INTERCOT Insider  September 2005 - Edition One

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INTERCOT's Thrillride Experience - Thrill Ride Parks & Attractions

<< Introduction >>

Hello, Everyone. Have you stopped in to see the new and improved INTERCOT boards yet? JohnY has been busy over the past few weeks adding lots of new features. It may look scary at first - but we think they'll become very familiar after looking around a bit. All users will need to change their avatars and update their signatures. If you are having any problems or just want a primer on frequently asked questions about the new software and your ability to log onto the discussion boards, please visit this FAQ link.  It should answer the basics. We will also be covering some of the new features and mechanics in upcoming editions of the Insider, so stay tuned.

Speaking of which ...

This edition is sure to get you well informed; with Ron’s Disney-MGM Studios trivia, Jamie and Nigel’s mouth-watering review of ‘Ohana, and great tips on how to find a good Disney Vacation Club Broker. We have it all for you. We’ll even feature a discount on a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel. Let’s get started!


<< Radisson Resort Parkway Special >>

Radisson Resort Parkway, a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, is proudly offering an exclusive Disney Fan Special of $59.95 available through September 30th. The resort is located only 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World and provides free complimentary, scheduled, shuttles to Disney, Sea World and Universal Studios. 718 remodeled guest rooms (with free high speed internet access), 3 sparkling pools with waterfalls, 2 whirlpools and a 40' water slide, 5 on site food and beverage outlets (kids eat free!) and all situated on 20 acres of beautiful, tropically landscaped grounds. The resort is the perfect vacation within a vacation destination.

Resort Information
Book a Room


<< History & Trivia with WDWdriver >>

We all know that a visit to the Disney-MGM Studios is not complete without a trip through the Hollywood extravaganza known as the Great Movie Ride. It is a great tribute to some of the best movies ever made. Here are some trivial facts about the ride that you may have not heard before.

The original name for the ride was The Great Moments Movie Museum. The theme song for the ride, Hooray for Hollywood includes a reference to Donald Duck. The lyric line is; Go out and try your luck, you might be Donald Duck! Hooray for Hollywood.

There are several hidden Mickeys along the ride:

And finally, the license plate on the gangsters’ car in Gangster Alley reads 021429 February 14, 1929 was the date of the infamous St. Valentines Day massacre where gangsters disguised as policemen shot down seven opposing gang members.


<< Dining with MickeysGirl and Dr_Nigel_C >>

Aloha!

Welcome to another yummy edition of Dining Out! This time around, we're reviewing ‘Ohana, located in the Polynesian Resort. From ‘Ohana there is a spectacular view of Cinderella Castle to go along with all the Hawaiian flair. Service here is "Family Style," which means they bring the food to you! Ah...now that's service!

Visiting the Polynesian is easy to do. Bus service is provided from all of the theme parks or you can arrive in style by hopping on the Resort Monorail line! If you're driving, pull up to the Magic Kingdom parking lot toll booths at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom parking lot and tell them you are headed to the Polynesian; they will let you through with no charge. Just as you pass through the ticket booths stay in the right-hand lanes. You'll need to end up on that side of the entryway in order to access the Polynesian parking lot (the left-hand lanes will take you to the main Magic Kingdom parking lot). Follow the signs to the Polynesian and when you pass through the security booth let them know you're dining at ‘Ohana. They'll issue you a temporary parking pass. Just throw it on your dash and find a good spot.

You can start your day with a character breakfast here. Mickey, Goofy and Chip & Dale are available for autographs, photos and games. Choices include scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage links, bacon, biscuits and more. For only $9.99 for kids and $17.99 for adults, it's a good deal for the whole family.

Dinner is an experience in itself here. The appetizer course is brought to your table first and includes salad greens, a wonderful rice dish & chicken wings. Next, the meats are brought out and the servers will place whatever you want right on your plate. You can choose from steak, pork chops, turkey, and even shrimp! All of the meats are cooked over an open fire pit, where you can watch all of the meats being prepared.

Make sure to leave a little room for dessert! Once you've finished, a freshly cut pineapple is brought to your table. Dip it in the caramel sauce they provide and you'll have a perfect ending to your meal! Other desserts are available (for an extra charge), and additional children's items are also available upon request (Mac N Cheese, etc). Price for children is $10.99, and adults are $24.99.

