text:
Baltics Trip Report Summary
In May and June 2016, I took a 2.5 week solo trip to the Baltic States – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - and then from Helsinki took a ferry to St. Petersburg, Russia for three days. Then I took the ferry back to Helsinki, flew to the Netherlands for a few days, then flew home to the US.
I have posted a detailed "travel blog" (trip report) on my website below, including more detail, pictures, etc:
I'll post just a summary trip report here.
Here are links to view my photos from various cities:
Vilnius: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35139,442,1,1,0-vilnius-lithuania.html
Trakai: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG34953,443,1,0,0-trakai-lithuania.html
Kaunas: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35420,444,1,0,0-kaunas-lithuania.html
Šiauliai: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35512,445,1,0,0-siauliai-lithuania.html
Riga: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35698,446,1,0,0-riga-latvia.html
Sigulda: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG36268,448,1,1,0-sigulda-latvia.html
Tallinn: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG37146,450,1,1,0-tallinn-estonia.html
Haapsalu: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG37279,451,1,1,0-haapsalu-estonia.html
St. Petersburg:
St. Petersburg: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG38915,453,1,0,0-st.-petersburg-russia.html
Inside Winter Palace (Hermitage): www.portlandbridges.com/00,S1100IMG05729,454,1,0,0-hermitage.html
Ferry to/from St. Petersburg: www.portlandbridges.com/00,S1100IMG05695,452,1,0,0-s.-petersburg-ferry.html
Helsinki: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG39419,455,1,1,0-helsinki-finland.html
Delft: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG39943,456,1,1,0-delft-netherlands.html
The Hague: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG40182,457,1,0,0-netherlands.html
Amsterdam: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG40452,458,1,0,0-amsterdam.html
The primary purpose of my trip was scenic photography. I love history but have a short attention span and get bored in museums quickly. (In St. Petersburg, though, it's almost mandatory to visit the Hermitage – and I did.) Mostly I walked around, explored the towns, and took lots of pictures.
In May, one of my biggest worries was rainy weather; historically, most of the cities I was to visit were prone to a good amount of rain. But I was very lucky: I had almost perfect weather most of the trip, with only a few brief rain showers on a few days (I did not even open my umbrella, maybe the first trip I since about 2007!). While I was in Europe, Paris for example experienced awful flooding.
Recent Activity
- Announcements:
- Come explore the new Fodor's Forum
by ibobi | Posted on Dec 4, 17 at 08:03 PM
- New Fodor's forum -- coming soon!
by ibobi | Posted on Nov 29, 17 at 08:01 PM
- 1 Sorrento to Montepulciano- where to rent car?
- 2 A very important question regarding pronunciation
- 3 Wedding In Cambridge England
- 4 Looking for Paris Rental Apt.
- 5 Planning a Trip from DC to Anywhere in Europe (Budget Friendly)
- 6 Four Nights in Nice--What should we do?
- 7 Headed to Madrid in the Spring
- 8 Connecting trains in Chambery
- 9 Current plan for March trip
- 10 Three nights in the Italian Riviera: hiking in Camogli with day trips
- 11 Spain in 2018
- 12 Rentals in Madrid , Spain-Select
- 13 Mid-May stay in Lauterbrunnen or Murren
- 14 Italy 9 Days in December/Itinerary Help
- 15 First time in Spain
- 16 Help me pick a destination --- Please!
- 17 Schengen entry/exit stamps in Austria
- 18 Help needed for Bergamo to Venice journey
- 19 Barcelona to Malaga
- 20 Best area to stay in Amsterdam for a first time visitor
- 21 Is a quick stopover in Bern worth it with 3 kids?
- 22 Best area to stay near Split for easy beach access.
- 23 beware of robbed in Milan
- 24 Help me get excited about a week in Portugal
- 25 Which Area in London?
St. Petersburg, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia + Helsinki, Delft, & Amsterdam
Baltics Trip Report Summary
Report Abuse
Basic Itinerary:
Fly US to Amsterdam
Fly immediately to Vilnius
Vilnius (2 nights)
Day trip to Trakai (by train)
Train Vilnius to Kaunas
Kaunas (1 night)
Bus to Šiauliai, Lithuania
Local bus to Hill of Crosses and back (2 hours)
Mini-bus to Riga
Riga (3 nights)
Day trips to Jūrmala (Baltic Coast) and Sigulda
Bus to Tallinn
Tallinn (3 nights)
Day trip to Haapsalu by bus
Ferry to St. Petersburg (1 night)
St. Petersburg (2 nights)
Ferry to Helsinki (1 night)
Day stop in Helsinki
Fly to Amsterdam
Delft (1 night)
Amsterdam (2 nights)
Fly home.
I flew to/from Amsterdam via direct flights on Delta, on an Alaska Airlines award ticket. I booked my own flights from Amsterdam to Vilnius (same morning, via airBaltic prop plane) and Helsinki to Amsterdam (FinnAir, regular jet), then spent the last three nights in the Netherlands before flying home.
I didn't rent a car – I took public transportation everywhere. Although there are local trains in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, there aren't good train options between countries. Fortunately, there are numerous direct express buses every day between the major cities.
I took a ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, then the same day took another ferry between Helsinki and St. Petersburg on the 72 hour "visa free" option. I had been planning just a Baltics trip initially but kind of tacked on the St. Petersburg trip near the end of planning. I decided just to taste Russia on this trip and skip getting a Russian visa – which would have cost about $400 USD.
I had an Android phone with T-Mobile that worked everywhere with unlimited data, and I used Google Maps to navigate everywhere. I used my chip credit cards everywhere and used my credit union ATM card to get Euros (all countries except Russia, where I got Rubles) from ATM machines, without issue.
Report Abuse
Lithuania (3 nights – 2 nights Vilnius, 1 night Kaunas)
Vilnius: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35139,442,1,1,0-vilnius-lithuania.html
Trakai: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG34953,443,1,0,0-trakai-lithuania.html
Kaunas: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35420,444,1,0,0-kaunas-lithuania.html
Šiauliai: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35512,445,1,0,0-siauliai-lithuania.html
I stayed two nights in Vilnius and one night in Kaunas, the "second city" of Lithuania. I did a day trip to Trakai (castle) and stopped in Šiauliai on the way to Riga so I could visit the Hill of Crosses.
Vilnius Hotel: Centro Kubas – Angel (great location in the old town)
Kaunas Hotel: Amberton Cozy (great location, a bit run down but cheap and comfortable)
Vilnius has a huge old town and lots and lots of churches! The town is built on hills and is kind of rambling. The focal point of the old town is the enormous Cathedral Square, with it cathedral and bell tower. Just above the square is Gediminas hill, with the remains of the old Gediminas castle there and views down. The old town is mostly fixed up very nicely, with the standard cobblestone streets and restaurants with outdoor seating, etc. But parts of Vilnius are a bit run down.
Mostly I walked around, saw the sites, and took a million pictures. I found the the Frank Zappa monument, explored the impressive Antakalnis Cemetery just outside the old town, and explored the Uzupis bohemian neighborhood.
I didn't fall in love with Vilnius, but it is a neat city.
Trakai is a town about a half hour by train (or mini-bus, but I took trains back and forth) from Vilnius. The town has huge lakes for boating and water recreation activities, but the focus of town is the beautiful castle at the north end of town. It reminded me of Malbork castle in Poland. I didn't go inside but was content to take pictures from the outside.
I visited the city of Kaunas for just one night. The primary reason to visit was to take night photographs of the Vytautas the Great Bridge. A day trip from Kaunas really would have been adequate for me, but with the late sunsets in May, it wasn't practical for me to shoot night pictures and make it back to Vilnius by bus or train, so I spent a night. Kaunas was OK but not a place I'd want to visit again. It is a pleasant, relaxed town (more relaxed than Vilnius it seemed) that is probably a great place to live in Lithuania but not of obvious interest to the average tourist, in my view.
My final stop was in Šiauliai, kind of a grim city in northern Lithuania. The primary reason to visit was to explore the famous Hill of Crosses just outside of town. This site was an empty field in the 1980s until locals starting putting up crosses in defiance of the Soviet prohibition on celebration of religion; today it has thousands of crosses and is a big tourist attraction. I was able to take a direct bus from Kaunas to Šiauliai, leave my bags in storage at the bus station, take a local bus to the Hill of Crosses and back (about two hours with about 40 minutes at the Hill), then explore Šiauliai for a few hours before catching a mini-bus up to Riga.
Šiauliai itself is interesting and worth an hour or two to explore – there's a cathedral maybe a 15 minute walk from the bus station and a town center, etc. - but otherwise isn't a place I'd feel any need to spend a night. Stopping on the way to Riga worked out fine, though my only option to Riga was a mini-bus with a company called Ollex, and the mini-bus (about a two hour ride) was cramped and not very comfortable, but it got me there!
Vilnius was by far my favorite of the four towns I visited in Lithuania – not a surprise, really. But even Vilnius is not a place I'm dying to return to. It's an interesting place, though, and I don't regret my time there.
Report Abuse
Latvia (3 nights in Riga)
Riga: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG35698,446,1,0,0-riga-latvia.html
Sigulda: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG36268,448,1,1,0-sigulda-latvia.html
Hotel: Hotel Edvards (OK location, good value for a small hotel, kind of in the business/diplomatic district, 15 min walk from old town, 5 minute walk from Art Nouveau district)
The primary reason to visit Latvia was the city of Riga, which was most definitely a highlight of my trip. Riga is the biggest city in the Baltics and feels like a modern metropolis compared to any city in Lithuania, and it felt enormous (until I got to St. Petersburg). There's a pleasant old town that doesn't feel very authentic but has some nice buildings like the House of Blackheads. The old town has chain restaurants like TGI Fridays as well lots of touristy pubs catering to visitors from the UK, perhaps.
There are a couple of beautiful bridges across the Daugava, notably the impressive cable-stayed Vanšu Bridge. There are big churches in old town with huge bell towers, notably St. Peters and the Riga Cathedral, plus many other smaller churches.
There is a unique central market housed mostly inside huge old Zeppelin hangers – an impressive selection of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, etc. This is a real market, not just a tourist attraction. If you had an apartment with a kitchen while visiting Riga, you might enjoy buying your food here and cooking a meal.
There are nice parks inside the city, making Riga feel like a fairly "green" city.
Finally, and perhaps most impressively, there is a sizable collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. Unless you are an architecture buff, you might not even know what "art nouveau" is – I didn't (nothing to do with "art deco" which came later). It's a style of architecture which includes unique statues and figures, some of them kind of creepy but very impressive at the same time, unforgettable.
