All the New WDW News You Need to Know!

What a Disney news day!!

In a matter of hours yesterday, Disney World released four major announcements... and here is what you need to know!

SPACE 220!

Epcot's newest dining experience had a known opening date -- September 20th -- but today, Disney released more details! Space 220 will offer a two course lunch, featuring dishes like salads, calamari, steaks, and seafood, then a three course dinner with even more delicious servings, including duck! Plus, Supernova Sweets, like mousse, cheesecake, and toffee cake, plus many spirits, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Reservations begin on September 20th, for dining starting September 27th, but you can get in faster than that -- walk-ups to be accepted September 20th thru September 26th!

THE CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL!!
The beloved show is returning and is sure to be a highlight of the International Festival of the Holidays in Epcot, beginning November 26 and running through December 30. This magnificent production will once again grace the America Gardens Theatre with a live orchestra, cast choir, and celebrity narrator retelling the traditional Christmas story in spectacular and heartwarming fashion.Narrators are still being determined, and the choir will be entirely of Cast Members, so stay tuned for details as soon as they are announced!!!

FINDING NEMO: THE MUSICAL GETS REIMAGINED!!

There was a frightening rumor around that Animal Kingdom's iconic "Finding Nemo: The Musical" was going to go away forever... but, Disney came to the rescue to tell us ,"No! It's coming back, we promise!" The awesome stage show will get a reimagining, and will debut sometime later!

EPCOT FIREWORKS DINING PACKAGES!!

You can savor a delicious dinner on a lakefront patio while you enjoy incredible views of Harmonious, the newest fireworks spectacular! You can enjoy this dining package at either Rose & Crown or Spice Road Table, both located in Epcot's World Showcase. The Rose & Crown pre-fixe dining package includes an appetizer, entree, dessert platter, and unlimited beverages, and is $89 per adult (10 and over) and $39 (kids 3-9), tax and gratuity not included.

The Spice Road Table dining package includes two small plates, dessert platter, and unlimited beverages, is $72 per person (10 and over) and $31 per child (ages 3-9), and does not include tax & gratuity.

Both packages available for booking online on September 23rd, and will debut with the premiere of Epcot Harmonious on October 1st

And finally... DISNEY ENCHANTMENT FIREWORKS PARTIES!!!

And THREE, count 'em THREE different ways to enjoy special seating while enjoying the Disney Enchantment fireworks! All parties begin October 3rd, 2021, and reservations available beginning September 17th, 2021

DISNEY ENCHANTMENT PRE-PARTY

Sweeten your evening at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant at Magic Kingdom Park with 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Then, before the show begins, Cast Members will escort you to a reserved standing viewing location in one of the plaza gardens with prime viewing of Disney Enchantment. $99 per adult (ages 10 and up), $59 per child (ages 3 to 9).

DISNEY ENCHANTMENT TREATS & SEATS

After a day of Magic Kingdom Park fun, enjoy 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. Experience the fireworks views from the comfort of dedicated reserved seating at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. $114 per adult (ages 10 and up), $69 per child (ages 3 to 9).

DISNEY ENCHANTMENT AFTER-PARTY

Like the Disney Enchantment Pre-Party, this experience includes reserved standing viewing of Disney Enchantment in one of the plaza gardens. After taking in the sights and sounds of the spectacular, visit Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for a spread of 50th anniversary-themed desserts prepared by our pastry chef, a variety of cheeses and beverages, with selections of beer and wine included. $99 per adult (ages 10 and up), $59 per child (ages 3 to 9).

For these events and experiences, plus anything else you need, make sure you call on your favorite Upon a Star Travel magical travel planner at Info@uponastartravel.com

New Special Package Coming from the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Walt Disney World® Resort is offering a special “happy new year” gift to those planning 2021 vacations at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Available to book beginning Jan. 5, 2021, Guests buying non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket packages at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights Jan. 8, 2021, through Sept. 25, 2021, will receive an additional two days of theme park tickets!

