The Walt Disney Company is helping Hurricane victims

We at Upon a Star Travel & Concierge are keenly aware of hurricane season, and this has been one of the worst on record. We are pleased to learn that one of the companies we love and trust has committed $2.5 million to aid in humanitarian relief efforts across Florida, the Caribbean and other areas impacted by Hurricane Irma. Their donation will support the disaster response and recovery efforts of the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other nonprofit organizations.

In addition to Disney’s donation announced this week, contributions from Disney employees to eligible relief and recovery organizations will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.

During Hurricane Irma, Walt Disney World was extremely organized and prepared, and took incredible care of their resort guests. They also, along with Disney Cruise Line, donated meals, provided storage for supplies and power-utility vehicles, donated bedding to shelters, and made rooms available for first responders. Disney will also be donating goods and services throughout the region as specific needs are identified.

Following Hurricane Harvey, The Walt Disney Company raised almost $16 million to help storm victims facing the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives and communities. This total reflects Disney’s direct donation to the American Red Cross, personal contributions from employees matched dollar for dollar by Disney, and money raised across the Company through a variety of initiatives, including social media outreach and campaigns in Disney Stores in support of the Day of Giving, which aired August 31 across all of their media platforms.

All of these humanitarian acts are typical for Disney, who works on an ongoing basis with numerous nonprofit organizations on emergency preparedness efforts, including sharing lifesaving information with families before and during emergencies, having supplies prepositioned and at-the-ready to respond to natural disasters, and providing resources to activate large-scale responses in the event of a disaster. We are proud to be associated with this very special company!

Sunset Season Greetings: Hollywood Studios

Set to debut this November, immerse yourself in the season as Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes to life with some of your most favorite characters. Sunset Season’s Greetings will take place nightly from November 9 - December 31, 2017.

Billboards will suddenly begin to move as they tell the stories from some of your favorite characters sharing their love of the winter season. The Hollywood Tower Hotel, fondly known by fans as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, will magically transform, bringing the characters’ stories to life.

Disney Character moments will include:

·      Mickey and Minnie will reminisce about a hometown Christmas. The scene will shift to a romanticized Norman Rockwell-inspired town that starts in Black & White and then slowly changes to color.

·      The Toy Story characters take guesses as to which new toys will be coming this Christmas and then the scene becomes covered in holiday wrapping paper.

·      The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbling on in true Swedish Chef fashion as the scene turns into giant gingerbread houses.

·      And lastly, Olaf will be yearning over his holiday wish with iconic music playing and the scene freezing over into a Frozen winter wonderland. The scene will be completed with dancing Aurora Borealis lights and projected falling snow.

Guests can be enchanted by this new unforgettable, seasonal experience with valid theme park ticket. Contact your Upon A Star Travel expert today to book a trip to Walt Disney World to see it in person!

Viking Cruises Rhine River Getaway!

Check out this amazing offer by Viking Cruises for their Rhine River Getaway! Select November 2018 sailings are offering discounts on both air and sail fares.  

During this 8 day excursion, you will be able to explore Germany's medieval castles (including Heidelberg Castle!) & Black Forest, enjoy a cuckoo clock making demonstration, meander alongside canals and visit museums and windmill villages in Amsterdam, sip vino in one of Germany's or France's wine making regions, visit cathedrals as part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites & more.

All on-board food & drinks, guided tours & excursions, port fees and taxes & transfers are included plus, air from select cities is just $295 per person round trip! There are options to add pre & post cruise nights in Edinburgh, Lucerne, Zermatt and more as well!

Viking longships have 4 gorgeous decks consisting of staterooms, restaurants & lounges, a sun deck and even an organic garden. Relax and take in the scenery while you cruise down the Rhine! Email your Upon A Star agent for details today!

Star Wars: Galactic Nights RETURNS!

Star Wars fans -- time to let out a Wookie yell!!  Star Wars Galactic Nights will return to Hollywood Studios on December 16th!

Among many thrills in store, you can expect to enjoy Star Wars entertainment, special photo opportunities, event-exclusive merchandise, character greetings, and even get a glimpse at the ongoing Star Wars expansion coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Galaxy's Edge, the 14-acre Star Wars expansion that's set to open in 2019.

