✨12 Days of Christmas, Day 1: Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort✨

Prepare to experience the meal of a lifetime at the elegant Victoria & Albert’s located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Many accolades have been awarded to Chef Scott Hunnel and his team for their culinary creations, including AAA’s Five Diamond Award. Taste European wines, Russian caviar or Spanish octopus while surrounded by Victorian-era decor. 

You have the option of choosing the opulent dining room with its Italian linens, Queen Victoria ‘s Room for a more intimate dining experience (party up to 8 guests), or the coveted Chef’s Table situated in the kitchen where you will be served up to 13 courses with paired wines. 

Whatever experience you choose, know you are in for a delicious dining adventure!

 

Contact your Upon a Star agent to reserve this dining experience!

12 Days of Christmas Day 2: ✨Happily Ever After✨

Experience a grand finale to your Disney day with the newest—and most spectacular—fireworks showcase in the history of The Magic Kingdom!! Happily Ever After!!

Happily Ever After starts with a dream… and takes you on an unforgettable journey that captures the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney animated films, including:

  • Aladdin
  • Big Hero Six
  • Brave
  • Frozen
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame
  • The Incredibles
  • The Lion King
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Moana
  • Mulan
  • Tarzan
  • The Princess and the Frog
  • Toy Story
  • Up
  • WALL-E
  • Wreck-It Ralph
  • Zootopia

Come experience the magic of these beloved movies firsthand—and be inspired to find your own happily ever after. This 18-minute show features more lasers, lights and projections than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park!

Contact one of our travel experts today to get started planning your next magical vacation!!

 

✨12 Days of Christmas Day 3: Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage✨

Get ready for some swashbuckling buccaneers! This is a GREAT experience for little scallywags.

First, your party will be able to sample delicious treats & Pirates Punch at Disney’s Contemporary Resort while meeting Captain Hook & Mr. Smee! Then, you will parade to the dock to set sail on a journey of the Seven Seas Lagoon while singing pirate songs & learning Disney trivia. 

Next, you will have an amazing view of the Happily Ever After Fireworks exploding over Cinderella Castle AND be able to view the Electric Water Pageant, a whimsical parade of barges floating through the water lit up with colorful lights & shapes. 

While journeying back to the dock, listen to tales of pirate adventures and wait until you meet the surprise guest waiting for you on shore!

Contact your Upon a Star agent to book this special voyage with your Walt Disney World vacation package!

 

12 Days of Christmas Day 5: ✨Dine with an Imagineer✨

Guests 14 and older, can enjoy an unforgettable mealtime conversation with one of the creative minds that brings Disney magic to life. Discover unique insights into Disney parks and Resorts as you enjoy lunch with a Disney Imagineer. Savor a delectable, 4-course meal in the Bamboo Room at the The Hollywood Brown Derby or Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa!

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to hear the stories behind the magic! Contact your Upon A Star Travel expert today!

 

12 Days of Christmas Day 8! ✨ Keys to The Kingdom Tour✨

Ever want to unlock the secrets to the Magic Kingdom? With The Keys to The Kingdom Tour you can! This 5-hour walking tour explores the creation and remarkable growth of one of the most beloved parks at Walt Disney World Resort! Explore secret locations you’ve always wondered about and get the inside scoop on some of your favorite attractions.

During your tour:

  • Uncover the hidden secrets of classic attractions at Magic Kingdom park.
  • Access the famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels that allow people and supplies to travel beneath the park unseen.
  • Discover little-known facts, trivia and other exciting tidbits about the park.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch—included with your tour.
  • Take home an exclusive keepsake!

Guests must be 16 years or older. The tour costs $99.00 each 

Contact us today to add this special tour to your next magical vacation. 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 9! ✨Highway in the Sky Dine Around✨

This is a great opportunity to visit the 3 deluxe monorail resorts! Start off your tour at Disney’s Contemporary Resort sampling an appetizer & specialty beverage.
Next, board the monorail for Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Here you will be able to indulge in tropical inspired appetizers & drinks!
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is your next stop! Sip champagne & sample delicious cheeses & charcuterie before your main course at Citricos.
Lastly, you will return to a private patio at the Contemporary Resort for desserts, coffees & cordials while viewing the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks show!


Contact your Upon a Star agent to add this experience to your Walt Disney World vacation package!



 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11! ✨Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party✨

Reserve VIP seating for your family with a super fun way to experience Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth nightly spectacular! 

First, you’ll have special seating with perfect views of the fireworks. Second, indulge in “Frozen” themed desserts & drinks while surrounded by a wonderland of themed decorations. Nibble on Living Rock Crispy Bonbons, Anna’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes, Duke of Weselton’s Cheese Fondue & much more! Sip on lemonade, punch or “melted snow” and then after the grand finale, you’ll be led to the Norway pavilion for a ride on the Frozen Ever After attraction!

Contact your Upon a Star Agent to add this special event to your Disney package!

 

12 Days of Christmas: Day 12! ✨Experience a Disney Festival!✨

Have you experienced a Disney Festival yet?