From pleasant Central Florida temperatures to the return of the guest-favorite Park Hopper option (available as an add-on purchase), 2021 promises plenty of fun at Walt Disney World theme parks:

• The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts debuts Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 22, inviting guests to experience an expansive selection of visual, performance and culinary arts.

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings guests inside the cartoon world in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, to a galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and offers the chance to play with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their pals in Toy Story Land.

• Cinderella Castle features a royal new look at Magic Kingdom Park, welcoming guests for the perfect portrait as they seek out classic attractions.

• At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, guests can explore Pandora – The World of Avatar, an immersive land featuring massive floating mountains, bioluminescent rainforests and unbelievable experiences including Avatar Flight of Passage and Na’vi River Journey.

• Guests will also discover new character encounters throughout The Most Magical Place on Earth, as favorite Disney friends explore all four theme parks and Disney Resort hotels.

You can also check out other great offers for Walt Disney World visits, including savings of up to 35 percent off rooms at select Disney Resort hotels.  If you are already booked with us, we will be checking on your reservations to apply this new offer! If you haven’t yet booked for 2021, now is a great time! Contact your Upon A Star Agent today!

Attractions and Entertainment Announced for the Walt Disney World Reopening!

As we eagerly anticipate the reopening of the Disney Parks, we are beginning to get information about how things will look upon reopening. Today’s announcement made us happy!

Most attractions will be available at each park – for example, live your adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. At Magic Kingdom Park, classics such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean are waiting to welcome guests with thrilling adventures for the whole family. Time travelers, take note that the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction at EPCOT will also continue to be available in its current state while we pause on its planned refurbishment, along with other favorite attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After and Test Track presented by Chevrolet. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the magic of nature awaits with Kilimanjaro Safaris, Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and Avatar Flight of Passage.  

If you are hoping to see some familiar friends or take in the tunes of treasured performers, you're in luck! The characters will appear in new and different ways that bring a smile to your face while also being mindful of physical distancing. From special cavalcades down the Magic Kingdom Park parade route and friends sailing the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to processions along the World Showcase promenade at EPCOT and motorcades on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood Boulevard, each area will come to life throughout the day. You never know when a party of your pals may come by, so be prepared for plenty of surprises! 

For example, after rocketing through space in Tomorrowland guests might see that famous Space Ranger, Buzz Lightyear; or discover a captive Captain Jack Sparrow as they traverse the Castillo del Morro on their way to Pirates of the Caribbean. Guests could cross paths with Queen Anna and Elsa as they venture “into the unknown” on a journey around World Showcase at EPCOT or spy members of the Resistance hiding out from the First Order throughout Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu. 

All of the “Stars” here at Upon A Star can’t wait to see what this looks like. Many of us will be in the parks for the official reopening - so be sure to follow us closely!

Much News from the Walt Disney World® Resort!

As we have eagerly awaited the park reopening, there have been a lot of rumors and speculation about what the new Park Pass system will look like. We are happy to say that things are progressing quickly, and that system is about to go online! In fact, this will happen Monday, June 22!

To manage attendance during this reopening period, there will be a new Disney Park Pass system. During this time, all guests with a ticket or Annual Pass will be required to make a reservation in advance for each park entry, using the new online tool.

Here are a few important details to know about this new system:

• Each guest will need a My Disney Experience account, as this is where their Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed.

• You'll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account.

• If you have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, be sure it is linked into your My Disney Experience account beforehand, as well.

Good news for Upon A Star clients! Your agent has already verified that everything is linked into your account, and/or reached out to ensure you have linked everything in, so you are good to go!

Once you’ve logged into your My Disney Experience account and linked your ticket/resort reservation, you’ll have access to a calendar of available reservation dates for each theme park. You will be required to make a park reservation for each date of their visit. Families and friends can link their tickets together and look to arrange theme park entries at the same time. If you are an Upon A Star client, your agent will be in touch with more detail about this very soon.

