What To Do on a Disney Down Day Part 4: Resort Fun!

So far, we’ve talked about mini golf, water parks, and Cirque du Soleil, but what if you really don’t want to leave your resort on your down day? I have ideas for that, too!

Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort

The most obvious answer: POOL DAY!

Every Walt Disney World Resort Hotel has a pool. Each resort has more than one, so go find your pools! One is always designated as the main feature pool, but there are smaller (and often quieter) pools throughout each resort.

At the Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and Moderate Resorts, you’ll find even more water fun like water slides, splash pads, and whirlpools. While the Value Resorts don’t have those amenities, they do have huge main feature pools!

Besides swimming, each resort also hosts pool or poolside games throughout the afternoon. Each pool has Recreation Hosts, Cast Members who run recreation and fun, so you may have Disney trivia, water relays, and more! Often there are ping pong tables, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, giant chess, and other games nearby.

Movies Under the Stars: This is offered at every Walt Disney World resort! These are complimentary outdoor screenings of popular Disney films. Bring a blanket or a pool towel, find a spot, and settle in for some fun.

Campfires: Located at all Deluxe Resorts, Deluxe Villas, and Moderate Resorts, stop by for the complimentary campfire and a roaring good time! Bring or buy s’mores kits or marshmallows for extra fun!

Character Meal: This is such a great option for a down day, and there are many offered outside of the parks! For breakfast, you can visit Riviera Resort for Topolino’s, Contemporary Resort for Chef Mickey’s, Polynesian Village Resort for ‘Ohana, Grand Floridian Resort for 1900 Park Fare, or Beach Club Resort for Cape May Café. For character meal dinner, head over to Contemporary Resort for Chef Mickey’s, Grand Floridian for 1900 Park Fare, or Wilderness Lodge for Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. (Not wanting a character meal? Great regular dining options available at all Deluxe Resorts, Villas, and most of the Moderate Resorts.)

Electrical Water Pageant: This water parade has been in continuous operation since Walt Disney World opened in 1971! It can be viewed in Seven Seas Lagoon from Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian.

Arcade: An arcade is found at every resort! This could be a great option when the weather is hot and muggy (hello, Florida summer!) or rainy (also, hello, Florida summer!).

Recreation: Check your resort for other recreation opportunities like bike rentals, surrey bike rentals, tennis and volleyball courts, and fishing expeditions!

Playgrounds: While not offered at all resorts, these can be found at all of the Value Resorts and Moderate Resorts and a few Deluxe properties including Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village, Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Beach Club, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs.

Other Unique Opportunities:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge: Book a Starlight Safari or just enjoy watching the animals! Cast Members are available to discuss the animals, and they often have unique African games and crafts available for anyone. You can also take a painting class here.

• Boardwalk Inn & Villas: Take a yoga class or learn to play pickleball! Do the Crescent Lake Wellness Challenge (register at Community Hall or Screen Door General Store) or Skyliner Rally Scavenger Hunt or just enjoy the Boardwalk Buskers Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings on the pier! You never know who might be there—juggler, magician, a magical hula-hooper, and more!

• Coronado Springs: Book Sangria University! Offered on Saturdays and Sundays, this is such a fun class and books up quickly! Colors of Coronado Painting Experience and Spanish Mosaic Art classes are also available.

• Fort Wilderness: Take an archery class, book a horse drawn carriage ride or a wagon ride, rent a canoe or a kayak, or book the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure on Segways. You can also do some crafts or book the gem mining experience! For more adventure, book a pony ride or a trail ride. End your day with Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Singalong with songs and smores and maybe some special furry friends. My absolute favorite thing to do here is to visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch where you can see the Dragon Calliope and meet the horses! The stable is open 10am-5pm daily, and you can just walk through. You might see the horses preparing for a wagon ride, a trail ride, or maybe even see Cinderella’s white horses!

• Grand Floridian: Take advantage of your Memory Maker and pose with some Disney-themed props or do some Magic Shots! 9am-8pm daily. Hop on the monorail and make a full loop.

• Port Orleans Riverside & Port Orleans French Quarter: Book a horsedrawn carriage ride or ride the boats over to Disney Springs.

Ethan learning magic tricks at Boardwalk Inn.

Walt Disney World Summer Magic - FREE Dining, Room Discounts, & Ticket Offers!

This morning four offers were released by Walt Disney World especially for summer and fall 2025 guests! From free dining to room discounts to special ticket offers…read on for more details!

Join Minnie Mouse for breakfast at Tusker House or one of the dozens of great dining options!

Free Dining!

Back by popular demand, get a free dining plan with the purchase of a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day (or longer) package that includes a room at select Disney Resort hotels and a ticket with a Park Hopper option.

There are very specific dates for this offer:

• June 29 - September 30, 2025

• October 20 - November 1, 2025

• December 6 - 22, 2025

You must check in by those listed dates. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. The dining plan included in this special offer depends on the Disney Resort hotel you select. The Disney Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotel. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Moderate or Value Resort hotel.

Minimum 4-day theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option AND minimum 4-night length of stay required. The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited.

Walt Disney World Resort Room Discount

Donald, Goofy, and Pluto chose Boardwalk Inn for their next stay!

Save up to 30% on select Disney Resort hotel rooms when you stay longer for visits beginning August 1 through October 11, 2025.

The dates on this offer are a bit unconventional:

• Aug. 12-23 and Sept. 15-27, 2025

  • Up to 20% savings (up to 15% Value, up to 20% Moderate, Deluxe, Villas)

• Aug. 1-11, Aug. 24 – Sept. 14, and Sept. 28 – Oct. 11, 2025

  • 1-4 nights

  • Up to 25% savings (up to 20% Value, up to 25% Moderate, Deluxe, Villas)

• Aug. 12-23 and Sept. 15-27, 2025

  • 5-nights of longer

  • Up to 25% savings (up to 20% value, up to 25% Moderate, Deluxe, Villas)

• Aug. 1-11, Aug. 24 – Sept. 14, and Sept. 28 – Oct. 11, 2025

  • 5-nights or longer

  • Up to 30% savings (up to 25% value, up to 30% Moderate, Deluxe, Villas)

Special deals on rooms are also available for Florida Residents and Annual Passholders.

Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts, and Studios at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. The offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

50% Off on Kids Tickets

Save 50% on kids tickets and meet Mickey at Magic Kingdom.

Purchase a 3-day or longer kids (ages 3-9) standard ticket for 50% off. This deal is available for visits beginning May 27 through September 20, 2025. These are only valid for kids ages 3-9.

This is a date-based ticket, so a start date must be chosen at the time of purchase. Tickets can be 3-10 days in length, so this gives you so many options! The ticket can be upgraded to Park Hopper, Water Park and Sports, and Park Hopper Plus!

