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

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"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!

 

It's a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

A flurry of season fun has kicked off at Disney's Hollywood Studios! Check out all of the exciting holiday happenings around the resort! 

  • Sunset Seasons Greetings – This new nighttime holiday experience features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. This charming scene becomes enchanted with holiday magic that brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland! A frosty summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance to share his holiday wish! The fantastic and heartwarming experience runs continuously throughout the night.
  • Enhanced holiday décor around Echo Lake – Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-Santa hat.
  • A new friend joins the cast of ‘For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration’ – The holiday fun continues as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff welcome Olaf to the sing-along celebration, featuring for a limited time all-new songs from Disney’s new animated short “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” at Hyperion Theater.

Many returning favorites will be a part of the Flurry of Fun this holiday season including:

  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! – The hit holiday show returns Nov. 9, 2017 sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for Guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.
  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party – Your Clients can wrap up their jolly holiday evening with reserved viewing of the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular. This dessert party includes holiday-inspired snacks, delicious desserts, wine, beer, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while mingling with a VIP Disney Character. This fun-filled holiday event is being offered Nov. 9-Dec. 30, 2017. Contact your Upon A Star agent to book! 
  • Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine – Meet Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy for lunch and dinner celebrations centered on seasonal deliciousness. From Nov. 6-Jan. 7, 2017, the mouse-with-the-mostest will deck the halls for a banquet filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season! To make a reservation, contact your Upon A Star Agent!
  • Santa Claus returns to the Once Upon a Time shop Nov. 9-Dec. 24, 2017. The beautiful and vintage setting reflects the bygone days of Santa’s visits to the great department stores across the country. Santa Goofy will step in for Old Saint Nick when he returns to the North Pole Dec. 25 -31, 2017.

So much to do! There's still time to plan a trip to Walt Disney World for the Holidays!

Contact our expert agents here today!

Upon A Star Travel

Star Wars Day At Sea!

When Star Wars Day at Sea returns on 15 special sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy this January through April, you'll have more opportunities than ever to meet your favorite Star Wars characters on a Disney cruise.

Star Wars Day at Sea returns for 15 out of this world sailings aboard the Disney Fantasy this January through April, you and your family will have more opportunities than ever to meet your favorite Star Wars characters on a Disney cruise. 

New for 2018, you will be guaranteed a time to meet and take photographs with C-3PO and R2-D2, Chewbacca and Darth Vader. Before you even step onboard, you will be able to reserve time with these character experiences online under the My Disney Cruise section of disneycruise.com. 

These are just a few of the ways your can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars galaxy. The event features a full day of fun, including Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, plus a deck party with an awesome fireworks display. 

 Want more information about booking a Star Wars Day at Sea cruise? Contact our travel experts today!

Unwrap The Holidays at Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World is a winter wonderland of twinkling lights & holiday magic! Curious how the Parks transform into their holiday splendor so quickly? With Disney's new Yuletide Fantasy & Holiday D-Lights tour, guests will be able to venture backstage to meet with the Holiday Services Cast Members! 

Discover how Cinderella's Castle is immersed into its spectacular display of thousands of twinkle lights and experience Epcot's popular Candlelight Processional. Disney’s Holiday D-Lights is offered on 12 select nights throughout the season. 'Tis the season to contact your Travel Agent to register for this special tour during the holiday season! 

Contact your Upon A Star Agent today here!

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Ultimate Disney Christmas!

Celebrate the magic of the holidays in The Most Magical Place on Earth with the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World® Resort. Arrive on December 21 and depart on December 26, 2017 and enjoy an itinerary full of magic, including exclusive experiences just for Guests on this package! Take a look at all the unique Yuletide offerings included in this festive offer:

  • December 21, 2017 – One ticket per Guest in your party to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic KingdomPark
  • December 22, 2017 – Access to special nighttime Extra Magic Hours at Pandora – The World of Avatar within Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • December 23, 2017 – A special holiday Character experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • December 24, 2017 – An invitation to a special Christmas Eve dinner celebration at Epcot
  • December 25, 2017 – A special holiday gift delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room

This offer also includes a 5-night stay at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels plus 4-day Theme Park tickets with Park Hopper® Option! Starting at $139 per person, per night, for a family of four in a standard room at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Wrap up this offer for a total package price of $2,775*. Book through December 10, 2017.

This offer will be very limited so book now!

Contact our travel experts here for more info!

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*Price based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child. The number of rooms allocated to this offer is limited. The number of packages available for purchase is limited. Valid Theme Park admission required to attend Theme Park events included with this offer. 

Explore World Showcase with Remy's Ratatouille Hide and Squeak!

It's now October, and Epcot's Food & Wine Festival is in full swing! Brady and I had the opportunity to swing by a couple of weeks ago, and as always, the offerings are fabulous! Something that is done each year is Remy's Hide & Squeak, which is essentially a World Showcase scavenger hunt. I've always been curious, so this year, I figured I'd give it a go!

First, you need to pick up your materials.  These are available for $5.99 (plus tax) at locations in Future World and at Traders in World Showcase. Watch for the sandwich boards advertising that you can purchase a map at that location.

The storyline of your hunt is that Remy is trying to find the ingredients for his famous Ratatouille... and you need to help! Here are your materials:

Map and Stickers for Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

As you spot Remy in each country, place the sticker with the ingredient he's holding on your map!  When you're finished, you return your map to one of the purchase locations to choose a prize! Don't worry - you get to keep the map, too. 

Now one twist I experienced was that I did this hunt 2 days after Irma roared through Florida. As such, Remy was moved inside to safety.  Normally he's visible outdoors in each location; during my stay, though, we found need to search inside each pavilion, which was a fun challenge!

Once I successfully completed my mission, I returned my map and got to select from one of 4 Remy-themed keychains.  Here's the one I picked - isn't it cute?!

My prize!

Ready to help Remy? There's still time to get down to Food & Wine Festival this year! Contact one of our amazing agents for more information!

Highway in the Sky Dine Around-More dates available now!

More dates for Highway in the Sky Dine Around have been announced!

This exciting culinary journey on the Walt Disney World Monorail takes you to three Disney resort hotels, where each destination offers a new delicious experience. Your journey starts with appetizers and cocktails at The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Next, you will travel to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to delight in dishes inspired by the South Pacific. And then, it’s off to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa where you are invited to sit back, sip champagne and enjoy an artisanal selection of cheeses or charcuterie before enjoying the main course of their trip at Cítricos.

The final stop on your culinary  journey takes you back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort where you’ll retire to a private patio to enjoy a delectable array of desserts, cordials and coffee. Here, your Clients will be able watch in wonder as fireworks light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle for the grand finale of your adventure.

Reservations are available until the end of December! These spots will fill up fast! Contact your Upon A Star expert today to reserve your spot today!

Want to plan a Magical Vacation? Contact our highly experienced agents today!

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