The Easter Bunny has hopped and gone,
but another edition of the INTERCOT Insider is coming your way. As you
snack on candies from your Easter basket, we've got an edition overflowing
with vacation planning goodies for you to sink your teeth into. In this
edition we check out the latest deals, learn a charming way to make
vacations extra special, round-up the latest happenings around "the world",
and take a look at the latest park calendars. Hang on to them hat's and
glasses, cause this here's the most informative ride on the Internet!
<<Disney Deals>>
with Magical Journeys Travel Agency
-A Savings Salute-
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has a long-standing history of honoring
military personnel and their families, and today, we’re pleased to announce
that we are extending our discounted theme park tickets and room rates for
active military and spouses, retired military, National Guard and Reservists
through September of 2012. This extension coincides with The Walt Disney
Company’s participation in “Joining Forces,” an initiative launched by the
White House to bring attention to the unique needs of America’s military
families.
The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom
has unveiled some new effects. The Hitchhiking Ghosts in the attraction's
finale have become more lively, at least for ghosts. The new sequence
features effects allowing the airy apparitions to interact with their merely
mortal Guests. Several INTERCOTee's have already had the chance to
encounter these eerie enhancements, and here's what they had to say:
"We went over tonight to ride and we
found it to be very fun...a nice freshen up to a classic ride." ~cantgetenuff
"We just rode and my son got "beheaded"!
... Very well done." ~Melanie
Mickey Mouse now reigns at a new location
in Magic Kingdom to meet and greet his friends. The fun takes place at the
Town Square Theater presented by Kodak, located just inside the Magic
Kingdom entrance. Previously known as Town Square Exposition Hall, the venue
has been re-imagined as a turn-of-the-Twentieth-Century theater where Mickey
is the star of a magic show. Guests can go backstage for photos and
autographs without waiting in a standby queue! Mickey's new location in the
park heralds the first-ever use of Disney's FASTPASS Service for a character
meet-and-greet experience.
British Invasion held their last performance at Epcot's United Kingdom
pavilion on April 30, 2011. Beginning May 3, Epcot will welcome a new
four-piece, high-energy band to the United Kingdom pavilion to replace The
British Invasion. From the Dave Clark Five and the Beatles, to the music of
Led Zeppelin and The Who, Guests will have a whole new reason to sing and
dance!
The newly re-imagined Lego Store has opened in the Walt Disney World
Downtown Disney Marketplace. New outside large Lego sculptures now include
Snow White, Toy Story and Sleeping Beauty. The store has also increased it's
shopping space by 3,500 square feet.
Many go for magnets, some go for mugs,
others for t-shirts. But on my most recent trip to Disney World, I got
hooked on the baubles and trinkets that are charm bracelets: more
specifically, what is known as a Pandora bracelet.
First off, for the uninitiated, a definition: a Pandora-style bracelet
consists of bracelet (duh) that can be silver, gold, leather or even waxed
cording onto which one threads beads that can then be added to and
rearranged. Beads are available in a variety of materials, including
sterling silver, gold, enameled and Murano glass; some beads are themselves
embellished with Swarovski stones, semi-precious or precious gems.
How does Disney fit into this world? A Minneapolis-based company, Chamilia,
has a product line that includes more 45 beads that are based on Disney
characters, ranging from Cinderella (and her Fairy Godmother and slippers)
to Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy, the inhabitants of the 100 Acre Wood,
plus the Chesire Cat, Nemo, Lucky, Thumper and Mrs. Potts. Jiminy Cricket
can even guide your conscience while perched on your wrist. You can purchase
bracelets and beads at various stores in Disney World, including but not
limited to World of Disney, MouseGears and Keystone Clothiers. In addition
to a limited selection of bracelets and charms (even the Disney ones), you
can also purchase other beads such as beautifully colored Chamilia art
glass.
Besides the obviously Disney-themed beads, what else is available that
showcase your Disney obsession? Personally, I own beads that depict a teacup
(which reminds me of a wonderful afternoon spent at the Grand Floridian’s
Afternoon Tea with friends during INTERCOT’s tenth anniversary celebration)
and a lighthouse (Old Key West, of course). For those who like to enjoy
their vacations with an adult beverage, you can find beads that look like an
umbrella drink, martini or wine glass. Like to cruise? There’s a cruise ship
bead that even looks like the DCL ships with their distinctive funnels (I
have it from a very reliable source that they’re now selling this bead at
Disney World). There’s a giraffe to remind you of time spent at Animal
Kingdom (the park or the lodge); a moose for Wilderness Lodge; a treasure
chest, suitcase, flipflops and airplane all can be yours.
Besides the sentimental, there is a distinct advantage to buying beads and
bracelets at Disney World and it can be summed up in one word: Discounts! It
is rare to find Chamilia and Pandora beads on sale in the “real world.”
However, at Disney, you can use your Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation
Club, and Visa discounts. An important word of warning though: Chamilia
beads will thread onto a Pandora bracelet, however, Pandora charms won't
thread onto a Chamilia bracelet.
So if you choose to start or add to a Pandora-style bracelet for you or a
loved one, remember you don’t need to go to Jared’s or begin your kiss with
Kay: you can fuel two "addictions" in one place by building your collection
at Disney World.
<<New Fun at the
Studios>>
Here's what new fun Guests have to look
forward to at Disney's Hollywood Studios:
~Winnie the Pooh begins a meet-and-greet location at Feature Animation on
May 16, 2011.
~Guests will be able to take part in an energetic and fun-filled
meet-and-play experience with Phineas and Ferb beginning May 16, 2011
~A "Cars 2" meet-and-greet will begin June 5, 2011.
~Lightning McQueen joins the Cast of Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt
Spectacular beginning June 5, 2011.
Christian music Artist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli, TobyMac, MercyMe, newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Jars of Clay
and Skillet will headline one of the most-decorated lineups in the 29-year
history of Disney's Night of Joy Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, 2011. Filling the
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort with the sound of contemporary
Christian music will be 16 artists with a 20-year legacy of accolades -- 70
GMA Dove Awards and eight GRAMMY Awards. One-night tickets are $51.95 plus
tax in advance, $59.95 plus tax day of. Two-night tickets are $92.95. Groups
of 10 or more can purchase one-night tickets in advance for $46.95 plus tax
each and two-night tickets for $87.95.
Epcot will celebrate Pixar's 25th anniversary May 13 - 15. As part of the
celebration, many characters from the Pixar family will be available for
unique Meet & Greet opportunities. Guests will have the chance to mingle
with the likes of Remy, Emile, Atta, Boo, Carl, Russel, Dug and many other
not-so-common Characters.
Walt Disney World is converting some of
its 25,000 hotel rooms into moderately priced, princess-themed rooms and
high-end, "health-and-wellness" suites, in a bid to carve out new niches
from within its existing hotels. The overhauls are part of a directive
across the Walt Disney Co.'s theme-park division to develop more specialty
hotel rooms that appeal to targeted demographics.
Extra Magic Hours, Operating, and Event
schedules have been released for October 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.
It's time for this
edition to hop into the sunset, but we hope it has gotten you excited about
planning a trip to Walt Disney World. Whether you plan on starting a charm
bracelet collection, meeting with Phineas and Ferb, checking out new LEGO
sculptures, or meeting Mickey in his new home; there's lots of new fun
abound. We'll be back in a few weeks with more news, tips and deals. 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:
Resort
Details Here 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".
Universal Orlando® Resort
Website:
Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando® Resort is more than a theme park. It's an entire universe of action and thrills featuring TWO spectacular theme parks unlike anything else in Orlando.