<<Introduction>>

Like a bear waking from hibernation, another edition of the INTERCOT Insider is rolling into your mailbox.  After a few month hiatus, we are back recapping the changes at the Walt Disney World Resort that wrapped up 2015 and kicked-off 2016. Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the internet!

<<Disney Deals>>

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<< INTERCOT News Room>>

The INTERCOT News Room has been buzzing with exciting announcements and interesting updates.  Be sure to follow the link at the bottom of each item for more details and to join in on the discussion on the INTERCOT Discussion Boards.

Earful Tower Slated For Removal - Other Changes in Store for Hollywood Studios

The "Earffel Tower", the original landmark of Hollywood Studios, will be removed soon. Also, Disney will close several attractions April 2 including Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show; Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure; a Monsters Inc. meet-and-greet, and the Studio Catering Co. restaurant will all close as part of a complete makeover of the park that will feature Star Wars and Toy Story lands.

>> Details & Discussion

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Villain Kylo Ren Arrives

Beginning in February, a visit to Star Wars Launch Bay at either Disneyland Park in California or Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will transport guests to the Star Wars galaxy for an encounter with Kylo Ren on the bridge of his First Order Star Destroyer. As seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

>> Details & Discussion

The Ganachery Opens in Disney Springs

The Ganachery is now open at Disney Springs, a jewel box of a shop that showcases the beauty of chocolate with an experience much like a wine tasting. The star of the show is a custom-made ganache, Disney’s own recipe for a luxurious mixture of melted chocolate and cream.

>> Details & Discussion

Skipper Canteen Opens in Adventureland

The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd's Skipper Canteen opened in December at the Magic Kingdom. We've got the menu and backstory in our Discussion Boards!

>> Details & Discussion

Flying Fish to be Reimagined in 2016

Flying Fish Cafe on Disney's BoardWalk is closed for several months as both Walt Disney Imagineering and the culinary team reimagine one of the most popular places for dinner at Walt Disney World Resort. You can expect a whole new look, and the team will be working on a new menu.

>> Details & Discussion

Multi-Month Refurbishment for Soarin’ in 2016

Epcot's most popular attraction, 'Soarin Soarin' closed for refurbishment on January 4 and is planned to reopen in the summer of 2016.

>> Details & Discussion

Na’vi River Journey in Pandora

Pandora – The World of AVATAR will bring a variety of new experiences to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including a family-friendly attraction called Na’vi River Journey. The adventure begins as guests set out in canoes and venture down a mysterious, sacred river hidden within the bioluminescent rainforest. The full beauty of Pandora reveals itself as the canoes pass by exotic glowing plants and amazing creatures. The journey culminates in an encounter with a Na’vi shaman, who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora and sends positive energy out into the forest through her music.

>> Discussion & Details

New Rivers of Light Nighttime Experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom

When Disney's new nighttime experience “Rivers of Light” opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’ll be one of the most memorable and emotionally stirring shows in the park’s history. And today we’re sharing a sneak peek at some of the amazing sights the show will offer when it debuts in spring 2016.

>> Details & Discussion Here

<<Character Change-Up>>

The Walt Disney World resort was busy shuffling Character Meet & Greets in Late 2015.

On October 8th, Disney’s Hollywood Studios debuted a new Minnie Mouse Meet & Greet near Disney Junior – Live on Stage!. Also at the studios, Sorcerer Mickey Mouse can now be found at a new Meet & Greet near the former queue for the Backlot Tour.

Over at Epcot, Duffy The Disney Bear was retired from the daily character offerings on October 3, 2015. Character Cast have reported that Daisy Duck has begun a new Meet & Greet in Duffy’s former gazebo location.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Flik began a new Meet & Greet on October 4th on Discovery Island.

Finally at the Magic Kingdom, a new Meet & Greet in Adventureland featuring Rafiki has opened while the Tommorowland Meet & Greet featuring Stitch has closed.

<<Conclusion >>

As the first wisps of Spring air swirl in, this edition is fading out. We hope this edition has re-capped all of the happenings over the past few months and has gotten you up-to-date for your next trip. We'll be back in a few weeks with more great tips, news, and deals.  See ya real soon!

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