Jenn

Founder/Agent
jenn@uponastartravel.com

Location: Cranberry Twp, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH JENN!

Jenn has been a lifelong Disney fan. Just like Walt Disney, she believes, "If you can dream it, you can do it!" This dream led to the founding of Upon A Star Travel and Concierge in 2014, and the agency quickly became a top-rated one.

Jenn has a passion for all travel, and in addition to expertly planning Disney vacations, she has extensive experience planning for Hawaii, Europe, All-Inclusive destinations, and Cruise vacations. Jenn has the designation of being a Hawaii Travel Specialist in addition to her Certified Sandals Specialist label.

Having attended Cruise World’s STAR program two years running, Jenn attended the elite GTM (Global Travel Marketplace) conference in 2019 & 2021, and then again in 2024. Her commitment to continuing education in the travel industry ensures that your trip is in good hands.

She would love to bring her knowledge and expertise to your family's magical vacation!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Bora Bora or a Seine River Cruise

Favorite Airline Snack: Chex Mix

Favorite Book or Movie: Mary Poppins (the Julie Andrews Version) and any Agatha Christie novel!

Patti

patti@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH PATTI!

Patti is pretty sure that she was born with a love of all things Disney. Her first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort was in November of 1996 during the 25th anniversary, when Cinderella Castle was decorated like a birthday cake. There was a long hiatus between her first trip and subsequent trips, but in 2009 she returned to Walt Disney World when her then boyfriend proposed to her during dinner at Cinderella Castle. Patti has since returned several times to Walt Disney World® Resort and has planned magical vacations for family and friends. 

Patti also has extensive experience planning cruises and all-inclusive resorts! 

She enjoys planning everything from large multi-generation family trips and group trips to solo travel. As a family of five, she knows how hard it can be to travel with a larger family. 

Patti loves customizing her clients trips to meet their vacation needs, interests, budgets, and style.

She is happy to help plan your next magical vacation, wherever in the world you decide to travel!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Rome, Italy or a Rhine River Cruise

Favorite Airline Snack: Peanut M&Ms

Favorite Book or Movie: The Lady Darby Mystery Series by Anna Lee Huber & Leap Year featuring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode

michelle@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH MICHELLE!

There is magic to be found all over our world, and Michelle loves to explore and discover it in new, unexpected places. Michelle is so fortunate to have grown up in a family that cultivated her love of travel. From her first trip to Ocean City, to a childhood and adolescence spent visiting Disney World and Myrtle Beach, to road trips to places like the Grand Canyon, her family prepared her for the adventure of living in Spain and traveling around Europe as an adult. Now resettled in Pittsburgh, Michelle is excited to share her love of travel as a member of the Upon A Star team.

Specializing in travel to Europe, Myrtle Beach, and, of course, Disney, Michelle can’t wait to help you make your vacation dreams a reality. Highly experienced in leading and participating in group travel, she also specializes in working with groups of all sizes and affiliations who are traveling to any destination.

Bucket List Destination: Machu Picchu
Favorite Airline Snack: M&Ms
Favorite Book or Movie: Mariana by Susanna Kearsley and This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

Kyla

kyla@uponastartravel.com
Location: North Hampton, NH

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KYLA!

Kyla is loving life with her family on the coast of New Hampshire! She loves the beach, Christmas, farms, sushi and flowers. She hates quiche and casseroles.

She has loved Disney World since her 1st trip to Florida at 5 years old. Over the years, Kyla has also visited all 50 states, Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Europe and many islands in the Caribbean. Above all, Disney World has always held a special place in her heart.

Now married with 2 daughters, Kyla and her family travel multiple times a year to Walt Disney World. Her family has also visited numerous Caribbean & European countries with Disney Cruise Line, as well as island hopped enjoying different all-inclusive resorts!

Kyla is so excited to help families plan their own magical Disney Destinations vacations, in addition to Universal Orlando and all-inclusive getaways!

Bucket List Destination: Egypt, South African safari, Japan

Favorite Airline Snack: Snack box on Spirit

Favorite Movie: Goodfellas

Kelly

kelly@uponastartravel.com

Location: Fair Haven, NJ

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KELLY!

A self-admitted Travel Channel junkie, Kelly loves to experience the World. From Cape Cod to California down to Costa Rica, Kelly has traveled it all. With family on the West Coast, she grew up spending her summers in the California sun and keeping cool in Lake Tahoe. Hailing from a small town south of Boston, she enjoyed weekend trips to the Cape. Winter arrived and it was time to go skiing in Vail, CO.

However, her love for Disney was awakened when planning her own trip for her family. Wanting the full Disney experience down to the Dole Whip, Kelly soon realized this travel planning love is her passion!