Here's a look at other event offerings: 

• Star Wars Entertainment - Both Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show will be enhanced with special saga elements.
• Sneak Peeks at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - The Epic Theater will play host to a special one-night-only panel discussion about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.
• Special Photo Ops - Throughout the park, you can step into immersive and iconic scenes from your favorite Star Wars films in a series of incredibly detailed photo locations, including new backdrops inspired by Star Wars Rebels and other scenes from the saga.
• Character Encounters - Guests can be on the lookout for Star Wars characters like Ewoks, AWR Troopers and roaming droids; Jedi Knights teaching younglings in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple; rocketing to the stars aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; and more.
• Exclusive F&B and Merchandise - Even more specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage and merchandise will be available.
• Enjoy park attractions - Select attractions will be open to all Guests. At embarkation points to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, you may come face-to-face with Stormtroopers on the lookout for a Rebel spy.

Star Wars: Galactic Nights access and activities will be exclusive to event ticket holders.  Tickets are priced at $129 for adults, $124 for ages 3-9,  and go on sale Sept. 6, 2017. Contact your Upon A Star Travel expert for more information.  This event will sell out faster than the Millennium Falcon's Kessle Run!

New features for the My Disney Experience app!

A redesigned version of the My Disney Experience app has recently been launched with new features that will give you easier access to all of your vacation plans! 

As a guest on Disney property, you can now use the app to keep track of your Disney dining plan credits to see how many meals and snacks remain in your account! Plus, you can also keep track of purchases charged to your Disney Resort hotel account,  right from your mobile device!

This recent update to My Disney Experience builds on recently introduced features, including Mobile Order and Online Check-In. Disney always is introducing new ideas to make your Walt Disney Vacation even easier and more relaxing, and we at Upon A Star Travel are very excited about this one!

Marvel Day at Sea: Superhero Line-Up!

The amazing line-up for Disney Cruise Lines Marvel Day at Sea has been released! Take a look at this awesome collection of characters!! Today, we're thrilled to reveal that Black Widow and Hawkeye will also join this epic event!  Throughout this day long celebration, you will have the opportunity to see some of these legendary characters from the Marvel Universe up close and in person …

• Iron Man
• Spider-Man
• Thor
• Star-Lord
• Loki
• Groot
• Gamora
• Black Panter
• Black Widow
• Hawkeye
• Captain America
• Doctor Strange 

 You"ll able to sign up for a designated time to meet Spider-Man, Iron Man and, for the first time, Black Panther during the sailing. Kids can train with some of their favorite Super Heroes in Marvel’s Avengers Academy. During the action-packed deck show spectacular, more than a dozen of everyone's favorite Marvel Super Heroes will come together for an epic finale. With this amazing line-up it is sure to be an EPIC cruise!

Stay tuned here, as we reveal more exciting details about our Marvel Day at Sea voyages, including how to pre-book select Super Hero encounters during this special day at sea. The event premieres on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canada cruises from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. 

For more info on booking this or another amazing Disney Cruise, contact us here today!

Viva Italia! Italy at Its Finest!

Ah, Italy! Just the name of this country probably brings images to your mind. Are you picturing the gorgeous countryside? The fabulous food and wine? Well I can tell you that it's both of those things, and so much more! 

Exactly a month ago I was traveling the Italian countryside, checking out all that Adventures by Disney has to offer. And let me tell you -- it offers A LOT! The amount of experiences I had in just 8 days still blows my mind. I've tried to write this post many times, but each time, so many words fought to fill the page that I thought it best to do it in podcast form, which I did! (You can click here for that link. )  But now that it's been a month, the wonderful memories have distilled into several key moments, and I can't wait to share them with you... read on! 

So as you read this, just know that everything I did, you can do too! This itinerary works almost year-round, and it is worth every cent. First let me introduce you to my tour guides:

Korey & Alexa

They were amazing! I couldn't have asked for better guides!  This picture really showcases their fun personalities.  On your Adventures by Disney tour, you may have different guides, but I can guarantee that they'll bring the fun! These two kept everything moving seamlessly. They functioned not just as tour guides, but as photographers, storytellers, comedians, and best of all  - FRIENDS.

The lovely Alexa hails from Rome, so she functioned as our local guide. Korey is from the US, and he was our other guide, bringing his amazing knowledge of history and the culture to us. I can't thank them enough for making this trip so incredible.  So as the song says, "let's start at the very beginning..."

