<< Introduction >>

Brrrrrrrr! It's that time of year when cold weather is at its peak and a glazing of snow covers most peoples neck-of-the-woods.  One great way to stay warm is to plan your next Disney vacation and this edition of the Insider will help you do just that!  In this  jam-packed edition we take a gander at the latest Disney deals, review the rowdiest restaurant, get the low-down on a laid back resort, cover recent dining changes around the parks, re-cap the Magic Kingdom's new afternoon parade, get the ins and outs on the brand new Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, take a sneak peak at a soon-to-open American Idol Experience, and run-down recently released event dates.  It's Insider Time!

<<Disney Deals>> 

Solider Salute

As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America's military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney's theme parks at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, along with special accommodations discounts.

>> Details & Discussion Here

More Magical Savings

Disney has extended the current "Buy Four, Get Three Free" Magic Your Way offer, for guests vacationing now through April 4 and April 19 - June 27, 2009. Enjoy 7 nights in a Disney Resort, plus 7 Day Magic Your Way Base Tickets all for the price of a 4-night package with 4 day base tickets! Ask for code RWZ. Please note; Dining Options can be added to the base package for an additional fee. 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, but hurry, you must book by 3/29/09!

>> Magical Journeys 

>> Details & Discussion Here

<<Mission: Possible>> 

The Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure officially debuted at Epcot on January 28, 2009.  This new interactive attraction leads Guests through an exciting adventure by  following clues, completing tasks, and interacting with hidden show features all around one of the World Showcase pavilions.  The interactive attraction is comprised of 7 unique adventures through the pavilions of Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom.

Guests start their Adventure by reporting to one of the recruitment centers (located in Innoventions West, in Innoventions East, near the Odyssey Bridge and near the International Gateway Entrance/Exit). Guests can also start their adventure at any of the field stations located at each country, but to get the full experience it is recommended to start at one of the recruiting stations at least once. Once signed-up, Guests will receive a Mission Pass (that looks very similar to a FastPass) telling Guests a field service location (World Showcase Pavilion) to report to and a time to report there. 

At their designated time and location, Guests should proceed to the designated countries pavilion and find the Kim Possible noted cart. Once there Guests will be assigned to an actual Adventure (so if Guests have a preference they may request one at that time). *Note* The country Guest are instructed to report to, may not be the country their Adventure is in. Once assigned, Guests will be given a Kimmunicator device and start their adventure. Once the adventure is complete, Guests will be direct to a drop-box for their Kimmunicator. If Guests wish to complete another Adventure, they may do so by signing up at one of the recruiting or field stations.

<<Food for Thought with Jeanne>> 

I've had the opportunity to dine several times at Whispering Canyon Cafe and always look forward to the next chance to return. I especially love introducing new people to this one of a kind restaurant.

Whispering Canyon Cafe does have a reputation that precedes and some people love it, some people hate it, and for some people it doesn't matter one way or the other.

I personally love the antics, the servers, I've even seen a manager get in on the fun. And don't forget the "horsey races" for the young and young at heart. I don't want to spoil it too much for those that have never been but please, if you do go, be sure and ask for ketchup and a large drink, also.

The food is good, too! I've dined there for breakfast and dinner and both meals were excellent! They are best know for their "skillets". An all you can eat meal served family style.

Breakfast consists of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, potato wedges, and Mickey waffles (small ones) priced at $10.99 per Guest ages 10 and up and $5.89 per Guest ages 3-9. You can have as much or as little as you want and if you want seconds on one thing but not another, just let your server know. You can also order ala carte items off both the adult and children's menus.

The dinner skillet consists of Mixed greens, fresh baked corn bread, ribs, pulled pork, roasted chicken, sausage, mashed potatoes, beans, Cole slaw & corn on the cob priced at $22.49 per Guest ages 10 and up and $9.49 per Guest ages 3-9.

Lunch is also served and although I've never dined at Whispering Canyon Cafe for lunch, I'm sure it's every bit as good and entertaining as breakfast and dinner.