Her ear is down to the ground for the latest cruise sailings, relaxing resorts, or action packed trips to make sure whatever her client is looking for, they get.

The quest for adventure and exploring new places is the spark that keeps Kelly seeking new destinations. Her motto is, when one vacation is over, it's time to plan a new one!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Egypt and sleeping in a thermal glass Igloo to see the Northern Lights in Sweden.

Favorite Airline Snack: Champagne and Swedish Fish

Favorite Book or Movie: Moulin Rouge

Lindsay
lindsay@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH LINDSAY!

Lindsay's love of travel started at a young age with her family who believed that the most magical memories came from experiences, not things. She frequently travels to Walt Disney World® Resort. Her favorite part is that every trip is different.

In addition to planning Disney vacations, Lindsay plans all-inclusive resorts and cruises! She loves group travel, and she would love to assist you in your next adventure!

Bucket List Destination: Hawaii

Favorite Airline Snack: Peanut M&Ms and Diet Coke

Favorite Book or Movie: Anything Disney!

kimm@uponastartravel.com
Location: Daytona Beach, FL

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KIMM!

They observed the Lord’s power in action, His impressive works on the deepest seas. Psalm 107:24

Kimm & her husband John love cruising, visiting new destinations and viewing incredible vistas. They are foodies and enjoy all kinds of art. Recently becoming residents of Daytona Beach, Florida, they love cruising at a moment’s notice. If they are not traveling or at their condo on the Halifax River, they might be enjoying their cottage in Ontario, Canada or visiting with family in PA as well as several other states. They have vacationed in Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and all over the USA multiple times. There isn’t anywhere they wouldn’t visit at least once!

Kimm enjoys planning trips for all of her clients and she is always ready to match them up with the best cruise line, motor coach tour, train trip or all-inclusive resort. She works hard to meet every detail of her client’s dream vacation!

Bucket List Destination: Galapagos Islands & Antarctica
Favorite Airline Snack: Popcorn
Favorite Book or Movie: The Bible and The Sound of Music

Heather

heather@uponastartravel.com
Location: Orlando, FL

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH HEATHER!

Heather’s love for travel began with a life-changing trip to Disney World at the age of four. From that moment, she knew one day she would call Disney home, and now she lives just minutes away, hearing the Magic Kingdom fireworks from her house each night. As a travel professional, Heather specializes in all Disney destinations, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney.

In addition to her expertise in Disney vacations, Heather is passionate about traveling the world, with a particular love for Greece, Italy, and China. Her next dream destination is Japan, where she plans to visit Tokyo Disney. Heather is also a certified specialist in Sandals and Beaches resorts, making her an expert in all-inclusive travel.

When she’s not on a Disney Cruise or traveling abroad, you will find her in the Disney Parks with her two girls or hanging out at all the tourist attractions and beaches in Orlando.

Whether you're looking to plan a Disney getaway, a cruise, a European adventure, or an all-inclusive vacation, Heather is ready to make your dream trip a reality. With her extensive knowledge and passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Heather is dedicated to helping you craft the perfect vacation.

emily@uponastartravel.com

Location: Windermere, FL

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH EMILY!

Emily has had a love of Disney Parks since her first visit to Walt Disney World at two years old. After that first bit of pixie dust, she was hooked! Since then she has been to Walt Disney World more times than she could ever count. Her favorite memories are each of her daughters’ first visits, celebrating the 50th Anniversary with the Upon A Star team, and visiting Disneyland for the first time. Each trip is unique and there is always something to celebrate!

From a young age, Emily was planning theme trips to Disney properties, before she even knew it could be an actual job!

She moved to Florida the summer after High School and has been a resident for over twenty years. Last year, she made the move to live around the corner from Cinderella Castle, completing her dream. It’s also a perk to see the fireworks nightly!

This year she is marrying her Cast Member fiancé, Jeremy, and they are joining their families together…five daughters included (Ella, Adrianna, Madeline, Abigail, Paige). Emily is on Walt Disney World property every single day and has an extensive knowledge of each resort and the parks. Also, she is a great resource for all things Disney Golf since that is where Jeremy makes magic.

She also loves traveling by sea with Disney Cruise Line and takes a trip every chance she can!

Bucket List Destination: All of the Disney Parks

Favorite airplane snack: Chocolate covered almonds

Favorite book/movie: Steel Magnolias, Cinderella, Pride and Prejudice, Eat Pray Love

Yael

yael@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH YAEL!