My first day, I took a free walking tour of Riga, which was great. And two of the nights, I stayed out late taking night pictures. I think I got some of the very best pictures of my entire trip in Riga. And I explored the Art Nouveau district – near my hotel – twice. Riga is not really a compact walking city – you could manage without taking public transportation, but I bought a three day bus pass to get around. (Riga has a good bus/tram system, but bus stops seemed far apart; the city blocks are big and I still had to do quite a lot of walking.)
I took two day trips by train from Riga. One day, I took a day trip to the Jūrmala area on the Baltic coast, about a half hour by train each way. This area known to be an old beach resort still popular with Russians. I hated it immediately for some reason – it seemed like a dull town with a boring beach - and even though I had planned to spend a few hours doing a walking tour, I changed my mind and took the train back to Riga only about an hour in the town of Majori.
Another day, I took a day trip east by train to the town of Sigulda, which is a town inside Gauja National Park. This park is probably beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn, but in May it was pretty green and nice but ordinary, to me. The town of Sigulda was pleasant but not particularly memorable. There are a couple of pleasant but forgettable castles in the area and a "hike" that can include a cable car over the river valley, but when I saw the view I decided to skip the cable car and the rest of the hike. I tried to catch another train up to the town of Cesis, but I got on the wrong train, and it would not have been practical for me to catch the next one due to the scheduling, so I just continued back to Riga.
Honestly, none of my day trip options from Riga had seemed very appealing ahead of time, but I felt compelled to get out of Riga, anyway. So it's hard for me to complain that I was disappointed in my day trips. I love train travel and part of the appeal for me was to be able to ride some trains, given that I would have to take buses between the Baltic capitals. Latvia's trains are old and not very impressive (or feel very "retro" if you prefer to look at it that way), compared to Lithuania's modern, clean trains. The views from the trains were not bad but not very nice – just kind of boring.
One scary aside: I was almost pickpocketed as I carried my bags from the train station area up some steps on the way to the bus station leaving for Estonia. I had my hands full and was careless – and even though I was not in a crowded area people, a young couple dressed as tourists brushed past me, and the woman subtly reached her hand into my front pants pocket and tried to lift my passport and wallet. I knew instantly what she was up to and reacted violently without even thinking, pushing her away and almost down the steps. They protested that they were innocent but quickly split after a local came up to ask what they were up to. ("Those bad people," he told me.) I was careless but lucky.
Otherwise, Riga was surely my favorite city in the Baltics. It felt substantial and real, and I would like to return someday to see more. I never stopped finding things to photograph.
Report Abuse
Estonia: (3 nights in Tallinn)
Tallinn: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG37146,450,1,1,0-tallinn-estonia.html
Haapsalu: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG37279,451,1,1,0-haapsalu-estonia.html
I figured I didn't really need three nights in Tallinn – it seemed small from what I had read. But I was arriving late the first day and leaving early the last day, so I'd really have only two full days. I considered stopping at another town on the way like Pärnu or Tartu, but it seemed easier just to base in Tallinn and do a day trip or two.
I took a direct Ecolines bus from Riga to Tallinn – just over four hours. It was comfortable but long – whereas four hour train rides are usually a pleasure. Tallinn's bus station is somewhat outside of town. I bought a 72 hour bus/tram pass and took a tram from the bus station to my hotel.
Hotel: the Baltic Hotel Imperial, which is a great spot at the edge of the old town (near the train station even though I didn't take any trains in Estonia), sometimes expensive, but I checked rates a few times and booked it when the price went down.
Tallinn was pretty much what I expected: charming but far smaller than Riga. The old town (lower town) is touristy but felt more authentic than Riga's for sure. I didn't see any chain restaurants in town hall square in the lower town, though I saw a few on the outskirts.
Tallinn felt like a compact walking city compared to the much larger Riga, and I quickly felt a sense of relief not needing to walk so far to take pictures. At the same time, I seemed to run out of obvious photo ops in short order, whereas in Riga I just kept finding them. I loved Tallinn for what it was, though. The best places to shoot photos are from the viewpoints at the top of Toompea Hill in the upper town, where you can see great vistas of the tall church spires in what looks like a fairy tale town.
Night shots became quite a challenge the further north I got in the Baltics. I had to stay up late in Riga to shoot at night, but in Tallinn, it was barely dark by midnight (this was at the end of May). I got a few "night shots" from Toompea hill, which was a conveniently short walk from my hotel, but from the viewpoints there just aren't that many different shots to get. And I didn't feel like waking forever that late at night, even though I felt quite safe in Tallinn at night.
I took another free walking tour on my first full day in Tallinn (you tip at the end; our group was large but I enjoyed the tour). Other than the old town (lower town and upper town), I got out a little, to Kadriorg Park, to the Song Festival Grounds (where Estonians gathered en masse at the end of the 1980s to sing banned Estonian songs), and out to the beach of sorts by the harbor.
On the second day, I took a day trip by bus to the town of Haapsalu, which is on the west coast of Estonia, about 1.5 hours each way by bus. (I considered a train to Tartu but didn't feel like yet another "big city.") Haapsalu is more of a spa town on a bay than a "beach" town, and I loved it for some reason. It doesn't feel especially picturesque, but it had a pleasant, relaxed feel to it. There's a little castle in town (didn't go inside), some interesting houses, a pleasant promenade along the bay. I spent a few hours walking around, taking pictures, exploring. There's a wildlife viewing area with a viewing tower on the bay, but there weren't many birds to see (just a few swans) in late May, and the tower seemed too far away even to see them very well, even with my zoom lens.
I stuck mostly to American-style, pizzas, and Italian food on my entire trip (and I don't drink), and I ate at "burger restaurants" (a step above fast food, some with table service) a few times on my trip. These places, basically "burger pubs," seem to be a newer trend in Europe. The best burger I had by far was at the Estonian Burger Factory in Tallinn. It's just outside of the old town but very worth it, if you are tired of "European" food and have a yearning for a good burger while traveling. I ate there two nights in a row!
Report Abuse
Ferry from Helsinki to St. Petersburg and back (1 night each way)
I have written a longer trip report just about my ferry experience getting between Helsinki and St. Petersburg, focused on the logistics mostly:
But I loved the ferry experience, far more than expected. I had never slept on a ship overnight before so was a little wary about it, but it was great, and the whole experience was probably the highlight of my whole trip. Ironically, I would have skipped the ferry entirely if I could have visited St. Petersburg by train without a visa.
As a quick summary: I took a short 2.5 hour ferry ride from Tallinn to Helsinki, then took an overnight ferry to St. Petersburg (about twelve hours), spent two nights there, and then took the same ferry back overnight to Helsinki at the end of the third day. This let me visit for just under 72 hours without being required to get a visa. I took the St. Peter Ferry line on the Princess Maria, a huge multi-deck ship with restaurants, etc., and I had my own cabin with two tiny beds and a tiny bathroom and shower. It cost me only 119 Euros round trip including the "city tour" (just a shuttle bus between the ferry port and the center of town) technically required to avoid the visa because I was "on a tour," so it was quite cheap.
Report Abuse
St. Petersburg (2 nights)
St. Petersburg: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG38915,453,1,0,0-st.-petersburg-russia.html
Inside Winter Palace (Hermitage): www.portlandbridges.com/00,S1100IMG05729,454,1,0,0-hermitage.html
No, two nights and three long days weren't nearly enough time to explore huge, beautiful St. Petersburg other than getting a quick overview. I could have gotten a visa (about $400 USD) and stayed longer, maybe added Moscow, but as I said above, I decided to add St. Petersburg only near the end of planning my Baltics trip (when I realized I could add it so easily). I just wasn't going to have time to add Moscow without dumping half of the rest of my Baltic stops.
Hotel: The Library (next to the W Hotel across from St. Issac's square; excellent location near Nevsky Prospect and The Hermitage; air conditioner was musty so I didn't use it, and hot water had a mildew-y odor to it, but great price for the lcoation!)
My short visit to St. Petersburg turned out quite well for me, though – the ferry experience was great, I got a taste of Russia, and I imagine I'll go back and visit again and add Moscow. One thing I did learn: next time, I'll go in the early spring or fall, when the days aren't as long! Some people might enjoy the "white nights" of summer but for night photography, it's a terrible time to go! I stayed out taking pictures only one of my two nights, and I didn't get back to my hotel until after 1AM! (St. Petersburg felt quite safe at night, though.) I wanted to go out again the second night, but I was too exhausted.
But compared to anywhere else on my trip, there are just an endless number of things to photograph in St. Petersburg – amazing buildings, churches, palaces, squares, and bridges. Because the city is so huge, there was simply no way I could get great pictures of most of those places in the best light with barely three days, and that was a bit frustrating. I got a few really nice pictures but mostly a bunch of OK snapshots in St. Petersburg.
But I did the same thing in St. Petersburg I did everywhere else: I walked around and took pictures. I used Google Maps to navigate walking directions on my Android phone (T-Mobile, unlimited data) and took buses, too. I didn't need a map because I had the phone, and I didn't have to struggle with the language or the words (I used Google Translate a few times on my phone). I felt very comfortable exploring St. Petersburg on my own.
I explored the typical tourist sites along the busy Nevsky Prospect. I saw the eye-popping Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (didn't go inside), and I actually visited two museums: the Russian Museum and (of course) the Hermitage, where I spent barely three hours on my final day before catching a shuttle back to the ferry to leave town. (Yes, I know, people can spend days in the Hermitage.) I climbed to the top of St. Issac's Cathedral and took in amazing views of St. Petersburg. I explored the Peter and Paul Fortress. And I tracked down a good number of unique bridges I'd read about ahead of time.
I didn't go to Peterhof, Peter the Great's big complex of gardens and palaces that is supposed to rival Versailles (if you've seen one palace...). I didn't go to a ballet or a theatre. And I didn't go inside many churches. I focused on the outdoors.
St. Petersburg was more touristy than I expected. There weren't nearly as many Americans as you'd find in Italy or France (because of the visa requirement, no doubt), but there were lots of big Asian tour groups, most of them carrying selfie sticks. Not man locals spoke English, but I did not have any trouble getting around at all. I was surprised how friendly the locals seemed – the night I was out late taking pictures, people approached me in a friendly way but only spoke Russian, so I wasn't really able to converse with them. I was surprised how safe St. Petersburg felt at night and how many people seemed to be out late – socializing more than acting rowdy.
St. Petersburg is stunningly beautiful at night – it seems everything is lit up, and the view along the Neva River is really something. Had I not been exhausted, I might have stayed up past 2AM one night to photograph the bridges, many of which go up for a few hours in the middle of the night every night to allow cargo ships to pass through.
