Tuscany in Wine Harvest Season — Sip, Savor, & Soak It In!

Each year, from late September through October, the rolling hills of Tuscany come alive as locals and vintners gather to harvest grapes and celebrate the season. It's the perfect time to explore the region: the summer crowds have faded, the weather is crisp and comfortable, and the wine? It’s never been fresher.

This is more than just a trip — it's an experience. 

• Wine Harvest (Vendemmia): Early fall is grape harvest season, and many wineries open their doors to visitors for tours, tastings, and even hands-on harvesting experiences.

• Truffle Festivals: White truffles are at their peak in October and November. Towns celebrate with lively markets where you can taste truffle-infused dishes straight from local chefs.

• Olive Oil Tasting: Freshly pressed olive oil is a delicacy unique to this season. Visit an olive mill and sample the rich, peppery flavors of “olio nuovo.”

• Autumn Landscapes: The rolling hills of Tuscany glow with autumn colors, making it an ideal time for travelers who love scenic drives.

Whether you're a wine lover, a foodie, or just someone who dreams of traveling to a beautiful place, Tuscany in harvest season delivers on every front — flavor, culture, scenery, and soul.

Helpful Tips: 

• Pack Layers: Mornings and evenings can be cool, while afternoons often stay comfortably warm.

• Book in Advance for Festivals: Truffle and wine festivals are popular with both locals and visitors. A little planning ensures you won’t miss out.

Ready to plan your autumn escape to Italy’s wine country? This is the perfect time to be planning for next fall!

Let us handle the details — from vineyard tours to villa stays — so you can focus on what really matters: soaking it all in, one sip at a time. Contact us to start planning your Tuscan wine adventure!

Leaf It to Us: Top Spots for Autumn Views

From late September through October, forests across the United States transform into vibrant tapestries of red, orange, and gold. If you're dreaming of the perfect autumn getaway, here are the best places in the U.S. to experience fall foliage at its finest.

New England – The Classic Fall Escape - Best time to go: Late September to mid-October. The region’s dense forests, charming towns, and scenic byways make it the gold standard for leaf-peeping. Postcard-worthy views with covered bridges and mountain backdrops or Acadia National Park blending ocean views with autumn hues for a unique twist on fall travel.

The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina - Best time to go: Mid-October to early November. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to more tree species than all of Europe, which means an extended and vibrant fall season. Explore scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road and Newfound Gap Road, or hike trails for panoramic views framed by fiery foliage. Because this is a little further south, the peak season is later than some other locations!

Aspen, Colorado – Golden Aspens and Mountain Peaks - Best time to go: Mid-September to early October. The contrast of white-barked aspens against the rugged Rockies is unforgettable. Take a drive along the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, one of the most photographed spots in North America.

The Upper Peninsula, Michigan – A Hidden Gem - Best time to go: Late September to mid-October. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers an uncrowded fall escape, with pristine forests, waterfalls, and dramatic lake views. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the shores of Lake Superior are especially stunning during peak foliage.

Travel Tips for Fall Foliage Viewing:

🍂 Book early – Hotels and cabins in popular areas sell out fast.

🍂 Pack for layers – Fall weather can be unpredictable.

🍂 Bring a camera – These views are ones you’ll want to remember.

Whether you're after a cozy cabin in the mountains or a scenic road trip through vibrant forests, our travel experts can craft the perfect fall foliage itinerary for you. It may be a little late for this year, but cancellations do happen and sometimes if we think outside the box on location and focus on weekdays versus weekends, we could find a great a trip for you!

Contact us today to book your autumn adventure and watch the leaves turn in some of the most beautiful places America has to offer.

AmaWaterways Military Discounts

Two Upon a Star Travel Advisors recently had an opportunity to experience first hand a river cruise on AmaWaterways, and it was absolutely magnificent! (More detailed blog coming soon!) River cruising is so vastly different from an ocean cruise, and even better…AmaWaterways recognizes US Military with some tremendous discounts on select cruises.

There are still many sailings listed for 2025, but there are also some listed for early 2026 and more to come.

What does the military discount get you? 2-for-1 discounts.

Yes, TWO people cruise for the cost of one person. Literally half off the cruise.

