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<< Introduction >>

June’s busting out all over, and this edition of the insider is busting at the seams with great tips and information.  This month we’ve combined our regular columns from our first and second editions into one jam-packed edition.  In this edition we cover Disney happenings from coast to coast, the hottest topics on the discussion boards, get a refresher on the Discussion board rules, stay up-to date on the latest deals, take a look at new informational updates to the site, cover the May water cooler happenings and countdown nighttime entertainment tips.  Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here’s the most informative ride on the Internet!

<< Coast to Coast Disney with Mel  >>

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events Reservations Open August 6th

The annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs September 28 through November 11, will begin taking reservations at 7 a.m. on August 6 for popular specialty dining events such as the Party for the Senses grand tastings. In addition to Party for the Senses, the offerings include wine, cheese and food pairings, prestigious wine schools and tastings, elegant multi-course dinners with wine pairings and other special dining events. Guests can call 407-WDW-FEST for information and to make reservations for special events and programs.

I can't wait to hopefully get a spot for Party for the Senses!!! It was awesome last year!!! – mudpuppysmom

More Information
Discussion Here

Rats Spotted at Disney-MGM Studios

The two rodent stars of the new Disney-Pixar animated film "Ratatouille", Emile and Remy, are now making daily meet-and-greet appearances at the Magic of Disney Animation attraction in Disney-MGM Studios. "Ratatouille" features Remy as a rat in Paris who dreams of becoming a gourmet chef. The film opens in theaters June 29. 

We can't wait to see the movie & now meet these cute little ones – Momof2boys

Discussion Here

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Resurfaces at Disneyland

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage takes its inspiration from two over-the-top entertainment experiences – the worldwide smash hit Disney·Pixar motion picture Finding Nemo and the Resort’s fondly remembered classic Submarine Voyage attraction that opened in 1959 and retired in 1998.  Disneyland held an elaborate Grand Opening Ceremony June 11, 2007 featuring appearances by Ed Grier and Robert Iger.  To cap things off, a Disneyland monorail was wrapped and decorated to resemble a big yellow submarine complete with portholes along the entire length of the monorail.

I recommend this ride to everybody. – Chescat

You will definitely need a couple of rides to soak it all in! WOW is not even enough to describe it!. – NotaGeek

I found the ride amazing. I loved all the details – 2Epcot

Discussion Here

Naturalization Ceremony at Walt Disney World

In the place where Dreams Come True, more than 1,000 immigrants from dozens of countries will realize their dream of becoming United States citizens during a Naturalization ceremony on the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World Resort. Presided over by Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Service  Emilio Gonzalez, dreamers from more than 75 countries will raise their right hand and take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens. The event will take place on Main Street, U.S.A. and be open to park guests on Independence Day morning.

What better place then to become an American Citizen then in Walt Disney World! – chrisb26

I couldn't think of anywhere better to celebrate something that special.– princessjojo

Discussion Here

Epcot Candlelight Processional Narrators Announced

The Narrators for the 2007 Candlelight Processional have been released. The list of celebrities this year include; John O'Hurley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Cameron, Edward James Olmos, Gary Sinese and more. Dinner packages go on sale July 2. The packages for the Candlelight Processional include a meal at a select Epcot restaurant and special reserved seating at the American Gardens Theater. There will be three daily showings from November 23 through December 30 at 5:00, 6:45 & 8:15 PM.

I just LOVE Gary and am so glad he's back this year!– Emily

We saw Kirk Cameron last year and thought he was a good narrator and very sincere.– floridamom

More Information
Discussion Here

Disneyland’s Halloween Treat Tickets Now on Sale

Tickets are now on sale for Mickey's Halloween Treat. This private costume party at the Disneyland park that lets little ghosts and goblins (and princesses, pirates and superheroes too) join some of their Disney Character friends for an evening of Disney style Halloween fun. In addition to trick-or-treating for candy, kids and their families will enjoy lively music, special activities and more!