Report Abuse
Helsinki (few hours between ferry and plane)
Pictures: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG39419,455,1,1,0-helsinki-finland.html
I could have planned a night or more in Helsinki, because I had to pass through on the way to/from St. Petersburg, but the city didn't sound that interesting to me ahead of time. So I opted to spend just a few hours on the day I arrived back from St. Petersburg early in the morning before flying back to Amsterdam late in the afternoon.
My instincts were right – I found Helsinki pleasant and very modestly charming but not especially interesting or photogenic. I spent a few hours exploring the square near the train station then walking down to the market square by the main ferry port, from which I took a short ferry ride out to Suomenlinna (an old fortress consisting of several islands) and spent a few hours there, too. It was a pleasant morning and afternoon, but I wasn't sad not to have more time. My only real regret was not being able to take night pictures, which I like to take everywhere I visit. At the same time, I'm glad I visited Helsinki for half a day – for what it was it was great.
I took the airport train from the Helsinki main train station and caught my plane on to Amsterdam on Finnair – a routine flight.
Report Abuse
The Netherlands (3 nights: 1 night Delft, 2 nights Amsterdam)
Delft: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG39943,456,1,1,0-delft-netherlands.html
The Hague: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG40182,457,1,0,0-netherlands.html
Amsterdam: www.portlandbridges.com/00,M25D0IMG40452,458,1,0,0-amsterdam.html
I needed to fly home from Amsterdam, and I probably needed at least one night there just to make the flight connection work. I had been to Amsterdam a few times before and it honestly isn't my favorite place, but I managed to score two free Hyatt hotel nights at the hip, beautiful (and expensive!) Andaz hotel right on the Prinsengracht, a nice spot near the center of Amsterdam. But with the way the ferry and my flights were scheduled, I had one extra night before the final two nights in Amsterdam. I could have spent that night in Helsinki or somewhere else in/near Amsterdam, but I opted to spend it in the town of Delft, about a 40 minute train ride from Amsterdam.
Delft Hotel: Hotel Grand Canal Station Delft (great location, close to train station, nice enough for the money but with a few blemishes).
Delft is one of those towns that people rave about but I couldn't quite get why from the pictures and their descriptions. I've been disappointed more than once when visiting places other people loved. So I felt like I was taking a chance with a night in Delft.
But I loved Delft – a charming little town with canals, cute little bridges, lots of bikes, and huge churches, almost like a mini-Amsterdam. It is touristy but didn't feel touristy at all, at least to me. (Yes, people visit for the Vermeer connection or because of Delftware – not reasons I visited.) It is so much more laid-back and relaxing than busy Amsterdam that I imagine I'll stay in Delft again when I need to stay a night or two before flying into/out of Amsterdam. It's an easy direct train ride from Schiphol airport. On my brief stay, all I did was – naturally – wander around and take pictures, including some night shots. It's the kind of place where it's hard to take a bad picture; there are so many neat little bridges and canals.
After my night in Delft, I did a quick day trip over to The Hague, which I was curious about imply because It is the headquarters of, for example, the International Court of Justice. I've seen The Hague mentioned over and over again over the years in news reports and books. So what is this town like? Other than that, I didn't expect much. It was an easy train ride from Delft and a slightly longer (but convenient) tram ride back to pick up my bags in Delft before heading on to Amsterdam.
The Hague was pleasant but certainly lacking the obvious charm of Delft. I spent only a few hours walking around by the old castle and lake in the center of town. I wandered up to the Peace Palace, which was closed to the public on the day I visited – somehow, I found irony in a "peace palace" being closed to the public (that day) and surrounded by a gate and barbed wire.
Then I took the train to Amsterdam and checked into the fancy, hip Andaz and mostly chilled out, because I had been to Amsterdam a few times before. I left my big DSLR camera at the hotel most of the time (except at night) and took only my pocket camera for a few pleasant walks along the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht. Both of those canals are stunning at night with all of the little bridges decked out with lights, and the Andaz was in a great spot that allowed me to go out and shoot some nice night shots without walking too far.
I considered doing a day trip to Haarlem (where I'd been before) or Utrecht on the final day, but I decided instead to chill out in Amsterdam, and I had a pleasant, relaxed day. I took an hour detour to visit the Poezenboot, a cat shelter on a boat in the canal (open to the public only a few days a week – yes, you can pet some of the cats). I'd been before, back in 2002 on my first visit to Amsterdam.
I enjoyed my return to Amsterdam and loved Delft.
Report Abuse
Final Thoughts
Overall: great trip. The highlights were Riga, St. Petersburg, Delft, and the ferry ride between Helsinki and St. Petersburg. I hope to return to both Riga and St. Petersburg someday. Tallinn was charming but small; I might want to return to Estonia again (maybe more time on the coast) but am not dying to return to Tallinn itself. I doubt I'll return to Lithuania again, but I'm glad I visited. I'm fairly sure I'll visit lovely Delft again when I have to stay near Amsterdam on a future trip.
Again – see my expanded trip report at
for more details, pictures, etc.
Report Abuse
Quite enjoyed your trip report; No time to look at the links right now, but will later. Thanks for sharing your take on this interesting part of Europe.
Report Abuse
Fabulous photos, Andrew. The weather gods certainly smiled upon you.
Report Abuse
Great report!! Very helpful and concise, great for me as I plan my own time in St Petersburg.
Report Abuse
Thanks, everyone! You're right, Treesa - I had amazing weather, even while Paris was being flooded. Very lucky! This was the first trip I can remember to Europe where I never needed my umbrella.
Report Abuse
Andrew, I'm bookmarking this as St. Petersburg and the Hermitage have always been on my list.
Since your photos are great and your info is also, I'm looking forward to reading everything at leisure.
I did skim the St. Pete. portion above and your mention of google helping with maps and translating was reassuring!
I can't wait to read about this trip.
Report Abuse
thanks, Andrew, for your warts and all report.
We've toyed with the idea of doing the Baltic states' capitals, but given the other wonderful places we've not visited yet, I think that they might slip a little further down the list. I'm buoyed in this by your views about Delft - we stayed there for 3 nights a few years ago and loved it, so if you liked it too, the chances are we would agree with your views on other places too.
Report Abuse
Thank you both!
TDudette, language definitely wasn't a real issue for me in St. Petersburg, though I admit I am used to encountering people who don't speak English when I travel and don't get flustered - I'm just patient and roll with it. And I really don't try to talk to the locals much if I don't speak their language. Google Maps/Google Translate on my phone did make things far easier, especially with walking and public transit directions.
annhig, I wouldn't rank the Baltic States at the top of my favorite places - but I myself have gotten down my list. Riga was my favorite capital but, sadly, I wasn't not especially enamoured with the other parts of Latvia I saw. I didn't leave wanting to see more of the country, though I would like to return to Riga itself someday. (True, I didn't see much, but I did travel a few hours by train in two directions.) Estonia is the one country I thought I might enjoy returning to, particularly to see the coastal islands.
If someone asked me, "Where should I go next?" I'd recommend Slovenia and Croatia above the Baltic States if you haven't been there - personal preference.
Report Abuse
Thanks, Andrew, food for thought.
We went to Slovenia and Croatia many years ago, when they were both in Yugoslavia, and before Dubrovnik was "redesigned" in 1991. I'm sure that there was lots we missed but I don't have any particular yen to go back. What I should like to do is to see some of the towns of the Veneto, Trieste, etc. and/or Lisbon - basically anywhere that I can go from our "local" airport!
Report Abuse
Thanks for posting
"But compared to anywhere else on my trip, there are just an endless number of things to photograph in St. Petersburg – amazing buildings, churches, palaces, squares, and bridges. "
You would find much to photograph in Moscow...
(I visited for the second time this July ..a great city)
Report Abuse
Thanks for posting. I look forward to reading and viewing the photos, we were on a Baltic cruise in June.
Report Abuse
Great report as always. Love all the details and of course the beautiful pictures! Where's the next adventure?
Report Abuse
Thank you!
Danon, I'm sure you're right about Moscow - hope to get there someday as well as get back to St. Petersburg.
CollK, no idea where my next trip will be at this point! Time to start thinking about it...
Report Abuse
"Time to start thinking..."
If you have not already been, I will take the liberty to suggest Spain -
a photographer' s treasure trove.
Report Abuse
I very much enjoyed your photos. The night shots were especially nice. The ones of the canal in Brugge at night with the reflections were magical.
Report Abuse
Thank you, deladeb! Actually, the Bruges pictures are from another trip in 2013. My website suggests pictures from other picture groups (shoots) as you browse.
Report Abuse
Excellent write up, sounds like a great trip.
I wanted to make a few comments. The visa for a 3 year multiple re-entry Tourist, Business, Private or Humanitarian visa is $160 which is quite a good deal, allowing each stay up to 6 months before getting another entry stamp in the passport for another 6 months.
There is a visa application fee of $30 for a visa application center which handles public contact by contract with the consulate.
Early summer is a terrible time to come here to St Petersburg for photographers except from 03:30-06:30 when the light and lack of traffic/pedestrians allow great exterior photography. After about 8, the city center streets and sidewalks are full and block the best sightlines. Since everyone stays out so late, locals tend not to get up too early and empty streets, parks and plazas are the norm until 9am or so. Due to the ruble being weak, Russia is the best bargain in European travel but will likely be more expensive in coming years as the economy is recovering and showing good growth.
Mid day is not a good time for photography because of the hard shadows on people and buildings but fine in lush parks where the colors are still vivid in the shadows.
About 40% of the population speak English and almost all under 25-30, as it is a required subject from the second grade. During the summer, many of those speaking Russian on the busy center streets are not locals but visitors themselves from other regions of Eastern Europe since it is the number 1 tourist destination for Russians. Moscow gets more visitors but many of those go for business.
As you mentioned, people are friendly and the streets are safe. In the peak of tourist season, particularly June and July, pickpockets are a problem like every European city. But a few simple precautions eliminate the problem:wallets in front pockets, not rear, nothing of value in backpacks unless swung around to the chest, and carrying purses with strap over the head across the body and not hanging from one shoulder. Same with cameras, alth the biggest threat there from hanging a camera strap over the the same shoulder is simply dropping it. The pickpockets work in very limited areas, immediately around Church on Spilled Blood, on a 200 meter section of Nevsky Prospect, around St Isaac Square and in lines of group tourist entering the Hermitage. Otherwise it is very rare to hear of street crime.