This restaurant participates in both the Disney Dining Experience Plan and the Magic Your Way with Dining Plan. Advanced Dining Reservations are also available here and are highly recommended.

Be sure to spend some time wandering around the resort – it’s always nice to experience a different part of the Walt Disney World resort that you may not have seen before. Of course, the breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom are nice too!

‘Ohana means family, and you'll experience this from the moment you step foot inside! Aloha!


<< Choosing a Resale DVC Broker >>

Handling Disney Vacation Club resales requires a great deal of knowledge as they are unlike any other on the market. You need someone who specializes in this area to achieve the outcome you desire. Sure, sometimes folks can get "lucky," but there are still lots of horror stories regarding unprofessional or uneducated brokers. Do your homework!

Warning signs for BUYERS to watch for:

1. A small amount of listings on their site (indicates NO track record)

2. Talking with agent leaves you unsure they know the product (run, don't look back!)

3. Unreturned or late response to your inquiry (where will they be when you need help with the ROFR, Closing Process & getting into the DVC system? A knowledge of the right people to contact in case of a situation is imperative.)

4. Mistakes on postings on their website. Example: OKW, 2 bedroom Wk 6 (DVCs are in points, not weeks and certain size units, like most timeshares.)

5. The company tells you that you can purchase BWV for $65 a point and ROFR will be no problem. (They will get their commission when Disney does a buyback, so they really don't care if you are a new owner or not. In fact, they prefer it, because it's less work for them and they don't have any worries about the closing process or anything else. They are not concerned about establishing a long-term relationship with a customer. Only their relationship with their own banker. You get the picture)

Warning signs for SELLERS to watch for:

1. The company asks for an upfront listing, advertising, appraisal, website development, or auction fee. (There is no end to the names they come up with to describe an upfront fee. This is one of the biggest rip-offs out there. These people will take your money and in most cases you will never hear from them again.)

2. Company "A" asks you to sign an "exclusive" listing agreement with a term of several months or even a year (usually 6 months or more), which of course means you are stuck for the duration of the agreement, even if you find your own buyer. If you also list with company "B", (or have previously listed with company "B" prior to listing with Company "A") and the agent from company "B" finds a buyer, as soon as Company "A" finds out about your sale, you are going to get a letter from their lawyer demanding their commission as well.

3. The company charges you a cancellation fee if you withdraw your listing before the end of the listing term. (Example: Things happen, if you were selling for financial reasons and suddenly came into some money, you would still be forced to sell or pay the cancellation fee which can sometimes be hundreds of dollars.)

4. They tell you they can get you $150 per point. (That's an exaggeration, but it happens. They will start hitting you up to reduce your price as soon as the listing contract has been signed. They will say the market has changed. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true…you know the rest.)

5. Is their office easily accessible to the public? You should be able to walk in during regular business hours and be assured they can and will handle your business transaction.

6. Is it a boiler room type of operation? This is a really big turn-off to someone who may be interested in purchasing your property. Hearing all those voices in the background is NOT what you want your prospective purchaser to hear.

7. Do they have a person answering the phone or is it primarily an answering machine? People are continually frustrated in this day and age just dealing with the obstacles of trying to speak to a real person. This does NOT put them in the buying mood. Most often they will keep calling around until they reach someone who can discuss their situation.

8. Does the broker work out of their home? Do you really think the purchasers are going to drive to their subdivision, knock on their door, and sit down at their kitchen table and write up a contract? How many DVC buyers have actually done that? The internet has enabled many people to disguise the true circumstances of their situation. They have a pretty website, so the public thinks they are dealing with a really big operation.

These are just a few of the most blatant obstacles out there. So I say to you all, do your homework!

DVC Discussion Boards
Visit the Timeshare Store


<< Conclusion>>

That’s all for this issue – we’ll see you back in your mailbox in a few weeks. Remember to sign up for the Private Illuminations Viewing Party during the Happiest Gathering on INTERCOT.

Until next issue, Happy INTERCOTing!

<< INTERCOT Would Like To Thank>>

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

Happy Limo
Providing ground transportation to the entire state of Florida.
Website: http://www.quicksilver-tours.com

Magical Journeys
Magical Journeys is your Disney Vacation specialist. Start planning your Vacation Discount Dreams today!
Website: http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/

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

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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