Walt Disney World - Disney World Vacation Information Guide - INTERCOT

INTERCOT > Interactive > INTERCOT Insider Archive >March 2009 Edition 2

INTERCOT Insider
April 2009

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<< Introduction >>

The Easter Bunny has come and gone, but the Insider is here to bring you a double does of the latest Disney Vacation happenings. This month we bring you a combined edition jam packed full of the latest deals, news, tips, and happenings. Hang on to them hat's and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the Internet!

<< Webmaster's Note >>

Due to some technical difficulties, the First March Edition of the INTERCOT Insider was not sent out via our mailing list. This edition can be found for your reading pleasure in the INTERCOT Insider Archive. Should you want to view any other past editions of the Insider you can find them in the Archive as well!

>> INTERCOT Insider March Edition One
>> INTERCOT Insider Archive

<<The Littlest Chef>>

Remy stars in a new guest experience entitled “Bon Appétit from Chef Remy” at Les Chefs de France at the France pavilion in Epcot. Six days a week, four times a day (subject to change), a Maître d’ greets diners with a rolling gourmet food cart. Dramatically lifting the lid from a silver-domed cheese platter, the Maître d’ reveals the guest of honor – a six-inch-tall rat with silky-soft fur, pink paws and traditional toque. Chef Remy then comes to life, entertaining diners with sprightly movements and lively banter. Winding their way through the restaurant, Remy and his Maître d’ pal make stops at each table. In addition to his hijinks, Chef Remy might even bust a move to the beat of different tunes, from the soft sway of a French love song to the hot sounds of hip-hop. The 40-minute experience provides guests an up-close encounter with the “Ratatouille” star through September 5, 2009.

<<Disney Deals>>

Brought to you by Magical Journeys Travel Agency

-Free Dining-

When you purchase a 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way hotel and theme park ticket packages, your family will enjoy the Disney Dining Plan Free. Valid for stays most nights 8/16/09 to 10/03/09. Guests may book through June 21, 2009

>> Details & Discussion

Magical Journeys is dedicated to finding the best pricing for your next Magical Journey. They work hard to save you money, and still give you the quality service you deserve. They find their clients deals like the ones above and add them to qualifying reservations, saving their clients both money and the hassle of watching for the deals themselves.

>> Magical Journeys

<<Park Points>>
Brought to you by The Official Ticket Center

Extra Magic Hours are a great way for Guests of participating resort hotels to experience their favorite attractions with shorter lines than they would likely encounter during regular park hours. The Magic Kingdom park is adding to Guests enjoyment by operating additional attractions during the park's Extra Magic Hours events. Effective April 23, 2009; Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it's a small world”, Mad Tea Party, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh will be offered during the park’s Morning Extra Magic Hour and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, "it's a small world", Mickey's PhilharMagic, Peter Pan's Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Stitch's Great Escape!, The Haunted Mansion, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Tomorrowland Speedway will be offered during the park’s Evening Extra Magic Hours.

Few things can beat a great day at a Walt Disney World theme park, but saving money on your park tickets can make it even better. As Orlando Florida's most recommended discount attraction ticket agency, The Official Ticket Center's tickets are all discounted, cheap, and tax included with "No Hidden Fees".

>> The Official Ticket Center

<<WebDisney Round-Up with Mel>>

Disney News Headlines Around the World -- March 14th through April 16th, 2009

Monster's, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! Debuts In Tokyo

The first new attraction to open at Tokyo Disneyland in five years, Monster's Inc. Ride & Go Seek officially opened .

Play Toy Story Mania At Home - Only On Wii

Disney Interactive Studios has announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature 'Toy Story,' will be released exclusively for the Wii home video game console this fall.

New Waterfront Eatery Opens At Downtown Disney Early May 2009

Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

Characters In Flight Debuts at Walt Disney World

Downtown Disney guests can get a bird's-eye view of Walt Disney World Resort as they soar to new heights in a new attraction now open at Downtown Disney's West Side near Pleasure Island.

Chef Remy Comes To Life At Les Chefs de France In Epcot

The newest chef at Walt Disney World Resort may be small in stature, but he's a big hit with guests enjoying haute cuisine at Les Chefs de France in Epcot.

