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INTERCOT Insider
December 2007 - Holiday Edition |
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<<
Introduction >>
Sleigh bells
ring, are you listening...in the lane snow, is glistening...A beautiful
sight, we're happy tonight ... reading the INTERCOT Insider!
With the Winter
Holiday season upon us, the Insider is getting into the festive sprit and is
brining you this special edition filled to the brim with Holiday cheer. In
this edition we take a look at the hot topics around the boards, round-up
the New Year’s Eve festivities across Walt Disney World, countdown the
favorite colossal Christmas confectionaries on display at Walt Disney World,
welcome another new Sponsor, check out the buzz in info Central, and check
out some more timeshare tips. It's Insider Time!
<<
INTERCOT Hot Topics >>
With the Holiday
Season well underway, the boards are a-buzz with last minute trip planning
prior to a Christmas or New Year’s trip to ‘the world’. Let’s look at the
Hot Topics for November & December 2007.
-New Years
Eve at Disney World?-
Deesdisney
wanted to know what the crowds and festivities are like on New Year’s Eve
around the Walt Disney World resort. Here’s some of the opinions
INTERCOTee’s shared:
"We've been
there a few times for New Years and we go to Epcot. We make a few Advanced
Dining Reservations and just have fun. You do need to plan to be there early
and stay for the day. They closed the park {due to crowds} the last time we
were there for about 3 hours."--wifey5794
"We were at Walt
Disney World for New Year's 2001-2002 and it was very crowded on New Year's
Eve. We spent the day at the Magic Kingdom and it was closed early in the
day because they had reached capacity. ... They gave out hats and noise
makers later in the evening. There were extra shows, parades, lights and
other festivities as well. The Countdown on MainStreet was awesome and the
fireworks were incredible!!"-- LittleRoosMommy
"Walt Disney
World on New Years Eve is Awesome. But if you hate crowds don't bother.
We've gone 10 out of the last 15 years...Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios tend
to be more adult, probably because of the alcohol sales. They hand out hats
and noise makers at all of the parks."-- pennsy22
"The parks are
Very crowded and the parks do stop entry when they are filled to capacity.
However you can have a wonderful experience staying at a hotel. You can have
dinner at someplace fabulous and watch the fireworks from one of the hotels.
Last year we were at Disney for New Years Eve and stayed at Saratoga Springs
Resort. The view of Downtown Disney's fireworks was fantastic from there. We
ate at Downtown Disney then watched the fireworks from Saratoga Springs
Resort. You have several options if you don't want to be in a park."—MinnieMommie
-Which
Lodge?-
Ms.Disney asked
for input on deciding between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal
Kingdom Lodge for a future stay. Here’s some of the input INTERCOTee’s
gave:
"Wilderness
Lodge is my favorite of all of the resorts. I love how when you arrive you
feel almost like you aren't even in Florida anymore. Instead you are taken
to the beauty of a U.S. National park. The resort's beauty will take you
away from the moment you enter the front doors. There are a lot of things to
do at this resort. It has two great restaurants. You can rent a variety of
boats and also bikes. There are activities for the children and a tour of
the resort that the whole family can take part in. Or if you don't want to
do anything at all you sit out by the pool or out on your balcony enjoying
the sounds of the "wilderness"."--Mollywobbles
"Animal Kingdom
Lodge is my favorite Disney Resort. It is a nice relaxing place that really
makes you feel like you away from everything. The views of the animals are
amazing and make it a wonderful experience. I really enjoy waking up and
sitting out on the balcony and watching the animals before I start my day at
the parks. The 2 restaurants are both excellent and I really like the
counter service location since it offers some great flavors of Africa along
with the standard fair. They also offer African storytelling at night around
the fire as well as nightvision goggles to view the animals at night. "--
JPL
"Wilderness
Lodge! ... My husband and I stayed in Animal Kingdom Lodge a couple years
ago. We liked Animal Kingdom Lodge ok, but you can't walk around the
resort, and it's pretty far away from Magic Kingdom (our favorite park).
The next year we stayed in Wilderness Lodge, and fell in love with the
resort! It's quite romantic, every cafe/restaurant has yummy food, you can
take a ferry to Magic Kingdom, and you can rent bikes"-- Tigger&Stitch
"I’d choose
Animal Kingdom Lodge since it is such a unique resort. We've enjoyed the
proximity to the Animals, particularly since Dear Daughter (Age 6) is an
Animal Lover! I also prefer the Food Court at Animal Kingdom Lodge to that
at Wilderness Lodge simply because it is larger, offers those fantastic
zebra domes in to-go packs, and has this African Stew in a bread bowl that I
love."-- Kendall0303
-Toddler’s
First Character Meal?-
WDWfeelslikehome
inquired as to which character meal would be most enjoyed by a toddler that
had never been to Walt Disney World before. Here’s some of the suggestions
INTERCOTee’s offered:
"Garden Grill at
Epcot. It is our 3yr olds favorite at WDW (actually it's all 5 of our
favorites). We get more one on one time with the characters (especially
Mickey and Pluto), the food is great, the revolving floor is unique and you
have a great view of Living with the Land boatride."-- Tigerinvestigator
"My Dear Son,
who was 3, and I went to Crystal Palace by ourselves and had a great time.