There’s so many to choose from now with the International Festival of the Arts coming up later this winter, the Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Holidays and the International Flower & Garden Festival! During each festival, you will have a chance to explore Epcot complete with beautifully themed decorations, food stands & demonstrations, art exhibits, beverage stations, special ticketed events & more! 

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

During the holidays, you’ll find your favorite characters dressed to impress while you’ll learn how each country around the World Showcase celebrates throughout the season. 

Sample lagers & wines from around the world during the Fall’s International Food & Wine Festival as well as small bites.

View demonstrations explaining the art of water photography, floral topiaries, food styling & more during the International Festival of Arts. Visual, performing & culinary arts are all on display throughout Epcot during this colorful festival!

Epcot International Festival of Arts

Walk through Future World & the World Showcase and admire the multitude of topiaries & floral demonstrations during the International Flower & Garden Festival. There’s lots of delicious food & beverage stands as well!

Contact your Upon a Star agent here for information on booking your next magical vacation!

Disney After Hours

Experience more magic in less time! Disney After Hours is back! 

For 7 select nights from January 2018 through March 2018, don’t miss your chance to skip the wait times for more than 25 popular attractions and Character Greetings—including:

Enjoy extra special ice cram novelties, popcorn and more all included! There are only a very limited amount of tickets available for this event. Tickets are $119.00 per person. Want to add this special experience to your next visit? Contact our agents today right here!

Let our expert agents help you plan the vacation of your dreams!

 

Planning the perfect Family Spring Break!

It's coming....that week-long stretch of no school. For most of us Spring Break descends on us in mid-March or mid-April. It's the perfect time for a family getaway! We have put together a list of the best locations for the perfect family Spring Break!

 

1. Beaches Turks and Caicos!

Beaches Turks and Caicos is a perfect Spring Break location for the entire family! This all-inclusive resort has everything that the entire family needs to have a fabulous time! If you have children on the Autism Spectrum then Beaches is the place for you. Beaches is the first resort company in the world to complete the rigorous IBCCES training and Autism Certification! They are proud to offer families with children with autism and other special needs specialized service, engaging activities and custom dining options so that all families may enjoy a memorable, award-winning
Beaches Luxury Included® experience! One of our Certified Sandals Specialists will be able to help you plan every aspect of your trip!

2. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is consistently voted the #1 cruise line for families! They are the top of the line when it comes to entertainment, service and family fun! With so many exciting itineraries there is a perfect cruise for everyone! A Disney Cruise is perfect for the entire family, Mom and Dad can check the kids into one of the awesome kids clubs and go have a quiet romantic dinner! One of the things i love about a cruise is that you wake up in a new place every day! It's such a great way to see the world! Surprise the family with the gift of a Disney Cruise for your next Spring Break! 

3. Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts Punta Cana

"Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?" Well, you can when you visit Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts in Punta Cana! This family friendly resort is home to SpongeBob and friends. There is so much to do at this gorgeous resort. Visit "Aqua Nick" - home to the resort's water park and kids' club. Daily slimings and visits by Nickelodeon stars Dora, Boots, TMNT, and SpongeBob and Patrick make this a fun and unique vacation experience. The staff at the kids' club are amazing, their main goal daily is to make sure your kids have the best time ever. It's not all about the kids either, Nickelodeon Hotel and Resorts has one of the most beautiful spas we have ever seen and the food is great! 

4. Tradewinds Island Grand Resort-St. Pete Beach

No passport? No problem! Tradewinds Island Grand Resort is just a quick flight to St. Pete beach in Florida! This family resort is full of fun and adventure. It is the gulf's only off-shore water park and is full of inflatable trampolines and slides. Tradewinds has packages for every budget and rooms and suites that will fit families that are big and small!

5. The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun

This expansive all-inclusive Mexican resort has everything and some! Indoor bowling alley anyone? How about a massive water park? The Grand has it all. The kids' clubs are some of the very best we have seen anywhere! We love the Wired Teen lounge! You"ll find yourself wishing you could stay there all day! Let's talk food - The Grand at Moon Palace has fantastic food and 24 hour room service. Make sure to get the garlic chip pizza at Tavola!

These are just some of the great spots out there for families. Want some help planning your next family vacation? We can assist you every step of the way. Let us use our expertise and relationships with our vendors to help you get the most for your vacation!

Contact our agents today right here!

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Galactic Transformations coming to the Disney Fantasy!

In 2018, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique aboard the Disney Fantasy will offer out-of-this-galaxy makeovers that add to the adventures of Star Wars Day at Sea. Complete with a galactic costume, makeup and hairstyle, kids ages 3-12 can transform into their favorite Star Wars characters!

Adults and teens will also have a chance to celebrate the day in Star Wars style. They will be offering a Rey makeover that includes a stylish dress, makeup and hair style. Or, you can choose from one of four Star Wars-themed T-shirt options.

