<<Introduction>>

As the last leaves of Autumn drift to the ground, another edition of the INTERCOT Insider has dropped into your mailbox.  In this edition we check out the latest ways to save, roll out the newsreel, learn about the newest park ticket, find out the latest happenings around Disney's Animal Kingdom, and round-up the changes at Walt Disney World restaurants.  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

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Annual Passholder Rates have been released for select dates up to April 8, 2017. Save Up to 35% off most Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; save Up to 30% off most Moderate Resorts; or save Up to 25% off most Value Resorts. Does not include Polynesian Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower, Villas at Grand Floridian, Little Mermaid (i.e. Standard) rooms at Art of Animation Resort, any 3-bedroom villas or any campsites.  For more information, contact the Magical Journeys Travel Agency.

>>Details on INTERCOT Discussion Boards

>>Contact Magical Journeys Today!

<<INTERCOT Newsreel>>

We're rolling out the Newsreel for November to cover all the new happenings at the Walt Disney World resort:

>> A Moana Meet & Greet opened on November 23rd at Disney's Hollywood Studios in a surprising location. The new Meet & Greet has replaced a large portion of the final exhibit area beginning just after the Florida Project News Room. The Meet & Greet queue features rock formations and a waterfall effect, while the Meet & Greet area itself is beach themed. The area exits back into the waiting area for the theater.

>> From August 31 through November 13, the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort will be a record 75 days of global culinary creations, celebrity chefs, premium events, Eat to the Beat concerts, and more.

>> Hangin’ with your favorite Baddie isn’t just for the Halloween season any more. Guests have continued to enjoy Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios through November and more dates are still available. The park is offering the separately ticketed event on Fridays & Saturdays in December 2016 and Fridays in January 2017. During these extended dates, 5:00 pm and 8:15 pm seatings will be offered and tickets will be $129 per person including tax and gratuity. Guests can make reservations on the Walt Disney World website or via 1-407-WDW-DINE.

>> D-Living opened in Disney Springs on November 23, 2016; just in time for Black Friday and Holiday Season shopping. D-Living is the ultimate home décor store for Disney fans and kids of every age. In this dynamic location, guests will find a curated assortment of Disney-themed products and more that changes with each season.

>> Disney’s Hollywood Studios is offering new Christmas offerings during the 2016 Christmas season. The parks is offering a Santa Claus Meet & Greet inside the Once Upon A Time store located in the Sunset Blvd section of the park. The Meet & Greet is running now through December 24th. From December 25th – 31st, Santa Goofy will meet in the same location.

>> Dinosaur has re-opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom from an extended refurbishment. In addition to refreshing and reactivating several effects, the attraction has added a new effect.

>> Read the Spoiler on the New Effect <<

>> Walt Disney Imagineering has announced that a new "adventure" will be added to Star Tours to celebrate Star Wars Episode VIII. It is expected that these additions will be more expansive than the characters & sequences added for Episode VII. Although no specific date was announced, it can be expected to be near the December 15, 2017 theatrical release of the film.

>> Disney’s Animal Kingdom has changed its operational list for Extra Magic Hours. Kali River Rapids has been removed while Primeval Whirl and TriceraTop Spin have been added.

>> The new Doctor Strange character debuted earlier this month in an interactive show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. "Discover the Mystic Arts" is a new interactive experience currently offered at 10:30 am 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm Monday-Friday. The show is performed in the new "Bleecker Street" mini-area salvaged from the razed Streets of America near the end of Pixar Place. This micro-land has several thematic tie-ins to the film/Marvel Universe including an Atlas Books facade and a Daily Bugle news paper vending machine.

>> Stay Tuned to the INTERCOT News Forum for the Latest Updates and Announcements

<<4 Parks, 1 Ticket>>

The Walt Disney World resort has announced a new ticket that admits a Guest to one day at each of the 4 theme parks. The 4-Park Magic Ticket admits a Guest one day to Magic Kingdom park, one day to Epcot, one day to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and one day to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on 4 separate days. Guests may purchase through March 5, 2017; however, redemption blackout dates are December 17, 2016 through January 2, 2017 and April 10 through April 21, 2017.

>>Details on INTERCOT Discussion Boards

<< Opening Pandora >>

Walt Disney Imagineering revealed more details and concept art today for the forthcoming Pandora-World of Avatar area at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Pandora – The World of Avatar and shared the exciting news that the new land is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Summer 2017 and will tell the story of Alpha Centauri Expeditions, the eco-tour group that is preparing Pandora for future explorers and adventure seekers.

This stunning new section of the park will feature floating mountains, bioluminescent plants, and two excursions that will truly push adventure to the next level. First, the family friendly Na’vi River Journey will send guests down a sacred river hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. And second, the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion will offer the jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the world of Pandora.

