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INTERCOT Insider
July
2007
– Edition
Two |
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<< Introduction >>
It may be hot outside,
but never fear, the Insider is here to bring you an avalanche of cool tips
and ideas. In this edition we check out the latest deals, take a look at
this month’s hot topics, run down a slew of new dining options coming to
Disney World , get the latest timeshare tips and countdown the best places
to cool off. If that wasn’t enough, we also kick-off a new monthly column
that takes a look back at monumental Disney milestones & we welcome two new
Sponsors to the 'COT.
It’s Insider Time!
<< Disney Deals >>
- Late Summer Savings –
The Walt Disney World
Resort has released additional specials for guests vacationing July 29 -
September 29, 2007. Create a perfect vacation with a Room-Only discount or
Magic Your Way Package at select Walt Disney World hotels. These offers must
be booked by July 28, 2007. Availability is extremely limited. For details
on these and other vacation specials contact INTERCOT's Official Travel
Agency, Magical Journeys at 1-570-785-3283, or visit their web site and fill
out a quote form.
Magical Journeys
http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com
Details & Discussion
http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=108669
<< INTERCOT Hot Topics >>
Lots of last minute
advice is being shared for those Summer Vacations, let’s look at the Hot
Topics for July 2007.
- Where do you keep
your tickets? -
apequet asked
INTERCOTees how they hang onto their park passes while out and about the
parks. Here’s some of the opinions INTERCOTee’s shared:
“I kept all of our
'keys to the world' together in a pocket in my fanny pack.” -- starrmomof2
“A lot of the pin
stands also sell the lanyard that has a plastic zip-lock type pouch just big
enough for your key and FastPasses etc. I think we got them for $10. Also,
someone in my family broke his and they replaced it no questions asked.”--
PrincessEmmasMommy
“Last year I found a
FastPass holder at Magic Kingdom in the shop the people mover goes through.
It has a silver Mickey head about 2 inches across the top of the ears with a
insert where the face should be. It has a retractable cord that attaches to
the sealable plastic top loading holder. I was able to put all of our
roomkey/tickets (3) inside with no problem. There is a plastic divider
inside to the pouch also so you can separate the FastPasses and the
tickets. It has a "alligator" clip that pivots on the back to the head to
clip onto belt loops, clothes etc. I think it was less that $5.00..”--
hnybear22
-Princess Storybook
Lunch?-
crazykids wanted to
know other INTERCOTees’ opinions on the Princess Storybook Lunch held at
Epcot’s Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. Here’s some of the opinions
INTERCOTee’s shared:
“We did the princess
lunch there last week and enjoyed it. … There is a huge appetizer salad bar
that you'll go to before you get whatever you order. You'll find something
you like on the menu.” --Becky'sMom
“Dear Husband & I took
our niece (age 5 at the time) to this lunch in 2006. While the characters
were great, the food was not. Dear Husband & niece are more adventurous
eaters than me but we all left hungry. We were happy with the characters and
interaction but not the food.” -- auntbaloo
“We have been there two
times and now think it is a must do every trip. We are picky eaters and
really liked the food. It is a little different but it is good. The
character interaction can't be beat.”-- DawsonAR
“Tried the lunch last
trip. We really didn't like it. We were still starving afterward and we are
not huge meal eaters.”-- r4kids
“We have eaten lunch
there the past two years, most recently last week. We enjoy the food and the
princesses. I think it was our favorite princess meal this last time. … I
think Akershus was great. The food is real good. I, Dear Daughter (5) and
Dear Son (9) really enjoyed it.” --jedi jen
- Value Resorts -
Standard or Preferred? -
Texas Tinkerbell Too
inquired if INTERCOTees thought that the preferred room option at Disney’s
value resorts was worth the extra cost. Here’s what some INTERCOTee’s
offered:
“Completely worth it!!!
It's more convenient when you have to go to the food court and will pay for
itself when you DON'T have to walk a mile to your room at the end of the
night.”-- jedigrrrl
“I am kind of on the
fence. We stayed at a preferred room at POP once and really did not see any
difference vs a standard room. Being one building closer to the food court
was about all we could come up with. We have always booked a standard room
since that time.” -- Vinny
“It's a little extra
money, but at the end of the day you'll consider it money well worth
spent!!! Some rooms at the values can be literally a hike from the bus
stop!”— LudwigVonDrake
Thanks to our topic
starters for asking such great questions, and thanks to all of those who
responded for sharing their insight and experiences.