Yael has been a frequent Walt Disney World visitor for longer than she can actually remember. Her first experience at the age of 3 has led the way to a life long love of Disney. Yael shares her love of Disney with her husband and is actively passing it on to her two daughters.

Annual Disney family vacations are a must, with new experiences each time! Yael loves to partner with families of all sizes to make sure they are experiencing the perfect vacation designed just for them, whether at a Disney Park, Universal Studios, or at a beautiful All Inclusive Resort.

Bucket List Destination: Australia or Africa

Favorite Airline Snack: Gummy Worms

Favorite Movie or Book: The Emperor’s New Groove

katie@uponastartravel.com
Location: Butler, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KATIE!

Certifications: Aussie Specialist / CIE Tours Shamrock / CIE Tours British Collection / CoDK, Hawai'i Destination Specialist / Hawai'i Island Specialist / Kaua'i Specialist, Maui Nui Specialist / O'ahu Specialist, NCL Master's Degree / 100% Pure New Zealand Gold Specialist / Royal Caribbean Bachelor of Adventure / Universal Orlando Specialist

From Walt Disney World to New Zealand, Katie loves to travel and experience new places with her husband.

She has always enjoyed planning her own trips both in and out of the country and is happy to assist others on their adventures. Let her help you get out there and explore the world!

“Have been unavoidably detained by the world. Expect us when you see us.” -Neil Gaiman,Stardust

Bucket List Destination: Egypt

Airplane Snack: Combos

Book: The Lord of the Rings

Bridget

bridget@uponastartravel.com
Location: Baden, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH BRIDGET!

Two things I love are traveling and event planning, so there’s nothing better than being a travel agent.

My first vacation memory is Donald Ducks birthday party at Disneyland when I was 5. After that first Disney trip, I visited Walt Disney World at least once a year with my parents. Once I got older, we began cruising. My first cruise was a 3 day on the Carnival Fantasy to the Bahamas. Being a teenager on a cruise was the best vacation. I got to enjoy family time along with meeting new friends in the teen clubs and enjoying all the activities they offered. I have been on multiple cruise ships, cruise lines and visited many ports. I am also a member of the Cruise Line International Association and have earned my Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) degree.

As an adult, I have experienced many All-Inclusive Vacations. Traveling with my spouse to an island and staying in a hotel on the beach, having all your food, beverages and multiple activities included was our favorite vacation. Now that we have a family of our own, we enjoy traveling to Disney, cruising and beach vacation with our children and making memories for them to share.

I would love to help you plan your next vacation and have a hand in creating some amazing memories for your family!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Italy

Favorite Airline Snack: Pretzels

Favorite Book or Movie: any Hallmark Christmas movie

Agent
sara3@uponastartravel.com
Location: Rome, New York

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH SARA!

The thrill of the final drop of Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom or the flight over the world’s majestic wonders on Soarin’ at Epcot never gets old for Sara. From childhood, she has loved the magic and splendor Disney World offers its guests. Now, a mother of two and a wife of a devoted Disney husband, she creates family memories through the Disney experience. Whether a short couples’ getaway, a week-long excursion, or a multi-generational trip, Sara considers the needs and interests of her family as she plans the days, parks, meals, and rides. Sara will take the same time and thoughtfulness when planning your vacation. Sara knows and understands the sacrifice it takes to budget and plan a vacation, and she will help alleviate the stress and answer any of your questions honestly and thoroughly.

While Sara currently specializes in Walt Disney World® travel, she also offers planning for other Disney Destinations, Universal Studios, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and more!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Alaskan Disney Cruise

Favorite Airline Snack: Almonds and M&Ms

Favorite Book or Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Alexa

Agent
alexa@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH ALEXA!

Alexa was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and currently lives in McCandless (just north of Pittsburgh) with her husband and young daughter. Her love all of all things Disney began at age 4 when her parents decided to take a last minute trip to Walt Disney World after visiting her grandparents in Ft. Lauderdale. A castle view room at the Contemporary Resort back in 1980 was where it all started! Since that time, Alexa and her family have been frequent travelers to Walt Disney World (with the holiday season being their favorite time to visit) and have sailed on Disney Cruise Line. She has also traveled to Beaches Turks & Caicos, Hawaii, Mexico, Atlantis in the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands. She has escorted high school and dance groups to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disneyland and New York City. Alexa knows how important and exciting the vacation planning process is! She is thankful for her clients to let her be a part of it!

Bucket List Destination: European River Cruise

Favorite Airline Snack: Salted Peanuts

Favorite Movie or Book: Gone with the Wind

Meredith

meredith@uponastartravel.com
Location: Alabama

Inspired by her love of travel, planning, and all things Disney, Meredith uses her knowledge and experience to help create dream trips full of fun, magic, and memories.

