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INTERCOT Insider
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<<Introduction>>
Fall is fleeting, but another
edition of the Intercot Insider is coming your way. This after Thanksgiving
edition is stuffed with an in-depth review of Cinderella's Royal Table. We
also check out how to save big on a Disney Cruise, find out how to stay with
Santa this Holiday season, try to settle a delicious debate, find out how to
keep-up your Holiday traditions while on vacation, and take a look at the
latest Disney park calendars. It's Insider time!
<<Disney Deals>>
with Magical Journeys Travel Agency
--Cruise into Savings
--
Book and Deposit an applicable Disney
Cruise before 12/9/10 and increase your on board credit. You will receive
our Forever Magic 2011on-board credit AND a bonus on-board credit on select
sailings. Applicable cruises include Transatlantic and Mediterranean voyages
aboard the Magic, Mexican Riviera voyages aboard the Wonder and Bahamian
voyages aboard the soon-to-sail Dream. This is for new bookings only,
certain dates and restrictions apply.
>>
Details
>>
Contact
Magical Journeys Today!
<<Stay with Santa>>
with The Walt Disney World Swan &
Dolphin
It's been a busy year for Santa and his
elves preparing for the upcoming holiday season, so he and Mrs. Claus have
decided to take a little vacation during the months of November and December
and chill out at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin! Santa says our
Heavenly Beds are just the right thing to get him rested up enough for the
big flight on Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus loves the fact that they can pick
from so many types of restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world.
On select days, you will find Santa and Mrs. Claus lighting the Christmas
tree in the lobby and hanging out with Guests by their special Florida tiki
hut. There’s going to be lots of photo opportunities that you won’t find
anywhere else, so bring your cameras and get ready to party Florida style
with Santa and Mrs. Claus!!! Enjoy daily holiday cheer with cookie
decorating, choir performances and more! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making
appearances on the following dates: December 3 - 4, 9 - 11, 16 - 19
Rates start from $122 per night. But hurry, rooms are limited so book today
to secure our best rates! Call 888-828-8850 or book online now!
>> Holiday Events
Calendar
>>
The Walt Disney World
Swan & Dolphin
<<Feast Like Royalty with
Faline>>
Our party
consists of two mature adults and no children. So why did we select a
character luncheon filled with Disney princesses? For one thing, we used to
dine here before the princesses visited during each and every meal. Plus, if
we waited for children to be part of our travel group, it might be a very
long time, if ever, before we could say we were selecting this restaurant
for the children. So, the truth of the matter is, we selected this dining
location and meal for the two adults who reverse to a state of immaturity
whenever setting foot on the grounds of Disney World.
While one might expect an entrance on the Main Street side of the Castle,
the entrance to Cinderella’s Royal Table is located on the Fantasyland side.
We find ourselves at the entrance a little bit earlier than our advanced
dining reservation time. Our first stop is the reception desk which is set
up outside the doors to the Castle. We need to wait a few minutes for the
folks in front of us to finish. When it’s our turn, we provide our name and
dining time. We are given a document to take inside with us and are admitted
through the doors and into the entrance hall.
There is a large throne and Cinderella, herself, is in attendance. The
document you received outside the door is collected and a picture is taken
with Cinderella. You can also request that your personal camera be used by
the photographer to capture another picture with Cinderella. Once the
picture taking is complete, you can make yourself comfortable on one of the
benches that line the side of the entrance hall. Take this opportunity to
look around this area. Towards one end is an elevator and to the left of
that a curved staircase. From the benches, where you are seated, look up
high and there, on a ledge, you’ll spot Jaq and Gus, Cinderella’s mouse
friends.
On this occasion, we wait only a few minutes before we are summoned to our
table. The restaurant is actually located upstairs from the entrance hall.
You can make your way upstairs via the staircase or the elevator. If
possible, I suggest going up in the elevator (It’s round.) and coming down
the staircase. The restrooms are located halfway down the stairs, between
the restaurant above and the entrance hall below. Plus, there is a balcony
type area where you can look down on the entrance hall.
Some lucky tables are right against the windows which overlook Fantasyland
and the carousel below. Our table is toward the window side of the
restaurant but we are a bit back from the window and up a level from the
window tables. Still, we are able to see the carousel from where we are
seated.
