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INTERCOT > Interactive > INTERCOT Insider Archive >June 2009 Edition 2

Intercot.com

INTERCOT Insider
June 2009 - Edition 2

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<<Introduction>>

June's busting out all over and this is another edition of the Insider busting into your mailbox.  In this edition we kick-off the official start of summer with some reading suggestions as you plan your next Disney vacation.  We also take a look at the chatter around the boards and see what INTERCOTees are saying about some of their recent dining and resort experiences at Walt Disney World.  It's Insider time!

<<Resort Round-Up>>


Here's what some of the insight and info INTERCOTee's shared around the Accommodations forum throughout June 2009:

"I just got back from Animal Kingdom Lodge. I had requested a standard view, but I think I got an upgrade to pool. I had a view with the pool to the right and the savannah to the left.  Before when I had requested pool I got a room on the 4th floor--great view, and a room on the 3rd floor--tree's were in the way.  With all the rain we got last week I got tired of being wet all the time and took time out to fully check out the resort. The place is cool. I also discovered that one great advantage that Jambo house has is a covered walkway from the buses to the rooms."--goofygirl67

"I do know that there are bunked rooms at the Wilderness Lodge with a woods view on the Magic Kingdom side of the resort with a great view of the castle through the trees. At night, you can look out your window and see the castle lighting up all night. We've had the courtyard bunk bed room before and I didn't think the view was worth the extra cost. We got that view because that was all that was available. I think saving the $30 a night and requesting a woods view room on the Magic Kingdom side would be a good thing to do. That's saving over $200 for a 7 night stay!"--buzznwoodysmom

"You can find Honeymoon Suites at the Wilderness Lodge ($425), Grand Floridian ($690), Polynesian ($610) and Boardwalk Inn ($630). Rates shown are 2009, value season. I don't think you'll go wrong with any choice. Each resort offers something very unique and the honeymoon suites come with concierge service. I've stayed in a Grand Floridian honeymoon suite. They have 2 different styles and ours was one of the larger, turret suites in the main building. Over at the Boardwalk Inn, they have what are called "garden suites". These are sort of like townhouses, with a little garden out front and a white picket fence. The unit is 2 levels with a king bed and Jacuzzi tub."--TammiMcMan

"We waited less than 5 minutes to check-in on our recent stay at the Grand Floridian. When we got to the front desk, the Cast Member informed us that they had a surprise for us - upgrade from a Garden View room to a Corner room. I cried. We have never received an upgrade before and I was so grateful that this was the vacation that we were to experience our first. The Cast Member (I think her name was Penny) was wonderful. In addition to being a corner room, it was also a dormer room. The ceilings were vaulted making the room look even larger. We had 2 balconies - one facing the MK and one facing the marina. We could watch the fireworks from the balcony as well as hear the happenings at the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing like having the train whistle wake you up every morning. The room amenities were great - love the H2O products - will definitely be ordering some at a later date. And what is it with the smell of the room? We loved opening the door every night after a day at the parks and being welcomed with that wonderful aroma. Wish I could've bottled it and brought it home! Loved the pools - especially the courtyard pool, which seemed to be significantly warmer than the other. We did rent a cabana for a day. Was it worth the $100 - I would say yes, but it not something I would do more than one day. There are lots of activities at the beach pool to keep the kids occupied.--"llamaface 

"I have stayed at Pop Century quite a few time and all I can suggest is this. I have been in the 50's, 60's, and 70's sections. None of the rooms were a bad location. I have heard that the top floor is quieter since you do not have anyone walking above you. There is only one bus stop and that is at the main hall.  If you want a room close to the food court you will need to request a preferred room. Although, when we were there in February ,we were in a room in the 70's building that was close to the food court and buses; but was not a preferred room. You can always ask at check in for a room close to the main hall although they cannot guarantee your request."--Itchy

"We stay at Port Orleans-Riverside every year and we absolutely love it...The grounds are beautiful and it is very laid back and relaxed and not to mention, quiet...I have read on several sites that their food court has the best food and I agree...The pools are great and the bus rides are not that bad...There have only been a few times that we have had to actually stand on the ride back and that was when the parks were closing...We were there in December for New Years and it is considered the busiest week of the year and it did not seen crowded...I can't imagine staying anywhere else...It is truly our home away from home...We will be there in 67 days...I will also mention that the boat ride from Port Orleans Riverside to Downtown Disney is great...Its very relaxed and gives you a good break from all of the craziness of Walt Disney World.--"elmjimmlm

"Stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort this past December and fully enjoyed it. We were in Trinidad North, I think Bldg 32, which I think is considered a "preferred" location. We just happened to receive the room without requesting a preferred anything. Trinidad North is very close to Port Royale and the large swimming pool. Rooms are nice--two beds, table etc. I did like that there was a curtain around the sink/closet area that I could close so I didn't wake the dear husband and dear daughter while I was getting ready. The resort is huge, but I really liked it. "--SallyMcQueen


<<Summer Reading List with JPL>>


As summer gets into full swing and we have time to sit out in the sun and enjoy the finer things the season has to offer, we have lots of time to read about our favorite places, Disney Theme Parks. I have put together a selection of books that I have read or am planning to read over the summer and thought my fellow INTERCOTees might enjoy. If you follow the provided links, it will take you to the book on INTERCOT Affiliate Amazon.com and help out INTERCOT at the same time.

Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff Kurti   Click here to order from Amazon

Imagineering Field Guide to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers   Click here to order from Amazon

Imagineering Field Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers   Click here to order from Amazon

Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot at Walt Disney World by The Imagineers Click here to order from Amazon

I hope those are enough to get you started learning more about Disney Parks. Look for part 2 with more books coming soon

<<Restaurant Round-Up>>

Here's what some of the insight and info INTERCOTee's shared around the Dining Forum throughout June 2009:

"No reservations for Beaches and Cream. We have eaten there on Saturdays and many other days without any problems getting seated (though we have not eaten there during a very high volume season). Sometimes we have had a short wait for a table/counter to open up.  The food sizes are plentiful so splitting the food before you tackle the kitchen sink is a good idea (dear husband and I always do this). Not hard to find. You enter from the outside where Stormalong Bay is located (rather than from inside the resort) on the way towards the Yacht Club."--MinnieMommie

"We ate The House of Blues last August and it was in our top 5 meals. We shared a plate of ribs and there were really good. I would say the atmosphere is sort of like a Hard Rock Cafe but focus on the "Blues". There was no band playing when we were there, but they did have music playing over the loud speakers. It was a nice experience and we are eating there on our 1st night again this coming August."--JavaDuck

"We had a reservation for 'Ohana for 5 minutes after the restaurant opened and were able to get right in. This has been one our must do reservations over the last handful of trips and we continue to enjoy it. The quality and selection of food is exceptional and cooked to perfection. We especially enjoy the bread pudding for dessert. The service here is also second to none. We are already looking forward to our next meal here. Very highly recommended."--Vinny

"Best place to get coffee at Walt Disney World would be at the Polynesian Resort. Kona Cafe offers a pressed pot of Kona coffee. You can also get a cup at a counter set up in the lobby. I've heard that you can also request a pressed pot at 'Ohana, but haven't done it myself. There is an extra charge for the pressed pot of coffee. Another place to get good coffee is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort restaurants where you can also get a pressed pot of Kenyan coffee. Like at the Polynesian, the pressed pot comes with a price. In the parks, I've gotten good coffee at a stand outside of the Italian pavilion at Epcot (and you can get a nice piece of something to accompany it there too ). I also spent a quiet time chatting with a friend over a cappuccino at the Writer's Stop in Disney's Hollywood Studios."-- ElenitaB 

"We eat at Tepan Edo (formerly the Teppanyaki Dining Room) at least twice a trip - very comparable to Benihana, Osaka, or Ichiban....I worked at a Hibachi restaurant for a while and Disney's will always be my favorite - and we ALWAYS order a sushi appetizer...yummy!!!-"--PixieMagic

"The bar at Jiko is very small. There's not that many seats at the bar, then a few small lounge tables. A lot of people have a drink there while waiting for their reservations. You'd probably be better off dining at Jiko if you want to try the food there (excellent by the way). The Victoria Falls bar upstairs in the hotel is much larger."--DVC2004

"We've been going to the Crystal Palace for breakfast every year for years and the menu doesn't seem to change. Cereal, Danish, bagels, toast, fruit, bacon, sausage, grits, potatoes, eggs, made to order eggs, and omelets, stuffed breakfast lasagna, Mickey waffles, breakfast pizza (at the kid's section but I also like it ), I'm sure there are things I'm missing, but this is our favorite breakfast in Walt Disney World. "--KAT1811
 

<< Conclusion >>

There's a lawn chair and a lemonade with your name on it, so grab one of the books JPL mentioned or another great Disney book at enjoy a mental trip to Disney's parks during this beautiful Summer weather.  We'll be back in a couple of weeks with more ways to spend your Summer planning a great Disney trip and how to enjoy a great Disney trip this Summer. 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
Website: Vacation Home Details Here
Choose from the finest selection of vacation homes and condos in the closest locations to Walt Disney World.

The Official Ticket Center
Website: Buy & Price Tickets Now!
The Official Ticket Center is Walt Disney World’s, Universal Studios and Sea World’s #1 guest service provider for the last 3 years. The Official Ticket Center sells tickets only, at a discount price.

Magical Journeys
Website: http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com
INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency.  An unconventional Travel Agency for the unconventional client, Magical Journeys is dedicated to finding the best pricing for your next magical journey. We work hard to save you money, and still give you the quality service you deserve.

Quicksilver Tours & Transportation
Website: http://www.quicksilver-tours.com
Our drivers are the first personal contact you have when you arrive in Orlando.  No other transportation company goes to the lengths we do to ensure that your trip is exactly how you imagined it. At Quicksilver, we truly believe there's no such thing as going "above and beyond" for our clients. Instead, it's all part of doing our jobs correctly.

Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration
Website:
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Conveniently located just 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World with free shuttle service. roomy guest accommodations and a Starbucks and Pizza Hut right on property!

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Website: http://www.swandolphin.com
In the heart of the Walt Disney World® Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is your gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. Come discover our 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds®, the luxurious Mandara Spa, and many special Disney benefits.

The Timeshare Store
Website: http://www.dvc-resales.com
This Disney Vacation Club resale site offers the largest selection of DVC Resale's anywhere!  They are the number one Disney Vacation Club Reseller in the world. See how easy and affordable it is to purchase your very own piece of the "MAGIC".

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