More Information
 

Disney World Parks Fill the Sky With Fireworks on July 4th

On the fourth of July, Disney-MGM Studios will join in the evening fireworks fun with a special holiday show prior to Fantasmic!. Magic Kingdom will treat guests to the famous "Fantasy in the Sky" display with patriotic music and "bombs bursting in air". And Epcot will present its acclaimed "IllumiNations" show with a special holiday finale. The special nighttime shows are included with theme park admission.

Discussion Here

<< INTERCOT Hot Topics >>

There are lots of great tips being given as INTERCOTee’s make last minute preparations for Summer Vacations, so let’s look at the Hot Topics for June 2007.

- Park Footwear? -

Lori0963  wanted to know what types of footwear other INTERCOTee’s wore to the parks.  Here’s what some of the INTERCOTees had to say:

“Crocs, they were wonderful , they are my shoe of choice now, no back, foot or leg problems at the end of the day.  Now when I have them on here at home somebody will ask me if I like them and I tell them if I can wear them to Disneyworld they are the best.” -- missouridisney

“ROCKPORT'S..the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn...kinda cross between tennis shoe and dress shoe..works good for the parks and nice dining etc..goes well with Dockers, shorts, or jeans..they are awesome”-- disneycouple2004

“Sneakers all the way! The whole family gets new sneakers about a month out from a trip so we have time to break 'em in!”-- Suz36

- Coronado Springs Really that Big? -

mjm12000 was interested in staying at Coronado Springs, but was wanted more information about the reported size of the resort.  Here’s some of input INTERCOTees offered:

“It is big, but the walk is not bad and very scenic. Most of the complaints are that you are that they are either far way from the pool or far away from El Centro, since they're on opposite ends of the resort. I'm considerably older than you and I don't think the walk is bad at all.”-- big blue and hairy

“We stayed there in 2004, in the Ranchos, and never really noticed a problem walking around. It was a nice, relaxing walk to El Centro, about 10 minutes with DD in a stroller. Everything was spread out, but not too bad, just enough so you didn't feel on top of everything.”-- tinksmom02

“We just got back from Coronado Springs last night.... It was awesome! We have a 5 & 9 yr old and they never complained about the walking. The walking really never bothered us. We were in the Casitas 2 and it was very close to bus stop # 2 which is actually the first bus stop. It probably took us 8 - 10 min to get to El Centro and the same to the main pool. It was less than 5 to one of the quiet pools. Next time we go back we will be staying there again!”-- greene

 - Dole Whip or Citrus Swirl? -

mickey-mouse35 posed a sweet showdown to fellow INTERCOTees asking which Advenutreland frozen confectionary they prefer—The Dole Whip or the Citrus Swirl .  Here are some of opinions INTERCOTees gave:

 “Citrus Swirl … It's like an orange creamsicle and very yummy!!”-- llamaface

 “Dole Whip ... The perfect light lunch on a hot day - puts me on cloud 9 every time”-- Sylvia

 “Actually I prefer the Pineapple Float which is pineapple Dole whip in pineapple juice... because I love pineapple juice.”-- ElenitaB

Thanks to our topic starters for asking such great questions, and thanks to all of those who responded for sharing their insight and experiences.

<< Across the Boards with Figment! >>

Welcome back to Across the Boards.  In this edition we take a look at the Terms of Service that governs our discussion boards in the form of a brief FAQ.

Q: What types of posts are permitted by the Terms of Service?

A: The Terms of Service encourages posters to openly offer support, information and opinions to other Guests in a friendly and helpful manner.  The Terms of Service does not allow posts of that are inflammatory, personal attacking, off-topic or are argumentative.  These types of posts are not allowed; as they do not foster the friendly and helpful atmosphere that INTERCOT has formed as a Vacation Planning Community. 

Q: Why aren’t links to other unofficial sites allowed per the Terms of Service?

A: To prevent others from self-promoting there own sites and to mitigate linking to potentially inaccurate information, we do not permit links to any other unofficial sites.  The INTERCOT Staff volunteers countless hours to find and share the most up-to-date and accurate information possible on all things related to planning vacations at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts.  Between the Discussion Boards, the INTERCOT Theme Park Guide, the INTERCOT Resort Guide, INTERCOT Interactive and INTERCOT Info Central we expect our Guests to be able to find the answers to any Disney vacation planning questions they may have.  If a Guest can not find information on INTERCOT.com or feels information posted is inaccurate or out-date, they are encouraged to send notice to guestrelations@intercot.com where their input will be considered and reacted to promptly.

