TSA Cares Program

I love how fast flying gets me to my destination so I can start my vacation, but I am not a fan of the airport.  I completely understand the necessity of the screening process but still feel overwhelmed by it, no matter how many times I travel.  Every airport seems to have its own way of doing their screenings too, which causes real confusion! 

Now imagine you have a medical condition that makes going through the security checkpoint a very difficult process.  My son, Mike, is on the autism spectrum and has type 1 diabetes.  He wears a wireless insulin pump that uses Bluetooth technology and carries back-up syringes.  He is supposed to avoid scanners as they can interfere with the pump's programming and he always gets his bag pulled for the supplies in them.  This causes him severe stress and anxiety as he waits in line because he knows this will happen.  By the time we get to the agent he can't even verbalize his needs and can be inconsolable. 

I had recently heard the TSA Cares program can help travelers with disabilities and medical conditions navigate the system so my family decided to try it on our most recent vacation to Florida.  It really helped our family get through the anxiety of the screening process at the airports with ease.  The Support Specialists were kind yet efficient, and took the time to explain step-by-step what we needed to do.

Three days before our departure I called TSA's toll free helpline at 1-855-787-2227 and spoke to Jeanette.  She was very friendly and patient with my questions.  She took my flight information and put it in the system.  She asked what accommodations we would need and made note of each of them.  She asked clarifying and relevant follow up questions.  Her knowledge of the process and the special needs of my family really helped put my mind at ease.  She sent me an email confirmation outlining how the program would work for my family.  Jeanette further explained that each airport handles the support program differently and that some would contact us in advance and some would not.  It is also only available in US airports.  She also directed me to their website to download and print out a card I could use at any airport for assistance, even if I couldn't call in advance.

                     Mike's TSA Notification Card

Within 24 hours I received a call from PIT (Pittsburgh International) airport support.  They gave me a number to call once I checked in for my flight.  When we arrived and called the number, a TSA Support Specialist met my family at Arch (the giant mechanical statue).  He went through the entire process of how the screening would go.  They would not separate us for the screening.  He confirmed the special services we needed and walked through security with us, talking to us the entire time about next steps.  He even sat with my son Mike after the screening and chatted about our vacation while Mike put his shoes on and got re-organized.

                                                    Mike loves Arch!

For our return flight out of MCO (Orlando International) we hadn't heard from anyone prior to our arrival at the airport.  I used the TSA Card Jeanette had recommended and showed it to the first TSA officer I saw.  She had our family stand to the side while she called a Support Specialist, who arrived to meet with us in just a few minutes.  The Support Specialist explained to Mike every step of the process and stayed with us through the line and screening.  When Mike started to get to the private pat-down screening he started to get very agitated with his eyes darting between me and the Support Specialist.  She must have picked up on it and said there was a male officer that would handle it and that we were all allowed to stay together through all of security.

When we reached the gate area I found I had missed a call from MCO's TSA Support team.  They had called 2 hours before my flight to make arrangements.  They must have called while we were going through security.

The TSA cares program really helped my family make it through security this trip without Mike freaking out or melting down.  It was one of the smoothest TSA screenings we have had with him in all the times we have traveled.  If you have someone with special needs or a medical device, I recommend this services.

You can find more information on the TSA website HERE and get the TSA Notification Card HERE

 

Real ID Act! Be prepared!

Just an update on the Real ID act and what it means for you. Just remember that right now, PA & NJ both have an extension only through October 10, 2018. PennDOT will not be issuing RealID compliant drivers licenses until early 2019. California is issuing compliant licenses now, but you must choose that as the option; not all licenses are RealID compliant. It is unclear as to when NJ will issue RealID compliant licenses. As long as the federal government continues to issue extensions, Pennsylvanians, Californians, & New Jersey residents may continue to fly with current ID. The final deadline for enforcement is 2020. 

Pennsylvanians Click here for more info

Californians Click here for more info

Those from TX and OH -- your states are compliant, but please ensure that your Driver's License is the RealID compliant version.