A Disney Destination specialist, Meredith loves to sprinkle the pixie dust on all her clients. From the Disney Parks, to Adventures by Disney and the Disney Cruise Line, she can create planning magic for your next Disney-scape.

Bucket List Destination: Egypt and Italy

Favorite Airline Snack: Trail Mix

Favorite Book or Movie: The Princess Bride and Pride and Prejudice

David Dollar

david@uponastartravel.com

Location: Birmingham, AL

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH DAVID!

Standing in line for Disney's Jungle Cruise a few years ago, David and his wife Stephanie overheard a conversation from a couple behind them. One asked the other if they had heard of Fastpasses, and the other replied, "No, but I wish I had known about them! We could have saved so much time! I don't even know how much they are!" David smiled, knowing there would always be a need for magical vacation planners.

Since visiting Disney World for the first time in 1982 as a 7-year-old (who thought that Epcot, half built at that time, was actually in the "big silver ball"), David has been in love with Disney, from enjoying Disney's Movie of the Week in the '80s to hosting Disney movie VHS release parties in his dorm in college, and it's a passion that led to his two stints with the Disney store and eventually becoming a Disney Travel Planner.

Married to The Lovely Steph Leann, they welcomed a son in 2011. Their frequent Disney visits took a new turn 2 years later when their son was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Now every visit with the family is a new discovery on managing crowds, dining, disability policies, and more at Disney and Universal parks!

David hosts the Magic on a Dollar Disney podcast, considers himself an amateur Disney historian, an avid pin collector, and as a Harry Potter enthusiast (Gryffindor!!!) he loves the Universal parks as well. David's first love, though, is helping you build your memories at Disney Destinations around the country (and with Adventures by Disney around the world!)

Looking for Royal Caribbean or maybe a Sandals getaway? Or that Universal Orlando parks weekend? He can help with that too!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Riding across the outback in Australia

Favorite Airline Snack: Southwest's semi-stale pretzels with that short cup of Coke, filled with that overly large ice

Favorite Book or Movie: How about both? "The Obnoxious Jerks" by Stephen Manes, and You've Got Mail"

kristen@uponastartravel.com

Location: Tampa, FL

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KRISTEN!

Kristen currently resides in sunny Florida with her husband, two children, and their lovable French bulldogs, Charlie and Frank. With a life shaped by her husband's career as a pilot in the Air Force and for American Airlines, Kristen and her family have lived in various states across the country.

Cherishing their time together, Kristen’s family is dedicated to making lasting memories through their adventures. Over the past 20 years, they’ve made annual trips to Disney Parks and explored the Caribbean and Mexico through cruising and all-inclusive resorts.  As her children have gotten older, they are now expanding their travels to European countries.

Kristen is passionate about crafting personalized vacations for her clients, whether they're small families, multi-generational groups, couples, or individuals. She specializes in tailoring travel experiences to fit unique interests, budgets, and styles.

From Sandals and Beaches all inclusive resorts, Disney and Universal adventures, to cruising and European getaways, Kristen is eager to help you plan your next unforgettable vacation.

Bucket List Travel Destination: Fiji and the Society Islands

Favorite Airline Snack: American Airlines Pretzels

Favorite Book or Movie: Christmas Vacation

Nikki@uponastartravel.com
Location: Browns Summit, NC

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH NIKKI

I have traveled my entire life – from just a few weeks old, my parents had me on the road and seeing this world! Travel is so important to me, that I actually completed my Master’s Degree in Travel and Tourism at the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

I have been a travel advisor for 11 years, and love helping my clients plan their family travel, their romantic getaways, group travel, and even solo travel! I have a number of certifications/specialties including Autism, Romance, Jamaica, Disney, Universal, Sandals, and multiple cruise lines. I am here to help you with all your travel planning needs!

Here are a few “fun travel facts” about me:

Favorite ride at Disney World: Haunted Mansion

Favorite Disney World Resort: Yacht Club

Favorite beach: 7-Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica

Favorite Travel Memory: Visiting Loch Ness in Scotland

Favorite Food: Shrimp Tacos (specifically in Aruba!)

Favorite Domestic Destination: Charleston, SC

Favorite Family Resort: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana in the DR

Favorite Adult Only Resort: Live Aqua Cancun

Favorite Cruise Line: Tauck

Favorite Expeditions: Adventures by Disney

Bucket List Destination: Greece

valerie@uponastartravel.com

Location: Allen, TX

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH VALERIE!

Valerie fell in love with travel after she met and fell in love with her husband Chris and together they made vacationing a key part of their family's life.

