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<< Introduction >>

Burrrrrrrrrr.  Well, winter is well underway and we are rollin' right into another new year.  With all sorts of new excitement on the horizon of this new year for Disney Vacations, we take a peak at what's ahead and a glance back at the previous year.  In this jam-packed edition we check out the latest deals, cover the latest Disney events from coast to coast, check out a great new accommodation deal for 2008, take a look back at the technical FAQ's of 2007, run-down all the new things coming to the Walt Disney World resort in 2008, check out the latest buzz in info Central, re-cap the end of 2007 chit-chat around the water cooler, get some more timeshare tips, and cover milestones for the month of January. Hang on to them hat's and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the Internet!

<<Disney Deals>>

-Winter Passholder Discounts-

Disney has released room-only discounts, at select resorts, for Annual Passholders vacationing between February 14 - March 6, 2008.  Discounts include select Value Resorts from $79+, Moderate Resorts from $139+ and Deluxe Resorts from $+254 per night. The rates increase on weekends and holidays. Ask for code FIC. The number of rooms offered at these rates is limited. 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.

>> Details & Discussion
>> Magical Journeys

<<Coast to Coast Disney with Mel>>

Spaceship Earth Revamp - Wonderful AND Woeful

It's not often a ride revamp gets both wonderful and woeful reviews by the same individual, but it seems Spaceship Earth's revamp is doing both.  Guests are simultaneously praising the first half of the ride as "in the tradition" of the Epcot keystone ride and slamming the second half of the ride as a journey thru a dark tunnel and an unimaginative use of space. 

The end does seem a bit underwhelming! – RedHeadWriter

In short - fantastic start - lousy finish. - lindique

It definitely does not rank up there with the Haunted Mansion as one of the better Disney rehabs. – Demos

>>Read Guest Reviews & Discuss Here

New Monorail Cars Arrive Soon at Disneyland Resort

New monorail cars arrived in Disneyland this week. The cars have bench seats facing the windows so travelers can view the parks, resorts and Downtown Disney. The vehicles will debut in late February.

All I can say is....WOW - BklynChick

Some of my best memories of Disneyland when I was a kid was seeing the monorails for the first time. I'm excited that news ones are coming to the park. – 2Epcot

>>Discuss This News...

Food & Wine Weekends 2008 at Disney’s California Adventure

Celebrate the palate pleasing flavors of California cuisine and spirits as the Disneyland Resort plays host to a food-lover's festival that showcases the diverse tastes of the Golden State. Join celebrity chefs, noted sommeliers and fellow culinary connoisseurs in a series of demonstrations, seminars, and epicurean adventures that will have your mouth watering every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from April 11 through May 4, 2008.

>>Full Story...

Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club Closing at WDW’s Pleasure Island

One of Pleasure Island's main-stay night clubs is set to close its doors for good February 3, 2008. The Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club opened on Pleasure Island April 4, 1990, less than one year after the night time district opened to the public. The venue replaced the short-lived and likely forgotten XZFR Rockin' Rollerdrome. While the Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club pumped out similar rock 'n' roll tunes as its flash-in-the-pan predecessor, it scraped grooving to tunes on roller skates for a more conventional dancing environment often featuring live bands. At the time of the announcement, no future use for the location was announced.

I hope they replace it with something good. – DisneyWhirled

I am happy to report that the rest of the clubs will remain untouched.....for now.  – Dorito2000

>>Discussion Here

2008 Star Wars Weekend Dates Released

Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine for the family-friendly fan-fest, scheduled for four consecutive weekends, beginning June 6 and running through June 29, 2008, at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The event includes special parades, trivia games, meet-and-greet sessions with Star Wars legends and characters and special themed activities. The weekend festivities take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and are included with regular theme park admission.

We just found (2005) that it was more crowded than we wanted to deal with. – SillyOldBear

Yes the star wars weekends are very crowded, but they are alot of fun- if you are a Star wars fan you should not miss it. – Mackflava99

>>Discussion Here

Jostens Center Opens in Summer 2008 at WDW

The state-of-the-art Jostens Center is set to debut in summer 2008 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. The multi-sports field house will play host to events such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling and martial arts, allowing Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex to double the number of indoor events that can be held at the facility.