Valid: May 27 – Sept. 20, 2025

3-Day, 3-Park Ticket

If Magic Kingdom is not on your park list this summer, this could be a great offer for you! Get a 3-day, 3-park ticket starting at $89 per day ($267 total, plus tax) for visits starting on April 6 through September 22, 2025. This ticket is for admission to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom ONLY and is for one theme park per day, not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom. This is a date based ticket, so you must choose a start date and is valid for five days of its start date.

With this ticket, you cannot add a park hopper option nor can you visit the same park twice. It includes one day at each of those three parks. It can be upgraded to Water Park & Sports option. However, at that price, it could be just right for you!

Valid for dates April 6 – Sept. 22, 2025. Last day on the ticket must be used by September 22.

Tickets may not be used to enter the same theme park more than once. All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable, and exclude activities/events that are separately priced or not open to the general public. This can be combined with a Walt Disney World Resort hotel to make a package.

Take advantage of the 3-park ticket offer and meet Timon at Animal Kingdom!

Are you ready to book your next Walt Disney World vacation? Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel & Concierge travel advisor or simply contact us for a quote today!

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa: A Tropical Paradise in Hawaii

The beach and calm waters of Ko Olina at sunset

We visited the beautiful property of Disney Aulani resort for two nights at the end of February prior to boarding the Disney Wonder.

We stayed in a 1-bedroom DVC villa.  This size room has a full kitchen, king bed, full bathroom with jetted tub, and walk in shower.  In the living room is a full size pull-out sofa.  This room also has a twin size fold down bed.  This room would comfortably sleep a family of 5 with 1-2 smaller children.  This room has two different lanais, and ours happened to overlook both the ocean and the area in which they host the Aulani luau. 

We were able to sit on our balcony and watch the entire Luau show— for free!  This is a great perk of these rooms.

During our stay we also visited the 3-bedroom grand villas. These have one king bed in the master bedroom, two bedrooms with two queen beds each, a fold out (full size) sofa bed, and a twin fold out bed.  These rooms would sleep 12-13 people.  Their views of the ocean, at the very end of each tower, is stunning.  They have one very long lanai that runs the entire width of the rooms. 

The star of the resort is the pool and beach area.  The grounds are absolutely gorgeous.  They have a long lazy river area that have 1- and 2-person tubes (complimentary) that you can float in, and there are multiple slides that dump out into multiple pool areas.  There is a stunning infinity edge pool that looks out over the ocean.  Aulani also has a quieter adult only pool area that is heaven.  One knock on many resorts is the lack of chairs to lounge on, but Aulani does not have that problem.  There are chairs everywhere including plenty on the beach that look out to the private cut-out cove area in which you can snorkel or paddle board.  Those activities cost a small fee for renting the equipment.  The kids splash park area is lots of fun and large.  This resort really is perfect for families with kids age 3-12 years old.  All families would love it here, but those with younger kids would be perfect.

How Disney themed is it?  It is more island themed with some Disney touches such as characters like Stitch, Max, and, of course, Mickey & Minnie.  Aulani also has that classic Disney exceptional service.  Kids can go to the kid’s zone called Aunty’s Beach House, which is complimentary, while parents enjoy some alone time. 

The food at Aulani is also delicious.  Ama Ama Restaurant has unique island inspired dishes, and the view of the sunset on the ocean side patio is spectacular.  Off the Hook, a casual poolside restaurant, is another option and you can even do mobile ordering from this restaurant.  There are several bars throughout the resort for those wanting those delicious tropical refreshments.  An option we took advantage of is walking across the street from the resort and picking up food from the Island Marketplace in Ko Olina.  There are also a couple of non-Aulani restaurants next to the marketplace that were delicious. 

Pro Tip:  Three of the restaurants there do discounted Happy Hour prices from 3-5pm, so grab late lunch and drinks there to save a bit of money. 

I would say the ideal amount of time would be 5-6 nights.  There is so much to do on the island of Oahu from visiting Pearl Harbor, exploring the North Shore, lying on the legendary Waikiki Beach, taking a surf lesson, or enjoying fresh pineapple at the Dole plantation.  We can not wait to go back. This is truly an island paradise!!!

Are you ready to book your own Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa tropical paradise? Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel Advisor or Contact Us for a Quote!

Upon a Star Travel Advisor Eric and his wife Delaina enjoying the views in Ko Olina!

What to Do on a Disney Down Day Part 3: Disney Animation, Cirque du Soleil Style

You’ve planned for a down day on your next Walt Disney World trip, so what else can you do? We’ve talked about mini golf and water parks, but let’s focus on a unique option only available at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs: Drawn to Life!

At the far west end of Disney Springs, you can see a large white “tent” building. Housed inside this building, is Drawn to Life, a Disney animation themed Cirque du Soleil show! 

If you’ve seen a Cirque du Soleil show before, this one is a bit different. This show is non-stop fun, so there’s no intermission. Instead, you get a 90-minute show with no break. This is great for young kids because the show doesn’t drag on too long!

Drawn to Life is the only Disney-themed Cirque du Soleil show in existence, so you can only see it here at Disney Springs.

What is this show about? The main character in the show is young Julie. Her deceased father, a Disney animator, leaves her a gift of an unfinished animation. Guests follow along with her Disney childhood memories that lead to her journey of being able to complete the unfinished animation.

Beautiful Drawn to Life stage

Cirque du Soleil has been represented here in this building for many years, but the previous show, La Nouba, was more of a traditional show without any Disney flair. During the Covid shutdown, the show was completely reimagined and designed for this venue with a Disney animation theme and officially opened in 2021.

This show gives a solid nod to Disney animation without being a Disney animated movie. Don’t worry–you’re not going to see a sing-along of Beauty and the Beast with acrobats. This is a truly unique approach–a Disney-themed Cirque du Soleil show without being full of Mickey and Minnie and princesses. Just enough Disney touches! Ultimately, it’s a tribute to the history of Disney animation told through the art of Cirque du Soleil performers.

Drawn to Life is charming, and it’s a great option for everyone in the family. My family thoroughly enjoyed it. It warms your heart and just leaves you with a feel-good feeling.

So, why should you do this on your down day? It’s a relaxing way to experience a show but with plenty of time during the day to do other activities. Maybe you want to do some shopping at Disney Springs. Maybe you’d prefer to spend the day at your resort’s pool. You can do that and still see this show and not have a late night out.

The show starts at $59 per person and is dark on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesday through Saturday, there are usually two shows–one at 5:30 pm and one at 8:00 pm. The great thing about these times is that there’s plenty of time for dinner after the 5:30 pm show or before the 8:00 pm show. On Sundays, the shows are 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm, so again plenty of time to eat and shop!

Want to add Drawn to Life to your next Walt Disney World vacation or just ready to book your next Walt Disney World vacation? Reach out here for more information!

What To Do on a Disney Down Day: Part 2 - Splash Into Magic!

Upon a Star Kasey with her family at Typhoon Lagoon.

In part 1 of this series, I talked about mini golf as a great option for your down day. It’s your down day, and maybe mini golf isn’t your thing. What else can you do? What about a water park day!

