INTERCOT Insider Disney Newsletter

Brought to you by INTERCOT's network of sites:
INTERCOT - Walt Disney World Inside & Out
INTERCOT's WebDisney - Guide to Disney on the Internet
INTERCOT's MousehutMail - Free Web Based Email

<<Introduction>>

Luck is in the air and Spring is just around the corner.  If you've been hibernating during the last few weeks of Winter; you're in luck, because this edition of the INTERCOT Insider is covering all of the latest news springing up at Walt Disney World.  Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the internet!

<<Epcot in Bloom>>

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival opened on March 4th and INTERCOT was there to bring you a first hand account of this year's blooms.  The 2015 Festival blooms with a fresh take on lush gardens, inspired flavors and lively entertainment during the 75-day event; March 4-May 17  New Disney character topiaries, including a nod to the blockbuster animated film, "Frozen," will offer colorful selfie and family photo ops.   Here are the highlights from the 2015 event:

~ “Frozen” will melt hearts in the park’s World Showcase: Disney’s first Anna and Elsa topiaries will appear in a scene from the Oscar-winning film’s finale. Other brand-new Disney character topiaries will be Chip and Dale taking a star turn in two whimsical front-entrance “Goofy About Spring” floral vignettes. Topiary Goofy and friends will be in on the fun.

~Fresh new menu items will debut at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens where, for the third festival year running, guests can taste garden- and spring-inspired tapas-sized food and beverages and have their complimentary Garden Passports stamped as they stroll the World Showcase promenade.

~A Southwest desert garden will premiere as a thriving ecosystem.

~Ten new mini-gardens will surprise guests around every corner. Guests will discover a new “health garden,” a pepper garden, a dinosaur-plant garden and a Shakespeare garden, among others, each designed with a storytelling element.

~Guests can discover the story of the Monarch butterfly’s epic journey across the continent and see butterflies emerge from their chrysalises at Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House.

~A weekend concert series will rock audiences every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performers will include Gin Blossoms, Pablo Cruise, Village People and a lineup of top bands representing four decades of pop music.

~Disney gardeners will lead weekend how-to Gardening Seminars at the Festival Center, where guests also can pick up signature festival merchandise.

~When the sun sets, illuminated topiary and play gardens will glow brightly for an after-dark festival experience.

Here's a quick taste of the 2015 Outdoor Kitchens on INTERCOT's instagram:

>> Pineapple Promenade

>> Taste of Marrakesh

>> Botanas Botanico

>> Smokehouse

A small sample of the 2015 topiaries and floral displays on INTERCOT's instagram:

>> Fantasia

>> Chip 'n' Dale

>> Farmer Mickey

>> Flower Beds

>> Tea Time

<<Springing Off the Presses>>

As springtime approaches, news has been springing up all over Walt Disney World. Here's the headlines you need to know to plan your next Disney trip:

~ The Disney Parks Collection / Pandora Spring items arrived in Disney Parks on March 12, joining the previously released charms inspired by beloved Disney characters and icons. The largest selection of Pandora jewelry is available at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

~ Disney officially announced that two of it's most popular Walt Disney World attractions are expanding, with Toy Story Mania! adding additional track, and Soarin' receiving an additional theater. Soarin' will also receive upgrades on the screens and projection systems in the two existing theaters. These improvements are set to be complete by late 2016.

~ With a little bit of Disney magic, the two popular tropical treat locations within the Magic Kingdom changed places! Aloha Isle, home of the Dole Whip, and Sunshine Tree Terrace, home of the Citrus Swirl, swapped locations and menus on March 12th.

~ Disney World's annual 24 hour event has been announced for 2015, and this time it's kicking off the summer long celebration "Coolest Summer Ever." Guests are invited to the Magic Kingdom on May 22-23, from 6am Friday - 6am Saturday.

~ During the recent annual shareholders meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted a name change was coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios)... again. "Now we can announce that. It's not been announced right? We'll announce that we're changing the name, but we won't announce what we're changing it to." Iger stated. With changes in store rumored to expand on both the Pixar and Star Wars franchises, it's not surprising, however no further comment was made during the meeting.

Check out the INTERCOT Discussion boards for more details and discussion on these topics:

>> Pandora Disney Parks Collection

>> Ride Expansion

>> Adventureland Changes

>> 24 Hour Party

>> Park Name Change

<< Conclusion >>

As Spring rolls in, this edition is rolling out. We hope this edition has given you some great reasons to attend this years Flower & Garden Festival and kept you up-to-date on the happenings around 'the world'.  We'll be back in a few weeks with more great tips, news, and deals.  See ya real soon!

<< Thank You To Our Sponsors! >>

The INTERCOT Insider and INTERCOT.com are supported by the following sponsors who in turn, help us bring the Magic to you!

Comments or questions may be sent to [email protected]