<< Introduction >>

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! Yep, its Turkey Time --or as more formally known-- Thanksgiving.  At this time of year many think of people and things they are thankful for, but everyone can be thankful for having such great places to vacation to like Walt Disney World and Disneyland all year round.  In this stuffed edition of the Insider we take a look at the latest Disney vacation deals,  Disney destination news from coast to coast, tackle a cornucopia of INTERCOT trivia, find out what's been cook'n in info Central, welcome a new transportation sponsor, and cover the latest chit chat around the water cooler.   Hang on to them hat's and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the Internet!

<< Disney Deals >>

--Specials Released For Disney Visa Cardholders--

Disney has released discount rates on Magic Your Way packages for Disney Visa Cardholders vacationing at Walt Disney World between January 1 - March 15, 2008. Ask for code ZXE for Magic Your Way or code ZXF for Magic Your Way Plus Dining. Reservations must be booked by December 15, 2007. Some blackout dates do apply. For details on these and other special rates call INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency, Magical Journeys at 1-570-785-3283, or visit their website and fill out a quote form.

Details and Discussion

 >> Magical Journeys

--Winter Passholder Discounts Announced--

Disney has released room-only discounts, at select resorts, for Annual Passholders vacationing between January 1 - February 13, 2008. Discounts for value season include select Value Resorts for $49+, Moderate Resorts from $99+ and Deluxe Resorts from $+175 per night. The rates increase on weekends. Ask for code FHD. The number of rooms offered at these rates is limited. 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
>> Magical Journeys
 

<DVC Tips From The Timeshare Store>

Maybe it has been in the back of your mind to make that first inquiry into becoming a member of the Disney Vacation Club. There is no better time than now. Visit The Timeshare Store’s website at http://www.dvc-resales.com to see all of our current listings for Disney Vacation Club resales. You will notice that there are many different size memberships from all DVC resorts to choose from.

How do you know what size membership to purchase? You must decide what time of year you will travel, how many in your party, what size accommodation you want, which resort you wish to stay at and how many nights you will be staying. Visit our website and review the Disney Vacation Club point charts. Membership is flexible enough to give you those choices each and every time you vacation.

Membership in DVC is customized for you and your family. We would be more than happy to help you with all your questions at The Timeshare Store.

Contact us at The Timeshare Store and any of our associates would be happy to answer your questions and find the right Disney Vacation Club membership for you and your family.
 

<Coast to Coast Disney with Mel>

12th Annual Super Soap Weekend

"The View's" new co-host Sherri Shepherd and more than 30 ABC Daytime stars from "All My Children," "One Life To Live," "General Hospital" and "General Hospital: Night Shift" will appear at the 12th Annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios, November 10 & 11, 2007. ABC Super Soap Weekend is the largest soap fan event held anywhere in the country and is included with theme park admission to the Disney-MGM Studios.

>> Celebrity Line-Up & Details

Disneyland Resort Expansion

The Walt Disney Company announced October 17th a significant multi-year expansion plan for the Disneyland Resort that continues its growth as a multi-day, world-class tourist destination. The expansion will bring new entertainment and major family-oriented attractions to Disney's California Adventure Park, including an entirely new Cars Land inspired by the hit Disney•Pixar animated film “Cars.”

Let's all wave goodbye to the Timone lot. We may never see it again. – DoomBuggyDude

I have put my trust in John Lasseter to really make California Adventure (or whatever they eventually rename it) a destination unto itself. If he can't do it, no one can! – SusieMouse

California Adventure has grown on me. I still think it is missing the Disney magic and I am very excited for the expansion. I hope they do bring Walt's history into the park. - Tinkerbellaella

>> Full Story...
>> Discuss This News...

Epcot Flower Festival Grows to 75 Days

Goofy catches a topiary wave while Mickey Mouse and gal pal Minnie chill at the "beach" for the 15th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 19-June 1 at Walt Disney World Resort. Last year's popular 60-day event has sprouted runners and expands to a full 75 days with its first-ever March launch, offering oceans of floral fantasy and gardening fun. In all, there will be up to 70 topiaries -- plus 30 million blooms, artfully designed floral beds, expertly crafted bonsai trees and lush rose gardens -- gracing the 300 acres of Future World and World Showcase.

We love going during this time. Epcot is so beautiful. Now more people will be able to experience this. -  DNS

I am so excited about this...we are taking our first May trip, and I can't wait to see everything! – ibelieveindisneymagic

I'd really like to go to this some day, hopefully sooner than later. It sounds pretty cool. – brownie

>> Details & Discussion

Pirate & Princess Party Returns in 2008

Due to the popularity of the Pirate & Princess Party held this year, the event is returning in 2008. Guests will embark on a quest for beads and chocolate treasures, be witness to a Pirate and Princess parade, character greetings, fireworks spectacular and some of the most popular attractions. Experience Pirate Coves and Princess Courts filled with treasures and special themed entertainment. The party will be held on select nights beginning in January. Tickets are on sale now. Call (407) W-DISNEY.

The fireworks alone are worth the price of admission! – steve2wdw

>> Details & Discussion

Snow White 70th Anniversary Event

Disneyland paid tribute to the 70th Anniversary of Walt Disney's first full-length animated feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on November 16, 2007. In addition to special packaged events, the resort opened a special exhibit. "The Fairest One of All," exhibit is a never-before-seen collection of more than 100 pieces of priceless animation treasures used in the creation of the film. For a limited time, this first-of-its-kind exhibit is being shown exclusively at the Disneyland Resort.

>> Full Story...
>> Discuss This News...