Disney Wonder Heading West

Disney Cruise Line has announced plans to reposition the Disney Wonder from its Florida base in Port Canaveral to the West Coast in 2011.

Disney Puts Hong Kong Expansion On Hold

Walt Disney Co. has put the long-delayed expansion of its Hong Kong theme park on hold after failing to agree with the city's government on a cash infusion, the company said

Magical Express Contract Extended Through 2016

Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport completed a deal to continue the resort's free passenger-and-luggage shuttle until at least the end of 2016.

Cat Cora To Open New Walt Disney World Restaurant

Chef Cat Cora and Disney are joining together to open an exciting new family dining restaurant, Kouzzina, at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.

>> Stay tuned to WebDisney for the latest company-wide Disney News

<<Ways to Save>>

Brought to you by The Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

Want to save on calories and cash when grabbing a quick snack at the parks? Then why not enjoy a banana, apple, grapefruit, pear, or orange. These snacks are not only nutritious, but the fruit is also frugally priced at around $1.00 per piece. You can procure this tasty produce in the Magic Kingdom at the Adventureland Market, Toontown Farmers Market, and Liberty Square Market locations; in Epcot at Sunshine Seasons; in Disney's Hollywood Studios at Anaheim Produce; and in Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Harambe Fruit Market and Anandapur Local Food Markets locations.

To save even more on your vacation, book a stay at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin on select dates through-out 2009 or enjoy a free night's stay on your Birthday! If you are a member of our military, a teacher or school support staff member, nurse, or Florida resident, the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin has additional discounts available just for you!

>> Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin

<<Clubbing Around the World with Mikki>>

Brought to you by The Timeshare store

I asked in the last Disney Vacation Club (DVC) round up what Old Key West and Boardwalk had in common that no other Walt Disney World DVC resort had. The answer is that they were new locations for a hotel. All other Walt Disney World DVC properties have either been added on to existing hotels or, in the case of Saratoga Springs, built to replace the Disney Institute.

Today I am going to look at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. This is one of my favourite DVC resorts even if you only get a view of trees from your room. As you walk into your own lobby you are transported to a simpler time. Wooden rockers cluster around a fireplace and the huge open centre area just draws your eyes up to the wooden roof. The Iron Spike room (now renamed) has some of Walt's model railways, comfy chairs, chequers games and a very warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

The rooms are down what seem very very long corridors (especially if you have a room at the far end as we did once!) but once in them the decor is just right for the theming. You have your own quiet pool but the main hotel pool is only a short walk away. You get all the advantages of staying at Wilderness Lodge - the restaurants, the boat ride to the Magic Kingdom and the hourly geyser and the sheer beauty of the resort. What more could you want? Watch this space and next time I'll tell you what some other folk want more!

The Timeshare Store offers the largest selection of Disney Vacation Club Resales anywhere! Contact them and see how easy and affordable it is to purchase your very own piece of the "MAGIC".

>> The Timeshare Store

<< A New Way to Dine >>

Turn your meal at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park into an adventure with the new Picnic in the Park program. To enjoy this new offering stop by the Picnic in the Park podium, located in front of Guest Relations at Disney's Animal Kingdom to place your order, or visit the Tusker House Restaurant Podium in Africa. Select which tier of entrees you would like and your choice of gourmet sides and desserts. Meals are tailored to feed 3 – 6 people and are priced $24.99 - $56.99 plus tax. Each picnic comes in a reusable bag packed with plates and utensils, plus a map to help guide Guests to picnic spots through the Park. You may pick up your order at Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery, adjacent to the Tusker House Restaurant in Africa. Payment is due upon pick-up.