It has been said that the families that vacation together stay together, and in our fast-paced, technology-saturated, 21st century life where most (if not all) family members either work or go to school all day long, vacationing has become one of the precious essential times when families can bond with each other, share and discover new experiences, and build lasting memories.

Now with two boys, Valerie and her husband have made many magical memories, especially to our favorite place on earth, Walt Disney World!

Knowing all of the benefits that vacation brings, Valerie is excited to help other families plan their own vacations too. She specializes in Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and other Disney destinations and can also help with arranging accommodations for the special needs unique to each family, especially since her own two boys both have special needs that require extra planning.

Favorite Disney Resort: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Favorite Disney Snack: The Nutella Waffle Sandwich at the Sleepy Hollow food stand.
Favorite Disney Character: Too many to list, but my favorite to encounter at the park is Peter Pan!

melissa@uponastartravel.com
Location: Mars, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH MELISSA!

Melissa's love of all things Disney began on a honeymoon trip with a stay at Disney's Polynesian Village resort followed by a cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Wonder. She never thought back then that there would be so many more memories to be made at the most magical place on earth.

Her family has visited Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and taken several Disney Cruises over the past 20 years. They have had the opportunity to experience both the Halloween and Christmas celebrations at Disney World, and have stayed at many of the different Disney resorts on property.

Melissa said that the most enjoyable thing for her has been seeing Disney magic through her children's eyes. Watching the many parades coming down Main Street USA, standing at the castle watching shows and fireworks, meeting the characters, enjoying all the wonderful food choices, and most of all just being together as a family, have provided her with many magical memories. Since Disney is always adding new and exciting attractions, Melissa knows that she will have many more Disney trips in her future!

Most of all, Melissa truly believes that seeing the Disney magic light up the faces of your family is an experience that everyone should have! She is ready to help you plan a trip that will fit your needs, and you can begin building magical memories to last a lifetime!

Bucket List Travel Destination: Aulani Resort, Hawaii

Favorite Airline Snack: M&M's

Favorite Book or Movie: Cinderella and The Greatest Showman!

cliff@uponastartravel.com
Location: Rock Hill, SC

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH CLIFF

Cliff loves to travel just about anywhere. He also considers himself an adventurer and loves visiting new places. Whether it's the big cities or small towns there is always something unique to be found.

Cliff and his wife, Lenora, got married in 2014 and have a blended family of 7 kids! They love to travel and have been many places. Sometimes it's just my Cliff and his wife, it's the whole family. Cliff has been up and down the east coast just about everywhere between New York and Florida! Cliff has a degree in Christian Counseling and a passion to rebuild and strengthen marriages and families. He says one of the best ways to rebuild or strengthen your marriage is plan frequent getaways with your spouse and reconnect.

If it is Disney related, Cliff usually knows about. Cliff is the self-proclaimed king of useless knowledge, especially Disney related. He grew up on all things Disney. Whether it was Mary Poppins and Snow White with his parents, Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears on Saturday mornings, or Duck Tails, Tail Spin, Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers, and Darkwing Duck after school, Cliff grew up 'Disney'. Today, the Disney properties in Orlando are still one of his favorite places to visit.

If you are looking for the romantic trip for two or planning a vacation for a large family, Cliff can help you!

Bucket List Destination: Anstey, his ancestral village in Leicestershire, England

Favorite Airline Food: Pretzels (or Cardboard... whatever they are)

Favorite Book/Movie: BOOK? Who has time to read?/Anything Marvel (Especially Guardians of the Galaxy)

Stephanie

stephanie@uponastartravel.com

Location: Birmingham, AL

CLICK HERE TO PLAN YOUR VACATION WITH STEPHANIE!

Stephanie began her love of Disney early on watching Disney movies, first visit to Walt Disney World at 5, family vacations as a teenager to Walt Disney World for Thanksgiving, Honeymooning at The Beach Club Villas, first time taking her children to the see the MAGIC, Anniversaries and even escapes when the Disney Parks opened during the pandemic for some needed Pixie Dust. Disney has shown her the MAGIC and it was her turn after leaving the corporate world to help others create their own magical memories.

Stephanie enjoys helping match up clients with their very own personalized experiences while helping them navigate through ticketing options, meal planning and everything in between. She has worked with a variety of clients from first-time families, families with children with special needs, couples vacations and large family reunions to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Adventures, Disney Cruise Lines, Aulani and Universal.

Favorite Disney Resort: Disney's Yacht Club

Favorite Disney Snack: Gaston's Cinnamon roll

Favorite Disney Character: Ariel and Sleeping Beauty

Agent
kasey@uponastartravel.com
Location: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KASEY!