Another suggestion, my kids loved Liberty Tree Tavern. We went for dinner
and had great character interaction. The kids had a really good time. "--
Roger Rabbit 89
"My family,
including my almost 3 year old Dear Daughter, really enjoyed the Ohana’s
breakfast at the Polynesian Resort. It's Mickey, Lilo, Stitch, Pluto in
Tropical garb. We also enjoyed the Winnie the Pooh characters at Crystal
Palace in Magic Kingdom. "-- jenfriend
"Garden Grill.
The characters are wonderful there and it's relatively small and quiet
(compared to Chef Mickey's, for example). Also, Mickey is a well known
character, unlike some of the characters at the other meals."-- ElenitaB
Thanks to our
topic starters for asking such great questions, and thanks to all of those
who responded for sharing their insight and experiences.
<< A
Cool Deal for Passholders>>
~with the Gaylord Palms Resort~
INTERCOT's newest sponsor, Gaylord
Palms Resort, is happy to announce a special offer to view ICE for Annual
Passholders at select Florida theme parks. Now through January 3rd, annual
passholders for all Walt Disney World theme parks, all Universal Orlando
theme parks, SeaWorld Adventure Park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Cypress
Gardens can receive a free child's admission to ICE! for every adult
admission purchased. This offer is only valid for admission before 2pm, and
is available by showing a valid season pass at the ICE! Box Office.
>>
More info on ICE
<< Ringing in 2008 at
Walt Disney World >>
Walt Disney
World Resort ushers in 2008 with a dazzling display of entertainment,
parades, fireworks, thrills and extended hours throughout the Vacation
Kingdom. In the spirit of the "dropping ball" in Times Square, Guests can
experience a special New Year's count-downs across the resort. Many
locations also feature earlier entertainment so that Guests with children
can join in the revelry before they retire.
Magic Kingdom
Donning hats and
noisemakers, revelers can party on until 1 a.m. at Magic Kingdom with double
the parades and fireworks. Guests can count down to the magical hour with
the "SpectroMagic" parade at 7 and 10:30 p.m., plus "Holiday Wishes"
fireworks at 8:30 p.m. and "Fantasy in the Sky-New Year’s Eve Edition"
fireworks at 11:50 p.m.
Epcot
A special
version of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" laser-light spectacular
will be presented at 7:30 and 11:40 p.m. at Epcot. Latin crossover band
Papo's Groove and the energetic DJ Indio Davila will entertain partiers at
America Gardens Theatre, while the big band swing music of the Tom Butler
Orchestra will fill World Showplace. Rockers can boogie down at Scooter's
dance party at the Fountain Stage, plus techno rock at the China pavilion
and classic rock 'n' roll at the Italy pavilion in World Showcase. Guest can
ring in the New Year with international flair till 1 a.m.
Disney-MGM
Studios
Aglow with the
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, presented by SYLVANIA, millions
of sparkling lights adorn the Streets of America backlot. Special
entertainment includes a trio of "Fantasmic!" fireworks shows -- at 6:30,
8:30 and 10 p.m. -- plus "Lights, Camera, Happy New Year!" fireworks at
midnight. Revelers can continue to party on until 1 a.m.
Downtown
Disney Pleasure Island
Downtown Disney
Pleasure Island ushers in the New Year with pizzazz and hosts its annual,
island-wide street party. The special ticket event features live bands and
DJs mixing it up all night long. The party is for revelers 21 and older and
takes place from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Admission to the night-long celebration is
$99 plus tax, and includes entry to all Pleasure Island nightclubs. For more
information or to order tickets, guests may call 407/W-DISNEY.
Downtown
Disney West Side
Cirque du Soleil
fans can celebrate the New Year La Nouba style with two presentations of the
theatrical production, at 6 and 9 p.m. A champagne toast celebration,
souvenir program, glow sticks and gift are included in the special ticket
price. Tickets are from $67 to $139, plus tax, depending on category.
Disney’s
Boardwalk
Pop the cork on
a memorable New Year’s Eve at the Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk
Resort. The champagne is chilled, the snacks are delicious and the dancing
is divine. With a rockin’ band like the Big Ide playing your favorite tunes
from the ‘80s, ‘90s and now – and the grand champagne toast at midnight –
counting down the New Year in the casual elegance of Atlantic Dance Hall is
sure to be the highlight of this or any year. Please note that all Guests
must be 21 years of age or older to enter Atlantic Dance Hall on New Year’s
Eve (proper ID is required). Tickets for this event will go on sale at noon
on December 31, 2007 at the Atlantic Dance Hall box office.
<<
Inside info Central>>
Park Calendar
Released for June 2008
The Walt Disney
World Resort has released it's Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event
schedules for June 2008. For guests visiting during this time, you will want
to visit the Park Hours and Events pages to aid in planning your trip.
Remember, all times and schedules are subject to change, so check back
often.
>>
Extra Magic Hours
Schedule and Info
>>
Current Park Hours
>>
Fireworks, Parades, &
Event Schedules
What's Updated?