Rome

Well in many ways, Rome is kind of the beginning - "All roads lead to Rome" after all! Upon arrival, I was met by Adventures by Disney representatives and ushered through the airport. The process (which could have been overwhelming) couldn't have been easier! We were handed over to our private driver, and then we were met at our hotel by our guides.  Here is our hotel, the lovely Grand Melia Rome!

Later, we were whisked off to see the beauty and awesomeness of the Colosseum:

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And yes, I am wearing gladiator sandals. Because, you know... when in Rome! This experience really hit me - the weight of all of the history, the fact that it is literally an ancient building STILL STANDING - it was so inspiring. And well - we didn't wait in one single line. Not one. Oh and did I mention walking through the Gladiators Entrance? That is something that only about 1% of visitors get to do. 

Day 2 began at the Vatican.  The richness of this city-within-a-city was truly a sight to behold. And of course, again, no lines! We were among the first to visit St. Peter's Basilica and the Pieta. 

The afternoon had us touring more of this amazing city.  Just imagine... a place where the "new section" was built in the 1800s! Seeing 2000 years worth of history in 2 blocks... I can't even describe it. The Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the gelato... oh the gelato! So delicious! 

But the highlight of Day 2 had to be touring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after hours. Privately. With no crowds whatsoever. AND we got the rare privilege of taking pictures in the Sistine Chapel (this is not something that normally happens... just an extra bit of pixie dust!! Here are some of my favorites:

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Completely amazing!

Orvieto

Day 3 had us traveling to the beautiful medieval city of Orvieto on our way to Tuscany. So many amazing places to visit here, including a gorgeous medieval Duomo (that's a church!). But this is my favorite picture:

Orvieto - side street

Tuscany

Day 4 is maybe my favorite. Hard to pick, but I remember every second of this day. Visiting "Sarah's Farm"... real name Fattoria Poggio Alloro. This family-owned farm has gone from just starting to a leading producer of Wines and Olive Oils. Disney fans, it may interest you to know that Sarah herself will be at Food and Wine Festival in Epcot this year!

The itinerary? Pasta making! And food! And a tour of the farm and winery! And oh my goodness, Sarah was such a ball of joy and energy throughout. She made Tuscany completely unforgettable. And I'm calling this the best meal of my life... 

And it really looks like that! What an incredible view!

Also, shout out to our hotel here, which was a converted farmhouse.  The Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda was amazing!

Florence

Day 5 takes us to Florence, home of the Medicis, and a place where almost every major Renaissance artist stayed! I loved seeing all of the gorgeous buildings and of course, shopping! Two highlights though were seeing Michaelangelo's David at the Academia and touring the Palazzo Vecchio. 

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Venice

Day 6 & 7 brought us to Venice. Of course, it's a water bound city, so what better way to travel than by gondola? Did I mention a gondola with musicians?

After a quick tour to get our bearings, we were taken to the Hilton Molino Stucky, which is a gorgeous hotel with one of the top rooftop pools in the world!

While in Venice, we had plenty of free time to explore, but we also got to see the Bridge of Sighs and Doges Palace which were both incredible. 

But the highlight here was Venetian mask-making at a beautiful shop called "Tragicomica".  The artisans were amazing! They guided us as we designed our very own Carnivale mask!

So as you can see, we were with a group. And you know what? The entire group still chats... almost daily... in our Facebook Group. I was nervous about traveling with "strangers", but let me tell you, they are now fast friends. I truly enjoyed spending time with them. And not to worry, although these were the highlights, there was plenty of "explore on your own" time. Brady and I have fond memories of exploring roaming Italy by ourselves. We could not have accomplished the amount of things we did without the help of Adventures by Disney... and we certainly wouldn't have felt so spoiled! Of course, I wanted to leave some magical surprises, so I didn't tell you everything.

I hope that this taste of "Viva Italia" and Adventures by Disney has inspired you! There are so many itineraries to choose from! I'd love to answer your questions about Adventures by Disney, and your Upon A Star Agent can help you find the perfect match for your family! 

Until next time... Ciao!

Disney Cruise Line showered with Awards and Honors

If you've been on a Disney Cruise then you know how amazing they are! Year after year, Disney Cruise Line has earned recognition as leaders by not only travel professionals and hospitality industry groups, but—most importantly—by you the guests!

