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INTERCOT > Interactive > INTERCOT Insider Archive > September 2005

INTERCOT Insider
September 2005 - Edition Two

~ 10,074 Subscribers & Growing ~

<< Introduction >>

Have you noticed the countdown on INTERCOT's front page? That's right, we're counting the days until the Happiest Gathering on INTERCOT (HGOI), and it's not too late for you to make arrangements to attend. Come one and come all, for this great gathering of INTERCOTees, friends and family, brought together by a common love of Walt Disney World and INTERCOT!

It's all taking place the second weekend of October, at the Walt Disney World Resort. It will be a fun-filled weekend of events, with a private Illuminations viewing being the highlight of the Gathering. Sign up, make plans and we'll see you there. Registration for the IllumiNations viewing will close at midnight, Friday September 30.You may reserve your space through our online order form. It's sure to be an event to remember!

For now, let's catch up on current events at Walt Disney World, with Carol's Communicore, ideas for costumes for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Vacation Specials. We've had a lot going on at INTERCOT. The new discussion boards have been exciting for all, but you still may have some lingering questions which Jason (Figment!) aims to answer. And our August Water Cooler happenings are sure to delight. Let's get started!

<< Radisson Resort Parkway Special >>

The Radisson Resort Parkway, a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel, is proudly offering allocated rooms as low as $77 weekdays and $87 weekends Now - December 22nd. 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

<< Carol's Communicore >>

Happy Fall, Everyone!

Fall Discounts Announced!
Disney has released Magic Your Way package discounts for guests traveling October 23 through December 25, 2005. Rates are valid most nights from: 10/23/05 - 11/20/05, 11/26/05 - 12/4/05 & 12/10/05 - 12/25/05. Travel must be completed by 12/25/05. Prices start at $999 for a family of 4 at a select Value Resort. Ask for code YQC. Vacations must be booked before October 23. The number of rooms is limited. For more details and additional discounts call INTERCOT's Official Travel Agency, Magical Journeys at 1-570-785-3283, or visit their web site and fill out a quote form.

Super Soap Celebrities Announced!
More than 30 ABC Daytime stars from "All My Children," "One Life To Live" and "General Hospital" will appear at the 10th Annual ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios, November 12-13, 2005. The line-up includes; Susan Lucci, Walt Willey, Steve Burton, Kimberly McCullough, Erika Slezak, Heather Tom and many, many more. 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

Cinderella Honorary Princess of the Day
Each day in October, an honorary princess will be selected at random to participate in the midday parade at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. The princess will ride in a horse-drawn coach and receive a private meeting with Cinderella, a gown and tiara for the special occasion and a copy of "Cinderella" on DVD.
Discussion

Haunted Hayrides
Haunted Hayrides are being offered at Fort Wilderness on;
October 14,15,17,18,19,21,22,24,26,28,29,30 & 31.
Reservations must be made at Fort Wilderness Kennel on the same day as the ride. The Kennel is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm . The cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children.
Discussion

Park Hours, Events and Extra Magic Hour schedules are currently posted through November. Visit Info Central to fine-tune your upcoming vacation plans.
Park Hours, Events & Extra Magic Hour.

See you next month. Happy Planning!

<< Across the Boards with Figment! >>

The brand new discussion boards have many new features; one of these new features is the option to post using one of three “editor modes”. These modes are Basic Editor, Standard Editor or Enhanced Interface, each mode has it’s own advantages and disadvantages so lets look at a few FAQ’s concerning the availability of the different modes.

Q: What are the main differences between each mode?

A: Each mode offers the user a different level of control over the posts.

Basic Editor
The Basic Editor only offers a subject field and a reply field, this is the most simple editing option. This mode does not have any short cut buttons, so any formatting will need to be inputted by their specific code using what are called “tags”. If you are unfamiliar with typical message board coding, but like to use formatting this is not the mode for you. If you like to post with quick unformatted replies, this mode is a good choice.

Standard Editor
The Standard Editor is most similar to the posting mode on the “old boards”. This mode uses buttons for all of the formatting and provides input fields from there. While there are some new features and some differences between this mode and the old posting mode, this is the mode that should feel most familiar to those used to the old boards. When using formatting, the code for the formatting appears in the reply field. While this does allow you to easily change the coding for those in the know, it can make posts appear quite messy if lots of formatting is used.