AmaWaterways has some great themed cruises, too, to includes locations like the visiting the EuropeansChristmas Markets, beer themed cruises, wine themed cruises, and the ever popular Tulip Time sailings which go see all the spring tulip fields in the Netherlands!

So, how do you book one of these? So easy:

1. Take a look at the current dates available.

2. Pick your date.

3. Email your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor.

Easy, right?

Here’s the link for existing 2025 & 2026 military discounts for AmaWaterways: 2025 & 2026 Military Discounts AmaWaterwaysAmaWaterways

What if you want a date not currently offered with the deep discount? We can still get you a $250 discount in addition to any other AmaWaterways promotions!

If you’re ready to book a river cruise or have more questions about river cruising, reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel Agent or contact us here!

Disney Villains: The Ones We Love to Hate

Maleficent is one of our most recognizable Disney villains!

Halloween is getting closer and will soon be front and center in the parks. The first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held on August 15th this year I want to talk villains… specifically Disney villains.  I love villains! I have an incomplete tattoo sleeve of Disney villains to prove it.  With 20-25 hours in a tattoo chair already and many more hours, this has become my passion.    But why, you may be wondering.   Let me tell you why… 

If you don’t know already, villains are the bad guys in books, movies, and TV shows—the wicked, the cunning, the ones who make our stories dangerous! Villain characters, also known as antagonists, date back ages in writing and early film. If you look at some of the best movies, they have great villains. To fully appreciate the good guy, you really must hate the bad guy. And the more you hate the bad guy, the louder you cheer when the hero wins. Where there has been a strong Protagonist, there is almost always a strong Antagonist. 

Villains make things better. Look at the Bible, one of our earliest forms of writing passed down by generations. We have David versus Goliath. David’s “hero” moment came in his ability to fell the giant known as Goliath.  Or we can look at Robin Hood versus Prince John.  Look at Diehard—who would Bruce Willis’ character, John McClane, be without the great Hans Gruber played by one of the greatest actors ever, Alan Rickman?  Speaking of Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series… how could I not mention Harry Potter versus Voldemort?  Villains make you love the Hero more. 

I took a poll to find out what Disney villains people love the most.  I asked the following questions:

1. Best Disney Villain?

2. Best Villain Sidekick?

3. Best Villain Song?

4. Most satisfying end to a Villain?

5. Best ‘Toxic’ trait? 

I started off asking my fellow travel advisors at Upon a Star Travel… henceforth to be known as “The Stars.”  The Stars overwhelmingly voted Maleficent as the best villain, and it wasn’t even close! The best sidekick was much closer. It was a tie between Mr. Smee and Lafou. Best song went to everyone's favorite underwater witch, Ursula with Poor Unfortunate Souls.  The best demise of a villain belonged to Jafar who was pulled into a magic lamp and kicked into lava by his sidekick.  Best toxic trait went to Maleficent for using dark magic and having a vengeful nature.  

I also polled my friends and family AKA Facebook.  All of the results were close to the same with one exception—the best sidekick award went to the Hyenas from The Lion King.   

This has been fun to write and explore since I love villains.  And Disney really knows how to do it right. Let’s plan your next vacation… maybe in October when Halloween will be a big focus in the park!

So let’s recap:

1. Everyone is wrong. Scar is the best villain!

2. Everyone is wrong, Be Prepared sung by Scar in The Lion King is the best song!

3. Plan to go see “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” the new stage show now playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studio.

4. Disney needs to HURRY UP and open their planned Villain Land… ASAP.

Don’t forget, the Fall Halloween Season will take over the Walt Disney World resort in late August! See details on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party here.

Contact your favorite Upon a Star Agent for your party tickets and your next Walt Disney World or Disneyland Vacation Package!

Disney Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios Returns in 2025!

For the third year - and we hope that means it will truly be a permanent event - it’s DISNEY JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights in November and December.

Sparking atmosphere, modern beats over classic seasonal tunes, crafted cocktails and delicious snacks, with nostalgia, glitz and glamour all the way around are what make this event special - and this year, it runs for five hours, beginning 730p, until 1230a - but with your party ticket, you can get the Hollywood Studio gate at 530p! (no regular park ticket or park reservation required)

You’ll find Jollywood Nights happening on November 8, 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29, and then in December on 1, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20 and 22

Pricing is same for both Adults & Children

• November 8 - SOLD OUT

• November 15 - $169 ($179.99 including tax)

• November 17 - $159 ($169.34 including tax)

• November 22 - $169

• November 24 - $179 ($190.64 including tax)

• November 29 - $189 (201.94 including tax)

• December 1 - $179

• December 6, 10 - $189

• December 13 - $199

• December 17 - $189

• December 20, 22 - $199 ($211.94 including tax)

It’s a holiday vibe like you’ve never felt before. Sights of sparkling décor, sounds of modern beats over classic holiday songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore.

