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<< Introduction >>

It's just about that time of year when we get to answer the question, "Did all those April showers really bring May flowers?"--and this here's another edition of the Insider about to answer a bunch of questions about planning your next Disney vacation!. In this edition, we wrap up Disney theme park news from coast to coast, learn about a great way to add some extra summer fun, review some helpful technical tips, find out the latest buzz in info Central and get re-cap magical Disney milestones for the month of April. Hang on to them hat's and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the Internet!

<<Coast to Coast Disney with Mel>>

Pixar Play Parade Debuted Friday, March 14

All the exciting and colorful worlds of the Disney•Pixar pals – from “Toy Story,� “a bug’s life,� “Monsters, Inc.,� “Finding Nemo,� “The Incredibles,� “Cars� and “Ratatouille� – will come to life in the all-new “Pixar Play Parade,� debuting March 14, 2008. Characters will appear in the magical immersive parade, which will invite guests of all ages to take part in the playfulness of a whirling, spinning, fun-for-all animated playground. The parade features acrobatics, bungees, high-energy choreography, interactive surprises and lively bubble and water effects.

>>Full Story & Discuss This News... http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?p=1571694#post1571694

New Playhouse Disney Live! Show

A whole new cast of friends from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,� “Little Einsteins,� “Handy Manny� and more welcome children and their parents to the all-new “Playhouse Disney Live on Stage!� debuting March 14 at Disney’s California Adventure. The 23-minute stage show begins as Casey, the enthusiastic host of “Playhouse Disney,� and Mickey Mouse bring the guests to visit the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, where everyone helps prepare for Minnie Mouse’s birthday celebration.

I know it was time for an update and am sure it will be wonderful. But we sure will miss Bear in the Big Blue House. – tennantsrwe

Me and my younger DS caught this show today. It was AWESOME! So much better than the previous one (with the "who are they" characters).

>>Full Story & Discuss This News... http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?p=1573750#post1573750

2008 Holiday Party Tickets Go On Sale May 1st

"Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" and "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" tickets go on sale May 1. These are hard ticket events. Guests must purchase separate admission to attend. Walt Disney World limits the number of tickets sold in order to keep the crowds down and many dates sell out in advance. Purchase tickets by calling (407) W-DISNEY.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party;
September 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 28,20
October 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30,31

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party; November 10, 11, 14, 16, 20, 21,30
December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18,19

Disney's Summer Pin Festival 2008

This Summer, let Mickey's Pin Odyssey be your passport to adventure. With map in hand Mickey and his friends will share in the fun as they explore, discover and experience the Disneyland® Resort, "where adventure comes to life."

>>Full Story & Discuss This News... http://intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?p=1583871#post1583871

"It's A Small World" Changes

Walt Disney Imagineering has announced it will make show scene changes to the "it's a small world" attraction in addition to operational changes during the on-going refurbishment. Nationally relevant characters re-stylized to Mary Blair's original vision will be added to the attraction's international show scenes. Pointing to Mary Blair's work on Alice in Wonderland as inspiration for the changes, Imagineering revealed that Alice and the White Rabbit will be melded into the United Kingdom scene. While other specific examples were not revealed, Imagineering has stated that all character additions will "respect and honor the original creative intent" of Blair's original style.

It's a shame the almighty dollar has to get in the way of preserving the integrity of the classic rides! – Mickey91

I think some change to IASW would be good. However, I do think that some types of characters shouldn't be put into the ride. – christna03

>>Full Story & Discuss This News...http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?p=1587027#post1587027

"Sounds Like Summer� Concert Series at Epcot

The “Sounds Like Summer� Concert Series, will be returning to at Epcot again this year, from June 9 through August 10. The concerts will be held 3 times daily, at the America Gardens Theatre, in World Showcase. The concert series features a lineup of rockin' bands covering timeless tunes from Elton John, The Eagles, The Supremes, Bon Jovi, and many more. Show times are; 5:15, 6:45 & 8:00 p.m. The special concerts are included with park admission.

I would have loved to see the ABBA band, but since I'll never get to a real U2 show, 2U will have to be good enough! – BriarRose0708

>>Discussion Here http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?p=1590474#post1590474

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

It will be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate during the 13th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, September 26 through November 9, 2008, at Walt Disney World Resort. During the six-week-long festival Future World and World Showcase will overflow with food, wine and beer experiences. More than 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties from $1.50-$4.50. Recommended wines and beers available at each international kiosk make for picture-perfect pairings. Park admission is required unless otherwise noted.