>>Details & Discussion Here

Magic Mornings Launched at Disneyland

Disneyland Park has re-launched its early entry program under the new moniker of "Disneyland Magic Morning". In addition to the new name, the days of the week that the program is offered has been shifted for 2008. Disneyland Magic Mornings are offered to eligible Guests Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday--the former early entry program was offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. The program still allows eligible Guests to experience select Fantasyland and Tommorowland attractions one hour prior to scheduled park opening once during their stay.

>>Discuss This News...

Disney Dream Jobs - Chief Magic Official

With the Year of a Million Dreams continuing into 2008, the next Disney Dream Job sponsored by Careerbuilder.com has been announced. This year the job offers the opportunity to serve as the Chief Magic Official (CMO) at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. On select weekends throughout the year, the Chief Magic Official will be tasked with dream-making ambassador duties, including appearances at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

This would be a dream for me, because I am NOT shy and Disney is what I'm passionate about. COOL!! – Mmouse6937

Totally beats all the other job interviews I've been on lately!!! – brewcrew26

>>Details & Discussion Here

<<A Great INTERCOTee Rate>>

-with the Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa-

INTERCOT Sponsor, the Gaylord Palms Resort is very pleased to announce the following special INTERCOTee Rate for select dates through August 2008.  These rates represent a tremendous savings of $70 - $100 per night off the regular rates. 

Special INTERCOTee Rate of $159.00 for the following dates:

Feb:  1, 2, 13, 17, 18, 19, 24

Mar:  2, 5, 6, 9, 13, 16, 23, 24, 27

Apr:  6, 10, 11, 12, 28, 29, 30

May: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31

Jun:  6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 29, 30

Jul:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Aug:  3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27

Remember, all dates not listed still have an exclusive INTERCOTee discount of 10% off the regular room rates!

>> Gaylord Palms Resort & Spa

 <<Across the Boards with Figment!>>

Welcome back to Across the Boards.  In this edition we take a review the most common technical and site related FAQ's of 2007.

Q: What is the Multi-Quote feature and how do I use it?

A: The Multi-Quote is new feature of the boards added in 2007 is the ability to automatically quote more than one post in a single reply. To use this feature click the multi-quote buttons in the bottom right hand corner of the posts you want to quote, then you click the reply button. Your reply will have the selected quotes automatically quoted in the reply field.

Q: Why aren’t links to other unofficial sites allowed?

A: To prevent others from self-promoting there own sites and to mitigate linking to potentially inaccurate information, we do not permit links to any other unofficial sites.  The INTERCOT Staff volunteers countless hours to find and share the most up-to-date and accurate information possible on all things related to planning vacations at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts.  Between the Discussion Boards, the INTERCOT Theme Park Guide, the INTERCOT Resort Guide, INTERCOT Interactive and INTERCOT Info Central we expect our Guests to be able to find the answers to any Disney vacation planning questions they may have.  If a Guest can not find information on INTERCOT.com or feels information posted is inaccurate or out-date, they are encouraged to send notice to [email protected] where their input will be considered and reacted to promptly.

Q: What is a Signature and how do I make one?

A: A signature is a set of text that appears at the bottom of your posts. This is can serve as a send off, your favorite quote or a list of all the trips you have taken to Disney World. Making a signature allows you to have the desired text appear at the bottom of each post with out having to re-type it every time you make a post.  To make a signature or to change an existing one the processes is essentially the same. First click on “User CPâ€� on the top left corner of the blue bar on the main forum page. From there click on the “ Edit Signatureâ€� option at the top of the menu on the left hand side of the screen. Once here you will find a page that looks like a reply form. All of the features like font color, font style, bold, italic and underline work the same way when making a signature as they do when making a post. Simply fill in the field and then click the ‘Save Signatureâ€� button when you are finished.

Q: Is there a way to find past discussions on a topic I may be interested in?

A:  Using a quick search on the discussion boards is a great way to find an old thread you want to refer to or a great way to find answer to a question you think may have been asked before. If you know which forum a past thread was posted or where a past answer may be the “search this forumâ€� option is a nice way to narrow down your search. On the other hand if you are not sure of the forum, the “searchâ€� option will scan the whole boards for you. To use these features simply click on their appropriate buttons. The “searchâ€� button is in the top toolbar at the top of every discussion board page. The “search this forumâ€� button is at the top of the forum section on every main forum page. Clicking on both these buttons will produce a drop down form for you to enter your key words in. Once you have entered your key words, you just click the “goâ€� button to the right of the form and you are on your way.

