sundae doesn’t have
to stay in your dreams, it can be in your tummy for just $6.95.
Coming in at number 3 … The Kitchen Sink
Words like ultimate, colossal and gigantic only begin to describe this
sundae at the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop in Disney’s Beach Club resort.
Scoops of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee and mint chocolate chip,
smothered in every topping in the Soda Shop including whole brownies and
candy bars, and served in an actual kitchen sink! While this treat carries a
hefty price tag at $21.99, those who devour it claim it’s worth every penny.
Coming in at number 2 … No Way Jose
Don’t be fooled by it’s name, no one would turn down this peanut butter
decadence at the Beaches and Cream Soda Shop in Disney’s Beach Club resort.
Chocolate and vanilla ice cream, smothered in peanut butter sauce and hot
fudge, covered with peanut butter and chocolate morsels, and topped off with
whipped cream and a cherry. This large & delicious of a dessert priced at
only $7.99 might just make you exclaim its very name.
And coming in at number 1 … Ghiradelli World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae
Ghiradelli is world famous for their chocolate and their chocolate fudge is
just as famous proven each day by visitors to the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain
and Chocolate Shop in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Two scoops of premium
vanilla ice cream overflowing with Ghiradelli fresh home-made hot fudge
sauce, covered with whipped cream and chopped almonds and topped with a
cherry. While a master-class dessert like this may be priceless to you,
Ghiradelli has valued it at just $6.95.
That’s it for this countdown, hope it’s given you some sweet ideas for your
next sundae excursion at “the world”.
<<
Off Topic with ChipDale >>
Thanks to all of our
members who contributed to the “Imagineering INTERCOT” fund drive – you can
take pride in the fact that because of your generosity we’ll have a bigger,
better and most importantly a quicker server! Now on to the March happenings
in the Water Cooler:
Jamie kicked off the March Friday parties with the Happy Beer Blast Friday
Party and moved on to the We’re Going to the Future, Doc Party, INTERCOT’s
annual Let’s Be Irish for the Weekend St. Patrick’s Day Party, the Spring
Fever Friday Party, and to close the month we had the April’s Antics,
Animals and All that Rain Party. Thanks to Jamie, we can all end the week in
style at the Water Cooler!
We’ve all done it. Read, browse and post on INTERCOT when we should be doing
something else. Here’s what some of our members had to say: Cantgetenuff:
“…should be out of my pajamas and getting dressed!” Disneymom4ever: “…paying
bills and cleaning house! Ugh! This is definitely more fun!” Jimenyfan: “I
should be finishing my laundry.” Lizzy: “I should be searching for a new
job…” BronxTigger: “Taking down the Christmas Tree!” Darth Macho: “Doing the
taxes and watching the kids!” So the next time that you should be doing
something other than posting, remember you’re not alone!
Pet talk comes up often in the Water Cooler. Donald A asked the question
“Who has the most indoor pets?” aprilisis: “I have 2 dogs, 3 cats and 2
rats”. VickiP has 5 cats. DisneyDog: “I have 1 dog and 1 cat, but also a
4-year old son and a husband – do they count?” Piglet822: “I've got 4 dogs,
1 cat, 1 iguana, 1 parakeet, 1 turtle and 2 goldfish.” Amaya-chan: “We have
12 pets; 6 birds, 4 fish, turtle, gecko, and one cat. It's pretty crazy but
we love them all.” And the INTERCOTee with the most? Momof2boys: “My kids
always tell their teachers that they have 20 pets . . . even though 17 of
them are fish. We also have 1 dog and 2 turtles.”
Piglet822 shared the March celebrations – were you aware that March 9 is
Panic Day and Nametag Day? Other fun occasions to celebrate included What if
Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day, March Forth – Do Something Day,
National Potato Chip Day, Buzzard’s Day, National “Joe” Day, Something on a
Stick Day, Fly a Kite Day and National Sing Out Day. Be sure to check out
Jeanne’s wacky celebrations each month in the Water Cooler. Thanks Jeanne!
March posting milestones were reached by: vizsla – 17,000 posts,
DizneyFreak2002 – 14,000 posts, dlpmikki – 7,000 posts, alpro2 – 6,000
posts, ElenitaB – 5,000 posts, offwego – 5,000 posts, Strmchsr – 3,000
posts, pogo- 1,500 posts, Caroleh – 1,000 posts, Red Randal – 1,000 posts,
mini – 1,000 posts, HndrdPrcnt – 1,000 posts, Speedy1998 – 1,000 posts,
mudpuppysmom – 1,000 posts, Jimenyfan – 900 posts, BronxTigger – 900 posts,
BelleBeauty – 900 posts, chrisb26 – 500 posts, mmouse566 – 500 posts,
ibrowse17 – 500 posts, Just2Mickey – 500 posts, indytravler – Senior Cast
Member, scottgr - 100 posts, magicman – 100 posts. Congrats to all!
That about wraps it up for March. See you next month!
<<
Conclusion >>
Whew! That was so much great info we just barely crammed it into a single
edition. We’ll be back next month with our standard first and second
editions. With the Summer approaching quickly, there’s lots to cover to plan
a great Disney Summer Vacation and the Insider will be there to help. See ya
real soon!
<< 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!
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:
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Magical Journeys
Magical Journeys is your Disney Vacation specialist. Start planning your
Vacation Discount Dreams today!
Website:
http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/
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
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
The Timeshare Store
The #1 Disney Vacation Club Reseller in the World. See how easy and
affordable it is to purchase your very own piece of the MAGIC!
Website: http://www.dvc-resales.com/
Garden Grocer
GardenGrocer.com allows you to spend more time doing the things you want to
do on your vacation and less time at the supermarket.
Website: http://www.gardengrocer.com/
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