For less packed streets and sidewalks just travel 1-2 blocks on either side of Nevsky Prospect, or visit in April, May, Last week of August, and any time after September 1st(School Day; September 1st, where all kids have their favorite day of the year when they return to school...really, they love school and their teachers)
September and early October have good calm weather, no real lines for the 354 museums or hundreds of drama theaters and easy getting good seats for ballet, concerts and opera. the pace is slower, socializing it still in full time mode but more relaxed than in the summer.
One additional reason to come to St Petersburg is now food. It has become a real foodie city with over 10,000 restaurants and wine cafes opened in the last 10 years. A new passion of creative dishes using freshest ingredients has become the norm. Now it is easier to find a very good meal than cities like San Francisco which had that reputation of good food at all price ranges. Due to the competition and depressed value of the ruble, a visitor with euros or dollars is going to be dining very well for very low prices.
So come back after getting the 3 year visa, and let me know if you want some specific photo tips since it is something I am actively involved with and moderator for the largest Nikon on-line community.
My own experience in Riga and Vilnius is to visit in mid winter and stay in old town in each. Really nice experiences. St Petersburg is stunning in the snow but recent years have gotten so warm that little if any snow falls and there is not enough ice for winter sports. We had only 6 weeks of winter last winter and each year of the last 8, with the exception of 2010 when it snowed record amounts but still not not very cold.
Report Abuse
Andrew, as always, a wonderful blog. Will be on a Baltic cruise next year, so really enjoyed your input on St. Pete, Tallinn and Helsinki, and of course Amsterdam. Now, if we could only get some lovely pictures like you have.
Your travel style is so foreign to me, yet I envy it. A couple of carry on bags, buses and trains and ferries. More of a checked bag plus carry on, taxi and tram girl. But I envy your easy of travel.
Report Abuse
Thank you, rncheryl! Yes, we probably do have different travel styles. I am pretty used to getting around just fine without a taxi, though. I used to carry a big bag but have found it so much easier to get around in recent years with less luggage.
am_expat, I would probably enjoy St. Petersburg more at a different time of year, no doubt. I added it to my itinerary near the end of planning. I tend to return to places I like so don't mind a quick sampling at a non-ideal time of year.
The cost of a multi-entry Russian visa seemed a bit higher than you say, though, in part because I was also assuming fees to mail your passport, etc. Agencies will handle everything for you but charge for it, of course. I had some friends who just visited Russia and paid something over $400 per person to get their multi-entry visas. Perhaps I could save a few bucks to do it myself.
Comment has been removed by Fodor's moderators
Sign in to comment.


text:
Question about Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
I've updated the drivers and I have map update software to install. I want to clear the existing map files and upgrade with the new ones. right now it says I don't have enough space to upgrade.
Posted by ggarrett on
same problem
sma eproblem - the drive letter does not show up
I have the same problem. I loaded the maps directly to the SD card, then inserted the SD card in to the C330. The Garmin took about two hours to load "Loading Maps." When it was finished, there were no changes. I still had the old maps. I have been messing with this unit for months, and it just doesn't seem possible to get the 2009 maps on to the unit. I am using MapSource to get the maps to the SD Card.
According to Garmin support, the unit should read from the card. However, it doesn't. I am stuck with the 2008 maps.
SOURCE: I have freestanding Series 8 dishwasher. Lately during the filling cycle water hammer is occurring. How can this be resolved
a 6ya expert can help you resolve that issue over the phone in a minute or two.
Best thing about this new service is that you are never placed on hold and get to talk to real repairmen in the US.
the service is completely free and covers almost anything you can think of.(from cars to computers, handyman, and even drones)
click here to download the app (for users in the US for now) and get all the help you need.
Posted on Jan 02, 2017
SOURCE: My Garmin C330 doesn't seem to show any maps
try to change the antenna
Posted on Aug 16, 2007
SOURCE: garmin c330 no map data available
Did you try to perform a map upgrade to 2008? Turn on the Garmin and from the main menu touch the wrench,
then press Map, then look for Map info.
This will show the the current map version installed
Posted on Jan 15, 2008
SOURCE: update 2009 for Street Pilot c330
2009 upgrade data is too large for garmin 330 must have sd card
Posted on Oct 03, 2008
SOURCE: How do I upload Maps update for Streetpilot c330.
Installation Instructions
Posted on Mar 19, 2009
SOURCE: free map updates for Garmin c330
Garmin has released new maps. Most of their units are entitled to a free update if the unit was purchased recently Just a heads up to anyone who recently purchased a C330. According to Garmin's tech support, the map udate 2008 is not free to those of us that recently purchased a C330. Only to those who purchased a C340 and up. Their excuse is that it is a "low end" unit, and also that the memory cannot hold the full US maps on the DVD. Gee, I can purchase the update for $69.99 and load a subset of the maps if I want, according to the person in tech support, but I cannot receive it as a free update. So, apparently buyer beware if you purchase Garmin's "low end" units. You will apparently not be able to receive a free update of maps, even if the unit you buy is already out of date.
Posted on Aug 23, 2009
Tips for a great answer:
Jun 06, 2015 | Garmin nuvi 200W GPS
Jul 09, 2011 | Garmin Nuvi 350 Car GPS Receiver
Jul 09, 2011 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Mar 10, 2011 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Mar 19, 2009 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Jan 16, 2009 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Jan 30, 2008 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Dec 27, 2007 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Dec 26, 2007 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Dec 01, 2007 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
Oct 21, 2015 | Garmin StreetPilot C330 GPS Receiver
623 people viewed this question
Usually answered in minutes!
Level 3 Expert
2130 Answers
Level 3 Expert
76846 Answers
Level 3 Expert
638 Answers
Step 2: Please assign your manual to a product:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Director of I/O Psychology and Data Science
David is an experienced Consultant and leads the I/O Psychology and Data Science learning and curriculum efforts at DecisionWise, and is responsible for the design of our training, facilitation, and workshops. He leads sessions throughout the world on employee engagement and workplace learning. Having completed a Ph.D. in Psychology at Columbia University, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology at Brigham Young University, Dr. Mason turns his understanding of adult learning and psychology into business concepts, working with numerous businesses and academic institutions. Prior to joining DecisionWise, David taught in the Department of Cognitive, Perceptual, and Brain Sciences at University College London. In addition to Dr. Mason's strong presentation and facilitation skills, DecisionWise often taps into his extensive knowledge of statistics and research in developing and evaluating assessments.
Read blogs by David Mason
Principal Consultant
View Profile
CEO and Executive Coach
Senior Consultant and Executive Coach
VP, Product Development and Senior Consultant
Consultant & I/O Psychologist
Assessment Consultant
Associate Consultant
Associate Consultant - Middle East, Africa
[ Share ]


text:
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Spring Skirts - Sneak Peek
The other day I went on a buying trip in search of some Spring goodies and I found about 40 awesome skirts perfect for the sunshine days ahead. If you shop the site you may have noticed I have a thing for fun prints, and I'm happy to say I found some great ones. I took a photo of the whole rack (since the colors looks so pretty together) and I pulled out a few of my favorites.
One of my favorite labels is Vested Gentress. Their prints have a vaguely Lilly Pulitzer feel, only they're more quirky. The fabrics are hand screenprinted, and the colors are country club preppy. These are a few I found recently.
You may have noticed too that I have a thing for quirky appliques and animal prints. Not like leopard and zebra print (although I do love a nice leopard coat), but actual pictures of animals. I seem to find a lot of frogs. I've also recently come across an abundance of kissing animal skirts including camels, snails, turtles and whales.
This turtle skirt is amazing! It's made by Katasha's Unusuals which is another label I love to find. The prints are always really fun!
I'll be bringing all of these skirts (and more) to my sale at Art Star the first weekend in May.
Posted by Plaid Pony Vintage at 2:25 PM
2 comments:
You hit the vested gentress jackpot!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 9, 2010 at 10:39 AM
nice blog!ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
We were picked up early at our hotel by a very competent and knowledgeable driver, Robert. On the... read more
Click below for expert advice on animal welfare in tourism.
We were picked up early at our hotel by a very competent and knowledgeable driver, Robert. On the... read more
We had a great guide, Raymond. He gave us an informative talk about Belize as we drove to the... read more
1 - 10 of 61 reviews
We were picked up early at our hotel by a very competent and knowledgeable driver, Robert. On the drive to the ruins, Robert was very informative and had a great personality combined with a good sense of humour. Our tour of the ruins was everything...More
We had a great guide, Raymond. He gave us an informative talk about Belize as we drove to the caves.He was friendly and knowledgable. Raymond gave us a great tour of the caves. Lunch was rice, beans, and chicken-very good!
My friends and I decided to do a tour of Altun Ha, Mayan city, in the Northern part of Belize. We understood that most tours on the mainland required a "taxi", or a driver from the tour company, to and from locations (usually far inland)...More
For $618 I should have received a two way transport to and from Belize city. This was a scam. Driver was good. I will let people know on expedia that shuttle service is a one way transport for that much money. Very deceptive and not...More
We appreciated your comments and we understand your point, we would like to explain to you that we are sub-contracted by EXPEDIA and that we do not have any control over what they sell their services for. In a fair and humble way we hereby...More
Tours in Belize City are geared to the cruise line guests. After several emails and telephone messages, Jaguar only confirmed my hotel (not the port) pick up the night before the tour. Our guide arrived a half hour late because he was told a different...More
Very knowledgeable guide, drove us both days and knew a lot not only about our activities but also local wildlife and the flowers at the botanical garden. Our guide also provided us with recommendations on activities and places to eat that turned out to be...More
Ok, I am 51 years old and EXTREMELY scared of heights. My Boyfriend said we should go zip lining.....FORGET IT! We chose this as a shore excursion on a cruise we just went on and I was scared to death. These people know what they...More
we had a wonderful day, 6 zip lines, 2 go into the caves. ended with a lazy tube river ride and a authentic meal.....
Our tour was fantastic!! Our driver and guide, Robert, was so friendly and knowledgable, answering every one of the million questions we peppered him with. The 2 hour van ride was cool and comfortable, which makes a big difference in the 90+ heat of the...More
I was pretty disappointed with this experience after reading all the reviews. We stood around the port for about 45 minutes before departing doing nothing. Travel time to and from the site exceeded 3 hours. It took us over half an hour to simply get...More
TripAdvisor uses cookies to improve your site experience. Learn more or change your settings. By continuing, you consent to our cookies.


text: KT from Survey Tuesday, April 22, 2014 #13375 I really enjoyed this software. The prices seemed reasonable, and the email templates make my job so much easier. In addition survey analysis is also provided which I find to be the best value. 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you find this review helpful?


text:
Just arrived, this luxury car is in excellent condition.