Walt Disney World is host to two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. In the off season, typically only one water park is open, but in the summer months, you may have choices between the two. It may be a difficult choice, but they are both great options.

Blizzard Beach is a ski themed water park. The story here is that a ski resort was built during a freak snowstorm, but when it melted, it was turned into a water park instead! Zip down Mount Gushmore on Summit Plummet, one of the tallest free fall waterslides in the world! As you splash into the end, be prepared for a water slide wedgie! Ladies, find a way to discretely rearrange your swimsuits! For more family water activities, try Toboggan Racers where you can race your friends and family to the end or the family raft ride, Teamboat Springs! If you have little ones, head over to Tike’s Peak just for kids 48” or smaller. Here you’ll find Frozen themed water slides, wading pools, and a kiddie sized inner tube ride.  

What else can you do at Blizzard Beach? Take the chairlift to the top of Mount Gushmore for the biggest water slides, laze around in Cross Country Creek, or enjoy the waves at Melt-Away Bay, You even rent a Polar Patio and get your own private area with loungers and a cooler to enjoy.

Over at Typhoon Lagoon, you can check out the water park that was formed when a tropical storm blew through Orlando! (Stay with me…it’s all about the theming here!) At the top of Mt Mayday, which dominates the park, is a shrimp boat overlooking Humunga Cowabunga, the Storm Slides, and the falls: Keelhaul, Gangplank, and Mayday Falls! For some family fun, head over to Miss Adventure Falls, a family raft ride! I love to spend my day at Castaway Creek, a lazy river that circles the park! If you’re visiting with little ones, head over to Ketchakiddee Creek and find mini waterslides and the tugboat S.S. Squirt! This area is designed for kiddos under 4’ tall.

What is unique at Typhoon Lagoon? Surf Lessons! You can do private or group lessons here before the park opens or after the park closes. At Typhoon Lagoon Surf School, you get 3-hours and a guaranteed 100 waves to Hang-10 or wipeout! If you want more information on surf lessons, take a look here: Surf Lessons

Like Blizzard Beach, you do have the option to rent a private area at Typhoon Lagoon. The Beachcomber Shacks are handy covered areas and come equipped with loungers, a locker, cooler and more.

What’s included with your water park ticket? Access to all the water slides and most activities inside the park, complimentary standard parking, life jackets, access to chairs and umbrellas, and complimentary towel rentals. Locker rentals are available for a fee, and food and beverage outlets are found throughout the park.

What else do you need to know? Swim attire must be appropriate for a family experience, so leave the thongs and other suggestive swimwear at home! Little ones not yet toilet trained must wear plastic pants or swim diapers in all pool areas.

So, which water park do you choose? Maybe you choose the one that’s open when you visit! If both are open, read on.

Blizzard Beach is conveniently located next to the Winter Summerland mini golf, so you could do two fun activities in one day if you like! If you have little kids, Blizzard Beach may be the better option. I think it has more for younger kids and families to experience together. 

If you’re a fan of surfing or big waves, go with Typhoon Lagoon. The wave pool there is no joke! It once knocked me on my backside—literally! 

Want a night-time experience? On select nights in the summer, look for H2O Glow! Offered only at Typhoon Lagoon for an extra fee, the 3-hour after hours option means lower wait times, characters in their swimsuits, and some fun entertainment!

Tickets to the water park can be added individually, or you can add Park Hopper Plus tickets or Water Park & Sport Option tickets to your existing package.

Don’t forget, for 2025 packages, a water park day is included with your Walt Disney World resort stay on your arrival day only! Arrive in Orlando early to take full advantage of this!

If you missed Part 1, click here to read about mini golf!

Ready to add a water park day to your next Walt Disney World vacation? Reach out to your favorite Upon a Star travel advisor or visit us here to request a quote!

A runDisney Marathon Q&A

Upon a Star Agent Cliff Anstey was able to assist his sister with her booking for the 2025 marathon in January. She shares her experience here and then answers some frequently asked questions for this article.

I will start by saying I am not a runner! If you see me running by, you should probably keep up because something is chasing me.  However, the runs at Disney looks really fun.  

Checking in and picking up my marathon gear!

Disney Marathon weekend runs every January, and goes Thursday through Sunday.  They have something for everyone. The 5K is an easy run for even the most novice of runners (or walkers).  Then there is the full marathon that runs on Sunday.  26.1 miles of cool morning Florida air. 

The marathon week schedule goes like this:

• Wednesday: You pick up your race packet

• Thursday:  The 5K

• Friday:  The 10K

• Saturday:  The Half-Marathon

• Sunday:  The Marathon

You can register and run any of the races you would like.  

Then there is the Dopey Run. This is another registered event in which you sign up to run all of the races. This is for those who run daily.  

(Cliff asked his followers on his social media pages for questions to ask his sister about her running experience - and here are the questions and her answers!)

What the heck were you thinking?

Oh, no, I wasn’t thinking. I was being the same impulsive person I have been my entire life!

 Did you dress up?

I wore one of six Disney running skirts I brought. It was not warm enough for me three of the four mornings. 

What was your favorite costume you saw on the course?

The guy that dressed as Cruella and had a pack of Dalmatians running with him. 

What did training entail?

I was supposed to train?  Mostly I was winging it.

What are your favorite sneakers to run in?

Topos

Does you listen to music or do you like silence as you run?

Both, I train with music. At Disney, I wanted the full experience so no ear buds.

If you listen to music, what’s on your running track?

Almost anything depending on my mood. A lot of classic rock!

 What happens if you aren't fast enough?

Don’t care! Part of the adventure. I am not fast!! 

Hold them up for the pictures - but wear with caution!
Those things are heavy!!!

How many medals do you get?

Six medals this time. 

Are there characters, and is it okay to stop and meet them (or keep running??)

Yes, I did not stop because I didn’t want to wait in line. Fun to see the characters!  Especially Pooh Bear and Chewbacca!

What if you only want to do one of the races and not all of them? Can you do that?

Certainly, but how could you pick just one?

How early do you get up every day for the races?

3 am for 5k, 10k and Half Marathon. 2:30 am for the Full Marathon. 

How does that corral thing work?

Huddling together as a crowd to stay warm and dry. Making new friends. Cheering on the corrals released before yours. And waiting… Worth every minute. 

 Did you go to the Parks after the Runs and were they crowded?

Went to the parks all four days, and they were not crowded. 

What advice would you give others who want to play in the parks after getting up early and running the races?

Have a plan. We did not, but it worked out and we had fun!

 What was the best part of the trip?

Traveling with my niece, the absolute magic of Disney, and running through the castle. 

What was the worst part of the trip?

Lines and sleep deprivation. 

Would you do it again?

Absolutely!  Can’t wait. 

Thanks to Cliff and his sister for sharing!

Registration for the January 2026 Disney Marathon Weekend begins March 4 for Club runDisney Gold and Platinum, and March 11th for general registration.

