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<< Introduction >>

The days are getting shorter and the trees are starting to show hints of turning to gold, red and orange --yep, we've rustled right past the first day of Autumn.  While Friday Night football games, apple cider, and cooler weather may be reminiscent of the beginning of Autumn in your neck of the woods; the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts are busting with all sorts of fantastically fun Fall events.  In this issue of the Insider we take a look at the latest deals, check out the hot topics for those planning Fall vacations, find out what's so great about visiting The Magic Kingdom park and Disneyland resort during the Halloween season, get some more timeshare tips, countdown what INTERCOTees are looking forward to at the Food and Wine Festival and reap this month's magical milestones.  It's Insider Time!

<< Disney Deals >>

--Late 2007 Specials--

For a limited time, vacationers can take advantage of discount rates at select Walt Disney World Resorts. Value Resorts & Villa Room-Only Specials and Magic Your Way Package discounts are available between October 21 - December 23, 2007. Please note, the rates increase with the change in vacation seasons and some dates are blacked out. The number of rooms offered is limited and must be booked by October 20, 2007. For details contact INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency, Magical Journeys at 1-570-785-3283, or visit their web site and fill out a quote form.

>> Magical Journeys 

>> Details & Discussion

<< INTERCOT Hot Topics >>

With so many great things to do and lower than average crowds there's lots of Fall Planning going on around the boards, let’s look at the Hot Topics for August and September 2007.

-Pal Mickey?-

kbean asked INTERCOTees for their opinion of Pal Mickey.  Here’s some of the opinions INTERCOTee’s shared:

"We got pal Mickey and thought he was cute and fun, but honestly found ourselves kind of forgetting about him during all the excitement. He is too big to carry around conveniently, in my humble opinion."--thejens 

"We love Pal Mickey. He is just so fun and says the funniest/cheesiest things. His estimates on wait times for rides was spot on."--Clotho 

"We loved the tips, and will be bringing him back for the next trip for sure!"--ibelieveindisneymagic 

"I love all the info he tells me, especially about the world showcase and at Animal Kingdom. I also think its fun when he says things like, "Today has been a great day because I spent it with you", its like self esteem in stuffed animal form! "--CandleontheWater

-From the Studios to Epcot?-

disney crazy family wanted to know if INTERCOTees thought the best way to travel between the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot by was by Boat, Walking or Bus.  Here’s some of the advice INTERCOTees offered:

"I've had good luck with the boat. It is our preferred way to get to MGM from EPCOT and vice versa."--MinnieMommie 

"If there is a boat right there take the boat. If there isn't a boat at the launch then just walk."--disneynarula

"We've walked, and I seem to remember it taking about 20 minutes, but I usually prefer to take the boat since I already do so much walking around the parks."--jefmblrd

"I would definitely take the bus if I was at the front of the park."--MsMin

-Longhouse with a Garden View?-

BrerKevin inquired as to which longhouse (at the Polynesian Resort) INTERCOTees preferred for a Garden View room.  Here’s a few of the recommendations INTERCOTees made:

"We enjoyed Rarotonga facing the quiet pool. It's located right next to Great Ceremonial House and is convenient to everything."--SBETigg

"The Tokelau Longhouse.  It is centrally located to both pools and the Great Ceremonial House."--DisneyorBust

"Fiji is really close to the Great Ceremonial House and also the volcano pool"--NLODisney

"Tokelau would be my first choice for its location, the larger rooms and the balconies on all upper floors. Also it has the most garden view rooms with partial lagoon views and even a few that see the castle for a garden view price."--tikiman

-Diamond in the Rough Restaurants? -

TheMartellFamily asked if INTERCOTees dined at a location that they had low expectations of, but surprised them with a great meal.  Here’s some places INTERCOTees listed:

"Garden Grill & Liberty Tree Tavern. I'm not one for family style meals, but these were both a great surprise for my family. The food was good, fresh, and quite tasty. We'll be sure to eat there again."--Momof2boys

"For us, Hollywood & Vine was a very pleasant surprise. We booked it just because we had never eaten there. We weren't really expecting much (just a typical buffet), but we thought the food was all very good - better than an average buffet."--Disnamic Duo

"Spoodles on the Boardwalk was a big surprise for us. We had passed it by several times simply because we had no idea what "Mediterranean" meant. We tried it on a whim in Feb of 2006, and fell in love with it."--GrumpyFan

"I was really surprised at Biergarten. I was expecting so-so food with entertainment, but what we got was a good meal with great entertainment  "--mudpuppysmom

Thanks to our topic starters for asking such great questions, and thanks to all of those who responded for sharing their insight and experiences.