If you are new to Jollywood or a seasoned JW pro, here are some of the new and returning experiences you can look forward to!

• Kermit the Frog & Miss Piggy make their return to the Theater of the Stars, hosting a holiday variety show featuring beloved Disney characters and showstopping tunes - its “Disney Holidays in Hollywood”, on stage at 815p, 915p, 11p, and 12a

• What’s this? WHATS THIS??? The story of Halloween Town and Christmas Town comes together at the Hyperion Theater during Jollywood with Nightmare Before Christmas sing-along! Show on stage at 730p, 830p, 930p, 1130p, and 1230p

• You’ll find the holidays a little more jazzy at The Hollywood Brown Derby during Jollywood Nights, a great choice for guests seeking a little bit to eat, a little bit to drink, and a little bit of entertainment. Reservations strongly recommended.

• Experience Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, a lively holiday street fair now taking place in the Coaster Courtyard on Sunset Boulevard (close to Rock’n Roller Coaster) with Latin inspired sounds and snacks. You can also Jose and Panchito from the Three Caballeros, and this year, Coco’s Miguel is joining the party!

• Celebrate in Pixar Plaza! Come meet Edna Mode, Frozone, Joy and other Pixar favorites for a holly jolly dance party! Party really kicks from 730p to 930p, then 1030p to 1230p.

• One of our favorite events is the Twilight Soirée at the Tip Top Club—a swingin’ party in the courtyard of the The Hollywood Tower Hotel. Here, you can unwind in style with drink and fun while a live band swoons and croons holiday tunes. Stick around all night, with band sets begin at 7:30 PM, 8:10 PM, 8:50 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:10 PM and 11:50 PM.

• For it’s 2nd year, enjoy “GLISTEN!”, a holiday skating show right in front of the Chinese Theater! Skaters twirl, leap, and even jump rope across a shimmering rink, all set to classic Jollywood tunes. Glisten! takes the rink at 810p, 910p, 1030p, 1110p, and midnight during Jollywood Nights

• A festive favorite, Jingle Bell Jingle BAM is a nighttime spectacular is jam-packed with music, fireworks, special effects and dazzling state-of-the-art projections, starring Wayne & Lanny from “Prep & Landing” as they seek to rescue Santa while crossing through classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

 Of course, characters abound throughout the park, with chances to meet Santa Stitch, Baloo and King Louie at Echo Lake, Pixar faves at Pixar Plaza, Santa Duffy, Mickey, Minnie, “Toy Story’s” Lotso and many, many more of your favorites!

Enjoy after-hours access - and lower wait times - to some of your favorite rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and more (open attractions are subject to change without notice).

Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday event. Tickets available NOW for guests of select WDW hotels, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green. For all other guests, tickets may be purchased starting July 22

And don’t forget, the Holiday Season will take over the Walt Disney World resort, including parades, animal menageries, new shows, Christmas tree strolls, and the return of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! DETAILS HERE!!!

Contact your favorite Upon a Star Agent for your tickets and your WDW Vacation Package!

The 2025 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!

Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

On select nights beginning Nov. 7, and running through Dec. 21, this separately ticketed event will welcome guests to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Magic Kingdom!

Throughout the evening, you can:

• Gather to watch the Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, as it moves from Frontierland to Main Street USA full of characters, cheer, and of course, Santa!

• Watch holiday classics and incredible pyrotechnics, castle projections and host Minnie Mouse all combine for the returning Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks (and enjoy special seating at Tomorrowland Terrace in the ticketed Dessert Party - details to come)

• Head over to Cinderella Castle for Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, with Clarabella Cow, Daisy Duck, Woody and more singing a medley of holiday songs!

• Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the snowgies as Cinderella Castle turns into a frozen wonderland during the Frozen Holiday Surprise.

• Get the perfect picture with Disney pals dressed in their Christmas best!