The Chrysler New Yorkers of these 1970's were well optioned
and appointed with many luxury accessories.
Sold new to in Des Moines, Iowa in 1975, this car has had only two Iowa owners
until we brought it to Florida for a refresh. Now it is ready for its new owner.
We sell more 70's luxury cars than anyone in the world...
Over the last 41 years driven only about 46K miles...
Beautiful brand new dual stage repaint White just completed.
Original matching half vinyl roof and excellent factory White vinyl interior.
Very nice original chrome and stainless.
Original dash, door panels and carpet in very nice condition...
Now it will look great in your garage.
The car is equipped with the famous factory 440 cubic inch
engine, 4BBL carb and automatic transmission.
Cold factory air conditioning
• 100% laser straight, accident free sheet metal
• Excellent brand new base coat clear coat repaint
• Pristine original half vinyl roof
• Ice cold factory air conditioning
• Very nice original White vinyl interior & door panels
• Excellent chrome and soft trim throughout
• Original 440 cubic inch V-8 engine & 4BBL carb
• Power steering, brakes and tilt wheel
• Power seat, windows and locks
• Cruise control
• Original AM/FM/8TRACK stereo and clock
• Factory wheel covers and newer whitewall radial tires
Check out our full inventory at www.MJCClassicCars.com


text:
- the INTERnet Community Of
Tomorrow, is your personal guide to Walt Disney
World featuring news and information about the "most
magical place on earth" with "more information per
square megabyte" than any other Disney World site on the
December 15, 2017
Storyline & New Details on The Incredicoaster
Walt Disney Imagineering has revealed the storyline and
new details for the forthcoming Incredicoaster. The new
attraction will mix the Incredibles with a high speed
chase to catch Jack-Jack after a babysitting mishap.
Check out the video to get all the details!
Video & Discussion
December 11, 2017
Flights of Wonder to Fly Away At End of 2017
Disney's Animal Kingdom has announced that its long
running Flights of Wonder show will be replaced as part
of the park's 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Opening in Spring 2018, a new show themed to the
Wilderness Explorers from Disney-Pixar's Up will take
center stage. Get all the details and share your
thoughts on the Discussion Boards!
Dates, Details, & Discussion
December 8, 2017
Take a Sneak Peek at the Disney Skyliner
The Walt Disney World resort has announced more details
for the forthcoming Disney Skyliner transportation
system and released concept art for 3 of the 4 stations.
The new transportation system will link Epcot, Disney's
Hollywood Studios, and 3 Resort Hotels.
Concept Art & Details
December 6, 2017
Re-Imagining of Caribbean Beach Revealed
Walt Disney World has revealed more details and the
first concept art for the Re-Imagining of Disney's
Caribbean Beach Resort. The sprawling
transformation will bring a new Check-In area, new
dining, and new retail options to the popular resort
Concept Art & Details
December 5, 2017
Get a First Glimpse Inside The Edison
Walt Disney World is giving a first look inside the
elusive Edison Restaurant & Nightclub coming to Disney
Springs. In addition to a peak inside the long
awaited club, additional details regarding the new
location's operation and entertainment have been
Photos & Details
December 3, 2017
New Signature Sweets for Christmastime 2017
A popular Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Treat
being offered during regular hours at the Magic Kingdom,
a new signature sweet for Pandora, and a flurry of new
treats at Disney's Hollywood Studios round-out an
avalanche of new sweets for Christmastime 2017 around
Walt Disney World. Check out the sleigh full of
sweets and share your favorites!
Details & Discussion Here
November 28, 2017
INTERCOT Tidbits November 2017 Edition
INTERCOT's Figment brings you a round-up of all the
Tidbits around the Walt Disney World resort. From
new restaurants opening to a first look at the Mickey &
Minnie's Runaway Railway timeline, there's a lot to be
thankful for at the Walt Disney World resort. Get all
the details for your next Walt Disney World vacation and
join the discussion!
November 25, 2017
The Wonderful World of Disney Returns to TV
The Wonderful World of Disney is returning to TV on November
30th for a special episode highlighting the Walt Disney
World resort. The Magical Holiday Celebration episode
will give a sneak peek at Toy Story Land and Star Wars:
Galaxy's Edge plus bring a sleigh-full of Christmas Cheer
and festive performances.
Time, Channel, and Full Line-Up
November 21, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 105: Jack's Got a Goiter
In time for Thanksgiving, the crew has a cornucopia of
topics to cover including the upcoming Pirates makeover,
Splash Mountain, year round food booths at Epcot, the
new Toy Story Land and a Petite Pixar Projection Party!
Grab a drumstick and a cool beverage while you enjoy
this new episode of the INTERCOT Insider Live podcast!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 105
November 19, 2017
Star Wars Episode VIII Adventure Now Boarding on Star
Tours at Hollywood Studios
Star Tours has launched a new Star Wars Episode VIII
Adventure at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The structure of
the ride experience has remained the same with new scenes
and characters in several of the sequences.
Mild Spoiler & Spoiler Free Details
November 18, 2017
Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse!
There are some swell ways you can wish Mickey Mouse a Happy
Birthday this year! From events at the parks to T-Shirts you
can buy from home; there are many ways to make sure you give
3 chEARs for the Big Cheese on his special day!
Magic Kingdom Events
Disneyland Events
Birthday Treats Around Walt Disney World
Birthday T-Shirts on ShopDisney
November 13, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 104: You Forgot My Cheese
It's time to wrap up the INTERCOT 20th Anniversary
Celebration as we walk you thru the weekends highlights.
We also discuss MiniVans, an oddly specific swinging
ride patent, new Disneyland hotel, runDisney and of
course, cheese. Join in the fun and download the latest
INTERCOT Insider Disney Podcast!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 104
November 12, 2017
Epcot will Bloom for 90 Days in
Epcot has announced the dates for the 2018 Epcot
International Flower & Garden Festival. While the
duration will be comparable to the 2017 Festival, this
year's Festival will mark the earliest start date for the
annual event.
Details & Discussion Here
November 9, 2017
2018 Winter Ride Closures at Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom park has announced refurbishments for two
of its most popular attractions. On the heels of a
lengthy 2017 refurbishment, Splash Mountain will be closing
again during its typical annual maintenance period.
Guests traveling later in the 2018 Winter Period will find
suspended sailings on Pirates of the Caribbean.
Details & Discussion Here
November 4, 2017
2019 Sailings for the Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has Announced their 2019 Itineraries. As
part of the 2019 offerings, the sailing season for the
Disney Wonder from San Diego has been extended to a 2 month
period. Other returning sailings include Bahamian and
Caribbean ports from Florida and Southern Caribbean ports
from San Juan.
Details & Discussion Here
November 2, 2017
First Look & Details for Pixar Pier
Disney California Adventure has revealed a first look at
Pixar Pier and shared more details on the transformation to
be complete in Summer 2018. From the new
Incredicoaster to the 4 themed neighborhoods, Pixar Pier
will transform the southern shore of Paradise Bay with newly
themed attractions, foods and merchandise throughout.
Concept Art, Details, & Discussion Here
October 30, 2017
3 New Dining Concepts for Disney Springs
Presumed to replace Walt's Place and The Neverland Tunnels
in the original Disney Springs Master Plan, Disney Parks &
Resorts has announced 3 New Dining Concepts to be part of
the same complex as The Edison; Maria & Enzo's Ristorante,
Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar, & Pizza Ponte.
Menu Items, Details, & Discussion Here
October 27, 2017
New Innoventions Exhibit for Epcot
After a series of closures and Character Meet & Greet
expansions, Epcot has announced a new exhibit for
Innoventions. The new exhibit will feature an
interactive show presented by Murata and Science from
October 26, 2017
First Dining Details for Toy Story Land
Disney's Hollywood Studios has announced more details for a
Quick-Service Dining Location that will open with Toy Story
Land in Summer 2018. Guests will find Woody's Lunch Box a
walk-up quick-service window serving quick snacks and
old-fashioned floats.
Concept Art & Discussion Here
October 24, 2017
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Return for 2017
Disney's Hollywood Studios has announced more details
for the 2017 return of the Star Wars: Galactic Nights
separately ticketed event. In addition to the
return of the popular lightsaber churros; the park will
also feature a galaxy of new galactic goodies exclusive
to the event.
Details, Discussion, & Ticket Information
October 21, 2017
2 New Construction Projects for Epcot Area
Permits & Announcements this week have indicated two new
construction sites in the Epcot area. First, a
exploratory permit has indicated potential future
construction on currently unused land to the North West
of the theme park. Second, the new Orlando branch of the
Costal Construction Group has announced that one of
their first projects will be to expand an Epcot area
hotel. Get all the details on join the discussion
on the boards!
New Construction Site Near Epcot
Announced Expansion of Epcot Resort Area Hotel
October 19, 2017
First Look at NBA Experience
The Walt Disney World resort has shared the first piece
of concept art for the new NBA Experience at Disney
Springs. Additionally, the opening timeframe has
been revealed for the new venue that will replace the
shuttered DisneyQuest location.
Concept Art, Opening Date, & Discussion Here
October 17, 2017
INTERCOT Tidbits October 2017 Edition
INTERCOT's Figment brings you a round-up of all the
Tidbits around the Walt Disney World resort. From
a new Epcot souvenir to the return of a popular
nighttime activity, Autumn is bringing more than just
changing leaves to the Vacation Kingdom. Get all
the details for your next Walt Disney World vacation and
join the discussion!
Details & Discussion Here
October 16,
Walt Disney World Resort Begins Trial of Modified Dog
Policy at 4 Hotels
Effective October 15, 2017; the Walt Disney World Resort has
modified its dog policy at 4 resort hotels as part of a
trial program. The pilot program allows Guests the
option of a maximum of 2 dogs per Guest room for an
additional fee. The amended policy is being tested
with a set of rules and guidelines with the aim of allowing
Guests this new option without disrupting other Guests'
Get all the details on this Pilot Program
October 15, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 103: ICOT20 Live!
It's a magical Live Video Podcast from the Contemporary
Resort to wrap-up the ICOT20 celebration! For the first
time you can hear and SEE the zany antics of the Podcast
Crew--plus some special Guests: Live INTERCOTees!
Hear what the Podcast Crew and the other INTERCOTees who
attended the event thought about the weekend and why
they keep coming back to the site.
See The Video on the INTERCOT Facebook
Discuss Episode 103
October 1,
Happy 35th EPCOT Center!
Happy 35th Birthday to EPCOT Center at the Walt Disney
World resort! If you missed our Live updates, you
can still take a look back on our social media channels
to see all special merchandise, get a look inside the
media events, and check out special treats like
Spaceship Earth Cupcakes & Churros Flambé!