Enhanced Interface
The Enhanced Interface is the newest to the boards. This mode is also known as the What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) Editor, due to the fact that all formatting in your post appears in the reply field as you apply it. In this mode when you copy and paste something from another source, the same formatting from the source carried over into the reply field. For example if you copy the word “INTERCOT” which is bolded and the color blue when you paste it into the reply field the word ‘INTERCOT” will still be bolded and the color blue; in the other modes this formatting would have been lost. While this mode does offer some advantages it also is the most complicated and has the most chance of being incompatible with your browser.

Q: How do I know which mode I am currently in and how can I change my mode?

A: To check what mode you are currently in or to change you mode follow this procedure:
1) Click on “User CP”, this option is to the far left at the top bar of every page
2) Once in the Control Panel (CP) look on the left hand toolbar for a choice called “Edit Options”, click on this choice
3) Once on this page scroll down to the bottom of the page, there is a field labeled “Miscellaneous Options” and contains the field “Message Editor Interface”
4) The current option displayed in this field is the mode you are currently in.
5) To change your mode, click on the down arrow button next to select a different mode from the drop down list
6) Then click on the “Save Changes” button below this field.

Q: I’m having problems using some of the features of the editor I am using, what can I do?

A: Not all of the features of each mode may be compatible with your browser, if you are having problems using multiple features with a specific mode try using a different mode.

Q: Are hyperlinks inserted the same way in each mode?

A: No they are not, each mode has a slightly different way of inserting hyperlinks into a post. When you are trying to add a hyperlink to another thread, somewhere else on INTERCOT or to one of our sponsors, you need to first identify which mode you are in. Based off the mode you will need to follow the corresponding steps:

Basic Editor
Since this mode is only a reply field so you will need to type the code yourself. Coding on message boards commonly uses “open tags” and “close tags”. Think of it as telling the computer to start and stop a link.

If I wanted to make a link to intercot.com displaying the text “INTERCOT” as my link text I would:
1) Type the open tag like this [URL=http://www.intercot.com]
2) Type the link text INTERCOT
3) Type the closed tag [/URL]

The link in your reply field all together should look like this: INTERCOT

Standard Editor
1) Click on the button with the picture of a globe with a chain link below it.
2) A prompt will appear asking for asking for the “link text” insert into this field the text that you would like to become the link
3) Click OK
4) A prompt will appear asking for asking for the “URL” insert into this field the web address you would like to link to.
5) Click OK
This is the same process as with the “old board” except the link text and web address are added in the reverse order.

Enhanced Interface
This mode you add links to already existing text as opposed to inserting a whole link.

1) Type the text as you would like it to appear in the link
2) Highlight the text you would like to be the link
3) With the text still highlighted click on the button with the picture of a globe with a chain link below it
4) A prompt will appear asking for asking for the “URL” insert into this field the web address you would like to link to. Insert the address into the field labeled “URL”, leave the “Type” field alone.
5) Click OK

Q: Does the mode affect the way I insert Smilies?

A: Yes it does. In the Basic Editor you can not insert smiles, unless you know the code fore each individual smiley. Other than the typical :) :( and ;) it is not likely you would be able to practically insert smilies using this mode, so if you like to frequently use those neat little faces this mode is not for you.

In Standard Editor and Enhanced Interface, smilies are inserted the same way just from different places. In both of these modes you see a list of the smilies and click on the one you want to use to insert it into your post. In the Standard Editor a menu is displayed to the right of the reply field that displays several smilies, to view all smilies click on the link that reads “More” in the bottom left hand corner of this menu. In the Enhanced Interface a drop down menu is accessed by clicking on the button with the picture of a white smiley face. The men will display several smiles, to view all the smilies scroll to the very bottom of the list and click in the area displaying the text ‘show all smilies”.

Well, that’s all this issue, join us next issue for some other helpful hints for using the new boards.

<< Off Topic with ChipDale >>

Well, we made it through the dog days of summer, the kiddies are finally back in school, and life can get back to “normal” for a lot of us!

According to Lizzy, August was Happiness Happens Month, National Catfish Month, Romance Awareness and Peach Month! We also celebrated National Scrabble Week, Clown Week, Elvis Week and Weird Contest Week. Daily observances in August included Work Like a Dog Day, S’mores Day, Vinyl Record Day, Kiss and Make Up Day, Nagging Day and Crackers on the Keyboard Day! Thank you Lizzy for providing this fun information to us each month!