Kasey’s love of travel started early with her grandmother’s influence. Her grandmother used her earnings from selling real estate to take the family on vacations from road trips to cruises. She wanted everyone to always have a trip planned and something to look forward to.

Kasey still lives by this motto and as soon as one trip is over, she is ready to plan the next. When her husband proposed, she asked if they could honeymoon in Hawaii, he answered “yes” and therefore she so did she! They have been married since 2003. Their twin boys were born in 2009. The twins first trip to Walt Disney World was in 2011 and they have gone yearly since. She started her travel planning business in 2014. Since then, they have also traveled to Disneyland on their way to Aulani in Hawaii. They have sailed on Disney Cruise Line over 5 times. They have also sailed Royal Caribbean and have visited Universal Studios Orlando several times. She also enjoys non-family vacations as well and has been to Sandals and Beaches as well as several other resorts without them. She has also participated in 3 Run Disney Half Marathon Weekends.

While her family enjoys beach vacations the best, they have had several road trips and enjoy visiting National Parks. Two of their most memorable trips were to Yellowstone and to Washington, D.C.

When Kasey isn’t planning travel, she can be found in the classroom teaching. She has a background in Special Education and enjoys watching the magic in an elementary age students’ eyes when they unlock the ability to read. She finds her classroom experience helps her travel business by keeping her in touch with families with different needs and helps her stay organized as planning is what she enjoys most.

Bucket List Destination: Italy
Favorite Airline Snack: Pretzels and a Coke
Favorite Book or Movie: Peter Pan, my boys first chapter book, and Toy Story movies - all of them!

susan@uponastartravel.com
Location: Suffolk, VA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH SUSAN!

Susan lives in Virginia with her husband and her son. As a military spouse, she and her family have lived in many states, including five years in Hawaii. Growing up in Georgia, one of her earliest memories is a Disney World trip at age 4. After taking her son on his first trip, her love of Disney exploded into yearly trips and then multiple trips per year! Susan’s family focuses greatly on creating memories and experiences through travel. They have visited Disney Parks every year since 2008, and they have stayed in nearly every Disney World resort hotel from Value to Deluxe! After taking their first Disney cruise in 2012, they were hooked and now have completed almost 15 Disney cruises as well as cruises on Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Over the years, Susan & her family have traveled to 42 states (including all the Hawai’ian islands and Alaska), Mexico, Europe (England, Norway, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and many islands in the Caribbean…but Disney has always held a special place in her heart.


Susan plans memorable family vacations and specializes in Disney destinations, Universal Studios, cruising, Hawaii destinations, and all-inclusive getaways.

As a retired military spouse, Susan especially loves to help military families experience Disney vacations and cruises.

Bucket List Destination: Croatia and Greece

Favorite Airline Snack: Ginger Ale & any snack mix with cheese crackers!

Favorite Book or Movie: Gone with the Wind (book or movie) and Mary Poppins

jamie@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH JAMIE!

Jamie’s love of travel started at an early age, thanks to family vacations on the beaches of Florida and at one of her favorite places on earth, Walt Disney World!

Her love for Disney grew so much over the years that she ended up starting her career with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts after college, where she met her husband. She and her husband now live in the Pittsburgh area with their two boys and two doodles.

Jamie is passionate about travel and takes every opportunity to explore new destinations with her family. Some of their favorite trips have been to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, the Bahamas & Caribbean via Disney Cruise Line, Anna Maria Island, Yosemite National Park, Maui, the Florida Keys, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, England, and Scotland.

As a former WDW Cast Member, Jamie is well equipped with the knowledge it takes to book a Disney vacation! She has been to the Disney parks countless times, has taken many Disney cruises, and is a long time Disney Vacation Club Member. She loves everything about the magic of Disney and can’t wait to help you plan your next vacation!

Bucket List Destination: South Pacific Islands

Favorite Airline Snack: Trail mix & protein bars (although she does love a Biscoff biscuit 🙂)

Favorite Book or Movie: The Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

jessical@uponastartravel.com
Location: Winter Garden, FL

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH JESSICA!

Jessica is a Florida native whose love of all things Disney started pretty much at birth! Growing up so close to the parks, Jessica and her family made annual trips to Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs throughout her entire childhood. Fast forward 18 years, and Jessica found herself attending college at the University of Central Florida in Orlando! While there she met her husband, Blake who also grew up with a deep love of the Mouse!

Their love of Disney brought them back to Orlando for good in 2018 where they live with their two little girls, Lucy Belle and Layla Rose! (Named after Princess Belle and Briar Rose, of course!)