Q: Does the Terms of Service apply to the Private Messaging system?

A: Yes.  Any Guest who receives a private message that is personally attacking, is an advertisement for another site, solicits joining another site or otherwise violates the Terms of Service should send a copy of the private message with the sender’s username to guestrelations@intercot.com .

Q: What should I do if I see a post that violates the Terms of Service?

A: To report a post that is in violation of the Terms of Service please use the “report a post” button in the upper left hand corner of each post.  The button icon is a triangular sign with an “!” mark. 

Until next time, happy browsing around the boards and see ya real soon!

INTERCOT Terms of Service
 

<< Disney Deals >>

The Walt Disney World resort has released room-only discounts, at select resorts, for Annual Passholders vacationing between August 5 - September 29, 2007.  Discounts include select Value Resorts for $64+, Moderate Resorts at $94+ and $164+ for Deluxe Resorts per night. The number of rooms offered at these rates is limited. Ask for code FVD. For details contact INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency, Magical Journeys at 1-570-785-3283, or visit their web site and fill out a quote form.

Details & Discussion Here
Magical Journeys

<< Carol's Communicore >>

Park Calendar Released for December 2007

The Walt Disney World Resort has released it's Extra Magic Hours, Operating and Event schedules for December 2007. 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.

What's New?

INTERCOT info Central has recently added the following sections to better help you plan your Disney World Vacation:

Animal Kingdom Villas

Magical Beginnings

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:

Disney Resort Property Maps

Epcot's Annual International Food & Wine Festival

<< Off Topic with ChipDale >>

Hard to believe that we’re already into Summer!  Let’s take a quick look back at May.  I hope that all of our INTERCOT moms had a great Mother’s Day!  And how can we forget our service men and women this month?  Thank you to all of you who have served our great country! 

Jamie’s Friday parties for May included the Quatro de Mayo Early (Tequila) Sunrise Party, the Annual Mother’s Day Gala, INTERCOT’s Official Class of 2007 Graduation Party, and the Annual INTERCOT Memorial Day Friday Party.  Thanks Jamie & Rob for keeping us in the party mood all month long!

Did you know that there are designated days in May to celebrate Paste Up Day, No Socks Day, Eat What You Want Day, Twilight Zone Day, Buy a Musical Instrument Day, National Chocolate Chip Day, Pack Rat Day, World Laughter Day, My Bucket’s Got a Hole In It Day and National Dance Like a Chicken Day?  Thanks to Jeanne (Piglet822) you don’t have to miss out on any of these fun-tastic celebrations!

2Epcot asked INTERCOTees “do you like your boss?”, seeing if it made a difference whether your boss is a man or a woman.  SgtTigger: “I like my boss… he is a great guy... He has been my boss on and off most of my 17 year career.”  Bleukarma: “The current bosses I have now are great. Both my immediate supervisor and the office manager are easy-going and open-minded. It’s the main reason why I want to stay at this company… I know finding a boss that you really like is hard to find. They are both male. However there are two managers in a different department that I could NOT work for, and they are both female. I’ve heard many horror stories from the people that work in that department and I think if they ever moved me over there then I would look for a different job fast.”  Damon18: “I get along great with my boss. In fact our families went to Disney together a few years back!”  DisneyDoll: “I have a female boss and she's wonderful. I actually had very few bad bosses, but of the ones who were bad, most were female.”  Offwego: “most of my bad bosses were males, but I've had some winner female ones as well.”  What the whole topic boiled down to, is it wasn’t a question of being a male or female – what matters is if the boss has good people skills or not.

Special congratulations go out to poeteclipse on her wedding.  Best wishes, Stacey and Matt!