Facebook //
Twitter //
Special INTERCOT Event
A Meet 20 Years in the Making
INTERCOT's 20th Anniversary Celebration
On October 12th, INTERCOT will have been online
for 20 Years and we're celebrating at Walt
Disney World to mark the occasion. We've got 3
days of fun events lined-up October 13-15, 2017
for a celebration two decades in the making!
Official Event Schedule
ICOT20 Apparel Now Available!
Magical Journeys to Book Now!
INTERCOT's 20th Celebration on Social Media
We'd love to have you
join us at Walt Disney World for this momentous
occasion, but if you are not able to join us in-person
you can still follow along on our social media channels.
Beginning on INTERCOT's 20th Birthday Eve (October
11th), follow along for five days of live updates around
Walt Disney World including updates from all the
INTERCOT 20th Celebration Weekend events October 13th -
15th. Be sure to join in with the special hashtag:
//Twitter //Facebook
September 21, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 102: A Bunch of People I Met on
the Internet
You've long asked for it, and now as INTERCOT's 20th
birthday approcahes, John finally shares the brief
history of how the site came about. We also talk the
weather, festivals, Halloween, Christmas and go over the
events of our huge party that is now only weeks away.
Buy your t-shirt now, then listen to Episode 102, the
Electric Boogaloo!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 102
September 17, 2017
INTERCOT Tidbits September 2017 Edition
INTERCOT's Figment brings you a round-up of all the
Tidbits around the Walt Disney World resort. From
Haunted Mansion furniture to a speakeasy at Disney
Springs, the onset of Autumn is bringing exciting
changes. Get all the details for your next Walt
Disney World vacation and join the discussion!
September 12, 2017
Disney Parks to Reopen Today Following Hurricane Irma.
Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks and Disney
Springs® will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017 with
normal, advertised operating hours. Special events, such
as Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, will also take
place. Water Parks will remain closed tomorrow and will
reopen later this week.
Details & Discussion Here
September 11, 2017
Nation & The World Remembers & Reflects - 16 Years Later
join the staff of INTERCOT in remembering and reflecting on
all those who perished 16 years ago today in the horrific
attack on our country and all of those, who have throughout
this great nations history, given their lives so that we all
may remain free. We will NEVER FORGET.
This is
our Patriot Day - 9/11/17.
September 8, 2017
Disney Closing Parks Due to Hurricane
Hurricane Irma Update for Walt Disney World Resort
Based on the latest forecasts for Hurricane Irma and
keeping safety top of mind, Walt Disney World® Theme
Parks, Disney Springs®, Water Parks, and ESPN Wide World
of Sports Complex will begin a phased closure to be
completed by 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017. These
areas will remain closed through Monday, Sept. 11, 2017
with the hope of resuming operations on Tuesday, Sept.
12, 2017.
Complete Details Here
September 4, 2017
Magic Kingdom Serves Up Spooky Sweets
The 2017 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween parties are
serving up some spooky sweets. A few favorites from past
years return and join some new spellbinding sweets. Have
you attended one of the parties and eaten one of these
eerie eats to satisfy your sweet tooth? Why not share
your review on the INTERCOT boards!
Pictures, Details & Discussion Here
August 28, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 101: It's Self Cleaning, It's
Someone call the Dalmatians, because it's Episode 101
with the boys club in charge. We talk shampoo, cabanas,
MaxPass, stupid Judy, Minnie vans, Citrus Swirls and a
whole lot more. After D23, the news has slowed but the
commenting hasn't. Did we mention John finally saw
Avatar? Tune in, turn it up and grab your favorite
beverage - it's the latest edition of the INTERCOT
Insider Disney Podcast!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 101
August 22, 2017
Mobile Order Expands at Walt Disney World
Additional locations have been announced for Magic
Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios and the program
has been announced to roll-out to Epcot. Among the new
locations is Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom allowing Guests
to pre-order the popular Dole Whip. See all the
locations and join the discussion on the INTERCOT
August 14, 2017
One Man's Dream to Be Replaced
Walt Disney World has announced a "reimagining" and a
new name for the current One Man's Dream exhibit at
Disney's Hollywood Studios. While the new exhibit
promises to retain some of the historical elements, it
appears to primarily act as a preview center for
forthcoming attractions and Walt Disney Studios films.
August 12, 2017
INTERCOT's 20th Birthday Bash
Are you coming to INTERCOT's 20th Birthday Bash October
13-15? Depending on when you check into your resort, you
may be able to make your Fastpass+ selections now! We
are roughly 60 days out! Join the Planning in our
INTERCOT 20 Forum!
ICOT 20 Events & Planning
August 3, 2017
VR Star Wars Experience for Disney Springs
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Downtown Disney
at Disneyland have announced that they will both open a
Star Wars VR experience later this year. Star
Wars: Secrets of the Empire promises to immerse Guests
in a Star Wars adventure they can see, hear, touch and
even smell!
July 30, 2017
INTERCOT Tidbits July 2017 Edition
INTERCOT's Figment brings you a round-up of all the
Tidbits around the Walt Disney World resort. From
new restaurants to new stores and from character changes
to a new DVC/AP discount; the Walt Disney World resort
is heating up with changes this Summer! Get all the
details for your next Walt Disney World vacation and
join the discussion!
July 23, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 100: The D23 Extravaganza!
We've turned 100 and we look back on our years online,
but not for long because... holy cow... did you see all
the announcements that came out of D23. Tons to
talk about and not enough show to do it in. Grab a
cold beverage and join us as we look at the future of
Disney Parks in the aftermath of the company's big
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 100
July 22, 2017
Disney 360 Vacation to Fully Immerse Guests
Among last week's massive Press Release and avalanche of
announcements, Disney Parks & Resorts previewed "Disney
360 Vacation"-- a new program that promises to fully
immerse Guests in their favorite story. The first effort
in this new program will be the announced Star Wars
Hotel. This revolutionary new vacation experience will
be a living adventure that allows guests to immerse
themselves in an entirely new form of Disney
storytelling. Are you interested in this type of new
experience? How much would you pay to be totally
immersed in a Star Wars adventure? Share your thoughts
on the Discussion Boards!
Expected Price & Discussion Here
July 18, 2017
Minnie Vehicles Begin Roll-Out
The new Minnie Vehicle service has begun a Soft Opening
at Walt Disney World with a full roll-out to begin later
this month at select resorts. The new service will be
operated by Walt Disney World Cast Members like other
current Transportation Options; unlike other current
options, each trip will carry an additional flat fee.
July 15, 2017
Expansions Announced for Disney Around the Globe at D23
Expo 2017
In the largest announcement since Michael Eisner's
"Disney Decade", Bob Chapek has announced expansion
plans at Disney Parks around the globe. At Walt
Disney World in particular; major changes are coming to
the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, &
the Resort's Transportation systems. Get the details,
see the concept art, and share your thoughts on the
Discussion Boards!
July 14, 2017
More Details for Star Wars Land Unveiled at D23
Expo 2017
During a special preview of D23 Expo 2017, Walt Disney
Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek unveiled a first
look at the epic, richly detailed model of the Star
Wars-themed lands under development at Disneyland park
and Disney's Hollywood Studios. See the model with
close-ups and share your thoughts on the Discussion
July 12, 2017
2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Returns
with New Flavors
The 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has
revealed its 37 booth line-up. New booths and new
dishes are on the menu this year. Check out the menus
and share your thoughts on the Discussion Boards!
July 10, 2017
Are Tron Lightcycles Set to Replace Walt Disney
World's Tomorrowland Speedway?
Rumours are flying as they always seem to do ahead of
this weeks D23 conference. The latest - that Shanghai's
TRON Lightcycle Power Run ride may be coming to Walt
Disney World's Tomorrowland seems to have some
credibility. Since it's opening, this ride has won rave
reviews and Disney has been rumoured to be bringing it
stateside - whether it be in Epcot or the Magic Kingdom.
Could it be replacing the Tomorrowland Speedway?
Chime in with your two cents on our Discussion Boards.
Details & Discussion Here
July 4, 2017
Happy Independence Day America!
In our hearts, in our minds and in our actions, we work
daily to uphold the principles on which this great
nation was founded. Liberty: for no one can constrain or
remove our belief in our government by the people, for
the people and of the people. Freedom: freedom from
fear, freedom from strife and freedom to continue to
build a nation in which democracy, debate and truth will
always reign. On this, our 241th Independence Day,
the staff of INTERCOT wishes The United States of
America a Happy Birthday, and we salute each and every
American who fights to uphold those ideals which we hold
so dear.
June 23, 2017
Eat To The Beat Concert Series Returns!
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns
this year with record number of days (75) and a record
number of Global Marketplaces (35). Top notch
entertainment also is back with the Eat to the Beat
concert series - where 11 new artists (including the
Hooters) will join returning acts.
Details & Discussion Here
June 21, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 99: Carolyn's Therapy Session
The gang is back after the Pandora Preview excitment and
it's on to actual Pandora reviews with crowds and sold
out Banshees! We also talk light up snacks, new rooms at
pop century and Carolyn gets a free therapy session.
Oh and John got a soundboard. It's episode 99 -
just one shy of the centry mark and we're still dishing
Disney all these years later! Download and tell a
friend or 100!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 99
June 14, 2017
Happily Ever After - The Latest
Fireworks Show at Disney's Magic Kindom
"Happily Ever After" is the new fireworks show at
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom - which replaced
the long running "Wishes". During a recent visit, we
captured it all for your viewing pleasure!
June 8, 2017
Flight of Passage Pre-Show
While we can't show you the attraction itslef (no
filming is permitted) - we can show you the pre-show
leading up to the ride itself. Flight of Passage
is an amazing new attraction at Pandora - The World of
Avatar, the new land at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.
June 5, 2017
Imagineer Interview - Flight of Passage
John interviews Joan Hartwig, Creative Director at
Walt Disney Imagineering. They talk about the Avatar
Flight of Passage, the new E ticket attraction at
Disney's Animal Kingdom - and the personal
experience and connection guests will have on the
ride. They also discuss the herculean effort it took
to bring this one of a kind simulator to life.
June 1, 2017
The Sights and Sounds of Pandora!
John interviews Nathaniel Palma, Guest Experience
Manager at the Walt Disney World Resort about Pandora -
The World of Avatar. They discuss the sights, sounds and
details of Disney's newest land at Animal Kingdom.
Amazing is the key word and you'll hear John and
Nathaniel use it often!
May 27, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 98: Pandora Revealed!