Be sure to check it out on your next trip to the World, Advanced Dining Reservations are definitely recommended and Whispering Canyon Cafe is part of the Disney Dining Plan as well.

<<Changes on Parade>> 

The Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade debuted on January 23, 2009 replacing the Disney Dreams Come True Parade as daily afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom.  The parade features a new original soundtrack and only a few float revisions from its predecessor. 

The Walt Disney Mini-Float marquee has been replaced with a banner marquee that features criss-crossed banners that read “Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade”. The "it all started with a mouse" float has undergone the most significant changes. The film reels have been transformed into ribbon spools and the film strips comprising the Mickey-icon structure has been replaced with colorful “Celebrate today” banners forming the iconic silhouette. The various statues depicting Mickey’s incarnations have been removed and over-sized blowout horns and streamer horns have been added. Minnie Mouse now joins Mickey on this float and both are in their new “Celebration” attire. The Cinderella Castle float has also received some significant changes. 

The “A Kingdom of Dreams” banner has been replaced with a “Celebrate Today” banner. The float has also been adorn with cloud sculptures and Mickey-Mouse balloon statutes. The float now features Chip, Dale, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy all in their new “Celebration” attire. The Character troupes in-between the floats have been replaced with dance troupes. The parade has also added a show stop where the dance troupes perform a dance number. 

<<Of Force and Flowers>> 

The Walt Disney World resort has released dates for two of its annual Spring events for 2009.  

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 May 22 and running through June 14, 2009, 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.
 

An elaborate “Cinderellabration” topiary and an environmentally friendly Green Garden will bring fresh springtime flair to the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 18-May 31, 2009. Amid a colorful assortment of flowers, plants and topiaries, Walt Disney World guests of all ages can explore myriad exhibits and activities geared toward gardening and outdoor fun. Weekend Flower Power concerts will pump up the volume and spread a groovy vibe at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

<<Coming Attractions with John>> 

Disney's Hollywood Studios is about to raise the current on its latest attraction--The American Idol Experience.  This all-new show attraction will continue the entertainment legacy of the Studios theme park by put ting Guests on-stage and in the audience of the #1 hit television show American Idol.  John recently attended a preview of this new show and here are some of the highlights from his review:

The stage is very attractive and mimicked the real idol stage. I especially liked what appeared to be a high def Jumbotron display built into the arch behind the performers. This display enabled in show video and graphics.  The warm up announcer came out to explain the goings on and get the crowd psyched about 10 minutes prior to show time.  Then the lights went down and the "show" began with the substitute Ryan coming out with the typical idol open. He gave the details of the show and introduced the judges. A gentlemen made to be a randy clone, a Paula type clone (both had different names) and a dude named Simon (right) who was from the UK. Shocker.  From there we were introduced to the contestants - and then the performing began.  Up first, a gentleman who appeared to be legit and had a bunch of family in the audience; Second, a perky girl who was a "stunt person"; Finally, a worker from Disney who supposedly came over on their lunch break.  The judges liked the guy, and mostly liked 2 and 3 but threw in some suggestions - and of course, Simon threw in some zingers. It was then time to vote. They showed reviews of the performances and you cast your vote on a keypad built into the armrest. Then, they announced the winner which in this case was the guy #1.  From there -  there was a Jordan Sparks video that you were supposed to sing along with and get up and dance. Very, very hokey at that point. Quite forced and I don't see many audiences getting into it to the degree I think they'd like you to.  Overall, I think this attraction will be a winner and a nice addition to a tv/movie theme park. It will be interesting to see how the auditioning goes and what kind of talent they get when things get rolling for real.

The American Idol Experience officially opens February 14th, 2009.