Upon a Star Agents are unable to register guests for the race, but it is highly recommended to book your travel package with resort and tickets as soon as possible — contact your favorite Upon a Star Travel Advisor today!

Disneyland Resort Hotel Discounts for Spring 2025

Pool at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

From March 23 through May 15, 2025, you can save up to 20% on select rooms at a Disneyland Resort hotel this spring. This is valid for Sunday through Thursday nights.

Offer is valid for standard and premium level room types at the following Disneyland Resort hotels:

• Grand Californian Hotel & Spa - Save up to 20%

• Disneyland Hotel - Save up to 15%

• The Villas at Disneyland Hotel - Save up to 20%

Book now through May 12, 2025, and travel must be complete by May 16.

Are you a Disney Visa Cardmember? You can save even more! On select premium rooms, you are eligible for the following discounts:

• Grand Californian Hotel & Spa - Save up to 30%

• Disneyland Hotel - Save up to 25%

• The Villas at Disneyland Hotel - Save up to 30%

Your Disney Visa card will be required for the deposit.

Why should you visit Disneyland in Spring 2025? While it’s always a good time to visit, you can celebrate Star Wars: Season of the Force March 28-May 11, and you could be there for the start of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary Celebration which begins on May 16

Are you ready to book? Contact your favorite Upon a Star Travel Advisor or Contact Us for a Quote!

What To Do on a Disney Down Day: Part 1

I don’t know about you, but I can’t do all day every day at the parks. I mean, the parks are amazing! What’s not to love about Slinky Dog, meeting Mickey, and chowing on a churro, but I need a break every few days!

Sometimes people are shocked when I suggest this.

I like to recommend a minimum of a six-night stay for a first visit. That gives you four park days (one for each park) plus a down day or a rest day in the middle. This day gives you time to rest and recover, maybe sleep in, relax, and just not have a schedule or a deadline of somewhere to be!

So, the next question I get is: What can you do on a down day?

There are so many options that I’m going to do a whole series on this!  

My first down day option is mini golf!

Did you know there are two mini golf courses at Walt Disney World? AND each one has two separate courses? Literally that’s four different options right there!

First up is Winter Summerland. Located next to Blizzard Beach, Winter Summerland is where you find Santa and his elves hanging out for their off-season retreat! (Where else do you think Santa goes for vacation?) The story goes that Santa loved Florida so much that he built a vacation destination for his elves when they’re off duty—a Winter Summerland—but discovered that it needed a golf course. Every good resort in Florida needs a golf course! He built two: The Summer Course and the Winter Course!

On the Summer Course, you’ll find surfboards, sandcastles, decorated palm trees, and Santa asleep snoring in the sand! Over at the Winter Course, winter icons rule with hockey, peppermints, snowmen, and even a message from Santa himself on the 18th hole!

Bonus: When Blizzard Beach water park is open, you can easily walk between the two and experience both in the same day 

Next, Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf  themed after…well, Fantasia! Here you’ll find two courses as well.

The first takes you through five scenes from the movie, Fantasia. Put around tutu-wearing hippos, dancing ostriches, and watch out for the broomsticks ready to splash you with water! 

The other course is a traditional golf course built on a smaller scale. This one is NOT for the faint of heart or for young children! No fun holes here—just sand traps, bunkers, and water hazards. No joke…this course is challenging and takes quite a long time to play. It’s a great option for real golfers playing for fun or with children who are budding golfers. Don’t try this option with your 3-year old or anyone who has a short attention span!

Fantasia Gardens is conveniently located near Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, and Swan & Dolphin—just a quick walk across Epcot Resorts Blvd (use the crosswalk!).

 Who’s ready for some fun? Did I mention that everyone who books a Walt Disney World package gets FREE mini golf tickets to use before 4pm? If you want even more fun, upgrade to the Water Parks Fun & More add on option, and you can play all the mini golf you can handle! Hours are typically 10am to 10pm, so it’s an all-day fun option.

Mini golf is also a great option if you don’t have park tickets on your arrival day or have a late flight out and no plans to enter the parks. Both courses have parking available although you do need to get the parking validated at Fantasia Gardens.

Sometimes the mini golf courses get busy, and you may have a wait. You can shorten your wait time by calling 407.WDW.PLAY to make reservations or simply ask your travel advisor for more information!

Sorcerer Mickey at Fantasia Gardens

Disney Cruise Line Summer 2026 Itineraries are Here!!

Disney Cruise Line fans have been eagerly awaiting the news on the itineraries for Summer 2026 — and now, they are here!

Summer adventures and worldwide favorite ports of call are coming during the Summer 2026 season. And with new ships coming, there are more Disney Cruise Line itineraries to choose from than ever before.

How does the beautiful shorelines of Alaska sound? Maybe the historical cities of Italy? Or the sandy beaches of the Bahamas or the cobblestones of the British Isles, we’re going to have endless memories made from cruises that offer cruises for just about everyone!

The booking window includes:

• Monday, February 10th - Open for Pearl Castaway Club

• Tuesday, February 11th - Open for Platinum Castaway Club, Golden Oak, and WDW Club 33

• Wednesday, February 12th - Open for Gold Castaway Club

• Thursday, February 13th - Open for Silver Castaway Club, Disney Vacation Club + AbD Insiders

• Monday, February 17th - Open for General Bookings

Now let’s take a look at some of the incredible itineraries coming Summer 2026!

ALASKAN SAILINGS FROM VANCOUVER

Disney Cruise Line will return with even more sailings bound for the picturesque glacial landscape of North America, now with TWO ships sailing. Beginning in May, both the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder will embark on seven-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada. Ports of call will include Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, all famous for their prehistoric glaciers, rich histories and eclectic shopping. Cruisers will also discover the incomparable natural beauty of Alaska when they visit Dawes Glacier, a majestic tidewater glacier that towers over 600-feet tall.

NEW EUROPEAN SAILINGS

For the first time, the Disney Dream will call on the island city of Cagliari, located in Sardinia, Italy, a brand-new destination for Disney Cruise Line. As the Disney Dream returns to Europe for the summer, it will invite guests to travel to picture-perfect ports across Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

The Disney Dream will kick off summer with a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. Departing from Barcelona or Civitavecchia, Italy, the Disney Dream will then set sail on seven- to twelve-night Mediterranean cruises. Guests will call upon popular Greek islands to visit the blue-topped spires in Santorini, the famous windmills of Mykonos, ancient landmarks in Rhodes, and many more scenic locales. 

The Disney Dream will finish out the season with three-, four-, and seven-night sailings out of Southampton, United Kingdom to Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords. Exploration awaits guests in the quaint, idyllic village of Olden, Norway; the seaside capital of Copenhagen, Denmark; the rocky shores of Portland, United Kingdom; and many more exciting ports of call.