As local Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, they visit the parks at least once or twice a week to try new snacks, ride all the rides, enjoy the shows, and take photos with their favorite characters! (They actually live so close to the Magic Kingdom that they have a view of the nightly fireworks from their backyard!)

Jessica can't wait to assist your family in making magical memories at Walt Disney World and beyond!

Bucket List Destination: Every Disney Property in the World (but starting at Disneyland Paris)

Favorite Airplane Snack: Anything chocolate

Favorite Book or Movie: All 7 Harry Potter Books, and the classic Barbra Streisand musical, Funny Girl

ericp@uponastartravel.com

Location: Fort Worth, TX

CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH ERIC!


Eric has been a travel agent with Upon A Star the two years, plus a dozen + years of personal travel planning for friends & family before that. Eric is very familiar with Disney travel with 16 Disney Cruises and recently renewing his vows on the Disney Magic, but also diverse in his travel experience with first hand knowledge in Sandals, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Universal and many other travel vendors.

Eric has a passion for outdoor travel such as hiking trips to waterfalls and destination golf such as Big Bend, Scotland, Iceland and Hilton Head.

Eric and his family are big foodies as well. This includes stops to wineries in locations such as Napa Valley, Willamette Valley and Tuscan area of Italy. Craft beer stops are always a must on any itinerary, with over 200 breweries visited across the world.

“Oh the things you will find, if you don’t stay behind” – Dr. Suess

Bucket List Travel Destination: Hiking and golfing in New Zealand

Favorite Airline Snack: Southwest snack mix

Favorite Book or Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Cheré Davis

chere@uponastartravel.com

Location: Dallas, TX

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Cheré has loved traveling for as long as she can remember. As a young teen, her grandparents took them on a road trip across the United States. The trip lasted for two months, and she realized she loved seeing new things and different topography.

Fast forward to today, and Cheré has visited almost all of the United States and several countries! One of the things she loves about planning travel is seeing families enjoy their time together and creating lasting memories. As a travel planner, her goal is to make the process easy and worry free! She is excited to plan your MEMORIES!!

Bucket List Destination: French Polynesia, Switzerland, New Zealand

Favorite Airplane Snack: Popcorn & Beef Jerky

Donna DeGiacomo

donna@uponastartravel.com
Location: Windermere, FL

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Donna DeGiacomo has been a travel advisor and concierge planner since February of 2012. Born and raised in a Philadelphia suburb for the first 27 years of her life, she and her husband quickly realized they were spending all of their "fun" money traveling South to visit the theme parks, enjoy the gorgeous weather, and jump on cruises to the Caribbean. So — they moved to central Florida that summer!

She is in the unique position of seeing the Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks on a very regular (weekly!) basis to be able to share her knowledge and new happenings with clients. In addition to being a theme park enthusiast, she is an avid cruiser, and has personally sailed with more than six different cruise lines (having accrued over 200 nights at sea). She believes that cruises can be perfect for everything from single travelers to honeymooners to multi-generational family units.

Donna can help you select a cruise line, itinerary, and stateroom category that makes the most sense for your family, and she has experience with group bookings to destinations including everyone’s bucket list destination: Alaska CruiseTours. If laying on the beach and sipping on a cocktail or grabbing your scuba gear and diving is more your speed, she also has ample experience with All-Inclusive resorts in the Bahamas and Caribbean and would love to help you reconnect with those who matter most in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Bucket List Destination: Every Disney Park in the World. I have done Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris!

Favorite Book/Movie: Anything that I'm currently reading becomes my favorite. Currently, I'm reading The Last Kingdom series, which became a TV show by the same name on Netflix.

Favorite Airplane Snack: I'm a trail mix kind of gal! I like the salty and the crunch, plus it travels well.

cassidy@uponastartravel.com

Location: Zelienople, PA

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Disney has always been Cassidy’s first love and favorite place. Over the last three years travel has become a passion of hers.

Beyond being born and raised Disney, Cassidy has been a dancer her entire life. Cassidy is a double alum of Slippery Rock University receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance with a dual concentration in Business Administration and Performance & Choreography in 2018 and her Master of Science degree in Adapted Physical Activity in 2019 and a licensed training provider for the American Red Cross at Vitalis Training Studio.

Outside of travel, Cassidy is the Founder and Program Director of iCANdance, an adapted dance program that provides classes to the local special needs community, provides mentoring to upcoming professionals in the field, researches and writes about the growing field of adaptive dance.

“Let’s plan your next trip together, I promise it will make you happy dance!”

Bucket List Travel Destination: All the Disney: Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney… oh and Greece.