What this means:
At this time, those traveling on/after Oct 10, 2018 will need another form of ID to board aircraft:

  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

It is possible that PA/NJ/CA will receive another extension, but it is not a given.
TSA requires that adults boarding aircraft use proper ID, but ID is not required for children under age 18.
If an extension is not granted beyond Oct 10, as of right now you will need another form of ID to fly.

If you have any questions or unsure of what ID you will need to travel, please contact your Upon A Star Agent today for more info!

 

Dining at Maria and Enzo's

If you've followed along on any Upon A Star adventures or social media accounts, you probably know that Disney Springs is a rapidly changing and rapidly growing place! In fact, it was recently listed in a travel blog as one of the top 20 places to visit -- and I couldn't agree more!

On our recent trip in January, Brady & I ventured with our friends down to Disney Springs several times - after all, a foodie's gotta eat!

Maria and Enzo's is one of the newest eateries. It's themed - stick with me here - like an airport! The back story is that Maria and Enzo had a small bakery in the airport, but when it closed, they converted the whole thing into a dream restaurant (with the help of the owner of the Edison next door - but that's another blog post!). 

As you might imagine, this restaurant serves Italian food. The views are fantastic -- overlooking the water -- and the food I had was wonderful.  I loved the whole look and feel. There were travel & aviation posters lining the walls, and the room had an open and airy feel.

In addition to the main seating area, there is also a "First Class Lounge". There are no outside views, but it does have tablecloths! Due to the diners, i couldn't snag a picture of those tables.

But let's talk about the real star here - the FOOD.  I love Italian food! And I really enjoyed everything! The menu is somewhat limited, but very good. The first picture was our appetizer, the Arancini di Carne (fried rice stuffed with meat ragù, peas and mozzerella).  For my entree, I had the Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with lump crab meat) -- it tasted fresh and was so delicious! Brady had the Rigatoni, and our friends had the Spaghetti. Desserts were the Cannoli and the Sicilian Ricotta layered sponge cake.

All four of us were impressed with our food - and with our server! Martina was amazing - be sure to request her table when you go!

In terms of pricing, you are definitely going to pay over $20 per entree. Disney Dining Plans are not yet accepted; but for me, I don't mind paying for a great meal every now and again.

Want to try it for yourself? Let your Upon A Star agent know that Maria and Enzo's is a must on your next trip -- we will set it all up for you. 

Buon Apetito! 

News from D23 Expo in Japan

Star Wars-inspired resort at Walt Disney World Resort

This resort will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars - Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a first-of-its-kind resort that will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Your journey through space will start with everyone departing together for a multi-day Star Wars Adventure on a starship filled with characters and stories that unfold around you on your journey.  At the resort, you will immediately become citizens and can dress in the proper attire. This resort will allow for a total Star Wars experience. Stay tuned for more information on this fascinating resort!

 

 

Pixar Pier at Disney’s California Adventure to open June 23

This reimagined land will feature four whimsical neighborhoods representing favorite Pixar stories with newly theme attractions, food and merchandise. You will enter Pixar Pier through a new marquee, which will be capped with the iconic Pixar Lamp later this year. Pixar Pier will also include the all new Incredicoaster - a super combination of characters, lights and special effects that will have the Parr family racing alongside you in a high-speed adventure.  A dazzling new float will join the popular “Paint the Night” Parade. This float will feature Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone as well as innovative visual technology that will bring Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack to life. “Paint the Night” Parade will make its debut in Disney’s California Adventure when the first-ever Pixar Fest celebration begins throughout the Disneyland Resort on April 13, 2018.

 

Adventures By Disney Announces New Japan Vacation for 2019

This trip will offer immersive, cultural experiences like visiting temples in Kyoto, learning sword techniques from a master samurai, exploring the bustling city of Tokyo and so much more. You will be able to book this new adventure later this spring, so look for more details in the coming months.

 

 

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ Attraction at Epcot

Disney is going big with this new attraction! This one-of-a-kind family attraction will be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters and will be added to Future World at Epcot. It will feature a unique story that is currently in development by Walt Disney Imagineering and include a new innovative ride system that is guaranteed to “WOW.”

The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-inspired coaster is part of the ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney. “As we build upon its core mission of optimism and hope to inspire the world, the real will become fantastic and the fantastic will become real—in whole new ways at Epcot,” Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said. 