<< Halloween Happenings >>

There's so much Halloween cheer to spread around Disneyland resort and the Walt Disney World resort that both Vacation Kingdoms start the fun in September just to fit it all in!  This year the Magic Kingdom park started Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party, their annual fall tradition, on September 14th.  The Disneyland resort just kicked off HalloweenTime, their annual event, on September 21st.  No matter which coast you may be visiting, there will be lots of Happily Haunting fun.  For Guests traveling in the coming weeks to experience these events, the Insider has complied the following tips and info to help you have Spootakular time.

--Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Points--

The Magic Kingdom park's Not-So-Scary Halloween party is an annual hard-ticket event that delights children of all ages and delivers some mild spookings.  This is one of the few events where everyone can (and is encouraged to) dress up as their favorite Disney character or don a classic Halloween costume.  The event itself is filled with so many great activities it can be hard to keep track of them all.  Here's a run down of this year's activities:

• Trick-or-Treating. Grab goodies for your ghouls along Alice and Mad Hatter's Treat Party trail or at fun treat spots located around the Magic Kingdom park.  This year's treat spots are located near the Carousel of Progress, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Toontown Hall of Fame, Pooh's Playful Spot, Columbia Harbour House, The Liberty Bell Landing, Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road, El Pirata y el Perico, and the Sunshine Tree Terrace.   Trick-of-Treating runs 7:00 pm till 12:00 am.
• Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade.  A spootakularly fun parade featuring exclusive characters like the Headless Horseman, Haunted Mansion Ghosts & Ghouls, and Mickey & Friends dressed up in their Halloween costumes.  With parades at 8:15 pm & 10:30 pm there's twice the chance to catch it!
• Halloween Dance Parties. Get down and dance with your favorite characters at two super fun dance parties.   Get your groove on at Stitch's Cosmic Dance Party in Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe or at the Get Up & Boo-gie Dance Party in Ariel's Grotto.
• “Happy HalloWishes” Fireworks. This spectacular Halloween-themed fireworks display features spooky music from family-friendly Disney attractions and movies including Haunted Mansion and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” as well as the voices of memorable Disney characters such as Madame Leota, Ursula, Jafar, Maleficent and Oogie Boogie. Make sure to stake out a good spot to catch the 9:30 pm showing!
• Villain's Mix and Mingle.  Your favorite Disney Villains take center stage in this Halloween production located in the Cinderella Castle Forecourt.  Stick around after the show for a chance to mingle with your favorite Baddie. With shows at 7:45, 9:00, 10:05 and 11:15 p.m. there's lots of chances to get in on the fun!
• Special Disney Character Appearances.  Take advantage of the smaller crowds and spend some quality time with your favorite characters, some of whom may even be wearing their favorite Halloween Costume.  This year special Meet & Greets will be located at or near the Galaxy Palace Theater, The Judge's Tent, Donald's Boat, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and the Advenutreland Bridge. Meet and Greets will stay open until 11:30 pm.

>> Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

--HalloweenTime Tips--

The Disneyland resort really gets into the Halloween spirit.  From transforming attractions, to bountiful decor, to special events; every nook and cranny of both the Disneyland park and Disney's California Adventure is filled with Halloween fun.  With so many great options spread across two theme parks it can seem a little daunting to try to see it all.  Here's a run down of some of the not-to-miss events that will make your Halloween visit a great one: 