Are you hungry? Janet Megan started a “favorite recipe” topic with her recipe for Pork Chop and Pineapple Pie. SBETigg shared the recipe for the 50’s Prime Time Café S’mores,
DisneyWhirled gave us her recipe for Baked Stuffed Haddock, and crazypoohbear even shared a Weight Watchers Pork Chops recipe. So, if you don’t know what to make for dinner tonight, come check out this topic in the Water Cooler!

Have some ICE? And I don’t mean the frozen water kind. I’m talking about In Case of Emergency. By placing the letters “ICE” in front of your “in case of emergency” contacts in your cell phone, EMTs and other emergency workers can quickly identify who to call if you’re in an emergency situation. Thanks Munch for that tip!

Have you ever thought about which 5 things invented in the past few years that you can’t live without? Well, tinkerbelle75 asked INTERCOTees that very question and the results were interesting. Mentioned most often were hi-speed Internet, cell phones, iPods, DVDs, AIM and of course INTERCOT!

Jamie’s August Friday parties included the Fresh Breath Bash, the Outer Space Party Place (to honor Space Shuttle Discovery for a safe return), the Super Spud Soarin’ Party Au Gratin (to celebrate Aviation Day and Potato Day), and the Keep Out Katrina Party (too bad that Katrina didn’t listen). Stop in this Friday and see what Jamie and Nigel have cooked up for you!

Congratulations to rt207 and BrerGnat on their impending arrivals of new INTERCOTees! Tam and Natalie, we all hope that you have healthy, happy pregnancies! And special congratulations to Flower on the adoption of a 17-month old boy, Brandon! Best Wishes to you and Jay, Lea-Ann!

August birthday celebrations were held for: Zippa D Doodah, Kit-Kat, ShelbyAD, Dracula766, disneydeb, ElenitaB, DizneyFreak2002, CrusherCarsonsmomma, Brendansmom, Wishing Star, Disney-4-Me, Deni4000, PrinceVincent, angel8783, Earnhardt321, goofy for pluto, Dopeysfriend, Beach Club Babe, DisneyJim08101963, Jennib, ChesireLisa, Pongo, Hammer, twistedmickey, Mickey Loves Golf, Jeri, bywheel, Iago, mono, Teay, PrincessPatty, Lizzy, goudaman40 (Tifany), Piglet822,Funforall, Tynkerbelle, JerseyMouse, Marker, DisneyDog, Cinderella7299, GBBT, Fantasmic, cjdive, FROGO823, TiggerMania, ddcrna, mickeyd, ShanPooh, DisneyRN, Lindsey, Buzz Fanatic, Disney Addiction, HEATHERW, Roland, TiggerGuy, and Britta. I hope that all of you had a fantastic day!

August posting milestones were reached by: PolyGirl40 – 30,000 posts, Blfarm – 2,000 posts, DisneyDudet – 2,000 posts, Mom2Princess’ – 2,000 posts, Iago – 2,000 posts, ElenitaB – 2,000 posts, Googlie Bear – 1,000 posts, mrsgaribaldi – 1,000 posts, Disneydol - 1,000 posts, and MissOrlando98 – 700 posts. Great job everyone – keep up the good work!

That about wraps it up for August. Let’s hope that our summer can linger just a little longer before those leaves start falling!

<< Halloween Costume Fun with Figment!>>

Autumn is here and that means so is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This year the event is being held September 30, October 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 30 & 31 at the Magic Kingdom theme park. Like with many parties one of the big worries in planning to attend is what to wear. The Insider has you covered here as we take a look at the Halloween costumes Disney has out for 2005. From heroes to villains, princes to princesses, and sea creatures to aliens, Disney has introduced over 80 new costumes this year as well as keeping a few favorites. Costumes are tailored especially for children, toddlers, infants or adults, so kids of all ages can get in on the Halloween fun.