The attraction is set to open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021. Stay tuned for more updates.

 

 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opens in 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s first Mickey-themed ride-through attraction will feature a new theme song made especially for the ride and a new experience that defies logic, which Disney is calling "2½-D". No glasses required.

On the attraction, the fun begins with the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie getting ready for a picnic. As they are driving along, they drive alongside a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then in one magical moment, you will be transported into the movie and onto Goofy’s train for a wild and wacky ride.

Stay tuned for more information on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway!

 

Exciting New Pixar Experiences are Coming to Life at Disney Parks

For more than 20 years Disney Parks has partnered with Pixar to bring their compelling stories and beloved characters to life in the parks—and soon even more Pixar is coming to both Disney Parks.

At Disneyland Resort in California

Beginning April 13, 2018, the first ever Pixar-Fest will be a celebration of friendship and more throughout the Disneyland Resort. The spotlight of Pixar-Fest will be launch of the all-new “Together Forever—A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” the return of the “Paint the Night” parade and Pixar Play Parade as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage, and new merchandise items. During this celebration, Pixar Pier will be opening featuring new whimsical neighborhoods full of friends from “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out,” and “Toy Story.” The main attraction will be the “Incredicoaster.”

 

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

New Pixar-inspired experiences are set up for several parks as we get ready for “Incredible Summer.” At Magic Kingdom Park, you can visit Tomorrowland and party with characters from “The Incredibles”—including Edna Mode, fashion designer, for the first time ever! At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a new show inspired by “Up” will star Senior Wilderness Explorer, Russel and his furry-friend Dug, just in time for the park’s 20th anniversary.

Toy Story Land is set to open this summer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When it opens, you will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in the fun with Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and all of Andy’s other toys in Andy’s Backyard. Here you can take a ride on the Slinky Dog Dash Family Coaster, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers or the current guest favorite Toy Story Mania!

We also want to remind you that it was previously announced for an upcoming “Ratatouille” inspired attraction in the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. This attraction will be patterned after the experience in Disneyland Paris, where you can shrink down to the size of Remy and join him on a race through Gusteau’s kitchen and restaurant. Ratatouille is already the #1 family attraction at Disneyland Paris and will be a fantastic addition to Epcot.

 

With all of the new, exciting, and upcoming things happening with Disney Parks and beyond, you won’t want to miss it! So, contact your Upon A Star Agent today to discuss your next vacation!

Toy Story Land's Alien Swirling Saucers: Sneak Peek

Who is excited for Toy Story Land!?!

Disney World is rolling out the red carpet for the new Toy Story Land opening this summer. You will get to play big in Andy’s backyard and also get to ride big on two family-friendly attractions planned for the new land and one popular fan favorite.

 Here’s a first glimpse at the latest artwork for one of them – Alien Swirling Saucers.

Once the aliens have powered up their flying saucers, you will get to climb into a toy rocket and hang on as aliens lead the way on an interstellar romp set to an out-of-this-world beat. And if you're really lucky, you just might get “chosen” by the claw!

We can't wait to check it out in person! If you don't have a trip planned for this Summer to check out Toy Story Land, now is the time!! Let our expert agents help you plan the perfect trip!

Contact an agent today here!

Have an “Incredible Summer” this summer at Walt Disney World Resort!

This Summer get ready for an “Incredible Summer” at all Four Theme Parks of the Walt Disney
World Resort and Disney Springs when several Disney Movies come to life in the form of new
attractions, entertainment, experiences and more.


At Magic Kingdom Park, the Incredibles will take over Tomorrowland. You can party with
Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from Disney Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and soon-to-be
blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” The greatest superhero costumer designer, Edna Mode, will also
make her debut appearance. Every evening you can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the
Rocket Tower Stage. [Note: Disney Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” opens in theaters June 15, 2018.]


Over in Epcot, The Guardians of the Galaxy take the stage. StarLord and Gamora from
“Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band to take you on a journey through the cosmos.
This party will feature music from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2, music from the two movies. All
of this to build your anticipation of a new “Guardians of the Galaxy” themed attraction coming to
Epcot.