INTERCOT info Central has recently updated the following sections to keep
you up-to-date as you plan your Disney World Vacation.
>>
Closing &
Refurbishment Schedule
>>
Historic Temp
Averages by Day
>>
Walt Disney World Kennels
<<
Timeshare Tips>>
~by the Timeshare Store~
Once you have done your research and
made a decision on how many points to buy for your Disney Vacation Club
membership, your next step is to decide which resort you would like to make
your home resort. A good rule of thumb is to purchase at the resort you
would enjoy staying at the most since your home resort give you an advantage
in making reservations.
Let’s say you purchased your DVC
points at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas. You can make reservations at Boardwalk
(your home resort) 11 months before your vacation check out date. Next year
you want to use your Boardwalk points at the Wilderness Lodge. Since it is
not your home resort, you would have to wait until 7 months before your
vacation check out date to make the reservations, giving those who own at
Wilderness Lodge the home resort advantage in making their reservations.
This is important if you vacation during the very busy seasons at Walt
Disney World. The smaller resorts tend to book up quickly, so choose your
home resort based on where you want to stay the most.
Of course, you may use your points at
any of the 8 DVC resorts (with new DVC resorts announced for Disneyland
California and on the island of Oahu in Hawaii) and at over 500 locations
worldwide.
Check our website to see all of our
current DVC listings for sale. Contact us at The Timeshare Store and any of
our associates would be happy to answer your questions and find the right
Disney Vacation Club membership for you and your family.
>>
The Timeshare Store
<< INTERCOTee Top 5 …
Christmas Creations >>
While you may be
whipping up some Christmas cookies, seasonal pies and other festive pastries
in your kitchen at this time of year, the Walt Disney World resort has been
using its magic to make some Christmas confectionaries of colossal
proportions. These sweet structures are so spectacular that many Guests
plan a day just to see them all. To help you plan to get a peak at these
tremendous treats, the Insider has reviewed recent discussions and has put
together the INTERCOTee Top 5 Favorite Confectionary Christmas Creations.
Coming in at number 5 … Pinocchio's Toy Shop
Disney’s Contemporary Resort features a holiday toy shop made of sugar and
chocolate, featuring Pinocchio himself. This sweet spot can be found on
the first floor of the tower building.
Coming in at number 4 … Sugar Mountain
The lobby of Disney's Yacht Club Resort becomes home to a delectable scene
in motion: A miniature New England-style train races through a sugary rock
mountain surrounded by a candy-coated model village in this don't-miss
edible display.
Coming in at number 3 … Candy Carousel
A fully detailed, life-sized carousel in the Beach Club Resort's lobby is
created from a recipe that uses gingerbread, chocolate, sugar paste and tons
of enthusiasm, energy and talent. Guests who wish to take home a treat of
their own can buy small gingerbread houses from the Beach Club Marketplace.
Pastry chefs give demonstrations on select days to provide guests with tips
on creating a gingerbread invention at home.
Coming in at number 2 … Santa's Gingerbread Bake Shop
Santa's Gingerbread Bake Shop at Liberty Inn (at the American Adventure
pavilion in Epcot) enchants guests of all ages. Guests peer inside the
life-sized gingerbread house at goodies galore. The giant structure, made
entirely of gingerbread, cookies and icing, features more than 800 pounds of
sugar and more than 1,000 eggs. Inside the bake shop, Christmas cookies and
hot and cold beverages, as well as souvenir gingerbread recipe cards, may be
purchased.
And coming in at number 1 … The Grand Gingerbread House
Awestriking Guests annually is a gingerbread house so large that it doubles
as a real bake shop. Located in the Grand Floridian Resort’s lobby, the
house features gingerbread using a classic Austrian recipe. The bake shop
offers freshly baked items such as cookies and gingerbread ornaments. Other
homemade items for sale include Stollen Bread, chocolate peppermint bark,
lollipops and special Grand Floridian logo boxes filled with truffles.
Demonstrations of how to decorate a gingerbread house take place in front of
the Gingerbread House six days a week.
That’s it for the countdown, hope it’s helped you make a plan to check out
these sweet structures if you visit Walt Disney World during Christmastime!
<<From
All
of
Us
to
All
of
You!>>
The staff of
INTERCOT and the INTERCOT Insider would like to take a moment to wish the
best to you and yours this Christmas and Holiday Season. May your New Year
be a happy and healthy one filled with Disney Dreams! From the bottom of our
hearts, we thank each and every one of you for making INTERCOT among the
most visited Disney Vacation Planning Sites on the Internet.
<<
Conclusion >>
That wraps up this
issue. Hope its given you some great tips to make a Christmas or New Years
trip to Walt Disney World extra special. Our monthly columns will be taking
a Christmas break, but we'll be back in the New Year with a look back at the
end of 2007 and a look forward at what great things are to come in 2008. 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!
<< 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/
Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin
The Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin blends the lovely resort
architecture with its signature Balinese style to provide a fresh and
original setting where you may indulge in world class pampering and beauty
services.
Website:
http://www.swandolphin.com/activities/spa.html
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
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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