<< Around the World >>
- New Dining for
Late 2007 & 2008 -
The Walt Disney World
resort is a dynamic place and its dining options are no different. Starting
late this year and running through 2008, the Walt Disney World resort will
unveil a smorgasbord of new dining opportunities.
Epcot’s World Showcase
is reinventing several of its table service mainstays. The Patina
Restaurant Group will open new restaurant replacing L'Originale Alfredo di
Roma Ristorante in the Italy pavilion in. The California-based Patina
Restaurant Group will open a new restaurant in the same spot in Fall 2008.
Patina will open Tutto Italia in September 2007 as a temporary option until
the new restaurant debuts. Japan's Tempura Kiku and Matsunoma Lounge will be
replaced in Fall 2007 with a the new Tokyo Dining. The popular Teppanyaki
Dining room will be renamed Teppan Edo Fall 2007, but the change is in name
only. In the China, the Nine Dragons table-service restaurant will close in
Early 2008 for renovations that will add interactive dining options. In
Mexico, a 50- to 60-seat tequila bar will replace a retail shop in the
pavilion's spacious indoor courtyard in Summer 2007. Additionally, Mexico’s
waterfront Cantina de San Angel is expanding with more seating with optimal
views of World Showcase, and will offer a new menu by Summer 2008.
The Animal Kingdom will
soon be offering Guests new dining experience to discover. This November,
guests who travel to the land of Asia will encounter Landry’s Yak & Yeti
Restaurant. It will seat 250 inside for table-service dining and 350 in a
quick-service courtyard. Tusker House Restaurant will reopen in November
2007 as a buffet restaurant that featuring Donald's Safari Breakfast. The
new buffet restaurant will sill feature both indoor and outdoor seating.
Downtown Disney is
getting ready to dig up a way to satisfy its Guests Dino-sized appetites.
In early 2008 at Downtown Disney will debut T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family
Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover. Landry’s second
Downtown Disney dining location will combine table-service dining and retail
in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice.
Details & Discussion
http://www.intercot.com/discussion/showthread.php?t=110544
<< Timeshare Tips from The
Timeshare Store >>
A few frequently asked
questions about Disney Vacation Club resale purchases from INTERCOT's
Sponsor - The Timeshare Store:
Q: Why should I buy a
Disney vacation club membership through the timeshare store?
A: The reason is
simple....SAVINGS. On average, our customers save $10 to $15 per point when
buying a resale rather than purchasing directly from the Disney Vacation
Club. Also, the deeded real estate interest (membership) that you purchase
through The Timeshare Store is exactly the same as if you purchased directly
from DVC.
Q: Will I receive the
same treatment as DVC members who purchase direct through Disney?
A: Absolutely. Our
customers receive the same first rate treatment as those members who
purchase direct from the Disney Vacation Club.
Q: How do I know how
many DVC points to purchase?
A: The answer to this
question really depends on your personal vacation habits. There are a
number of options available to you when you purchase an interest in the
Disney Vacation Club. Your points can be used at any DVC Resort (Old Key
West, Boardwalk Villas, Hilton Head Island, Vero Beach Resort, Beach Club
Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge and Saratoga Springs Resort). You can
view the DVC Point Charts (on our website at
www.dvc-resales.com) to anticipate
how many points you would use at different times of the year, and at
different DVC resorts. This is especially useful in helping you determine
how many points you may need to purchase.
Q: Can I use my points
to stay at resorts other than Walt Disney World?
A: Yes. Your Disney
Vacation Club Membership allows you great flexibility to enjoy resorts all
over the world. Your vacations may include Disney Resort Hotels around the
world, non-Disney resorts hotels in the Concierge Collection. You can also
use your points in the Member Getaway Collection, reserving a timeshare in
over 500 locations world wide through Interval International. Disney has
added the Disney Cruise Line to the long list of choices that DVC members
have.
Q: How long has the
Timeshare Store been in business?
A: The Timeshare Store
sold their first Disney Vacation Club resale in 1994 and had only 2
employees. Today, The Timeshare Store, Inc. has 5 full-time licensed real
estate associates, 2 full-time administrative assistants, 2 part-time
administrative assistants and Tom Yeary is the broker. You will never “talk
to a machine” when calling The Timeshare Store during business hours. We are
open 7 days a week and pride ourselves in always being available to answer
your questions and present offers.
Visit The Timeshare
Store’s website to review our current listings. If you have any questions on
the resale process, please call The Timeshare Store and talk to any of our
DVC resale experts. We are here to help you and your family has many
magical vacations for years to come.