Debuting over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, “Adventurers Meet UP! A Great
Bird Adventure” and a “Dino-Tastic” celebration for Donald Duck. These two new can’t-miss
experiences will open in time for Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary! First, you can
discover new bird species from around the world in “Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird
Adventure” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. Then
join Donald Duck as he takes over Dinoland in a “dino-tastic” celebration.


See “Incredibles 2” at AMC Disney Springs. On June 15, 2018, everyone’s favorite family of
superheroes is back. However, this time Helen is in the spotlight, while Bob is taking care of the
everyday family life with Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack, who has emerging superpowers. A
new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot forcing the family and Frozone to find a way to
work together again, which is easier said than done.


And finally, Toy Story Land opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A major highlight of an “Incredible Summer” at Walt Disney World Resort is the opening of this new 11-acre land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You will “shrink” to the size of a toy and go exploring in Andy’s backyard. Two new attractions include the family friendly coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land will also feature everyone’s favorite attraction Toy Story Mania!, which will add a third track to its rotation. Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick service restaurant option that will serve tasty meals and old fashioned soda floats. Stay tuned for more information on Toy Story Land, including an opening date!


So there you have it! It will be one “Incredible Summer” at Walt Disney World Resort this
summer and you won’t want to miss it. Contact your Upon A Star Agent today to find how to book your "Incredible Summer"!

Egg-stravaganza scavenger and more at Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival

From March 16-April 1, 2018 you can visit the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and participate in our Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt – hunting high and low in World Showcase for “eggs” that portray favorite Disney characters. 

As you find the hidden Disney Character-themed “eggs” in the park, you can record their discoveries by placing a corresponding sticker on a specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. Maps and stickers can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at the following parks and locations:

  • Disney Trader
  • Pin Central
  • World Traveler

When you have found all of the “eggs” and complete the scavenger hunt map, you can return it to Disney Traders for a sp-egg-tacular surprise.

Also, featured will be a new springtime scavenger hunt called Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration. In this hunt, Disney’s favorite honey bee, Spike, has been pollinating his way around the festival, giving gardeners of any age the chance to follow his pollination trail around World Showcase at Epcot.

It’s easy to start this new scavenger hunt. You can pick up a garden map and stickers at Port of Entry. Then, it’s time to look for Spike! 

As you explore the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, be on the lookout for Spike as he pollinates Epcot’s gardens. In each garden, you have to search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once you find him, they can add the corresponding sticker to your map. 

After your journey is complete, you can return their map for a springtime surprise.

Maps and stickers for Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration can be purchased for $5.99, plus tax at Port of Entry.

What a fun addition to your magical vacation!

For help planning your next magical vacation, contact us today!

English Knights & Wizards Tour in London!

Explore iconic castles, visit Warner Bros Studios’ “The Making of Harry Potter,” and even experience falconry! This 8 day tour by CIE Tours International is filled with amazing memory making moments!

Double Decker Tour Bus

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Enjoy a tour of London on your Private Double Decker Bus
  • Take a ride in a private capsule on the London Eye, with panoramic London views
  • Experience magnificent scenery on one of the world's great steam railway journeys through the glorious Snowdonia National Park
  • Go behind the scenes and relive the magic of the Harry Potter film series, at the Warner Bros studio, where it all began

Trip Highlights:

  • Themed London Walking Tour
  • Roman Baths
  • Stonehenge
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • Guided bike ride through Kensington Park
  • Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Language & Heritage Centre
  • Shakespeare’s Birthplace
  • Slate Caverns Tour
  • Windsor Castle
  • Tower of London for private viewing of the Crown Jewels
  • Dinner and a Musical

Dining Experiences:

  • 7 dinners and 3 lunches including a Cardiff Castle Welsh Banquet, plus a Welsh afternoon tea

Tower of London

Hotels:

  • Grange Tower Bridge Hotel
    London (2 nights)
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
    Cardiff (1 night)
  • St Georges Hotel
    Landudno (2 nights)
  • Hallmark Hotel The Welcombe
    Stratford-upon-Avon (1 night)
  • Macdonald Windsor Hotel
    Windsor (1 night)

This amazing tour is available for departures from June 23-August 4th!

Contact our expert agents today to start planning!