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<<Introduction>>

As Summer continues to bring the heat in your neck of the woods, another edition the Insider is brining you some cool tips.  In this edition we learn about Epcot's coolest tours, find out the latest ways to save some cool cash at Disney World, get the scoop on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Islands of Adventure, and take a look at the latest Disney park calendars . Hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the internet!

<<Disney Deals>>

with Magical Journeys Travel Agency

--Free Dining Promotion Extended --

Disney has extended the Free dining offer for dates up to December 21, 2010; however, there are many blackout dates. Purchase a 5-night, 6-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes accommodations for five nights at a select Disney Moderate or above Resort, and get the Disney Dining Plan free. Purchase a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package with accommodations at a select Disney Value Resort and get a free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. The promotion can be added to Magic My Way packages for stays most nights from August 15 – October 7, 2010; October 22 – October 28, 2010; November 12 - November 18, 2010; November 27 – December 2, 2010; and December 10 – December 21, 2010.  Guests may book this promotion now through August 14, 2010.

>> Contact Magical Journeys Today!

<<Sea-ing Epcot with CanadianWDWFan>>

This past summer I was able to enjoy two behind the scenes tours at Epcot; the Epcot Seas Aqua Tour and DiveQuest, which take place in the Living Seas tank. The Aqua Seas Tour is a snorkelling adventure for everyone aged 8 and up and DiveQuest is a SCUBA dive, available to SCUBA certified divers.

Both tours start when your divemaster explains what will happen during your dive, then you become honorary Cast Members and get to go behind the scenes! There you see the kitchen where the meals for all the animals are prepared. We were told that the Living Seas kitchen gets first choice when the seafood is delivered to the Coral Reef! En route to the dive, you also see holding pens, and medical and training facilities.

Once you are all geared out you are shown to the top of the tank -- after being paraded through the Living Seas wearing your shortie wetsuit! Then you have 45 incredible minutes to explore the Living Seas, interact with its inhabitants, and greet guests in the Coral Reef and the observation level of the aquarium as you swim by. In the tank, you will see rays, sharks, turtles and lots of fish of every size. As you explore, folks visiting the Living Seas will stop what they are doing to watch you become part of the exhibit. 

The main difference between the two tours is that with DiveQuest you can dive to the bottom of the tank and with Epcot Seas Aqua Tour you are floating on the surface. Both are exhilarating experiences. After your DiveQuest dive, you can purchase a DVD of your adventure to show to your family and friends at home.

These tours offer a unique view of the Living Seas from the other side of the glass!

<<Time's almost up . . . >>

Time's almost up for VoluntEARS who participated in the Disney Give a Day, Get a Day promotion to print out their ticket vouchers.  If you volunteered for the Give A Day promotion and haven't printed your ticket vouchers yet, you have until Wednesday, July 21st.  After this date, Disney has announced that it will close the website.

>> Give a Day Get a Day Website
 

<<Beyond the Berms>>
 

with Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Islands of Adventure has recently unveiled a new immersive section of the park that takes visitors into the world of Harry Potter.  From attractions that delve riders into the events from the stories, to shops and restaurants pulled straight from Hogsmeade, fans of the Harry Potter franchise will be able to experience the stories of the boy wizard first hand.  Here's some tips and info  INTERCOTee's have recently shared for prospective visitors to the Wizard World of Harry Potter:

"Butterbeer at Universal is served cold in two forms: Frozen (think butterbeer slushie) and Soda (sort of a caramel/butterscotchy fizzy soft drink). Both are served with a creamy froth on top (probably the best part of the drink) with heavy butterscotch flavors and sugary enough to put you into a coma - but in a good way. I tried both and liked them both. I encourage you to do the same! Plus, they're safe for all ages."--John

"Currently (summer) it seems best, if you are on-site, to go during the early morning entry. If you are not on-site, wait until the end of the day for less wait to get into the section."--BowTie7

"Three Broomsticks is a restaurant themed after the place in the Harry Potter books/movies. At times, the lines were very long.  Have a late lunch someplace else and then have a late dinner at The Three Broomsticks (Like from 8-9)... you could walk right in."--PirateLover

"Ollivanders is an entire show/experience around purchasing a magic wand. It is a very intimate experience limited to small groups where one guest will have the opportunity to find their magic wand"--Mufasa

"My youngest and her friend have spent the last 2 days at Universal. They got to do everything in the new Harry Potter themed area and LOVED IT! They left early today because it started pouring around 4pm and they had had enough of the crowds and got soaked. But they were able to ride and see everything they wanted and found some really fun items to purchase. Her friend got a wand and my daughter got an owl, among other items."--Katzateer

>> Universal Orlando Resort

<<Calendar Corner>>

-- January 2011 --

The Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event schedule have been released for January 2011. For guests visiting during this time, you will want to visit the Park Hours and Events pages to aid in planning your trip. Remember, all times and schedules are subject to change, so check back often.

>> Current Park Hours 

>> Extra Magic Hours Schedule and Info

>> Fireworks, Parades, & Event Schedules  

-- Epcot Food & Wine Festival Event Booking --

Phone lines for the 15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival reservations open July 20, 2010.  Running from October 1- November 14, 2010; this annual event transforms World Showcase into a cornucopia of culinary delight. While many of the experiences of the festival require no formal planning; most of the meal events, seminars, and formal tasting require reservations.  Guests who wish to partake in these events will not want to wait to make reservations, as the most popular events book up quickly.  When planning events, Guests should note that ticket cost may be  required at booking and is non-refundable.  Reservations can be made via 1-407-WDW-FEST.
 

<< Conclusion >>

This edition has splashed down.  We hope it has given you some new ideas on how to have a cool Summer Vacation.  We'll be back in a few weeks with more tips and deals, plus a look at a great way to dine with Disney royalty.  See ya real soon!

<< Thank You To Our Sponsors! >>

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