In 2016—for the eighth straight year—Travel + Leisure named Disney Cruise Line World's Best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line for Families. Disney Cruise Line was also distinguished as Best for Families by the 2016 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. Whether it’s the amazing themed play spaces overflowing with activities for the kids, exciting nightlife and intimate dining for the adults, or Broadway-style live shows and deck parties to bring everyone together at the end of the day, a Disney cruise is designed with your entire family in mind.

Disney Castaway Cay has also been voted Best Cruise Line Private Island by the 2017 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards, U.S. News & World Report ranked us #1 on their list of Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean. Castaway Cay is stunning and there's so much to do!!

The 2017 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards honored Disney Cruise Line with 8 first-place honors, including Best Overall Ship in both Large and Mid-Size categories. With 3 new ships coming to the fleet, it will just get better and better!

Ready to set sail on a Disney Cruise? Let our experts help you plan the perfect cruise! Contact our experts here today.

Candlelight Processional at Epcot®: List of Narrators Announced!

We love the Candlelight Processional at Epcot®! This year some new faces will be added to the list of narrators! Check it out!

New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” Also, new to the event is television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Take a look at the schedule of narrators that have been conformed so far!

• Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
• Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
• Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
• Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The processional is performed three times per night (5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. Packages for this festive event are available on select nights, they include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

 Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill will have breakfast, lunch and dinner options again as well as Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining packages.

The Candlelight Processional celebrates time honored traditions and Epcot comes alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Contact your Upon A Star agent today to book a Candlelight dining package today!

Let us help you make magical memories!!

NCL Tax Free Labor Day Sale!

Who loves FREE? We do! Book one of these select cruises and enjoy FREE government taxes, fees and port expenses on first and second guests. Plus, choose up to 5 Free Offers with Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion, including Free Open Bar, Free Specialty Dining, Free Shore Excursions, Free Wifi and Free Extra Guests - up to $2,800 in overall value! 

Chase an endless summer with Norwegian's Free At Sea and choose up to 5 free offers plus, for a limited time, book with reduced deposits. http://bit.ly/2oYoA9v Book a Studio or Inside Stateroom and choose 1 free offer, or choose 2 when booking an Oceanview, Balcony or Mini-Suite.

These are some fantastic deals!! Book with one of our cruise experts by August 31st, 2017 to take advantage of these deals! Contact us here today!

Grand Avenue: Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® is going through some major changes with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. But we just found out there will be a bit more! Muppets Courtyard, along with a portion of the former Streets of America, is being re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineering to become a new area called Grand Avenue. Inspired by present day Los Angeles, Grand Avenue is where vintage office buildings and warehouses are being converted into fun and exciting new uses. New spaces for “shops” should soon be popping up in this area! Each window on the street will charming displays to look at.  One of the highlights of Grand Avenue will be BaseLine Tap House, a new corner pub that will feature California beers and wines along with small bites. 

Muppets Courtyard will become Grand Park, an urban square off Grand Avenue. Close by will be PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.  If you haven't notice changes have already begun. The Muppets theater has been renamed “Grand Arts Theatre” and has a brand-new marquee. Muppet*Vision 3D will be sticking around to keep you laughing as well! Grand Avenue is expected to open up to guests this Fall. We are so excited about all of the new changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®  how about you?

Want a truly magical vacation? Let our experts help you plan! Contact us here today!

FANTASMIC! DESSERT & VIP VIEWING EXPERIENCE!!

If you like yummy desserts and Fantasmic! then you are in luck!! This enhanced event will begin when you check-in and receive a yummy snack box, which features a mix of sweet and savory items, at the Fantasmic! theater before the show starts. You will receive a special light-up credential will allow Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience Guests to enter your own special reserved viewing area! 

The adult snack boxes will include chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple crisp, California trail mix and cheese and crackers. The kiddos box will include chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms, confetti popcorn, grapes and a vanilla cake bite which features the star of Fantasmic! — Sorcerer Mickey! Everyone will also receive a bottle of water and a specialty alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup.

The cost will be $39 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-9. 

Want to add this to your next magical vacation? Contact our experts here today!

Let us help you plan your next amazing vacation!

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam Holiday Dessert Party Returns!

Last year, Disney's Hollywood Studios began offering the "Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam" show during the holiday season. This popular nighttime show is based on the ABC Prep & Landing animated special, and it is returning for 2017! The show will be running from November 9-December 31.