May posting milestones were reached by: vizsla – 18,000 posts, CanadianWDWFan – 4,000 posts, J.C.&ALI’SMOM – 2,000 posts, Jeff G – 1,000 posts, c&d – 1,000 posts, Damon18 – 1,000 posts, indytraveler – 900 posts, BrerSchultzy – 700 posts, Riri529 – 700 posts, ibrowse17 – 700 posts, T-Belle – 500 posts, PrincessEmmasMommy – Senior Cast Member, pshokie – Cast Member Trainee, and MickeyandTink – Cast Member Trainee.  Congratulations to all of you on your posting accomplishments!

That about wraps it up for May.  See you next month!

<< INTERCOTee Top 5 … Nighttime Show Tips>>

The Walt Disney World Resort is known for its great Nighttime Entertainment, but getting a great view can sometimes require a bit of planning.  To get a great view of these sensational nighttime spectacles, the Insider reviewed recent discussions and is counting down INTERCOTee’s Top 5 Tips for Viewing Nighttime Shows.

Coming in at number 5 … A Meal with a View

Two of the Seven Seas Lagoon Resort Areas top restaurants offer a great view of fireworks in addition to great food. ‘Ohana and the California Grill both offer window seats with a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks … they even pipe the music right into the restaurant.  Additionally, the Concourse Grill offers a balcony (for its patrons) that also provides a spectacular view.  Window views can be requested upon Advanced Dining Reservation check-in, Guests should reserve a meal at least 45 minutes prior to the start time of the fireworks that night.

Coming in at number 4 … A Waterfall View

If Guests are wishing to watch the nighttime fireworks in style, they may want to consider one of Walt Disney World’s Firework Cruises.  The Magic Kingdom offers a cruise with a view of Wishes, while Epcot offers a cruise with a view of Illuminations!.    Cruises can be reserved up to 90 days in advance via 407-WDW-PLAY.  More information can be found in the Fireworks Cruises section of INTERCOT info Central.

Coming in at number 3 … Cantina de View

A great way to grab a spot with a great view of Illuminations while enjoying a great snack, is to snag a waterside table at the Cantina de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion.  This waterfront Counter Service location offers up some great snacks like nachos, tacos, ensaladas and churros for your munching pleasure while you wait for and/or enjoy Illuminations!.  Dependent on the time of year Guests will want to try to find a seat 30 – 60 minutes before the show time for that night.

Coming in at number 2 … Off-The Main Street

While Main Street still holds a number of great viewing spots for Wishes, there are a number of spots off of the main drag that offer still a great view but with less of a crowd. Tinkerbell fans will want to consider staking out a spot on the bridge to Tommorowland or the Rose Garden. From both of these locations Tink will make her flight above you to Cinderella Castle. Choose your spot on the bridge wisely though there are some trees that could obstruct your view of the castle depending on where you are standing on the bridge. If you are looking for something a little further back from the action, but still not crowded try out the benches in front of the Crystal Palace.  This location offers a great view off the beaten-path.

And coming in at number 1 … A Line Cutting Dinner

Enjoying a delicious Dinner and being able to skip the line for one of Walt Disney World’s most popular shows—it’s not a Hollywood fantasy, it’s the Fantasmic! Dinner Package at the Disney-MGM Studios. The Dinner Package includes dinner at The Brown Derby, Mama Melrose, or Hollywood & Vine and reserved seating in the Fantasmic! amphitheater. More information can be found in the Fantasmic! Dinner Package section of INTERCOT info Central.

That’s it for this countdown, hope it’s given you some great ideas on how to view your favorite nighttime show the next time you’re at the world!

<< The Insider and YOU>>

Due to some technical difficulties, the First and Second May Editions of the INTERCOT Insider were not sent out via our mailing list.  These editions 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 May Edition One

INTERCOT Insider May 2007 Edition Two

INTERCOT Insider Archive

<< Conclusion >>

 Shew, hope you stayed cool reading all those great tips!  That wraps up this jam-packed edition, we’ll be back next month with our standard format and even more great tips and information.   With Summer kicking into high gear, reservations and sales for special Fall and Winter events are starting to open up, count on the Insider to keep you up-to-date on all these happenings.  See ya real soon!

<< INTERCOT Would Like To Thank>>