Timeshare Store
http://www.dvc-resales.com
<< INTERCOTee Top 5 …
Resort Pools >>
Summer is well underway and that means big time heat is here as well.
There’s no better way to cool off during these hot days than a dip in a cool
pool. The Insider has revisited the topic of the “cool-est” Disney resort
pools and have tabulated the INTERCOTee Top 5 Favorite Walt Disney World
Resort Pools.
Coming in at number 5 … Uzima Springs
The Uzima Springs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge resort lets guests get
wet on the wild side. This 11,000 square foot pool is surrounded by
fascinating red rocks and the resort’s savannahs giving pool-goers quite the
unique experience. For those seeking adventure, there is a 67 foot water
slide that blasts riders into this African watering hole. The zero entry
feature and nearby splash pool, make this area a big hit with the littler
pool goers. For those seeking relaxation, Uzima Springs offers two hot tubs
and a pool side bar/snackery that shares the same name as the area.
Coming in at number 4 … The Dig Site
The Dig Site at Disney’s Coronado Springs resort offers guests a cool
archeological experience. These watery Mayan ruins feature a 46 ft tall
pyramid, a 123 ft long water slide, a splash pool and a hot tub. If you feel
like a cool drink while lounging poolside there is Siesta’s Pool Bar. If the
hustle and bustle of the cool-seeking adventurers is too much, there are
three other quite pools spread about the resort for a more relaxing pool
experience.
Coming in at number 3 … Luna Park
Luna Park at Disney’s Boardwalk resort up splish splash’n fun with a 1920’s
flare. This pool translates the fun and excitement of a Roaring ‘20s
amusement park. The centerpiece is the Keister Coaster slide that shoots
Guests down its winding, watery path in to the 190,000-gallon pool. The
resort also offers two Quite Pools for those who would prefer to cool off in
a less roaring environment. One is located near Community Hall and the
other is nestled in the resort’s Rose Courtyard.
Coming in at number
2 … Nanea Volcano
The Nanea Volcano pool at Disney’s Polynesian resort cools off guests in
South Pacific style. This pool sits at the base of the 40 ft tall Nanea
volcano and features a 120 ft water slide that shoots riders through the
volcano itself. The sounds of the South Pacific never have to leave guests
of this pool, as music is actually pumped into the pool itself giving guests
the music of the islands even when they are underwater. For the littler pool
goers, the Nanea Volcano features a zero entry area, a kids water play area
and a splash pool. For guests seeking a true island reprieve they can take
in a cool beverage at the Barefoot pool bar or visit the Quiet pool located
between the Samoa and Tokelau longhouses.
And coming in at number 1 … Stormalong Bay
Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club resorts packs a water park
punch into a resort sized pool area. This three-acre, sand bottomed pool is
divided into three unique areas each to fulfill a different type of cool
seeking guest. For Adventurous pool-goers, there is the shipwreck area. Here
guests will find a 230 ft water slide that shoots riders through the hull of
a large shipwreck and also a sand bottomed whirlpool that literally takes
guests for a cool spin. For those seeking relaxation, there is the lazy
river area. Grab an inner tube and float along this more peaceful section of
the “bay”. Additionally for the relaxation minded guest, there are a number
of secluded hot tubs scattered along Stormalong Bay. For little ones, there
is the shallows area. This sandy area features splash pools and even a
kiddie water slide. If you looking for something to wet your whistle after
you wet yourself, you can stop by Hurricane Hannah’s for a cool beverage.
The Beach Club and Yacht Club each also feature quite pools tucked away in
alcoves of their respective resort buildings for those looking for the
ultimate in secluded pool lounging.
That’s it for the countdown, hope it’s given you some cool reasons to pick
out a place to stay on your next trip.
<< Welcome to Our New
Sponsors >>
A hearty INTERCOT
welcome to two great new sponsors who help us bring the magic to you by
sponsoring the site. Please check them out and use their services if
you have a need - and tell them INTERCOT sent you.
Mandara Spa at the
Walt Disney World Dolphin
The name Mandara comes
from an ancient Sanskrit legend about
the gods’ quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. With
roots in Bali and Indonesia and influences from North America, our exotic
spa treatments reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of both Eastern and
Western cultures.
To ensure you begin your therapies calm and relaxed, Mandara Spa
at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin features a Meditation
Garden featuring a mystical Meru Temple. Throughout Asia, the Meru
Temple is symbolic of the mythological Meru Mountain, the most
sacred center of the universe and abode of the gods.