Favorite Airline Snack: hear me out… tomato juice and carrots

Favorite Book or Movie: “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon

charlotte@uponastartravel.com
Location: Huntsville, AL

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Growing up in a Navy family and marrying an Air Force pilot has kept Charlotte on the road most of her life! Picking up and moving 20 times from coast to coast, twice to Hawaii, has made travel and exploring a way of life for this mom of two. 

Charlotte, just 4 years old upon her first visit to the Magic Kingdom, had no idea what these theme parks and Walt Disney World would mean to her family in the years to come.  They have taken Disney cruises and visited the theme parks almost every year, sometimes twice, for nearly 2 decades.  For years it was the only place that she felt her kids were not just taken care of, but made to feel special and seen.  It was truly magical for a family with multiple special needs. 

After navigating the world of travel for her unique family, she turned her efforts and passion into a career of helping others do the same and it’s been a rewarding journey since 2014.  

Charlotte's most recent trip over the pond was a self driving tour of Ireland, a must do!  She’s checked quite a few Bahamian and Caribbean islands off her list with both cruises and trips to Sandals and Beaches resorts!  They've just returned from another wild and wonderful adventure to Alaska and she is eagerly planning her next girl’s trip to Barcelona and Sitges, Spain for Carnival!  

So, whether you are looking for global exploration, a romantic get away to one of the world’s best all inclusive resorts, planning a family cruise to Alaska or hoping to run a Disney marathon, Charlotte and the fantastic team at Upon A Star can make your travel dreams come true! 

“Every woman needs a girls’ trip, every year, full stop” 

~Charlotte Smith

Bucket List Destination:  Culinary tour of Italy, Norway

Favorite Airline Snack: Cranberry juice and nacho cheese combos

Favorite Book or Movie:  Beauty and the Beast (animated Disney), A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

jessicai@uponastartravel.com

Location: York Haven, PA

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With a heart brimming with Disney magic and a passion for teaching, I bring a unique blend of expertise to my role as a travel agent. From an early age, I’ve been enchanted by the whimsical worlds of Disney, a love that has only deepened over the years. This enthusiasm for Disney’s captivating stories and immersive experiences inspired me to not only explore the parks myself but to also share that magic with others.

A true testament to my passion is the journey of turning my husband into a devoted Disney fan. Initially reluctant, he has since embraced the magic with open arms, becoming a proud “Disney Dad” who eagerly anticipates each visit. This personal transformation only fuels my drive to spread the Disney joy far and wide.

In addition to sharing my love of Disney with my husband, I delight in bringing our two young daughters, ages 5 and 2, to the parks. Each visit is a magical adventure, full of wonder and joy as they experience the enchantment of Disney through fresh, young eyes. These family trips not only deepen our bond but also provide me with invaluable insights into making Disney vacations truly special for families with young children.

My background in teaching enriches my approach to travel planning. With a keen eye for detail and a patient, caring demeanor, I excel at crafting itineraries that cater to diverse preferences and interests. My ability to communicate complex information in an engaging and accessible way mirrors my teaching style, making the trip planning process smooth and enjoyable.

When I’m not busy helping others embark on their Disney adventures, you can find me enjoying the magic of the parks myself, continually seeking out new experiences and staying up-to-date with the latest Disney news. This commitment to my own ongoing education in all things Disney ensures that I offer the most current and insider tips to my clients.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney enthusiast, I’m dedicated to making your Disney dreams come true, transforming your trip into a cherished memory filled with joy and wonder.

Bucket List Destination: All Disney Parks

Favorite Airline Snack: Twizzlers

Favorite Book or Movie: Anything Disney!

davidb@uponastartravel.com
Location: Cincinnati, OH

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David has had a love for the Disney Parks since his first visit at just 9 months! Now countless trips later, he can’t even begin to count how many magical moments he and his family have experienced over the years. From getting engaged in front of Cinderella Castle, to watching his daughter walk hand-in-hand with Cinderella during Happily Ever After, his heart is full of incredible memories!

After years of planning his family’s trips, he decided it was time to put his knowledge to use. Whether it is booking your favorite restaurant, landing a Lightning Lane for a can’t miss attraction, or getting the best seat in the house for fireworks, David has a plan just for you!  David can’t wait to share all the Disney Parks knowledge that he has gained over the years.

David lives in Cincinnati, OH (just a quick hour & forty-five minute flight from CVG to MCO) with his wife Brittany and their two daughters, Blake & Vada. 

Whether it is planning a trip for two Disney Adults or one for the whole family, David is the man with a plan!

Bucket List Destination: All Disney Parks & Resorts

Favorite airline food: Cheez-Its & Skittles

Favorite book/movie: If it is Marvel, it is for me! (especially, Thor)