That wraps up this FAQ session, Happy Browsing Around the Boards!

<< New & Great in 2008>> 

The New Year is just underway and there is already a slew of brand new attractions and venues on the horizon. Here's a rundown of all the great things Guests can look forward to in the coming year.

Starting January 29, 2008 : 

"Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" 
A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. The new "Playhouse Disney--Live on Stage!" show debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 

Starting March 14, 2008: 

"Block Party Bash"
Guests will play, party and dance as the most interactive parade in Disney history arrives at Disney's Hollywood Studios in spring 2008. Guests will be invited to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." "Block Party Bash" will replace the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade.

Opening Spring 2008:

The Wave
At Disney's Contemporary Resort, this new restaurant will serve up American cooking blended with world flavors.

Opening Summer 2008: 

Toy Story Mania!
An innovative ride-game experience coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania! combines memorable film characters from Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2" with games that match their motion picture personas. Donning 3-D glasses, guests seemingly shrink to the size of a toy and hop fanciful ride vehicles that follow a midway-themed route. At each game booth, they aim for animated targets using a special spring-action shooter. The challenges are designed to be fun for everyone from beginners to serious gamers -- and, for Disney theme park guests on both coasts, as Toy Story Mania! also is coming to Disneyland Resort in 2008.

Jostens Center
Represents the latest expansion project for Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex (220 acres), which is widely regarded as the leading sports venue for amateur and professional sports in the nation. The new multi-sport facility will include 45,000 square feet of competition space that will accommodate six basketball courts or 12 volleyball courts or two roller hockey rinks, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms. The new facility, set to open in summer 2008, will allow Disney the ability to double the number of indoor sports events that it can accommodate.

T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure
Landry's Restaurants, which just introduced a taste of Asia to Disney's Animal Kingdom with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant, will treat Downtown Disney guests to a face-to-face encounter with a dinosaur at this new restaurant. This new experience combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice. 

Opening Winter 2008: 

Nine Dragons Renewed

At Epcot, China's Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in April 6, 2008 to make way for an innovative dining room. Scheduled to open December 1, 2008, the new form will feature five cooking stations where guests can interact with chefs from China. 

Tutto Italia Expanded

In the Italy pavilion at Epcot, Tutto Italia Ristorante ("Everything Italy") will be re-open in an expanded form in Late 2008. Tutto Italia is the newest restaurant for California-based Patina Group, which has a portfolio of nearly 30 restaurants. 

<< Inside info Central>>

Park Calendar Released for July 2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has released it's Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event schedules for July 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  

>> "Magic Your Way" Dining Plan Restaurants

>> Star Wars Weekends

>> Night of Joy

>> Epcot's Annual International Flower & Garden Festival

<< Timeshare Tips >>

-by the Timeshare Store-

As you review The Timeshare Store’s website for Disney Vacation Club memberships, you will notice that each Disney Vacation Club resort demands a different price per point. The selling price is based on supply and demand. For example, you will notice that the Beach Club Villas sell for more per point than any of the other resorts. The Beach Club is one of the smallest DVC resorts. It has the advantage of being a 5 minute walk from the International Gateway entrance to Epcot and Storm-a-long Bay is the most family-friendly pool of any of the Walt Disney World resorts. Other DVC resorts sell for less per point since they are larger resorts with more resale listings available.

What is so attractive to members of the Disney Vacation Club about the points that they receive every year is those points will never change. When Disney opens a new DVC resort, they set a point chart for each day of the week and each room during each travel season of the year. That point chart will remain unchanged until the membership at that resort ends. So if it is 16 points a night for a one bedroom at Old Key West in September this year, it will be the same 16 points a night for the same room at the same time of year 30 years from now. Inflation never affects your points. 

You can view current points charts for all DVC resorts on our website. Decide which season of the year is your favorite time of year to visit the “magic� and what size accommodation best suits your family, and how long you want to stay and you will then know what size membership is best for you.

Call The Timeshare Store and any of our associates would be more than happy to answer your questions about the right size membership for you and your family.

>> The Timeshare Store

<< Off Topic with ChipDale >>

Happy New Year! Here’s the Holiday Edition of the happenings in the Water Cooler during November & December.