Once again, there will be a dessert party offering to go along with this experience.  Enjoy desserts, snacks, wine, beer, and specialty beverages (both non-alcoholic and alcoholic) -- all while mingling with a VIP Disney Character!

Pricing is $79 adult/$45 until December 15, and $89 adult/$49 child for the remainder of December. Already a client? Contact your Upon A Star agent to add this to your itinerary!

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire at Disney Springs!

We are so excited about this news!!! Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is coming to Downtown Disney at the Disneyland® Resort and Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World®Resort!

Starting this holiday season, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will send you to a galaxy far, far away. You will be able to engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. You will literally become part of the Star Wars story!

This new immersive experience is from THE VOID, an entertainment company that combines the magic of illusions and advanced technology to create immersive social experiences. Of course  Lucasfilm and ILMxLab will be collaborating with THE VOID to bring us this one- of- a- kind experience.

We will be bringing you more details as soon as we get them!! We can't wait to experience this in person!

Are you ready to book a vacation that is out of this world? Contact our experts here today!

Minnie Van service at Walt Disney World Resort

It was announced earlier this month at D23 Expo 2017 and now it is a reality! Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can now can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. Once the transportation has ben scheduled a Disney Cast Member will arrive and whisk you anywhere on Walt Disney World property!

The new Minnie Van service fits up to 6 passengers with 2 car seats for even the smallest Disney fans! The service will run from 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (subject to change). Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can learn more by visiting their Bell Services desk.

Can't wait till it's rolled out to all of the resorts!

Want info on booking a magical vacation? 

Contact our experts today!

Experience a Magical Holiday at Universal Orlando Resort™

From November 18th-January 6th 2018, both The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™  will be transformed by festive decorations, treats and special entertainment. And when the stars begin to shine, a stunning projection wraps Hogwarts™ castle in dazzling holiday spirit. 

The Minions are back for a new incarnation of the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy's! Experience magic and mayhem as the minions help celebrate Holiday magic in this fun parade!

Grinchmas™ will be back at Seuss Landing™. Experience this Who-liday Spectacular, a live retelling of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale starring The Grinch™ Make this experience even more exciting by booking a breakfast with the Grinch and his friends!

Nothing says Christmas like the classic sounds of Mannheim Steamroller! Performances available on select dates!!

 Universal Orlando Resort™ is the place to be for the Holidays!! It's not too late to book a trip and enjoy all the amazing events  going on this Fall! Contact our Universal Studios Specialists here today for more information!

Why We Love Mexico

There was some very unfortunate news lately in the media about a sad situation that occurred at an All-Inclusive resort in Mexico. This incident was unfortunate and of course we all wish it wouldn't have happened, but the fact is that devastating things can happen anywhere. Danger is not reserved exclusively for Mexico.

We are sure that bad things have happened in Mexico, but bad things have occurred in Orlando, in Paris, and even in your own hometown. At Upon A Star Travel, we work very closely with all of our vendors and suppliers. We trust them and their services completely. In our years of business, we have never had an incident with any of our clients at any resorts Mexico or otherwise.

Will we stop selling Mexico? Absolutely not, we love Mexico and send people there almost weekly. We will continue to foster close relationships with our vendors and resorts. We send clients all over the globe daily. We tell them all to be aware of their surroundings. To be wise and alert. To be safe in the heat and with alcohol. In this world, tragic things happen everywhere - not just Mexico.

If you write Mexico off, you are only doing yourself a disservice. On our travels to Mexico, we have met some of the kindest, hard-working people anywhere. We have had out-of-this-world service and amazing food and drinks. We will not let fear keep us from visiting this beautiful part of the world.

If you would like more information about booking an amazing vacation to Mexico or another awesome location contact our experts here!

Disney Vacation Account Has Been Discontinued!!

Several years ago, Disney created the Disney Vacation Account as a savings plan to help people save money for their Disney vacations.  You could put funds away on your own schedule or calculate how much to be withdrawn each week or month to get you to your vacation goal.  Now you will have to squirrel away your Disney dollars another way because Disney has suddenly discontinued this service.

No new accounts could be opened starting July 25, 2017.  If you had a Disney Vacation Account they are offering several options for you to choose from:

    OPTION 1 – Use the total amount in your account to purchase a Disney Gift Card.  This must be done by September 27, 2017.  If you choose this option Disney will add an extra 5% on your gift card.  This will be in the form an e-card and emailed to you.