• Candy Corn Acres. All new this Halloween season, the Sunshine Plaza in California Adventure has been transformed as Goofy has grown the West’s biggest and most unusual candy corn: candy corn coconuts, candy corn carrots and candy corn pumpkins, among other delicious produce offerings. The Plaza is overgrown with the “fruits” of Goofy’s labor.
• Mickey’s HalloweenTreat.  This year’s HalloweenTreat, a separately ticketed nighttime event at Disney’s California Adventure,  offers tricksters of all ages even more spooktacular fun.  The expansion in activities includes more treat locations along with fun character encounters (including an all-new nightly cavalcade), interactive games, and spirited music with DJ Mickey.  Older kids and parents will want to experience the heart-dropping Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and meet the hotel’s ghostly staff members who materialize only during the Halloween season. 
• Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland is once again decked out for the Main Street Pumpkin Festival. Guests are greeted there by Miss Cobbler, Queen of the Pumpkin Festival, and Constable Jackie O’Leary. More than 300 jack-o’-lanterns peek out of shop windows and the whimsical 12-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o’-lantern, complete with pumpkin ears, has returned to highlight Town Square.
• Woody’s Halloween Roundup. Woody and his Pal's have once again taken over Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland. The Roundup fun includes a visit with the animals in the “Petting Boo,” crafts and musical activities including a Halloween Hoedown and a spooky interactive sing-along version of “Old McDonald Had a Farm” featuring black cats, ghosts and werewolves. Woody, Jessie and Bullseye from the Disney•Pixar Toy Story movies appear throughout the day on stage in comic adventure tales hosted by a guitar playing, storytelling cowboy. 
• Golden Screams.  Disney villains roll out the black carpet for an awards ceremony – “Best Scream,” “Best Act of Villainy” – held daily inside the Golden Dreams Theatre at Disney's California Adventure park.
• Haunted Mansion Holiday.  No Halloween celebration at Disneyland would be complete without the return of Jack Skellington and his friends to transform the Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square .  Inspired by the innovative animated film Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas, “Haunted Mansion Holiday” depicts the holiday mayhem that occurs when Halloween and Christmas traditions collide.

>> HalloweenTime at Disneyland

<< Timeshare Tips >>

by The Timeshare Store

Following up the last issue of the Insider, here are more frequently asked questions about the Disney Vacation Club resale purchases from The Timeshare Store.

What Does “Use Year” Mean?

The use year is the month you receive your points each year. It has nothing to do with when you can make your reservations, however.  Example: You may book up to 11 months in advance at your home resort and up to 7 months in advance at any of the other Club locations.  Or, if you want to vacation before your use year begins, you may borrow points from the upcoming allotment.

How Long Does It Take To Close?

Approximately 6-8 weeks. After we receive both Buyer’s and Seller’s signed contract, everything goes to Disney for ROFR (Right of First Refusal).  Disney has 30 days to review the contract and decide whether to exercise their right or not. They generally make that decision in 3 weeks or less.  Once approved, Disney forwards everything to the title company and they prepare final documents. After the final documents have been executed and returned (along with the monies due from the Buyer), the contract closes and Disney is notified of the transfer of title.

When Can I Make My First Dvc Reservation?

About 7 days after closing. DVC enters you into the database as a DVC Member and you may begin making reservations by calling Member Services.

When Will I Receive My Member Id Card, New Member Handbook And Vacation Planner?

Approximately 30 days after closing. You do not need to have your ID card in order to make a reservation, as Member Services will look you up by name.

Do I Have To Buy A Minimum Of 160 Points?

Not when buying a resale from The Timeshare Store. You may purchase as few as 25 points and Disney Vacation Club will consider you a Member with full benefits. You will receive your ID card, new DVC Member Handbook and Vacation Planner just as though you had purchased the Disney minimum directly from DVC.

Can Dvc Members Have More Than One Use Year?

Yes. If you have the same use year for all of your packages, you will have one ID card for all of them. If you have more than one use year, you will receive an ID card for each one.

Are There Any Hidden Costs When Buying A Dvc Resale?

No hidden costs. When you purchase a DVC resale through The Timeshare Store, you will have your purchase price, closing costs and applicable Annual Dues. That’s it.

How Do I Know What The Closing Costs Will Be?

The closing costs average between $325 and $750 based on the purchase price. Your associate can give you an exact amount on each of our listings.

Are Prices Negotiable?

Some Sellers are negotiable and some are firm at their asking price. We’ll always be happy to present an offer for you. The associates at The Timeshare Store will advise you if your offer is in danger of not passing ROFR so you may make an informed decision about the price you’d like us to present.