In Zen Buddhism, the Tea Ceremony is a meditation ritual of the Zen
Master. In honor of this ancient philosophy, Mandara Spa has created a Tea
Garden that features an Asian Bale. Here guests can sip refreshments and
enjoy the mystical ambiance while waiting for their treatments.
Our specialized
treatments include Aroma Stone Therapy, Massage, Miracle Micro Therapy,
European Facials, Body Wraps, Body Scrubs, Private couples Jacuzzi and
massage rooms. Great Lengths Hair Extensions, Nova Lash Eyelash Extensions
and a Full Service Salon which includes manicure, pedicure , hair cut, color
and style.
INTERCOT August Special : 20% off all services and retail product
purchases - Offer valid from 8/1/07-8/31/07 - Complimentary Valet Parking.
Please mention INTERCOT to receive this offer.
Website:
http://www.swandolphin.com/activities/spa.html
Buena Vista Scooters
The Buena Vista
companies have been providing quality products and services to Walt Disney
World Resort guests since 1995 and have built their reputation on three
things Quality, Integrity and Reliability.
Sometimes it really is
all about location. As the only provider located on Disney property, Buena
Vista Scooter Rentals can provide Disney guests with service and support
unmatched by our competitors. Contact us to find out how we can help you
more fully enjoy your Walt Disney World vacation.
Website:
http://www.buenavistascooters.com
<< This Month in Disney
History with vizsla >>
Magical Disney
Milestones for the Month of July:
1932 – Disney’s Silly
Symphony cartoon “Flowers and Trees” was released on July 20th.
1955 – The Candy Palace
opened on Main Street in Disneyland on July 22nd.
1989 – Tony’s Town
Square Restaurant opened in the Magic Kingdom on July 24th.
1995 – Disney’s live
stage show “Beauty and the Beast” opened its 1st international show on July
8th at The Princess Theatre, in Melbourne, Australia.
1998 – Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” broke the record on July 7th for the
longest-running show on Broadway with its 1,762nd performance at the Palace
Theatre in N.Y.C.
2000 – To mark the 1st
anniversary of the Rock’n’RollerCoaster, Walt Disney World took 80 corvettes
and formed the signature guitar in the MGM Studios parking lot on July 29th.
2002 – Disney’s Beach Club Villas opened on July 1st to Guest at Walt Disney
World.
2004 – The “One Man’s
Dream II – The Magic Lives On” show opened on July 3rd at Tokyo Disneyland.
2005 – Disneyland
received the coveted Award of Excellence Star on July 14th in recognition of
its 50th anniversary. The dedication took place on Hollywood Blvd. in front
of the El Capitan Theatre.
<< Conclusion >>
That wraps up this
issue. Hope all these cool info and tips has been a bit of a reprieve from
this hot, hot Summer weather. All these new Dining developments that start
this fall are sure exciting, and you can count on the Insider to keep you
up–to-date as they open. We’ll be back in a few weeks with our regular
monthly columns. 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!
All Star
Vacation Homes
When you need a home away from home, look no further. From comfort to
luxury, All Star Vacation Homes has it all in four series of homes to fit
any taste and any budget just moments from the magic of Walt Disney World!
Website:
http://www.allstarvacationhomes.com?ovchn=OTHER&ovcpn=Listing+Sites&ovcrn=intercot&ovtac=AD
Magical Journeys
Magical Journeys is your Disney Vacation specialist. Start planning your
Vacation Discount Dreams today!
Website:
http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/
Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin
The Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin blends the lovely resort
architecture with its signature Balinese style to provide a fresh and
original setting where you may indulge in world class pampering and beauty
services.
Website:
http://www.swandolphin.com/activities/spa.html
Official Ticket
Center
Walt Disney
World’s, Universal Studios and Sea World’s #1 guest service provider for the
last 3 years. The Official Ticket Center has been servicing vacationers for
more than 7 years now and sells tickets only, at a discount price.
Website:
http://www.officialticketcenter.com/default.aspx?affid=TC21LBC
Radisson Resort
Parkway
Right in the heart of action! Only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World is an
oasis of ponds, beautiful landscaping, serene waterfalls and relaxing
options hiding in every corner.
Website:
http://orlando.guestselectresorts.com?pid=INTERCOTN
Stan Kelley Photography
Ever wish you could be in the picture? Stan Kelley Photography
takes quality family portraits of your Orlando dream vacation that you'll
treasure forever.
Website: http://www.flmemories.com/
The Timeshare Store
The #1 Disney Vacation Club Reseller in the World. See how easy and
affordable it is to purchase your very own piece of the MAGIC!
Website: http://www.dvc-resales.com/
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