TROPICAL GETAWAYS IN THE CARIBBEAN

Guests seeking a sunny escape will be able to depart from Port Canaveral, Florida on three different Disney Cruise Line ships to destinations in The Bahamas and Eastern or Western Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s tropical retreats, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Both offering Bahamian itineraries, the Disney Fantasy will set sail on four- and five-night voyages and the Disney Wish will depart on three- and four-night voyages. The Disney Fantasy will also offer a 10-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Meanwhile, the Disney Treasure will embark on seven-night sailings to Eastern or Western Caribbean, giving guests a chance to soak up rays on the beautiful beaches of Tortola, British Virgin Isles; Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico and more.

SUNNY SAILINGS FROM SOUTH FLORIDA

Departing on four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, the Disney Destiny, which launches in November of 2025, will visit Nassau, The Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The Disney Destiny will also offer two seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean during the summer season.

EXPLORE FROM SINGAPORE

The Disney Adventure, which is set to launch in December 2025, will offer a lineup of three- and four-night itineraries from the celebrate beloved stories from Disney, Pixar and Marvel. From three brand-new, Marvel-themed attractions at sea to an array of dining options and Broadway-style musical spectaculars including “Remember,” developed exclusively for the Disney Adventure, there is much in store for future guests to discover.

BOOK EARLY!
Some of the benefits of booking as soon as trips are available is that you’ll get the sailing you wish, you’ll have a much better selection of cabin category and location, and prices only go up as the ship begins to fill over time. With a great refund policy, putting your deposit down on a Disney Cruise Line vacation early gives you plenty of time to make your plans (and work with your favorite Upon a Star Travel Expert!)

Click here to get started on your Disney Cruise… or any other vacation you are dreaming of!

Mix, Mingle, and Master Sangria!

Sangria Tower with snacks!

Sangria University is held on select weekend days at Walt Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort inside the Three Bridges Bar & Grill.  It starts about 1:30pm and runs for 2-2.5 hours.  The cost is $50-55 per person.  

During our visit on Sunday, December 8, we had Cast Member Gray as our Sangria University instructor.  Gray was a phenomenal instructor- funny, knowledgeable, and engaging.  You could really tell he had a passion for Sangria and loved sharing. 

While this would be a fun event to do with a group, for this day it was just my wife and I. They sat just the two of us together.  There were also tables of 2, 4, and 6.  The Three Bridges is the perfect setting for this as it overlooks Coronado Springs Resort grounds and water features.  The total number of people at the event was 30, but they can hold up to 60.

When you first sit down, they bring you a tree of four different Sangrias.  You are also served chips and guacamole.

The instructor then goes through each of the Sangrias and what they consist of.  Your Sangria tree includes one white, one rose, one red, and one sparkling! You can sample them at your own pace.  After an overview of what you are drinking, Gray then gave a full history on Sangria, where it began, and how it has evolved to the present day. 

About an hour or so into the "course," it’s time to make your own sangria.  The instructor comes around to each table and takes your order for your own creation helping make sure you pair flavors that would compliment each other.  Each party at your table can make their own with almost limitless possibilities.  There is a slight up-charge for certain liquors.

I made an Old Fashioned-style Sangria that had Spanish Red Wine, Makers Mark Bourbon, Triple Sec, and Orange Blossom Honey.  My wife made one using Cava sparkling Spanish white wine, Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, and blackberry puree. 

After you "graduate" from the class, they provide you with a diploma! So fancy! On the back of that diploma is a recipe with all the Sangrias you had for the event. I highly recommend this event if you are adventurous in your day drinking or even if you just love learning about history and want to enjoy a beautiful setting with friends. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Free Gratuities Offer - Through February 6, 2025

For a limited time, Upon a Star is able to offer free pre-paid gratuities on 7+ night Norwegian Cruise Line bookings! This offer is available for bookings in a balcony stateroom or higher for the first two .

Current gratuities are $140 per person on a 7-night cruise, so this is a savings of at least $280!

Your cruise must be booked before Thursday, February 6, 2025. The offer is valid on all sailings and all ships except for Luna, Aqua, and Viva.

This offer is exclusive to bookings made through your favorite Upon a Star travel advisor—this is not available by booking direct.

At Upon a Star Travel, our Travel Advisors are happy to help you with your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation planning. Reach out here for more information!

25 Reasons for Disney World in 2025!

If you can believe it, January is almost over! Less than a week remains in this first month of 2025… but that still leaves an entire year for YOU to make some memories at the Most Magical Place on Earth — Walt Disney World, with its four theme parks, two water parks, massive Disney Springs shopping and entertainment district, over 30 resort options and there is even mini-golf, regular golf, a sports area, and specialty corn dogs to boot!

So, if you need a reason or two to get your trip going, how about I give you 25?

Walt Disney World is known for it’s iconic attractions, from Magic Kingdom’s “…it’s a Small World” to the looming Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios, but if you haven’t taken a coaster ride in the dark, your first reason to visit Disney World is enjoying (1) Space Mountain as it celebrates 50 years of space magic!

Taking (2) Disney’s classic thrill rides on attractions like Tron, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Rise of the Resistance make the journey worth it. And coming later this year, a (3) completely reimagined Test Track opens in Epcot, with homage to the original, legendary World of Motion.

If thrill rides and coasters aren’t your cup of tea, though, don’t worry - there is plenty to do elsewhere, and plenty to be excited about… including (4) The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure has Ariel finally returning to Hollywood Studios! After many years of an empty stage, Ariel, Ursula, Prince Eric and more will take the stage via a new array of puppetry and special effects, starting later in 2025!

And if your ears perked up when I said “URSULA”, you may be a fan of the villains - which means you’ll love the upcoming (5) “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”, a stage show featuring the aforementioned Sea Witch, along with Captain Hook, Maleficent, Gaston and many more of your favorite Evil’doers. Finally, over in Animal Kingdom, if you choose to make your WDW trip during the Holiday season, you can check out (6) Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a 3D show premiering in the Tree of Life during Winter 2025!

Don’t forget, after many years of missing The Main Street Electrical Parade and SpectroMagic (RIP), Magic Kingdom will have a BRAND NEW nighttime parade in 2025!
(7) ”Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will feature your favorite Disney friends on vibrant new floats, coming Summer 2025!

Make sure to see Dinosaur and The Boneyard before it’s THE END!

Of course with new attractions coming, we must (8) say goodbye to a few of our favorites — 2025 will be your last chance to experience some beloved attractions, including DINOSAUR (closing to make way for Tropical Americas), It’s Tough to be a Bug (giving way to Zootopia), MuppetVision3D (leading to Monsters Inc Land) and make sure you ride the (9) Rivers of America and visit Tom Sawyer Island one more time, as it will disappear for a new Cars themed area (MuppetVision*3D’s final day will be June 7th… no closing dates announced for any of the rest mentioned, but 2025 is expected for most, if not all)

If events and parties are your reasons for visiting, 2025 is better than ever! (10) The Epcot Festival of the Arts just kicked off and is running through February, your chance to see everything from the painted and sculpted art to Broadway style concerts… and of course, the food booths.