Perfectly Prince & Princess
Dreams can come true this Halloween, as Disney has released two distinct lines of Princess costumes for Girls. The Princess Deluxe line is described as “keepsake, heirloom quality costumes” and features both the Belle Deluxe Cape and Gown costume and the Cinderella Deluxe Wedding Gown costume. Disney is also releasing a Disney Princess line. The princesses included in this line are Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella, Mulan, Ariel and Jasmine. Each costume features a cameo of the princess. Many accessories can be purchased separately. The costumes range from $85/$66 each. Disney has also released a pair of princess costumes and a Mrs. Potts costume in Misses sizes.

Let’s not forget the Princes of the family either; Disney is releasing a Prince Philip costume for Boys and a Prince Charming costume for Men. The complete costumes sells for $49/$79.

Classic Characters
Everyone’s favorite characters are coming out for Halloween this year in a variety of styles and sizes. The famous couple of the Mouse House in particular is being released in three versions. Mickey Mouse is available in a Mickey Adult Costume for Men, a Mickey Toddler Costume and a Mickey 2-Pc Infant Costume. Mickey’s female counterpart is also available in three varieties this year. A Minnie Adult Costume for Misses, a Minnie Costume for Girls and a Minnie 2-Pc Infant Costume.

In addition to the first couple of Disney, some other familiar faces will be available as well. Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy are being released as three unique adult costumes. Each costume comes in the classic style of the character’s wardrobe with a hat (Donald head, Daisy head, or Goofy hat with ears) gloves (Donald hands, Daisy hands, or Goofy gloves) and shoe covers (Donald webbed feet, Daisy pink shoes or Goofy shoes). The Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Goofy costumes sell for $69.50 each. Also off the streets of Toontown are the Jessica Rabbit and Roger Rabbit Adult costumes.

Amazing Adventurers
Got a taste for adventure this Halloween? Disney has you covered here too. The Power Ranger SPD costumes for children feature full suit costumes, including helmet hoods and boot shoe covers and a foam light-up blaster.

Ahoy mateys, that be one scary looking pirate ahead. Two pirate costumes are available this year, a Jack Sparrow costume for Men and a Glow-in-the Dark Skeleton pirate costume for Boys. The Jack Sparrow costume comes with typical swashbuckling attire and sells for $92. The Glow-in-the Dark Skeleton Pirate costume comes with typical swashbuckling attire including a pirate hat with dreadlocks, boots, a sword, eye-patch, spy-glass and exposed glow-in-the dark skeleton. This complete costume sells for $49.

If you’re feeling a bit tropical or out of this world, Disney has both Lilo and Stitch costumes for children.

Playhouse Disney
Playhouse Disney comes alive this Halloween with three costume offerings for Toddlers. Available are Jo Jo, Olie and Zowie for $29.50 each.

Nemo and Friends
Make some waves this Halloween with Nemo and Friends. Costume selections include; Dory and Nemo for Toddlers, and Nemo and Squirt for infants.

100 Acre Woods
There are a number of options for fun in the 100 Acre Wood this Halloween. For infants there are 6 different costumes inspired by the characters of the 100 Acre Woods; Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Hunny Pot Pooh, Roo, and Lumpy Costumes. Each sells for $24.50 each. Don’t think adults got left, both a Tigger and a Pooh costume are available in adult sizes.

Heroes and Heroines
Disney is making it easy to have a heroic Halloween, with its line up of Hero and Heroine costumes. A Maggie Racing Suit costume comes complete with a white racing suit, racing helmet and Herby plush trick-or treat bag. Disney is also coming out with W.I.T.C.H. Will, Kim Possible, and Pocahontas costumes.

The sprightly pixie Tinkerbell will be spreading Halloween cheer this season with two varieties available. The Tinkerbell Adult Costume for Misses features the likeness of the character and sells of $79.50. The Tinkerbell Costume for Girls includes a fairy crown, wand and shoes. This complete costume sells for $56.00.

For the Boys, a Hercules, Peter Pan and Toy Story costumes are being offered this year. Want something heroic the whole family can get in on? Then you’re in luck with Disney’s Incredibles Family Costume line.

For even more costumes, further details and ordering/size information see the Disney Direct Halloween Bootique.

<< Conclusion >>

Wow, we sure covered a lot in this issue! We'll be back soon with, among other things, more great trivia with WDWDriver, another scrumptious dining review from Mickey'sGirl and Nigel, and a full report from the Happiest Gathering on INTERCOT. Better yet, why don't you just join us at the HGOI and get the information first hand! Until next time, 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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