<<Getting Around the World>>

Brought to you by Quick silver Tours & Transportation

Downtown Disney is a popular place for on-site Guests to visit, while most of the on-site resorts provide bus transportation, there are a few other ways of getting to this shopping and dinning mecca from some of the nearby resorts. Guests staying at Disney's Port Orleans: French Quarter resort, Disney's Port Orleans: Riverside resort, Disney's Old Key West resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs resort can enjoy a a ride along the Sassagoula river. Trumbo Ferries run two routes between these resorts and the Downtown Disney Marketplace. One route runs between the Port Orleans: French Quarter, Port Orleans: Riverside resort and Downtown Disney Marketplace and the other route runs between the Old Key West resort, Saratoga Springs resort, Downtown Disney WestSide and Downtown Disney Marketplace. Guests can find the Marketplace dock for both routes near Captain Jack's and the Rainforest Cafe. The ferries typically run between Noon and 9:40 pm, so Guests will need to plan for alternative transportation outside of those times. Guests staying at Disney's Old Key West resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs resort can also enjoy a leisurely stroll to Downtown Disney by using the Nature Trail that connects the resorts to the Downtown Disney . The approximately mile long trail starts at the Old Key West resort and ends at Downtown Disney Westside connecting to the Saratoga Springs resort along the way. Guests wishing to use this trail should keep in mind that it is intended for use between dawn and dusk only.

A great way to travel between the Walt Disney World resort and the airport is with Quicksilver Tours & Transportation. Quicksilver goes to great lengths to ensure that your trip is exactly how you imagined it at rates lower than standard taxi rates.

>> Quicksilver Tours & Transportation

<<The More the Merrier>>

Brought to you by All Star Vacation Homes

Dining with a large group can be great fun, but finding a restaurant to seat your party together can be a little hard to come by. Recent discussions in the Dining Forum have identified the following Walt Disney World restaurants as being "INTERCOTee approved" for best accommodating groups of 8 - 10 Guests:

~ Boma at Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort

~ Chef Mickey's Restaurant at Disney's Contemporary Resort

~ Chefs de France at Epcot

~ Cinderella's Royal Table at The Magic Kingdom park

~ The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios park

~ Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort

~ Le Cellier at Epcot

~ Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom Park

~ 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Resort

~ Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort

All Star Vacation Homes are great place to stay when visiting Walt Disney World with a large group. With over 170 Orlando vacation homes and condo rentals that can accommodate an array of group sizes (some up to 16 Guests), it's easy to stay close to Disney World with all the comforts of home.

>> All Star Vacation Homes

<< Inside info Central>>

Park Calendar Released for July 2009

The Walt Disney World Resort has released it's Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event schedules for July 2009. 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

>> Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

>> Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

<< Maximizing Your Day >>
Brought to you by Radisson Orlando - Celebration

It's typical for most Guests to spend a day at Disney's Animal Kingdom taking in its shows, exhibits, and attractions, but many may run-out of time to take in the park's meet and greet locations. Recognizing this scheduling dilemma, Disney's Animal Kingdom has now made it convenient for Guests to spend their day dashing between attractions and still catch their favorite Disney characters. The Adventurers’ Celebration Gathering is a new interactive experience held near the theme park entrance each evening during park closing. Khaki-clad cast – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy – gather to bid farewell to guests with a music-filled celebration. Cast members shake their pom-poms and urge guests to join in the street-party fun by dancing to the music and forming a conga line procession while Mickey, Minnie and Goofy keep the beat from atop their safari vehicle.

For a hotel that's convenient on location and on your wallet, consider a stay at the Radisson Orlando - Celebration. Located in Celebration on 20 beautifully landscaped acres, the Radisson Orlando - Celebration is only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World and provides scheduled shuttle service to all four theme parks.

>> Radisson Orlando - Celebration

<< Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate Make-Over for Me >>

Avast ye matteys! Thar be a new experience dropping anchor at the Magic Kingdom for those that 'ave the allure of the sea. Starting June 29th, the The Pirates League opens in Adventureland to train park guests of all ages in the scurrilous ways of buccaneers. Each guest checking in at the plunder-filled recruitment office gets an official pirate name. Next step is the Muster Station where – after applications of beards and eye patches, scarves and scars, earrings and gold teeth – the new recruits leave their old identities behind. Past a hidden portal and into the treasure cache, the new shipmates speak the pirate oath and have their official “pirate portrait” taken before being turned loose on an unsuspecting Adventureland – and no doubt feeling right at home at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. The standard boy's package, dubbed "First Mate" and the standard girl's package, dubbed "Empress", are offered for $49.95 plus tax and include pirate accessories (including a sword), 5x7 photo and a "personalized pirate oath". The deluxe package, dubbed "Captain", is offered for $124.95 plus tax and includes choice of pirate costume, pirate accessories (including a sword), three 5x7 photos, and a "personalized pirate oath". Boys, girls and grownups ready for the pirate life start the process by calling 407-WDW-CREW beginning May 11, 2009 for reservations June 29th and beyond up to 90 days in advance.