Toy Story Mania! Preview Dates Announced

Disney has announced special Annual Passholder previews for Disney's Hollywood Studio's newest attraction; Toy Story Mania!. Previews will be held, between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saturday May 10 through Monday, May 12, 2008. Valid Passholder ID is required when attending this preview. Toy Story Mania! is the new interactive 4-D attraction inspired by Disney•Pixar's "Toy Story" films.

<<Fun in the Sun with The Gaylord Palms Resort>>

Looking to add some extra fun to a Walt Disney World vacation this Summer? Then look no further than the Gaylord Palm Resort's Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge running May 2 through August 27, 2008. The Treasure Hunt Challenge is a contest of skill that will give Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge package guests an opportunity to act, and think, like adventurous treasure seekers, as they traverse the resort and decipher clever clues, solve intricate puzzles and creatively tackle the final challenge.

The Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge has been designed to be family-friendly, great fun and extremely challenging. Clues and tasks will unfold over the course of your two-night stay at Gaylord Palms Resort. Families will rely on their wits and cunning - earning points as they solve the clues at hand. Points are assigned according to judging guidelines which will be revealed along with the clue. At the conclusion of the Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge the family that has accumulated the greatest number of points during their treasure hunt challenge will claim the prize - $10,000.

The team who has earned the second highest number of points will earn the second place prize of $3,500. The family/team scoring the third highest number of points will win a 3-night stay at any of our Gaylord Resorts (including Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN; Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX or Gaylord National in Prince Georges County, MD).

If that wasn't enough reason to enjoy a stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort, the Resort is also offering an exclusive INTERCOTee rate of $129 for 21 dates in May! The Dates eligible for the exclusive $129 rate are: May 1-3; 8–12; 15–18; 21–27; 30–31, 2008.

>> Reserve your spot in the Summer Treasure Hunt Challenge
http://www.summertreasurehuntchallenge.com/?source=inter

>> Reserve Your Exclusive Room Rate Today https://reservations.gaylordpalms.gaylordhotels.com/cgi-bin/LANSAWEB?procfun+rn+resnet+orl+funcparms+UP(A2560):;inter;?%22

<<Across the Boards with Figment!>>

Welcome back to Across the Boards. In this installment we take a look at one of our most frequently asked questions--how to change the e-mail address one receives the Insider at.

First access the Insider subscription page located on INTERCOT.com (linked below)

Next, type in your new e-mail into the form under the title "Join our mailing list now!", select "subscribe" and then click submit.

Use the "back" option on your internet browser to return to the same page.

Next, type in your old e-mail into the form under the title "Join our mailing list now!", select "unsubscribe" and then click submit.

Go to the inbox of your new e-mail address and follow the instructions in the e-mail that was sent to you from [email protected]

Go to the inbox of your old e-mail address and follow the instructions in the e-mail that was sent to you from [email protected]

While we appreciate this is a bit of effort on your part, due to the current e-mail list structure, it is currently the fastest and most accurate way of changing e-mail addresses.

That wraps up this tutorial, Happy Browsing Around the Boards!

>>Insider Subscription Page http://www.intercot.com/interactive/insider/default.asp

<< Inside info Central>>

Park Calendar Released for October 2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has released it's Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event schedules for October 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 http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/park/extramagic.asp

>> Current Park Hours http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/parkhours.asp

>> Fireworks, Parades, & Event Schedules http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/events.asp

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 http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/refurb.asp

>> Historic Temp Averages http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/weather/dailytemps.asp

>> ABC Super Soap Weekend http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/park/soapweekend.asp

>> Star Wars Weekends http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/park/starwars.asp

>> Sounds Like Summer http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/calendar/events.asp#June_Events

>> Night of Joy
http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/park/nightofjoy.asp

>> Epcot's Annual International Food & Wine Festival http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/park/foodwine.asp

<< This Month in Disney History with vizsla >>

Magical Disney Milestones for the month of April:

1957 – On April 29th, the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through attraction opened at Disneyland.

1974 - Disney’s Nature Preserve attraction "Treasure Island" opened on April 8th. The attraction was later re-named Discovery Island.

1990 - The "Blue Ribbon Bakery" Shop opened on Main Street at Disneyland on April 6th.

1994 - The first phase of Disney’s All-Star Sports resort opened to guests on April 29th.

1997 – On April 28th, The "Cinderella's Royal Table" restaurant opened in Cinderella Castle replacing King Stefan's Banquet Hall.

2008 - On April 22nd, Disney's Animal Kingdom commemorated its 10th Anniversary with a special series of small events and limited edition merchandise.


<< Conclusion >>

That's it for this edition, but we're just starting to help you plan a great Summer vacation to Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Be prepared for another edition chalk-full of more news, helpful tips and great deals coming your way in a few weeks. See ya real soon!


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