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<<Introduction>>

HAPPY LEAP DAY EVERYONE!

Got cabin fever? Well, another edition of the INTERCOT insider is sure to chase your winter blues away.  In this edition, we check-out the latest deals, learn about another great Disney book to curl up with, learn why Tables in Wonderland can lead to a wonderful dining experience, and check out the latest Disney calendars.  Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the internet!

<<Disney Deals>>

with Magical Journeys Travel Agency

-- Annual Passholder Savings  --

Annual passholder rates have been released for March 9 - June 14, 2012. For stays most nights from 3/9/12-3/31/12 and 5/25/12-5/27/12 save, 25% offValue Resorts, 25%-30% off Moderate Resorts, 30%-35% off Deluxe Resorts, and 35%-40% off Deluxe Villa Resorts. For stays most nights from 4/12/12-5/24/12 and 5/28/12-6/14/12 save 20% off Value Resorts, 20%-25% off Moderate Resorts, 25%-35% off Deluxe Resorts, and 30%-40% off Deluxe Villa Resorts.

>> Contact Magical Journeys Today!
 

<<Book Nook with Brownie>>

-- Be Our Guest  --

Our Guest (Revised and Updated Edition): Perfecting the Art of Customer Service by the Disney Institute with Theodore Kinni is an update to the 2003 edition. Much of the content is the same although there are some updated examples from places such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Michael Eisner’s foreword has been replaced by one written by Tom Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. It is funny to see a lot of the quotes by people formerly in their position, too.

This book presents a lot of practical information on how Disney’s guest service process can be applied to any organization. Although the process is detailed, you won’t find a lot of detailed, inside information on the Disney parks. One interesting tidbit I found in the book explained why the way finding signs in Walt Disney World are purple and red. Flags of different colors were placed around the resort and the colors people most remembered seeing were purple and red.

Be Our Guest (Revised and Updated Edition) is an easy read. It can help expand a lot of Disney fan’s base of knowledge on the Disney parks and it can help anyone improve processes in the organizations they belong to.

>> Get the book through INTERCOT affiliate Amazon.com
 

<<Dining in Wonderland with Mikki>>

--A Very Special Disney Dining Experience  --

About once a month Tables in Wonderland puts on a special meal to show off wines, locations or ingredients. This is open only to people who have Tables in Wonderland cards and usually limited in number to about 40 people. We discovered that one of these dinners was going to be held in The Wave at the Contemporary Hotel while we were on Vacation in Bay Lake Tower. There was an all in price (food, drinks and service) of $92 per head. We decided to try and get places for the meal as our special meal of the trip. As it had taken a day or two for us to decide we wanted to go we were not that surprised to hear that we were on a waiting list – way down at number 10!

As the days went by and had no news, we resigned ourselves to having been too slow. Come the day we were looking around the Polynesian and contemplating lunch at Kona Café when we got an email saying places had opened for the dinner that very night and did we want to go. Were we glad that we hadn’t quite got into Kona! We emailed back saying yes and told them our room number so we could sort out payments and details.

The meal was in celebration of the Florida Strawberry season (January). The main feature was Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida. Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983. They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date. Mike was introduced to everyone at the reception (in one of the Wave’s bars). A rather unusual canapé was a glass of bubbly with Strawberry crush and a shrimp.

When we moved to the table (we each had a table number but could sit where we liked on the table) on each place setting was a mat with 5 different varieties of strawberries and we had a tutored tasting session before we got down to the meal proper. The appetizer was a delicious mix of Mozzarella, Florida Tomatoes and Avocadoes, strawberries and a balsamic glaze. The Entrée was an unusual mix of lightly smoked duck breast with a strawberry gastrique, and roasted winter vegetables with rhubarb. Some people had lots of rhubarb and some had hardly any. Somewhat strangely the salad course came after the Entrée. However it was tasty, light and refreshing. Dessert was a trio of Fresh Florida Flavors including Strawberries and cream (of course!) and a berry sorbet.

There was an interesting group of people at the dinner. The majority lived in Florida. Everyone was friendly and it was a very convivial evening. If you have a chance to go to one of these dinners I would certainly recommend it as an experience to try.
 

<<Calendar Corner>>

-- August 2012 --

Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event schedules have been released through August 2012. 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 >>

This edition is starting to melt away.  As spring approaches at Walt Disney World, new happenings are occurring and an annual event is preparing to bloom.  We'll be back in a few weeks with more great tips, news and deals. See ya real soon!
 

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