<< Staying Cool >>

Brought to you by The Clarion Resort & Water Park

Many Guests enjoy a cool ride on the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but did you know there is an even cooler way to beat the heat just outside of this rad attraction? KRNR The Rock Station is an often over-looked snack kiosk right outside of the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster attraction that serves up some not-so-common (at least around a theme park) ways to cool off. You can enjoy a Strawberry, Banana, Strawberry/Banana, Orange Pineapple, or Cappuccino non-fat yogurt smoothie (priced at $3.99); a Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade (priced at $3.29); or Vanilla, Chocolate, or Swirl gelato served in a waffle cone (priced at $3.79). This eclectic mix of cool treats is sure to be a one-stop way to beat the heat and please the whole family.

Another great way to stay cool is with a stay at the Clarion Resort & Water Park. Conveniently located in Kissimmee, the Clarion Resort & Water Park is a full-service Orlando area hotel and a state-of-the-art water park that's perfect for kids of all ages.

>> Clarion Resort and Water Park

<< Food for Thought with Jeanne >>

Cape May Café has been a family favorite of ours for several years. Located in the Beach Club, they have a wonderful buffet with a little something for everyone. The theming is a Cape Cod Clambake and the food is very good.

A character breakfast is a great way to start your morning off. Yummy waffles, sausage, bacon, eggs, fruit (and more things I can’t even think of right now) our breakfast there was quite enjoyable and the character interaction was wonderful!

Dinner at Cape May Café is a non character meal but just as good. The buffet is a square and each side offers something else and you can start anywhere you want. One side offers salads, fruits and soups while around the corner you’ll find red potatoes, steamed mussels and clams, corn on the cob, corn bread, rolls, butter, etc. The menu does have some variation but always includes a pasta dish, chicken dish, beef dish, and always a vegetable, mashed potatoes, and BBQ ribs. And don’t forget the desserts!!!!

After dinner we’ve always enjoyed a stroll around the lagoon behind the Epcot resorts. Or catch an early dinner then head over to Epcot for Illuminations.

<< Conclusion >>

That wraps up this double decked edition over flowing with travel tips, money saving tricks, and all the latest happenings to keep you up-to-date on planning a trip. With the Summer starting to come into sight, many people are starting to plan that perfect summer Disney vacation. We'll be back in a few weeks with our first look at some tips and trips geared specifically toward a Summer trip. 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
Website: Vacation Home Details Here
Choose from the finest selection of vacation homes and condos in the closest locations to Walt Disney World.

The Official Ticket Center
Website: Buy & Price Tickets Now!
The Official Ticket Center is Walt Disney World’s, Universal Studios and Sea World’s #1 guest service provider for the last 3 years. The Official Ticket Center sells tickets only, at a discount price.

Magical Journeys
Website: http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com
INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency. An unconventional Travel Agency for the unconventional client, Magical Journeys is dedicated to finding the best pricing for your next magical journey. We work hard to save you money, and still give you the quality service you deserve.

Quicksilver Tours & Transportation
Website: http://www.quicksilver-tours.com
Our drivers are the first personal contact you have when you arrive in Orlando. No other transportation company goes to the lengths we do to ensure that your trip is exactly how you imagined it. At Quicksilver, we truly believe there's no such thing as going "above and beyond" for our clients. Instead, it's all part of doing our jobs correctly.

Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration
Website: Resort Details Here
Conveniently located just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World with free shuttle service. roomy guest accommodations and a Starbucks and Pizza Hut right on property!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Website: http://www.swandolphin.com
In the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. Come discover our 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds®, the luxurious Mandara Spa, and many special Disney benefits.

The Timeshare Store
Website: http://www.dvc-resales.com
This Disney Vacation Club resale site offers the largest selection of DVC Resale's anywhere! They are the number one Disney Vacation Club Reseller in the world. See how easy and affordable it is to purchase your very own piece of the "MAGIC".

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