If the next few weeks are too soon, (11) Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival kicks off in March, running through the Spring, with incredible topiary displays, floral decor, warmer weather, the Eat to the Beat concert series… and of course, the food booths.

The fall will bring us (12) Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, a celebration of the culinary arts with cooking demonstrations, fantastic concerts from your favorite artists, cool decor.. and not just food booths, but beverage booths as well!

And of course, (13) Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, as the Christmas season covers Epcot (and Disney World as a whole), which is not to be missed. Don’t worry. Lots and lots of food booths.

The Holidays bring so much to enjoy at Disney World, including (14) Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the annual Holiday party in Magic Kingdom, and (15) all of the resort holiday displays, like Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House, the chocolate display in Contemporary, the chocolate carousel at Beach Club and a whole lot more.

Here’s to hoping that Jollywood Nights makes it’s return next Christmas!!!

And while we won’t know for sure, we all expect (16) Jollywood Nights to make it’s 3rd annual return to Hollywood Studios, which makes for one heck of a great Christmas party!

For the spookier Disney fans, back up a little bit in the year, and (17) Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will return, running from select nights in August through Halloween night.

One of the appeals of going to the extra event parties like Very Merry Christmas, Jollywood Nights, or Not So Scary is the fact they are extra ticketed events - meaning they only sell a certain number of tickets to keep crowds low. Another opportunity for these low crowds throughout the year is (18) After Hours Events happening in Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios on select nights throughout the year. Enjoy access to the most popular rides and attractions AFTER the parks close, with minimal to no wait on just about everything!

For the runners out there, (19) runDisney events happen throughout 2025 as well — Mushu, Mulan, Olaf, Lady & the Tramp, and Sleeping Beauty’s three fairies adorn the recently announced Wine & Dine 1/2 Marathon medals - registration begins soon for the fall event!

Other things to look forward to in 2025 is the (20) Spaceship Earth Lounge opening up later this spring, as well as Magic Kingdom’s new spot, a (21) Pirates of the Caribbean Lounge opening up next to the famous ride!

And let’s be real, the (22) Disney merchandise is unbeatable, updating all the time, from spirit jerseys to Ear bands — for much of our Upon a Star team, its Loungeflys, though for me personally, it’s all the Disney button up shirts!) and every time we turn around, there is a (23) new popcorn bucket MUST HAVE.

So, let’s chat about your trip! Through much of 2025, your qualifying package will give you not only your first day of your trip at (24) Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach for FREE, with many of the dates through the Spring, you can get (25) FREE DINING with your package!

And do you want one more reason to visit Walt Disney World in 2025? (26) Working with your favorite Upon a Star Travel Advisor! Everyone on this team gives you personal service (“ConciEARge” service if you will… see what we did there?) with all the knowledge and skills to make your vacation package the most magical it could be - from a few days at Pop Century to a week or more at the Poly, and everything in between!

Spring Savings: Plan Your Dream Escape to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to plan the Hawaiian getaway of a lifetime. From April 11 to June 11, 2025, you can save big on select rooms and villas at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in beautiful Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi. Whether you’re looking to unwind with family, enjoy the Hawaiian sun and beaches, or immerse yourself in world-class Disney magic, now’s the time to book your stay and make unforgettable memories.

The Longer You Stay, the More You Save!

This new offer makes your dream vacation more affordable than ever. Here’s a breakdown of the amazing savings:

• Save 25% on stays of 5 or more nights for travel between April 11, 2025, and June 11, 2025.

• Save 20% on stays of 4 nights for travel during the same period.

This offer gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy everything Aulani has to offer without rushing.

Why Aulani?

Aulani isn’t just another resort—it’s a place where Disney’s magic meets the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi. Whether you’re lounging on the sandy beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the resort’s vibrant cultural experiences, you’ll feel the spirit of Aulani in every moment.

• Luxurious accommodations: Stay in spacious rooms or villas designed with comfort and style in mind, ideal for families or groups.

• One-of-a-kind experiences: From the Rainbow Reef snorkel lagoon to the relaxing Laniwai Spa, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget the Disney themed luau!

• Disney Magic: Meet beloved characters, enjoy themed activities, and let the Disney magic make your vacation truly special.

Disney Visa Cardholders: Extra Perks!

If you’re a Disney Visa Cardholder, there’s an additional treat in store. As a cardholder, you can unlock even more exclusive savings—up to 30% for 5-night stays and up to 25% for 4-night stays. Plus you’ll earn a resort credit! Ask your travel advisor how to get these perks!

Plan Your Spring Escape Now

Don’t wait—this offer is only available for a limited time.

Whether you’re booking a longer stay to maximize your savings or planning a shorter getaway, Aulani offers the perfect destination for an unforgettable spring retreat.

At Upon a Star Travel, our Travel Advisors are happy to help you with you vacation planning. Reach out here for more information!!!

Rootin’ Tootin’ Fun at Hoop De Doo Musical Revue!

Six amazing singers and dancers entertain you at Hoop De Doo Musical Revue!

Welcome to our Featured Blog segment here at Upon a Star Travel! We aim to bring you the most fun, most informative, sometimes random topics on travel, theme parks, crusing, all mixed with humor, fun, pop culture and more! This week, we kick off the Featured Blog page with one of our lead writers, Susan Burks, taking a look at the legendary Hoop de Doo Revue!

Head on over to Fort Wilderness to check out Hoop De Doo Review! This dinner show will make you laugh, stomp your feet, and clap your hands while feeding you delicious barbecue, fried chicken and sides and a huge strawberry shortcake for dinner!

Hoop Dee Doo Review, commonly referred to with its acronym HDDR, has been performing since 1974.

Six singers and dancers accompanied by a pianist and a banjo player entertain you with antics, music, and dancing. Lots of audience participation here and some fun country and Southern accents and mannerisms that’ll transport you back to a simpler time.

The food is served family style, and it is plentiful and delicious!

You start with salad and cole slaw along with cornbread when you arrive at your table. Complimentary drinks include sodas and several alcoholic options including a few wines and beers and a pretty yummy Sangria. Other options, including some mixed drinks, are available for an upcharge.

Then the real food comes out! Platters of fried chicken, ribs, and brisket along with sides of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and cowboy beans. If you have young children (or picky adults!) with you, they’re also happy to bring out chicken nuggets and fries. This was some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had! Drinks are frequently refreshed, and as you eat, the show continues.

Once you’re finished dinner, the strawberry shortcake arrives are your table, and the finale of the show takes place on stage. Four audience members are chosen at random to help— a park ranger, a can-can dancer, a hero, and a fairy godfather? Typically the park ranger is a man, can-can dancer is a woman, the hero is a young boy, and the fairy godfather is older gentleman which makes for quite a funny grouping of people. The show ends with metal washboards (and wooden sticks to “play” them) being handed out to the tables and the option to parade around the restaurant. Hand these washboards and sticks to your children (or your Disney Adults) at your own peril. This is a fun noisy finale! 