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 at 800-550-6493 and talk to any of our DVC resale experts.  We are here to help you.

>> The Timeshare Store

<< INTERCOTee Top 5 ... Food & Wine Festival >>

The beginning of Autumn means the start of the Epcot culinary tradition that is the International Food and Wine Festival.  With this year's Festival just underway many INTERCOTees have been clamoring about which kiosks they are most looking forward to trying at this year's festival.  The Insider has reviewed recent discussions and has tabulated the INTERCOTee Top 5 Most Anticipated Food & Wine Festival Kiosks. 

Coming in at number 5 … The Canada Kiosk

Serving up a favorite of many, Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, this kiosk is considered by some as a quick alternative to the hard-to-reserve  Le Cellier.  Additionally, this kiosk offers a selection of renowned Canadian wines and some tasty maple treats.

Coming in at number 4 … Dominican Republic Kiosk

New for this year's festival, the Dominican Republic kiosk is serving up some tasty treats with a tropical flare.  Available here is Dulce de Coco and Pastelon de Plantanos Amarillos.  The former is coconut flan and the latter is ripe plantain with Vegetable Casserole topped with Avocado.

Coming in at number 3 … Oklahoma Centennial Pavilion

Exclusive to this year's festival, Oklahoma is presenting a pavilion with two kiosks to celebrate the centennial anniversary of their statehood.  The  Rock Rose Dinner kiosk celebrates Route 66 cuisine and offers pecan pie, peach buckle and several "Oklahoma Centennial" Wines.  The Three Sisters Cafe kiosk celebrates Native American cuisine and offers a spicy zucchini soup, seared buffalo and sweet iced tea.

Coming in at number 2 … Champagne Kiosk

A perennial favorite, this kiosk caters to more sophisticated pallets by offering a variety of truffles and champagnes.  Returning this year are the Duo of Chocolate Truffles and a Moet & Chandon bubbly line-up of White Star, Rose Imperial, Nectar Imperial, and Nectar Imperial Rose.

And coming in at number 1 … Australia Kiosk

Serving up some down-under delicacies, this kiosk has delighted many a taste bud at past festivals.  Returning this year is Grilled Lamb Chop, which is a favorite of many.  Also offered this year are Shrimp on the Barbie and a Macadamia Nut and Chocolate Bar.  To wash down the dishes, the kiosk offers a variety of award winning Australian wines and (of course) Foster's Lager. 

That's it for this countdown.  Hope its given you some good ideas of not-to-miss kiosks at this year's Food & Wine Festival.

<< This Month in Disney History with vizsla >>

Magical Disney Milestones for the Month of September:

1966 – Disneyland’s Monsanto Hall of Chemistry was removed to make way for the new “Adventure Through Inner Space” attraction on September 19th.

1987 – The “Westward Ho Trading Co.” shop opened in Frontierland at Disneyland on September 2nd. The shop was formerly the Frontier Trading Post.

1996 -  IllumiNations 25 opened for preview at Epcot in honor of Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary on September 21st.

1998- On September 5th, “Rocket Rods” closed at Disneyland.  The short-lived high-speed Tomorrowland attraction opened May 1998.

2005 – After 6-years of planning and building costs of $1.8 billion, the 310-acre Hong Kong Disneyland had its grand opening on September 12th. It is Disney’s 5th vacation resort and 11th theme park.

<< Conclusion >>

That wraps up this issue of fun Fall vacation planning.  Hope it's given you a lot of great ideas of things to do on a Fall Disney Vacation. We'll be back in a few weeks with a re-cap of the INTERCOT 10th Anniversary Party, as well as; our usual round-up of happenings across the Disney parks and INTERCOT itself.  See ya real soon!
 

<< Thank You To Our Sponsors! >>

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: http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com?ovchn=OTHER&ovcpn=Listing+Sites&ovcrn=intercot&ovtac=AD

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

Stan Kelley Photography
Ever wish you could be in the picture? Stan Kelley Photography takes quality family portraits of your Orlando dream vacation that you'll treasure forever.
Website: http://www.flmemories.com/

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/

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