It took 2 tries to bring this episode to you - but
prevail we did. After doing a Media Preview, John takes
you thru the new land of Pandora - The World Of Avatar
at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Hear about the new
rides, shops, dining and what the bioluminescent world
looks like at night. We also talk Epcot expansion, self
driving cars, gondolas, Ian's latest trip and a whole
lot more. Plus, there's singing. Grab a cold beverage
and listen now!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 98
May 11, 2017
Mickey's Halloween & Christmas Party Ticket
Dates Announced - Tickets Available!
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will start earlier
than ever this year, with parties running from Aug. 25
thru Nov. 1 on select nights. The event will feature
trick-or-treating, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular
stage show, Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade and
"Happy HalloWishes." Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
will be held Nov. 9 thru 22 on select nights. The party
will feature Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade,
"Holiday Wishes," "A Frozen Holiday Wish," and much
Halloween Party Dates/Information
Christmas Party Dates/Information
May 10, 2017
Pandora Preview - Join Us On Social!
Join INTERCOT and follow along live on social media as
we explore the new world of Pandora - The World of
Avatar this Friday May 12! Coverage starts around 8:30am
and runs thru 3pm.
Pandora: Guests Matched to a Banshee
At the Rookery, a Naturalist from Alpha Centauri
Expeditions will assist a guest with identifying a
favorite banshee from among 10 unique styles. Each
interactive banshee includes three ranges of motion –
mouth, head, and wings – that are controlled by hand.
Guests will also hear them make authentic banshee sounds
provided by Disney's partners at Lightstorm
Details & Discussion
Disney Releases First Park Map Showing Pandora:
The World of Avatar
Walt Disney World has updated their on-line park map for
Disney's Animal Kingdom giving the first official look
at the layout of Pandora: the World of Avatar.
April 20, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 97: We've Lost Everyone!
It was bound to happen sooner or later. Midway
thru taping the latest episode of the INTERCOT Insider,
Skype decided to die and the hilarity ensues as we all
try to figure out what happend! We talk Gondolas,
Pandora updates, Universal's 3rd Gate, Mission Space 2,
Frozen, room refurbs and a whole lot more.
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 97
March 25, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 96: A Murder of Banshees
Talk is heating up about the opening of Pandora at
Disney's Animal Kingdom and the crew talks what to
expect there. They also discus the elevated
transportation rumor and building at both the Caribbean
Beach and Coronado resorts. They also talk Universal's
Volcano Bay, Guardians of the Galaxy, New Trams and the
ultimate part coming this October to celebrate
INTERCOT's 20th year online. Grab a cold beverage and
enjoy the latest episode of the INTERCOT Disney Podcast!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 96
23, 2017
'The Music of Pixar Live!' Debuts at Disney's
Hollywood Studios This Summer
This summer, Disney's Hollywood Studios will present
"The Music of Pixar LIVE! A Symphony of Characters."
This limited-time concert event will showcase memorable
music from Pixar Animation Studios films, complete with
a live orchestra and appearances by beloved Disney•Pixar
characters. Starting May 26, "The Music of Pixar LIVE!"
will be presented three times nightly at Theater of the
Stars at Disney's Hollywood Studios (following the
regular daily performances of "Beauty and the Beast –
Live on Stage").
Details & Discussion Here
Explore Pandora – The World of Avatar with
Nightly Extra Magic Hours
For a limited time, May 27-July 4, 2017, Guests staying
at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels can explore
Pandora – The World of Avatar beyond regular Park hours.
Nightly Extra Magic Hours will be offered from 11 p.m.-1
a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's
Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
March 13, 2017
2017 Bracketology Challenge!
INTERCOT.com has put together our Bracketology
Challenge again this year for the folks who visit the site
and keep it going all year long. What's at stake? The three
best bracketologists will receive INTERCOT T-shirts! Hey, we
know it's not much but cut us a break, Free Stuff is Free
Stuff - and it's all for bragging rights over your fellow
INTERCOTees anyway! Be sure to fill things out before the
first round game tips Thursday March
Entry Details & Discussion Here
February 16, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 95: What's A Toboggan
The Insider crew is once again stuggling with our
Canadian to American lexicon - asking what's a Toboggan
to you? We also discuss a new Grand Floridian,
Pandora/Avatar, Rivers of Light, hotel expansion and
more! Finally, we announce the dates for the
INTERCOT 20th Anniversary Celebration to be held at the
Walt Disney World Resort - October 13-15, 2017! Mark
your calendar now, and plan to join us for a weekend for
fun, friendship and memories!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 95
February 15, 2017
Rumor: Is an Elevated Transportation System
Coming to Walt Disney World?
Rumors are floating around the interwebs that an
elevated transportation system of some kind may be
coming to the Walt Disney World Resort. We take a look
at the reports, permits and speculation.
Details & Discussion Here
February 10, 2017
Rivers of Light Debuts February 17 at Disney's
Animal Kingdom
For more than a year, Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme
Park at Walt Disney World® Resort has continued its
evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing a rich
variety of new nighttime experiences. To that end,
Disney has announced one of the park's newest nighttime
experiences, "Rivers of Light," will make its official
debut on Feb 17, 2017.
February 7, 2017
Pandora - The World of Avatar Set to Open May 27
at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney's
Animal Kingdom on May 27 according to CEO Bob Iger who
shared the exciting news during the Q1 FY17 Walt Disney
Company Earnings Call. This new land will transport
guests to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Here,
guests will wonder at floating mountains and
bioluminescent plants, and can join the Na'vi on two
excursions that take adventure to the next level.
Details & Discussion Here
February 1, 2017
Disney Quest Closing July 3 - Making Way for NBA
The West Side area will be undergoing changes –
beginning with the closure of DisneyQuest on July 3,
2017. Until July 3, DisneyQuest will continue to offer a
great interactive experience for all guests. The NBA
Experience at Walt Disney World Resort (slated to
replace Disney Quest) - will be a one-of-a-kind
basketball-themed experience featuring hands-on
activities that put guests of all ages right in the
middle of NBA game action. There will be immersive NBA
video productions and numerous interactive experiences,
as well as a restaurant and a retail store.
January 11, 2017
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 94: Introducing Narf Tuna
We're back after a long hiatus! Episode 93 is
unfortunately gone - where it went, no one knows. But
#94 is now here for your listening pleasure and we are
proud to introduce Narf Tuna. Who is he, where did he
come from? Find out on the latest INTERCOT Insider
Disney Podcast! Download, Listen, LOVE!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 94
January 5, 2017
Team #runICOT Invades the Disneyland Resort
January 12-15!
Team #runICOT will be at the Star Wars Half Marathon –
The Light Side, Star Wars 10K and Star Wars 5K January
12-15 and we hope you will join us! Put yourself to the
ultimate test and join the Star Wars Rebel Challenge
combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon for an out
of this world running adventure. As Jedi Master
Yoda says, "Do or do not. There is no try!" Meets
and events are now posted below. See you on the
west side!
Details & Discussion Here!
January 4, 2017
Choza Tequila Coming to Epcot in 2017
In early 2017, guests will be able to visit Choza
Tequila, an authentic outdoor tequileria, just outside
of the Mexico pavilion. Here, you'll find refreshing
hand-crafted margaritas and classic Mexican cuisine like
tacos, empanadas, chips and fresh guacamole.
Details & More News In Figment's Tidbits
24-25, 2015
From All of Us to All of You!
The staff of INTERCOT would like to take a moment to wish the best to you
and yours this Christmas and Holiday Season. May your New Year be a happy
and healthy one filled with Disney Dreams! From the bottom of our hearts, we
thank each and every one of you for making INTERCOT among the most visited
Disney Vacation Planning Sites on the Internet.
November 20, 2016
Pandora - The World of Avatar Opening 2017
Shops/Restaurants Revealed
Pandora – The World of Avatar land is set to open in
2017, and will transport guests to a visually stunning
world complete with floating mountains and
bioluminescent plants. Here, guests will be able to
experience two excursions that will truly push adventure
to the next level. First, the family friendly Na'vi
River Journey will send guests down a sacred river
hidden within a bioluminescent rainforest. And second,
the Avatar Flight of Passage excursion will offer the
jaw-dropping experience of riding on a Banshee over the
world of Pandora.
Details & Discussion Here
November 19, 2016
New Adventure Coming to Star Tours!
During a D23: Destination D presentation today, Walt
Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek also shared
that – for the first time – they are adding a new
adventure to the Star Tours – the Adventure Continues
attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm teams
are currently in production to add an exciting new
mission to the attraction based on elements from Star
Wars Episode VIII.
Details & Discussion
November 9, 2016
New Holiday Expeience Coming to Disney Springs
This Holiday Season
This holiday season, the idea of "wishing upon a star"
will take on an even more magical meaning in the skies
of Disney Springs. Disney appears to be producing an
amazing arial show with drones.Here's your first
Discuss Here
September 30, 2016
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 92: Driving a Lawnmower
It's International Podcast Day and we're celebrating
with the release of our 92nd Episode of the INTERCOT
Insider Live. On this edition, we talk about the new
Muppets attraciton at the Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Not So
Scary Halloween Party, Epcot Food & Wine Festival, blue
rocks in Tomorrowland and ICOT 20! Grab a pumpkin
spice latte and join us for the latest edition of the
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 92
September 27, 2016
Muppets Coming to Magic Kingdom Oct 2
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and The Great
Gonzo arrive at Magic Kingdom® Park on October 2 for the
opening of their all-new, live show "The Muppets Present
… Great Moments in American History." Hosted by James
"J.J." Jefferson, town crier of Liberty Square, and Sam
Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American eagle who is
forever trying to set a high moral standard for the
Muppets, this wacky new show is set to take place
several times daily, just outside The Hall of
Details & Discussion
September 14, 2016
Epcot Internationial Food & Wine Festival Begins
Today - Runs Thru November 14
Top celebrity chefs, brand new Disney resort cooking and
dining experiences and irresistible Eat to the Beat
dining packages will add fresh twists to the 21st Epcot
International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase at
Walt Disney World Resort.
September 11, 2016
Nation & The World Remembers & Reflects - 15 Years Later
join the staff of INTERCOT in remembering and reflecting on
all those who perished 15 years ago today in the horrific
attack on our country and all of those, who have throughout
this great nations history, given their lives so that we all
may remain free. We will NEVER FORGET.
This is
our Patriot Day - 9/11/16.
August 27, 2016
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 91: It's a Picnic Day
Michael is back from his whilwind trip to Hong Kong and
Shanghai and he's got plenty to say and report on.