This is a price fix meal, or it uses two table service credits if you’re on the Dining Dining Plan. It does have a discount for DVC and Disney Visa card holders. Regardless, it’s well worth the price, and it’s a great option for a down day out of the parks. During the fall or  holidays when Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom close early, it could be a great dinner option after those park days as well. (We also discovered that it has a holiday overlay near Christmas!)

Getting here can be a challenge! Take the boat over from Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness or use the boat that makes a loop in the evenings between Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness. Pioneer Hall is close to the boat dock at Fort Wilderness. If you have a vehicle, you can drive to Fort Wilderness and park in their main parking lot. Make sure you have your reservation ready to show to the gate guards! 

Once you park, walk to the bus stop and take the internal bus to Pioneer Hall. If you take the bus from another park, or Uber/Lyft/rideshare to Fort Wilderness, you’ll still end up at this bus stop here at the front of the resort. There is NO PARKING at Pioneer Hall (nor any rideshare drop offs here), so this is the only option if you drive! Allow plenty of time because the line to enter the resort can get long, and then you still have to wait for the internal bus! Finally, you can utilize a Ride Share or a Minnie Van. They have the ability to drop off (and pick up) right in front of Pioneer Hall. 

This is a super fun option especially with a group or large family party. We were a party of 8 and had a large table in the back, and we had a blast singing along, clapping, and enjoying our meal.

OK, yes…it’s kind of cheesy. The jokes are slapstick humor, and the songs are folk and American music genre—think vaudeville and comic relief! It’s the kind of show that Grandpa and grandson will both enjoy. And yes, it’s a little expensive, so it’s not the kind of thing you do every trip. That said it’s a great show that will likely please everyone in your group!

At Upon a Star Travel, our Travel Advisors are happy to help you with you vacation planning, including dining reservations and dining assistance - and Hoop de Doo too!! Reach out here for more information!!!

Upon a Star Travel & Concierge Earns ALG Vacations Elite Emerald Status Again!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Upon a Star Travel & Concierge has once again earned the prestigious Elite Emerald status with ALG Vacations! This remarkable achievement reflects our team's continued commitment to delivering exceptional vacation experiences and outstanding customer service to our clients.

The Elite Emerald Status is awarded to travel agencies that consistently exceed expectations in sales performance, customer satisfaction, and the overall quality of service they provide. Achieving this level of distinction is no small feat and demonstrates our ongoing dedication to creating unforgettable travel experiences for our clients, whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway, an exciting adventure, or a luxurious all-inclusive resort vacation.

For our clients, this achievement means that you are working with a trusted and highly respected team of travel experts. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a group getaway, we have the knowledge and resources to craft a trip that’s tailored to your needs and preferences. This includes VIP benefits, priority access to promotions, and the latest information on the best destinations and resorts.

We owe this incredible achievement to you—our amazing clients who continue to trust us to plan your vacations year after year. Your loyalty and support are what make this recognition possible, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to help you explore the world and create unforgettable memories.

As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to providing exceptional service and unforgettable travel experiences remains stronger than ever. We’re excited to help you plan your next getaway, knowing that with ALG Vacations’ resources and our expertise, the possibilities are endless.

Thank you once again for making Upon a Star Travel & Concierge your trusted travel partner. Contact us today to book your next amazing vacation.

Upon a Star Travel & Concierge Receives Disney's Earmarked Gold Status Again!

At Upon a Star Travel & Concierge, we are thrilled to announce that Upon a Star Travel & Concierge has once again been named a Disney Earmarked Gold Agency! 🏆✨

Disney Earmarked Gold status is awarded to travel agencies that have demonstrated superior knowledge, commitment, and excellence in booking Disney vacations. Earning this status means that our team has consistently gone above and beyond to help our clients plan the most seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable Disney experiences possible.

For our clients, this status means you are working with a trusted, highly-qualified Disney vacation expert — someone who understands the magic of Disney and can provide personalized recommendations tailored to their needs and dreams. Whether you're dreaming of a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Aulani in Hawaii, sailing on Disney Cruise Line, or any other Disney destination, we have the insider knowledge, exclusive benefits, and personalized attention to make your experience truly unforgettable.

We couldn’t be more excited to continue bringing the magic of Disney to life for our amazing clients, and we can’t wait to help you plan your next Disney adventure! 🌟

Contact us today to start making your Disney dreams come true! 

Summer 2025 Walt Disney World Offers Available Now... Including FREE Dining!

What a great way to start out 2025 with a FREE Dining offer OR a room discount for summer 2025.

FIRST, FREE Dining!

Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted minimum 3-night, 3-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resorts Collection hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option—for arrivals most nights from:

• May 27 to June 26, 2025

• July 7 to August 6, 2025

What does that mean for you?

You may be eligible for FREE dining:

If you are visiting Walt Disney World beginning May 27 to June 26, 2025, and July 7-August 6, 2025, you have a regular package with at least a 3-night stay, AND you have at least 3-day park hopper tickets, you may be eligible for a free dining package.

Note that this package does require park hopper tickets. Guests staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or at a Disney Deluxe Villa will receive the Disney Dining Plan for each guest. Those staying at a Moderate or Value Resort will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan for each guest.

SECOND, save up to 30% off rooms!

If you prefer not to have a dining plan or if you prefer to have base tickets, perhaps the better offer is the room only discount. Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer this summer. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.

This offer is valid for stays most nights from May 1 to September 30, 2025.

THIRD, Florida residents Book Early Discount to save up to 35%!

Florida residents, this is a great offer for you! Book by February 24, 2025, and save up to 35% on rooms for stays most nights from May 1 to July 31, 2025. Lower savings are available for bookings made after February 24.

Packages available per resort are limited. Everyone in room must be on same package. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Grand Villas, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows and 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and Suites at Disney Deluxe Resort hotels.

Please contact your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor for details, quotes, and more information!

Saratoga Springs Resort Review

Entrance to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Invoking the ideals of horse racing in upstate New York, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World is a lovely villa property, part of the Disney Vacation Club. Consisting of studios as well as 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas, these are great options for larger parties or even those who just want an option that feels less like a hotel room and more like a home!

Stay in a Disney Deluxe Villa with just-like-home amenities like a kitchen, washer, dryer and separate bedrooms. 1- and 2-Bedroom Villas—as well as 3-Bedroom Treehouse Villas—have the following features:

• A full kitchen, so you can prepare meals and snacks from the comfort of your villa

• Spacious living and dining areas where your family can share quality time together, play games, and chill out,

• Separate bedrooms that offer space, privacy and tranquility – so it’s easy to rest, relax and recharge your spirit after each exhilarating vacation day

• A washer and dryer, so you can pack lightly and avoid airline baggage fees or just travel home with clean laundry!