>> Video Sneak Peek of the Na’vi Shaman Audio-Animatronic <<

The new area of the park will also bring themed retail and dining. Satu’li Canteen will be the main restaurantand will feature Na’vi art and cultural items. At Windtraders, travelers can find Na’vi cultural items and sundries; while Pongu Pongu will be a special drink location with a design that is as eclectic as its Expat owner.

>> More Details on INTERCOT Discussion Boards

<< The Dish on Disney Dining>>

The Dining scene at the Walt Disney World resort is constantly serving up new offerings and changes.  Here's the dish on the latest news bites:

>> PizzeRizzo – the classic family pizzeria owned by Rizzo- opened in Muppets Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 18, 2016. The refurbished two-story eatery has shed its Pizza Planet shell for a more thematic tie its surroundings and a lot more seating. Although the location has a strong central story, Guests may not find as many obvious Muppet gags as they might expect. The thematic details here are more subtle, but still prevalent. Despite the changes, the dishes have mostly been sustained. The Entrees are served with a side Caesar salad, and include personal-sized Pizza Pies, available in four varieties—vegetable, pepperoni, meat lovers and cheese, as well as a Meatball Sub. If you’re looking for a lighter option, the Antipasto Salad features a bed of Romaine lettuce piled high with tomatoes, Mozzarella, Kalamata olives, ham, pepperoni, salami and Balsamic Vinaigrette. For dessert, indulge in traditional Italian sweets like Cannoli and Tiramisu. Specialty drinks are also be available, including a non-alcoholic Peach Bellini, and a Wildberry-Basil Lemonade Limoncello in addition to beer and wine for adults.

>> Ample Hills Creamery on Disney’s Boardwalk has introduced a new treat for those who are indecisive about their desserts. The ice cream spot is now offering 6 Flavor Ice Cream Flights for $10.19. The flights are served in a circular plastic dish with 6 scoop size depressions and a lid.

>> INTERCOT Field Reporter Christine recently spotted a Rivers of Light Lotus Popcorn bucket at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Better late than never, this souvenir is popping up in the park 10 months after the new option was originally announced. The souvenir bucket for the impending show is currently priced at $15.99.

>> Picture of the Light-Up Lotus Popcorn Bucket <<

>> Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory re-opened on 11/19/16 with a refreshed menu at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter resort. New flavors inspired by New Orleans include a Cajun King Burger with Andouille sausage, a Crawfish Mac & Cheese Burger, prime rib, pork rack, roasted sustainable fish, fried chicken, and BBQ ribs. New southern style breakfast dishes include Crispy-Fried Chicken on a Biscuit with maple-bacon jam, Molasses-Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll, House-made Coffee Cake, Jumbo Sweet Potato Belgian Waffle, Cajun Grit Bowl, a Breakfast Po’ Boy and Pain Perdu. For dessert, there are a number of new signature sweet creations like the beignet sundae, warm Chocolate-Caramel Bread Pudding, house-made Mickey Pecan Pralines, and Louisiana-style King Cake. Don’t worry your sweet tooth, made-to-order beignets remain on the menu, but now feature new raspberry, caramel and chicory-coffee dipping sauces.

>> Pictures of the Dishes & Desserts <<

>> The Magic Kingdom has announced a new dining event, Tiana's Riverboat Ice Cream Social. The event begins on the dock as Tiana and Naveen welcome you and your sweet tooth to an ice cream social, complete with ice cream and toppings, drinks, and sweet treats. Then board the Liberty Square Riverboat and relax while enjoying the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. After the parade, Tiana and Naveen will join you to continue the party as you all cruise around the Rivers of America, circling Tom Sawyer Island. Guests may book this event for $49 per adult and $29 for children ages 9 and under (tax included). For reservations, you can book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.

>> Grab a bite of Dining Reviews & Disney Food News in the INTERCOT Dining Forum

<< A Shred of Light >>

Cast Previews for the new Rivers of Light show were held on 11/27/16 at Disney's Animal Kingdom park.

There was reportedly one show re-set due to a technical issue, but otherwise ran with no further issues.

The aggregate report from the debut of the 18 minute show has been overwhelmingly positive. As shown in publicity pictures from Spring 2016, the show is comprised of multiple floats that fill the River of Life and perform various synchronized movements along with fountain and lighting effects.

The floats move without any "driver" and move 'autonomously' through-out the show area along the river. Many of the Cast who experienced the show were impressed by the complexity and elegance of the synchronized movements that comprise the body of the show.

The main constructive criticism reported was that storytelling of the show is so subtle that it may not be followed by some Guests leading them to gain only a partial experience.

Despite the first set of previews, Disney has yet to make an internal announcement regarding the Public Debut (or previews) for the show.

<< Conclusion >>

As the first winter winds begin to swirl in, this edition is fading out.  Whether you are excited to try to menu items at the parks, walk under floating mountain in Pandora, or chill at Club Villain; we hope it has given you some great reasons to plan that 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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