    OPTION 2 – Redeem your balance toward the Disney Vacation of your choice.

    OPTION 3 – Do nothing.  Starting September 27, 2017, Disney will close the accounts and process refunds.  Refunds will go back to the original form of payment or by check to your mailing address. 

Those that choose this option will receive a bonus of 2% or $5.00 (whichever is greater), which will be placed on a Disney Gift Card and emailed to you.  The bonus will be delivered separately from the refund.

    OPTION 4 – Request a refund before the refund process described in Option 3 is completed, and you will be issued a full refund of your unused balance that will be refunded to your original form of payment or by check to your mailing address.  With this option, you will not be eligible to receive the Disney Gift Card.

Log into your account for additional information and instructions.

When you book with one of our travel experts, we can help you find great ways to plan for your vacation.  From a lay-away plan, to places to get Disney Gift Cards with a discount or retailer rewards, to monitoring your vacation package for available discounts, we can help you achieve your magical vacation.

Contact our travel experts today here!

AM Resorts Christmas in July Sale!

Check out this limited ,week long Christmas in July sale from AM Resorts!

Book from July 25, 2017 through July 31, 2017 and save some $$! Rates starting at $174.00  USD per person, per night! Travel dates must be from December 23, 2017 through January 1, 2018.

Available at the following resorts:

• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
• Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
• Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa
• Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
• Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
• Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
• Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
• Dreams Dominicus La Romana
• Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
• Now Jade Riviera Cancun
• Sunscape Dominican Beach Punta Cana

It's a great time to plan a winter getaway and save some $$

Contact our Am Resort Master Agents here for more info on taking advantage of this deal!

*Starting from rate varies by resort and is based on land-only reservations. Starting from rate is not reflective of the price for the entire travel period. Not applicable to group bookings. Run of the house room categories. Entire promotion is subject to availability and can be modified or closed at any time.

YUMMY! Epcot's 35th International Food & Wine Festival offerings!

If you're a Disney fan and you love food and wine, then you likely know Epcot's 35th International Food & Wine Festival is kicking off! The festivities begin August 31st! 

Tastings, seminars, concerts, and 35 kiosks help celebrate the variety of bites and beverages this popular festival is serving up this year. 

Here are a few of the new offerings for 2017! 

The Odyssey Pavilion is serving up eats with tributes to the past, present & future with a Chilled Scotch Egg, Zesty Cheeseburger & Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich (hello, YUM?!), L'Orange Cotton Candy & Sprite with Boba Pearls! 

Head over to Meet the Chefs and watch the masters demonstrate their skills in Disney restaurant kitchens, participate in seminars within the festival (some offered for a fee), or listen to their time-tested tips & tricks to help you in your kitchen! New chefs this year include Chad Johnson, Daniella Malfitano & Jet Tila to name a few! 

Brand new kiosks for 2017 include: 

Active Eats ... Try the Sweet Avocado Crema offered with a matching beverage & more! 

Coastal Eats ... Sail on in here to try Lump Crab Cake paired with a Pacific Coastal wine! 

Flavors From Fire ... Love Spicy? Try the Piggy Wings or Chocolate Picante! Hot, hot, hot! 

Light Lab ... Thirsty? Savor some sips from this kiosk's selection of drafts, spirits & vitamin waters! 

The Almond Orchard ... If you're feeling a bit nutty after walking through the World Showcase, take a bite out of their Banana Almond Sundae! 

Returning to the festival this year after a bit of a hiatus are kiosks for India, Spain & Thailand! What snacks are you hoping to try this year? 

Feel like dancing as you're eating & drinking your way around the world? Stop by the America Gardens Theatre each night for the Eat to the Beat concert series! Artists such as Lauren Alaina, Fuel, Kenny G, Tiffany, Hanson, Living Colour and more will have you moving in your seat! MmmmBop! 

AND, who doesn't love CHEESE?! Guest cheese makers will explain the flavor profile of popular cheeses as well as their featured regions, while guests sample a variety of artisanal bites paired with complementary wines & craft beers. Internationally renowned cheese experts will also be leading seminars serving up a bit of fromage from all over the world including France, Italy, and the Mediterranean. Taste Old World pairings of wine & cheese as well as British & American selections!  

There's so much going on during the Festival this year; make sure you let us know if we can reserve any of the special events for you! You won't want to miss out on these fun events! Eating, drinking & Disney; what's more fun than that?!

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