Treehouse Villas also feature private decks and charcoal grills. These unique accommodations are elevated 10 feet off the ground and nestled amid lush forest—so you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Want to know more about Saratoga Springs Resort? Click here: Saratoga Springs Resort

On a recent trip, as a party of six, we stayed at Saratoga Springs in a 2-bedroom villa. This was only my second time staying here and my first time in a 2-bedroom villa at any property! We were in the Paddock area which was very convenient to Disney Springs and not too far to Congress Park where you can find the main pool, front desk, and dining. Paddock has its own lovely pool and a nearby bus stop.

We were on the fourth floor, and it was very quiet. We made use of the washer and dryer, and our party even spread out a bit to use the two Murphy bed options in the living room.

As with any Disney World property, there are some definitely pros and cons to this property. Remember these are just my personal opinion, so what I don’t love may not be a big deal to you at all!

I want to talk through a few of aspects I didn’t love first before ending with things I DID love! So, first, what I found to be the drawbacks of this property: 

Bus Stops… there’s a lot of bus stops! This wasn’t a big deal for us when going to the parks, but i was when returning from the parks. If I was to stay here again, I would likely rent a car or simply rely more on Uber or Lyft. After one trip where it took us nearly an hour to get to our villa from Magic Kingdom, I only used Lyft to return to the room! 

(Pro Tip: Use Lyft over Uber at this property! You can enter your specific section, and the driver will drop you right at the entrance to your building!)

Large Footprint: It’s a really spread out property. We were fortunate to be fairly near The Springs with the dining, front desk, shop and main pool, but some of the other sections would not have been at all convenient for dining purposes.

Buses only to the parks. That’s not really a negative, but with multiple bus stops, your bus could arrive at your stop already full or take a long time before even leaving the property to head to the parks.

OK…that’s not bad for negatives, huh? Next some pros!

Proximity to Disney Springs: This is a huge pro in my opinion. If you enjoy spending time at Disney Springs, you can’t get much closer! There’s a boat that will take you to the dock near Rainforest Cafe, but it’s also easy to walk if you’re in the Paddock or Congress Hall areas.

Villa Size & Amenities: If you enjoy cooking on your vacation, like to do breakfast in the room, or have a member of your part with allergies where you might need to store or prep some food, this is a great option. With a fully equipped kitchen, you can cook to your heart’s content—or simply store cold foods in your fridge, make a full pot of coffee, etc. There’s even a dishwasher! If you’re traveling with little people who are messy (or adults who are messy!) or like to travel home with clean laundry, the in room washer and dryer are lovely. These are small stackable units, so you can’t do huge loads, but laundry detergent and a laundry basket is included!

Dining: There are both a quick service restaurant, Artist Palette, and a table service restaurant, Turf Club, here. We only had an opportunity to eat at Artist Palette one day for lunch, but I was very impressed with the meal quality. Unlike some other locations, you order your meal at the register and it’s prepared fresh. A Cast Member brought the meal to our table. My chicken and rice dish was absolutely delicious!

Pools: There are so many pools here! The main feature pool is in The Springs area near the dining and front desk. This is where you’ll find the pool entertainment like games and such. The other pools are considered quiet pools, but they were still rather sizable lovely pools—some with slides!

Would I stay here again? Absolutely! One member of our party had a car, and it made a huge difference to our days so I’d absolutely suggest a car or utilizing ride share (Lyft in particular). Even from the check in area to your villa could be a long-haul; they do have some golf carts, and they will happily deliver your luggage for you if you arrive without a personal or rental vehicle.

EPIC Universe - May 22, 2025!

After years of waiting, Universal has finally revealed the opening date for the newest park coming to Universal Orlando - EPIC UNIVERSE will be open on May 22, 2025!

Joining Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Epic Universe will be an incredible, immersive park with the excitement kicking in as soon as you walk through the gates, with four portals to four amazing worlds just beyond.

Epic Universe will feature over 50 experiences, including 11 ride attractions — and 7 roller coasters throughout the park!

As you walk through the gates, you’ll find:
CELESTIAL PARK - a different experience during the day and at night, this is your entry into Universe of Epic, featuring Stardust Racers, a dueling coaster

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD - A land dedicated to all things Mario, Donkey Kong, Yoshi and lots of those green pipes! Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, and the Donkey Kong themed Mine Cart Madness are the main attractions here.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: ISLE OF BERK - Enter the land of dragons and Vikings, meet Toothless and Hiccup, and fly high on Dragon’s Racer Rally!

DARK UNIVERSE - Step back in time to a day of classic monsters, entering the spooky village of Darkmoor, and experience the family coaster Curse of the Werewolf, meet the monsters you remember from the old films, and much more.

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER - MINISTRY OF MAGIC - Blending 1920s Paris from the "Fantastic Beasts" series with the 1990s Britain, you can Battle the Ministry and take on Deloris Umbridge, meet the wandmakers, and of course, Butterbeer!

Tickets for Epic U go on sale October 22, and will be available in multi-day tickets for 3 days or longer, which will include one-day admission to Universal Epic Universe. Additional ticket options, like 1-day and 2-day Epic U tickets will be available at a later date before the park opens.

Information about VIP Tours, My Universal Photo packages, and Express Pass for Epic U will be launched at a later date before the park opens, and more details on this will come soon.

Grand Helios resort hotel will also be available for booking beginning October 22, for stays beginning May 22, 2025 and beyond. Currently, reservations for Terra Luna and Stella Nova hotels are available now.

WDW Winter & Spring Savings!

Are you considering a 2025 vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Now’s the best time to get it planned with your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor - you can save hundreds, maybe thousands, off a WDW vacation with three ways to save!

FIRST… SAVE UP TO $200 PER NIGHT!!

On select stays beginning February 26 through June 30, 2025, with your vacation package (minimum 3 night resort stay + tickets), save $60 per night on Disney Value Resorts, $120 per night on Disney Moderate Resorts, and up to $200 per night on most Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts.

Packages available per resort are limited. Everyone in room must be on same package. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Offer excludes the following room types: Campsites; 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Resort Suites; Club Level Rooms; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort; and Bungalows and Island Tower 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

SECOND… SAVE UP TO 25% ON DISNEY RESORT ROOMS!!!
With your Walt Disney World room-only stay or vacation package stay, you can save 10-15% on Disney Value Resort rooms, 15-20% on Disney Moderate Resort rooms, and 20-25% on most Disney Deluxe Resort rooms. on most nights January 1st to April 30, 2025.

Minimum one night, maximum four night stays. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Offer is for room only, not for tickets. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Suites; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort; and Bungalows and Island Tower 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

THIRD… FLORIDA RESIDENTS CAN SAVE UP TO 30% ON ROOMS

Save up to 30% on rooms for stays most nights from February 23 to April 30, 2025. Save 15 to 25% on rooms for stays most Sunday to Thursday nights from January 1 to February 20, 2025, and save 20 to 30% on rooms for stays most nights from February 23 to April 30, 2025.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price a non-Florida resident pays for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply. Offer excludes the following room types: Campsites; 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Suites; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort; and Bungalows and Island Tower 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Proof of Florida residency required at check-in.

Please contact your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor for details, quotes, and more information!!!