Starbucks was the beacon, the heat was crazy, the castle
is huge and Tron Light Cycles were amazing. We all
sit in awe as he describes his travels. We also
talk about park closures and changes, new attractions
and more. Grab an ice cold lemonade and chill out with
your INTERCOT Pals in the latest Insider Disney Podcast!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 91
August 8, 2016
Celebrate the Holidays with 20% Off
Celebrate the most wonderful time of year in the middle
of the magic and save up to 20% on rooms at select
Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights November 6
through November 10, November 13 through November 22 and
November 26 through December 23, 2016. Villa's - 20%
Deluxe are 20% except Beach Club, Contemporary and
Polynesian are 10% Moderates - 15% Values - 10% Offer
excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of
Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and
Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Book by October 8, 2016
Details & Discussion Here
Magical Journeys to Book Now!
August 7, 2016
Limited Time Character Experience for Guests
With Memory Maker at Magic Kingdom
Guests can now delight in a special Disney Character
Experience at Walt Disney World® Resort, courtesy of
Memory Maker. For a limited time, Aug. 7-31, 2016,
Disney PhotoPass Service will offer a Character
Experience at Magic Kingdom® Park for Guests who have
purchased Memory Maker or Memory Maker One Day. This
limited-time opportunity gives your Clients access to a
private Disney Character Experience with a Disney
Princess at Heritage House in Liberty Square at Magic
Kingdom Park from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Only one person in
the party needs to have purchased Memory Maker in order
for the group to enjoy this Character Experience.
Details & Discussion Here
August 3, 2016
Star Wars Rebels Interactive Adventure
The Walt Disney World resort has announced a new premium
interactive experience launching 8/15/16. Imagine your
rebels walking up to the resort room door to discover an
Imperial recruitment banner. The Empire was there! Once
inside, they'll discover the Rebel Alliance has
infiltrated the room, leaving gear and tech to help on a
secret mission for the Rebellion. Through augmented
reality on their smartphone, Ezra Bridger (from the hit
TV series, Star Wars Rebels) guides them on an
undercover mission. The new premium experience is priced
at $499.99.
Details & Discussion
July 28, 2016
The Muppets are Coming to the Magic Kingdom This
Fall in an All-New Show!
Beginning this fall, the Muppets will be visiting Magic
Kingdom Park, where they'll take part in an all-new live
show, "The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American
History." Sam Eagle, the fiercely patriotic American
eagle who is forever trying to set a high moral standard
for the Muppets, will join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy,
Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo and James Jefferson, town
crier of Liberty Square, as they gather outside The Hall
of Presidents to present historical tales in hysterical
fashion as only they can.
Details & Discussion Here
July 15, 2016
Early Morning Magic Extended at Magic Kingdom -
Coming to Disney Studios
Disney has announced that Early Morning Magic been
extended through September 30, 2016, for Magic Kingdom
Park, and that Disney's Hollywood Studios will soon
offer Disney Early Morning Magic as well! Beginning
August 1, a select number of guests can experience
Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney's Hollywood
Studios. Beginning at 7:45 a.m., guests can enter the
park and experience Star Tours – The Adventures
Continue, Toy Story Mania!, Pixar Place character
greetings (with Woody and Buzz), and Mickey and Minnie
on Commissary Lane and Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight.
Guests can also partake in an all-you-care-to-enjoy
breakfast at ABC Commissary from 8-10 a.m.
Details & Discussion Here
July 4, 2016
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 90: Looks Good On You Though
It's Independence Day and the Podcast Crew is
celebrating with a new episode (finally) after our first
taping was lost forever - and it was the best one ever!
We discuss what's new at all the parks this summer
including the grand opening of the Frozen Ride at Epcot,
new film and additional theater at Soarin' and the
latest Guardians of the Galaxy rumor!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 90
In our hearts, in our minds and in our actions, we work
daily to uphold the principles on which this great
nation was founded. Liberty: for no one can constrain or
remove our belief in our government by the people, for
the people and of the people. Freedom: freedom from
fear, freedom from strife and freedom to continue to
build a nation in which democracy, debate and truth will
always reign. On this, our 240th Independence Day,
the staff of INTERCOT wishes The United States of
America a Happy Birthday, and we salute each and every
American who fights to uphold those ideals which we hold
so dear.
June 21, 2016
Figments June Tidbits - Around the World
Summer is traditionally a slow news time for Walt Disney
World but Jason's (aka Figment) Tidbits keep you up to
date on whats happening each month. In this trip
Around the World, he goes popping with new flavors in
the Main Street popcorn line, lets us know about Anna
and Elsa's exit from Farytale Hall, finds new adult
beverages popping up around Epcot and a whole lot more.
& Discussion Here
May 27, 2016
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 89: The Magic Was Wasted On You
The summer season officially begins and the podcast is
back with another sizziling episode -- get it? Ian
talks about his most recent trip and we cover many of
the announcements and updates that have happened over
the past weeks including Rivers of Life news, Finding
Dory characters in Turtle Talk, Frozen attraction
opening, Earful Tower and it's tearful goodby, runDisney
virtual races and a whole lot more. Fire up the
barbecue, take a splash in the pool and sip on a cold
one while enjoying this, the latest episode of our
Disney podcast.
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 89
May 21, 2016
Walt Disney World Announces Summer 2016 Grand
Opening Line-Up
The Walt Disney World resort has made a formal
announcement detailing the entertainment and attraction
Grand Openings for the Summer 2016. Although several
dates were already internally announced, the full
line-up has now been publicly confirmed with exact dates
that can be found in the link below.
April 22, 2016
Concept Video Released for Slinky Dog Dash Coaster
Disney Parks & Resorts has released a concept video for
Slinky Dog Dash coaster coming to Disney's Hollywood
Details & Discussion Here
Rivers of Light to be Replaced By Jungle Book
Show for Summer 2016
Disney has announced additional details for the
Magic of Nature After Dark event kicking off
Memorial Day Weekend 2016, with the surprising
change the Rivers of Light will be preempted by
a new Jungle Book show on Discovery River.
Details & Discussion Here
April 21, 2016
Disney Releases First Look at Soarin' Around The World &
FastPass+ Details
Disney Parks and Resorts has released ride film from two
of the new segments that will be featured in Soarin'
Around The World attraction coming to Epcot:
The opening date of the revamped attraction is
set for June 17 with FastPass+ available on
April 21.
Details & Discussion Here
April 10, 2016
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Will
Celebrate 21 Nights at the Magic Kingdom!
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party returns to the Magic
Kingdom® Park for a festive 21 nights this year and will
take place the following nights:
• November – 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29
• December – 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
Tickets for both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will go on sale
later this spring.
Details & Discussion Here
April 5, 2016
INTERCOT Insider Live Disney Podcast -
Episode 88: Cane and a Top Hat
The Insider Disney Podcast crew is back and talking
Disney Cruise Line with Brandy Robinson, Disney Parks
Mom's Panelist and Cruise Line Specialist. It's perfect
timing too, as Disney announces 2 new ships are going to
be built! We also talk the sleeper hit Zootopia,
Purple Magic Bands, New Star Wars Fireworks and more!
Grab your cane and top hat, "put on the ritz" and join
us for another fun filled episode!
Listen & Download
Subscribe on iTunes
Android App
Discuss Episode 88
Past Updates
Miss an update or looking for old news?
Click here to access homepage features that have
appeared on INTERCOT in the past.
INTERCOT Apparel Provided By...
Levelbest Embroidery @
http://www.levelbestembroidery.com , your
one-stop shop for jackets, caps, shirts, sweats
and all types of clothing embroidered with your
organization's logo.
INTERCOT Discussion Boards RSS Feed
INTERCOT Podcast RSS Feed
is the INTERNET Community Of Tomorrow
Opening Day Was October 12, 1997
INTERCOT Insider is a twice monthly email
update with tips and
informative articles.
To subscribe, enter your email address:


text:
Log Out
Our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy have changed. We think you'll like them better this way.
Join us for the Market Like A Queen Podcast show to hear online visibility tips from
This blogtalkradio episode is just a preview of part 1. To hear the full episode, join us over on our main website at MarketLikeAQueen.com
When you visit our mailing list sign up page, mark the box to join as a sponsor to learn how your business can be featured here.
Also, if you are on our mailing list and send us email with great comments, reactions and/or questions about the show and the Market Like A Queen movement, we may feature you in the newsletter and/or on the show.
Join us for...
We announce dates and details in our newsletter. Please join our no-spam mailing list so that we can keep you in the loop.
Want to network and learn with us at our events? Please take our survey at MarketLikeAQueen dot com to let us know what you want to get out of our events.
Finally, if you have a question, it's likely someone else has asked, and we answered over on our main site's FAQ section. Please make sure to check that out, too, and join our newsletter to be the first to see updates and special offers.
Sorry we couldn't complete your registration. Please try again.
Please enter your email to finish creating your account.
Receive a personalized list of podcasts based on your preferences.


text:
Contact Sarah!
For all site related questions, giveaways, speaking engagements, advertising or other inquires please, feel free to use the form below to get in touch!
Privacy policy:
We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Web site. These companies may use aggregated information (not including your name, address, email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, please see: http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp


text:
Sacred Heart Gets Past Clay Center
KSAL Sports - January 23, 2014 10:54 pm
After a back-and-forth first quarter, Sacred Heart used a 9-0 run to take the lead for the rest of the game in a 48-39 win over Clay Center at the SIT Thursday.
The Knights led by as many as five points early in the game, but the Tigers came back to take what would be their only lead of the game at 10-8. The score was tied 10-10 after the opening eight minutes. Scoring the last two points of the first quarter and the first seven points of the second quarter, a 9-0 run gave Sacred Heart the lead for good. The Knights led 21-12 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Sacred Heart was ahead by as many as 15 points and were on top 34-24 heading into the final frame. The Knights extended their lead to as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter, thanks in part to three intentional fouls being called against Clay Center. The Tigers closed the game on an 11-3 run, but the Knights held on for a nine-point win.
Sacred Heart improves to an 8-3 record. Brooks Brown led the Knights in scoring with 14 points, including 4 three-point baskets.
The Knights advance to face Andover in the fifth place boys game at the SIT Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:15pm and the game will air on Sportsradio 1150 KSAL.


text: ealderman definition December 12, 2017 AZ Dictionary Link to this page noun: Alternative as a type of ealdorman. An alderman. View More Related Sources Definition for "ealderman" Alternative as a type of ealdorman. View More Sentence for "ealderman" The titles of honor among our… View More Synonym for "ealderman" alderman View More Equivalent for "ealderman" ealdorman View More How would you define ealderman? All the definitions on AZdictionary were written by people just like you. Now's your chance to add your own! Your Full Name Your definition Post Definition