We are each provided with a wishing star which, we have since discovered,
actually glows in the dark. A little while later I’m presented with a
princess wand and my spouse receives prince’s sword. I guess they took pity
on our lack of children! These items will be useful a little later in the
meal. During our meal, our Cinderella photo package is delivered to our
table. The cost of these photos is part of the fixed price you pay for your
luncheon here. The photos are delivered in a folding cardboard cover. A
likeness of Cinderella is drawn on the cover. Inside, on the left is a
photograph of Cinderella’s castle. Tucked in behind that, are 4 4x6 color
photos of your party with Cinderella. On the opposite side is a larger photo
of your party with Cinderella. If you’re using photopass, you can slide this
picture out of the holder and peek at the upper left corner. That number can
be added to your photopass account and this photo will become available to
you as part of your photopass selections.
At some point during the meal, there was a wishing ceremony. In case you
need to know, keep these magic words in mind – Bibbidy, Bobbidy, Boo. I also
seem to recall that, at some point, we were asked to raise our wands and
swords.
I don’t remember specifically what they were but our appetizers were
delivered and were good. The appetizers are included with your fixed price
and are the same for all tables. Choices of entrée include Pasta Al Pomodoro;
Pan-Seared Salmon; Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin; Focaccia Sandwich with ham,
turkey, and cheese; or Major Domo’s Pie which is a beef dish. There are also
several children’s entrées that any little ones in your party can choose. We
both ordered the pork and ice tea. The pork was delicious! Also, I’m
hungrier than I thought I was! For dessert, I have a chocolate cake with
cream cheese – very rich and very good! My spouse had the rice pudding which
he liked. I don’t recall all the dessert choices.
The princesses arrived during our dessert. We were visited by Snow White,
Belle, Ariel, and Sleeping Beauty. All are very much in character, very
interactive, and very gracious!
This couple was very pleased with our dining experience here and would
certainly choose this meal again!
<<Beyond the Berms>>
with Universal Orlando Resort
Butterbeer, it's a tasty treat ripped
from the pages of Harry Potter and is available at the Wizarding World of
Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure. It seems like a no-brainer
to partake in this tasty treat, but which Butterbeer is better? Regular or
Frozen? Here's what some INTERCOTee's had to say:
"Just
got back, had one of each to split with the family. The regular was ok
(seemed to have carbonation as my son noticed right away- although not as
much as soda), but the frozen was really good! We all agreed that was the
best, in our opinions. And yes, really sweet. We now have a nice mug to keep"--Disneymom4ever
"I had both. While I liked the regular I
didn't think it was worth the price. The frozen, in my opinion, was much
better and made the price easier to swallow."--NJGIRL
"We all liked the regular better, but boy
are these drinks sweet. 4 of us shared one regular and one frozen, we didn't
quiet drink all of the regular and we didn't even drink half of the frozen.
At least we had the mugs to keep. "--buzznwoodysmom
>>
INTERCOT's Universal Orlando Resort Forum
<<The More the Merrier>>
with ALL STAR Vacation Homes
--
Celebrate Your Family
Traditions on Your Orlando Vacation --
Looking for a way to celebrate and keep
your family traditions while on your Orlando vacation?
Orlando vacation home rentals provide the space, furnishings and amenities
to bring your family together to celebrate your favorite pastimes.Prepare
family favorites in fully equipped kitchens. Enjoy family game nights and
share memories with scrapbooks and photo albums in spacious living and
dining areas.
Some Orlando vacation homes feature game rooms where you can hold fun
tournaments, home theatres and big screen TV's to watch family movies and
sports games like football and basketball during the Thanksgiving holidays -
plus private pools and patios, great for cookouts and pool parties.
You can also enhance your family reunions, birthdays, anniversaries and
holiday celebrations with vacation home services such as professional
photography, gift basket and flower delivery, catering and Christmas tree
rentals.
For more information on these services, visit the ALL STAR Vacation Homes
Guest Services Directory or call 1-800-606-3373.
>>
ALL STAR
Vacation Homes
>>
ALL STAR Vacation Homes Guest Services Directory
<<Calendar Corner>>
-- May 2011 --
Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event
schedules have been released for May 2011. 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.
>>
Current
Park Hours
>>
Extra
Magic Hours Schedule and Info
>>
Fireworks,
Parades, & Event Schedules
<< Conclusion >>
Put a fork in this
newsletter, because its done. Holidays are in full swing at the Walt Disney
World resort and we'll be back in a few weeks to look at some of the
festivities. We'll also re-cap the latest news around the Resort to see
what new things Guests have to look forward to in the New Year. 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".
Universal Orlando® Resort
Website: Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando® Resort is more than a theme park. It's an entire
universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks
unlike anything else in Orlando.
Comments or questions may be sent to
[email protected]