We all know that the official holiday season starts with Black Friday. DizNee143 wanted to know which INTERCOTees were planning to brave the crowds and get some bargains. Those going out into the frenzy included IloveJack, jennbunn, lebo, Dracula766, Bethis26fan, DisneyWhirled, PeachyGal, Wolf, Mickey052501, MNNHFLTX, Momof2boys, and rcaide. Those in the “no way I’m going out� camp included Strmchsr, SBETigg, Speedy1998, kakn7294, LibertyTreeGal, Crystal Palace, and Tinkerfreak. Whether you stayed home or went bargain hunting I hope that your Black Friday was enjoyable!

Speaking of shopping, pink wanted to know what’s on your gift list this year? mickey&missy: a new camcorder, RedSoxFan: Blu-ray disc player, tinksmom02: GPS for her car, Miss Mouse: an iPod and Starbucks gift cards, Disneyatic: family membership to the local zoo, and LandFan: wants the house to sell. I hope you all got whatever it is that you wished for!

Princessjojo asked when do you put up your Christmas tree? Here’s what some INTERCOTees had to say: ibrowse17: first week of December, Terra: on Thanksgiving Day, IloveDisney71: Thanksgiving Day or the day after, Sean Riley Taylor’s Mom: second week of December, J9: before Halloween, amd780: Thanksgiving weekend, Dsnygrl: first or second weekend of December, brownie: Thanksgiving weekend, IloveJack: the weekend after Thanksgiving, and DisneyCrazyET: middle of December. No matter when you put up your tree, I hope you had a festive Christmas season!

Jamie’s Friday parties in November &December included the Happy HalloGiveMas Year Party, the Thank You Veterans Party, the INTERCOT Thanksgiving Bash, The Cough…Cough Callin’ In Party , the Festival of Lights party, the Happy Birthday Baby Rines Party, The Annual Christmas Celebration, and we rounded off 2007 with JanetMegan’s Here’s to New Beginnings Party. Thanks for a fun year of Fridays and here’s to a fun 2008! Cheers!

Special congratulations to Lizzy on the birth of new son Paul Joseph on December 14th! We hope that mom and baby are doing well! 

Posting milestones during the holidays were reached by: Dsnygirl – 5,000 posts, Jeff G – 2,000 posts, dolphinmickey9170 – 2,000 posts, BronxTigger – 2,000 posts, ibrowse17 – 1,700 posts, tinksmom02 – 1,000 posts, Tinkerfreak – 1,000 posts, lindique – 1,000 posts, BriarRose0708 – 600 posts, EPCOT84 – Senior Cast Member, Not2Loud – 250 posts, goofhook – 100 posts, and Miss Mouse – Cast Member Trainee. Congratulations to all of you and keep up the quality posting!

That about wraps it up! I hope you all have a healthy and happy 2008!

<< This Month in Disney History with vizsla >>

Magical Disney Milestones for the Month of January:

1965 - Disneyland observed its 10th Anniversary on January 3rd with a “Tencennial Parade�.

1986 - On January 15th, The Living Seas Pavilion opened at EPCOT and was presented by United Technologies along with Coral Reef Restaurant and the film “Animated Atlas of the World� explaining the geographical and meteorological aspects of the ocean, along with its 5.7 million gallon aquarium which is the largest in the world.

1987 - Construction began on Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort on January 11th.

1990 – CEO Michael Eisner announced the beginning of the "Disney Decade" on January 15h. The Master Plan for the Walt Disney World resort was aimed to expand the existing theme parks, and to add a fourth park during the 1990’s.

1992 - “Voyage of the Little Mermaid� attraction opened in Disney-MGM Studios on January 7th, replacing “Here Comes the Muppets�.

1994 - On January 16th, the Inaugural Walt Disney World Marathon began with 8200 runners with a route of 26.2 miles.

2006 – “Monster’s, Inc.--Mike & Sully to the Rescue� attraction opened at Disney’s California Adventure to a celebrity premier on January 22nd.

<< Conclusion >>

 The first INTERCOT Insider of 2008 has come to a close, but its just the start of another great year of editions jam-packed with great vacation tips, special discounts, and much more!  We'll be back in a few weeks to keep you up-to-date with all the happenings around Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the INTERCOT site itself.  See ya real soon!