Disney Dining Experience Program Institutes 18% Gratuity At Restaurants

An email was sent recently to Disney Dining Experience participants which included the following wording... "We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World® Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support." Disney responded to a number of INTERCOT Guests who emailed guest relations seeking clarification on to whom and when the gratuity applied with the following statment :

"The 18% gratuity will be included when Guests are parties of six or more enjoy dining experiences at our Table Service locations or if Guests are members of the exclusive Disney Dining Experience..."

Actually, this move saves me money. I've always looked at the card as getting the tip "for free". Now, the tip will actually be a little less than we normally tip and we don't need to play with the math. – faline

I'm a big tipper too, and I hate this!! I prefer to reserve the right to tip more or less based on the quality of service... – LibertyTreeGal

>> The Discussion Continues Here...

Yak & Yeti Restaurant Now Open

Disney's Animal Kingdom's Yak & Yeti restaurant opened today. The new restaurant features both indoor table service and outdoor counter service dining. The Inside dining area is on two floors with rich furnishings and lavish Asian works of art throughout. The menu is upscale, with dishes and flavors drawn from many parts of Asia, China, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. In addition to the restaurant, a new merchandise shop is now open in the village of Anandapur. It offers oriental crafts, teas, clothing, and Yak & Yeti tee-shirts.

My mouth is watering! I can't wait to check it out in February! - amorillo

The Fried Wonton desert looks really good! I love pineapples!!!!!! Yummy! I'm glad it's on 2008 DDP!!!! – Figgyluv03

>> The Discussion Continues Here...
>> View Menus

"Cinderella's Holiday Wish" Debuted November 12

For the first time, Cinderella Castle will magically transform into an ice palace for the holidays -- thanks to a new special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 twinkly white lights. Magic Kingdom guests will be treated nightly to the castle celebration, which also features cherished Disney characters. "Cinderella's Holiday Wish" will delight Magic Kingdom guests nightly, beginning November 12, 2007.

It looks spectacular in the picture so I'm sure it's breathtaking in person. – tennantsrwe

I wish I could see it in person. I am so jealous of all of you that are going to be there this holiday season. – Sean Riley Taylor’s Mom

Just got back a couple of days ago. The castle is STUNNING!! The main color changes and it is absolutely amazing. I just kept staring at it. – heart4princephillip

You could not take your eyes off of it. We made sure that we rode TTA so we could make that turn from Buzz and get that view as well. - eam

>> Details & Discussion

Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

New enchantment arrives in Disneyland as the holiday season finds “Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle” covered in freshly fallen snow. With its exciting new look, the Castle will serve as a shimmering centerpiece for a daytime holiday celebration, and as a snow-capped stage for the new music, lighting and special effects that will precede the legendary “Believe ... in Holiday Magic” nighttime fireworks spectacular.

Ooooooh, Ahhhhhh. Beautiful! I can't wait to see it in person!!! - Aisling

The castle lights look fabulous ! Not so thrilled about the daytime rendering. My first impression on the daytime shot was ..eh... they could have done the snow better. – EPCOT84

>> Full Story...
>> Discuss This News...

Thanksgiving Turkeys Going To Disney World

Mickey Mouse unveils the two turkeys that will receive pardons from President George W. Bush on November 20. Following their pardons, the turkeys will join Super Bowl stars and other celebrities by "Going to Disney World" for a November 22 parade in their honor.  This is the 60th anniversary of the National Turkey Federation's holiday tradition of presenting National Thanksgiving Turkeys to the President. The tom turkeys were raised at Ten Star Ranch in Dubois, Indiana.

Making the Most of the Holidays

Each year the Disneyland Resort is transformed into a winter wonderland full of fun memories and dreams for guests of all ages. Follow the link to a list of the top ten magical festivities that make the holiday season at the Disneyland Resort unlike any other.

 <<Across the Boards with Figment!>>

Welcome Back to Across the Boards. With Thanksgiving here, the Insider has gotten into the spirit and is presenting you with the 2nd Annual INTERCOT Turkey-Day Trivia Challenge. That’s right, it’s time to put on your thinking caps and test your knowledge of all things INTERCOT. The answers to all of these questions can be found somewhere on INTERCOT, so if you don’t know an answer you can try to find it!

Ready? Here we go ...

1) What is the name of the newest forum on the INTERCOT Discussion Boards?
2) Where on INTERCOT can you find info on all of Walt Disney World’s Dining Locations and even Dining Location Guide Maps?

3) What is the name of INTERCOT’s News Blog and Guide to Disney Web Sites?
4) Where on INTERCOT can you basic info and typical showing information on Walt Disney World Entertainment?
5) Besides the Discussion Boards, where on INTERCOT can you find information on such topics as "Magic Your Way" Vacation Packages, Hard Ticket Events, Disney Characters, Strategies For Dealing With Crowds, Historic Temp Averages by Day and Holiday Celebrations?

See below for the answers!
 

<<Quicksilver Tours & Transportation>>

INTERCOT would like to offer a hearty welcome Quicksilver Tours and Transportation as our newest sponsor.  Quicksilver has been providing Orlando-area transportation for years and has a great reputation in the Central Florida market.  According to Quicksilver owner Gregory Nicolas, "Our drivers are the first personal contact you have when you arrive in Orlando.  With that in mind, they are selected not only based on their driving records, but also on friendliness, politeness, and familiarity with the area."

>> Visit Quicksilver's Website Now!

<< Inside info Central>>

Park Calendar Released for May 2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has released it's Extra Magic Hours, Operating and Event schedules for May 2008. 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.

>> Extra Magic Hours Schedule and Info

>> Current Park Hours

>> Fireworks, Parades, & Event Schedules

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. 

>> Closing & Refurbishment Schedule

>> Historic Temp Averages by Day