>> Read John's Full Review

<<Grub on the Go>> 

PetriFries at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Frontierland Fries at the Magic Kingdom have been replaced by new snack locations.  TriloBites has opened in the former location of PetriFries in the Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom . The new location serves smoked Turkey legs, soft drinks and bottled water.  The Golden Oak Outpost has opened in the Frontierland section of the Magic Kingdom. The new quick service location offers Fried Chicken Breast sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, a Vegetarian Flatbread Wrap, French Fries, Chocolate Chip Cookies and assorted beverages. With these changes in cuisine, Disney's Animal Kingdom no longer offers McDonald's branded food items and the only placed left in the Magic Kingdom serving McDonald’s branded food items is the Village Fry Shoppe in Fantasyland.

<<Clubbing Around the World with Mikki>> 

Back in 1991 it was called Disney Vacation Club Resort and it was Disney’s first venture into any kind of timeshare. In those days Time Shares had a very bad reputation, especially in Europe where hard sell techniques and bullying conned people into buying promises that did not fulfill. Disney rewrote the book on how to provide and sell Time Shares. We toured in early 1992 when the first phase of the resort had opened. 

It wasn’t busy and we went into a little theatre in the old Commodore House (now building 62) to watch a short film about the Vacation Club. We were the only ones in there but it didn’t stop us ‘Aahing’ when the film finished with pixie dust spreading across the ceiling. We then saw a sales guide who showed us the rooms in an adjoining building, starting with the studio which looked impressive enough, but the real Wow factor came as you walked into a one bedroom. I may be biased but the newer resorts one bedrooms just don’t have the same effect! 

Then we were back to Commodore House and left in a small room overlooking the lake and fountain with all the information to look at, at our leisure. We decided to take it away with us to think about. We went back twice more that trip before deciding to buy. Apparently back then the Americans tended to buy the moment they viewed it but the Europeans were more cautious. Perhaps that was due to Timeshares reputation in Europe! Each time we visited we were given ice cream sundaes and treated as though we had joined. We still have the fun souvenir picture that was taken on our first visit. Way back then points only cost $51, just a bit different from now. 

Now 16 years old Old Key West still has a feeling of peace and tranquility. It has grown in size and so has the vegetation – lush to begin with it now feels mature and in some cases maybe a little overgrown. It is also big – the bus route around the place can take 15 minutes when busy. While no rooms are that far from a bus stop, they can be a long way from Hospitality House and there has recently been a new room category added to be close to Hospitality House. Also because of when the buildings were done the majority do not have elevators/lifts and the few that do are generally reserved for guests that need them. It has a very homely feel and it is really nice being able to park your car outside your own building. 
Old Key West is different from the other Disney Vacation Club resorts in two specific ways. The studios are the only ones with two queen beds and the room sizes (especially from the one bedroom up) are vastly bigger than the other resorts. They all have balconies with table and chairs and are a real delight to stay in. Many of the rooms have a good view of the golf course the resort is sprawled through. The Kitchen area in the larger rooms is massive and fully equipped although I suspect most people make more use of the Fridge than the cooker. 

Eating options are limited by some standards. Olivia's table service restaurant has expanded over the years and serves three meals a day and is popular with long term owners. The main fast food is Goods to Go which is small and frankly slow and not to everyone’s taste with conch fritters being one of the options. In busy months there is Turtle Crawl Shack at one of the quiet pools. The gurgling suitcase bar is small but friendly and fun. Downtown Disney has lots more eating options. You can take a boat ride to Downtown Disney or go there or to the parks by bus. With several quiet pools, tennis courts, boat rentals and now a slide at the main pool this is a great resort for all ages. 

>> Old Key West Resort

<< Conclusion >>

This edition over flowing with info has come to and end.  With new attractions like the American Idol Experience and the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure; annual events like the Flower and Garden Festival and Star Wars weekends; new snack locations like TriloBites and the Golden Oak Outpost; and new entertainment like the Celebrate A Dream Come True parade, there's lots of new sights to see around the Walt Disney World resort this Spring!  We'll be back in a little while more tips and info to help you plan a great Spring Disney trip.  See ya real soon

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