• Bust a move during a mega fun dance party at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage during the Club Tinsel party and the Disney Junior Jungle Jam party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, both in Tomorrowland!

• For the kids and the kids at heart, bring your Christmas list, because you’ll have a chance to meet up with Santa Claus in Storybook Circus (we at Upon a Star work with closely with Santa, so make sure to let us know your travel needs and we can help Santa put that under your tree!)

• Guests can also look forward to enjoying some of their favorite classic and thrill attractions with a holiday twist, including Space Mountain, Jungle Jingle Cruise, Tomorrowland Speedway, Mad Tea Party, and Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor

• The characters are sure to be many and varied, but we know for sure that you’ll be able to mingle and meet with Anna and Elsa, Sally and Santa Jack, and Mickey & Minnie, all in their festive holiday garb

And if that’s not enough, of course there is more - its Disney after all!

You can experience lower wait times at open attractions, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Haunted Mansion, Under the Sea with Little Mermaid, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, the Regal Carrousel, “its a small world”, Peter Pan’s Flight, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, The Barnstormer, Astro Orbitor, the PeopleMover, and Tron Lightcycle/Run (attractions available during the party are subject to change without notice)

Plus, at the 2025 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can look forward to a new merchandise collection featuring everything from jerseys to pins to other keepsakes to take home!

Got a sweet tooth? Then don’t forget to grab some delicious complimentary cookies and cocoa, available throughout the party all night, making the evening even sweeter. Plus other exclusive party treats available throughout the park - the official Foodie Guide will be coming soon!

Every night will be filled with festive cheer, with “snowfall” on Main Street from the beautifully decorated Main Street, U.S.A. to the enchanting holiday-themed attractions.  

Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets NOW through your Upon a Star Travel Agent or with Disney. All other guests can purchase tickets beginning July 22nd. (Special pricing available for Annual Passholders and DVC)

The party dates:

• November 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30

• December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21

Pricing breakdown: (Adult / Child 3-9)

• November 7, 10, 11 - SOLD OUT

• November 13 - $179 / 169

• November 14 - $189 / 179

• November 16, 18, 20 - $179 / 169

• November 21, 25, 26 - SOLD OUT

• November 28 - $209 / 199

• November 30 - $199 / 189

• December 2, 4 - SOLD OUT

• December 5, 7, 9, 11 - $209 / 199

• December 12, 14, 16, 18 - $219 / 209

• December 19 - $229 / 219

• December 21 - SOLD OUT

Prices with taxes added $159 (169.34)… $169 (179.99)… $179 (190.64)… $189 (201.29)… $199 (211.94)… $209 (222.59)… $219 (233.24)… $229 (213.89)

And don’t forget, there is SNOW MUCH more to look forward to during the Christmas season at Walt Disney World! Starting November 1st, and rolling out through the coming weeks, the holiday will bring:

Amidst the glowing holiday décor, a Merry Menagerie of winter animals returns to Animal Kingdom in the form of artisan-sculpted puppets, plus the Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition will leave you joyful all through the night.

EPCOT will celebrate with the return of “Candlelight Processional” during EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays beginning Nov. 28-Dec. 30. Other guest-favorite traditions like spirited storytellers, joyful musical acts and performers, and Holiday Kitchens will return to World Showcase this festive season - plus, Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt and Living With the Land’s Glimmering Greenhouse will also be back!

Hollywood Studios will return the Yuletide Projection Show on The Hollywood Tower Hotel this season. At Toy Story Land, you can once again spot Woody, Jessie and Buzz sporting their holiday best. And enjoy Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine, a fun character table service meal!

At Disney Springs, the shopping will be amidst the dazzling décor and the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll will return. Visitors who stop in Town Center won’t believe what they see – magical snowfall in Central Florida! And don’t forget the special holiday menu at Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar!

Guests can say hello to Santa Claus as he makes special appearances in all four parks, Disney Springs and even at a Disney Water Park, where you’ll find him dressed in his tropical holiday beachwear.

And back this season, Disney’s JOLLYWOOD NIGHTS at Hollywood Studios, a fantastically jazzy separately ticketed event — check out the details here!

To get your tickets or to book your package (with great possible savings, as Disney released some great offers for fall and Christmas!) contact your favorite Upon a Star Agent!

Annual Passholder and DVC discounts are also available