These Galactic Transformations are only available on Star Wars Day at Sea. All come with exclusive Star Wars Day at Sea merchandise, including a personalized name tag, lanyard with medallion and magnet set. Children also receive a cool cinch bag to take home.

Want more information about Star Wars day at Sea? Contact one of our Disney Cruise experts here today! 

Check out our website and Facebook page to learn more about how we can help you plan the vacation of your dreams! Click below for more info!

 

Upon A Star Travel

www.Facebook.com/uponastartravel

 

"ICE" Gaylord Palms

Fewer things bring us more Joy during the year than the bright lights of the Holidays! Last night I had the pleasure of attending a media event for Gaylord Palms “ICE” in Orlando. When the kids were younger I used to take them to see the Gingerbread displays here, but I’ve never seen ICE. It was amazing! 

 

We had the opportunity to see part of their Cirque Dreams Unwrapped stage show with flying trapeze acts, dancers and more! The stunts were breathtaking! They flew right over the audience with ease! 

After the show we took a short walk over to where the ICE event was being held. You walk inside the most adorable Christmas village filled with all kinds of activities and treats! (Even a Bar for the adults…Hot Toddy’s!), but the Hot Chocolate options looked wonderful! The first thing you see when entering this festive Village is an Ice slide! Of course I had to get on that! It’s a Tube ride that you can race your friends down the ice! Fair warning…. Pick up you bum! I thought they said DON’T pick up my bum so that made for an adventurous ride!! But really it was super fun! All the adults were having a blast right alongside the kids! I can see this whole attraction as being a great date night or family fun night out! 

 

 

We then moved on to the rest of the Village which included a room set up with large tables to decorate Gingerbread cookies and appearances by the cutest Gingerbread couple, along with the Peanuts Character appearances out front of it. There’s also a Storytelling room with none other than Mrs. Claus herself! The kids can write a letter to Santa and drop it at the North Pole Post Office and even get a chance to meet with SANTA! So much fun! 

 

But the really treat here is when you go into ICE itself! You first come to a Parka station where you get one of their free Parkas to use while you walk through the exhibit. It’s a COOL 9 degrees inside so if you’re prone to chills..GET THE PARKA! I happen to enjoy the cold and this Floridian took the opportunity to wear a faux fur coat! WIN! But, if you want to enjoy the other ICE slides inside this area you’ll need to wear a Parka. It’s required. So get the Parka! I also suggest wearing gloves and keeping your cell phone warm. I had mine in a Lifeproof case and that saved it from shutting down like all the others around me. The cold drains the battery almost instantly! 

 

All in all you’re surrounded by beautifully carved ICE sculptures, but the most breathtaking part of the whole experience is the last scene… The Nativity Scene stops you in your tracks! Take the time to Enjoy! 

 

If you’re interested in booking a package at the Gaylord Palms for ICE or adding it to your Walt Disney World holiday vacation, I’d love to help! 

 

Christine Fox

www.uponastartravel.com

Upon A Star Travel & Concierge 

New spaces coming to the Disney Magic!

New exciting spaces and experiences will are being designed for Guests of all ages on the Disney Magic! Changes are expected to be completed by March 2018. From family dining in an enchanted kingdom, to a transformed teen club, to a sophisticated café exclusively for adults, the ship’s newest highlights include:

An Enchanting Dining Experience for Families

At Rapunzel’s Royal Table, your family will delight in an all-new dining experience inspired by the beloved story of Disney’s “Tangled.” The first table service restaurant themed to “Tangled” that features characters and live entertainment will transport you to the kingdom of Corona for an enchanted evening of music and interactive fun featuring Rapunzel and the mischievous Snuggly Duckling Thugs. The family fun is complete with themed menus, special activities and a lively parade to cap off the evening in Corona.

Redesigned Retreat Just for Teens

Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for your teens ages 14-17, is being transformed into a trendy urban loft environment. At Vibe, teens can enjoy a new coffee and smoothie bar, play video and virtual reality games, and check out other cool activities with new friends like a DJ spin-off and movie making. Activities at Vibe are organized and hosted by trained Disney counselors who facilitate the fun and interaction among teens. 

Refined Escape Exclusively for Adults

Adults can relax at Cove Café, an adult-exclusive retreat that will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style. It’s the perfect place to sip a specialty coffee or tea throughout the day, or indulge in wine or a cocktail and light bites during the evening hours. 

Look for these new experiences in March of 2018 on the Disney Magic!

Want more info on booking your next Disney Cruise? Contact our cruise experts today!

Upon A Star Travel

 

Choza de Margarita in Epcot open now!

Check out the new “choza”, or hut, the next time you’re in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion! 

Choza de Margarita opened today! This brand new walk up window & outdoor bar will boast 6 new margaritas, beers, punch & small bites. Empanadas, Queso Fresco, guacamole & more  can all be found on the new menu!

Thirsty? Sip on the Acan Grapefruit or Guava Pink Peppercorn Margaritas! Don’t forget to ride w/ the Tres Caballeros after your snack!”

Want more info on booking your next Magical vacation?

Contact our experts here today!