Please note, park reservations are limited in number and subject to availability. Availability can change until the reservation is finalized. At this time, guests will be able to select one park per day; visiting more than one park per day will be temporarily unavailable upon the reopening of the theme parks due to attendance limitations.

Much more to follow - stay tuned!

Great News for Festival Fans!

As the reopening of Disney Parks rapidly approaches, much thought is being given to the health and well-being of Cast Members and Guests. In light of that, some adjustments have been made to the Fall Events we know and love.

One staple of the fall season at the Walt Disney World ® Resort is the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. We are SO excited that this experience will still be part of our time at the parks! “A Taste of EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival” will be debuting along with Epcot’s July 15 re-opening!

This new take on the foodie festival will debut July 15 and continue through the fall, offering over 20 signature global marketplaces like Hawaii, Hops & Barley, and Islands of the Caribbean, spaced out around the park. The best part? This is a mash-up of two of our faves! Flower & Garden meets Food & Wine! Flower & Garden merchandise (available immediately) will be side-by-side with Food & Wine Merchandise (later on in the season). For scavenger hunt fans, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns.

Although the popular musical acts during the “Eat to the Beat Concert Series” will not occur this year to allow for proper physical distancing, there will be plenty of music to enjoy at America Gardens Theatre with local EPCOT entertainment such as Mariachi Cobre, the JAMMitors and more. These fan favorites will spread out their performances throughout the day, giving audiences more options to enjoy them. 

We here at Upon A Star are so excited to see this mash-up in person!

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Update for 2020

This evening, Walt Disney World ® announced that the popular Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a staple event, is being cancelled this year. Many of its hallmarks – stage shows, parades and fireworks – are unable to take place in this new, unprecedented environment. With that in mind, for the safety of Cast Members and guests, the difficult decision was made to cancel the event for this year. Additionally, Disney H2O Glow Nights, the nighttime special ticket event at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will not take place for the remainder of 2020. Guests who have already bought tickets to these events will be assisted with refunds over the coming weeks. 

There is still uncertainty around Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, but we will be sure to update you as we hear more information in the coming weeks.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Tickets on Sale!

It’s the most “spook-tacular” time of the year, and you can celebrate it at Walt Disney World® at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

This annual event features ghoulishly yummy treats, a fun parade, amazing fireworks, special character greets, and oh yeah - CANDY! Fistfuls of it! Contact your Star Agent today to purchase these event tickets. Available dates are:

August: 13, 18, 21, 25, 28
September: 1, 4, 7, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 29
October: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
November: 1

This popular event can sell out, so purchase tickets while they last!

Special Offers from Walt Disney World® this Summer!

This summer, stay in the magic at Walt Disney World Resort with this great room offer!

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights May 28 through August 28, 2019 when you book through August 28, 2019.

As an extra bonus for arrivals May 28 to June 30, 2019, you will receive a Disney Gift Card at check-in—so you can enjoy more magic during your stay! The value of the Disney Gift Card will vary based on Resort Category and length of stay:

• Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts: $25 per room per night

• Disney Deluxe Resorts: $20 per room per night

• Disney Moderate Resorts: $15 per room per night

• Disney Value Resorts: $10 per room per night

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Or you can enjoy a Tempting Meal Offer!

This summer, enjoy a little extra flavor during a fun-filled stay that's sure to delight little ones and grown-ups alike.

You can receive a FREE meal per person (ages 3 and up), per night at a select Walt Disney World Resort quick-service dining location when you purchase a non-discounted 4-night/5-day room and theme park ticket package at select Disney Moderate and Value Resort hotels.

Offer valid for arrivals most nights from May 28 through August 21, 2019.

Book through June 30, 2019.

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Advance reservations are required. Each quick-service meal includes one entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage (or, if age 21 or over, one beer, wine or cocktail). Ask about packages of other lengths of stay.

Important Details

• Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

• Offer excludes Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

• Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from the children's menu, if available.

• Most beer, wine and cocktails included. Some exceptions apply. Must present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. May only be redeemed with the quick-service meal.

• Gratuities are not included.

May the Force Be With You!

Disneyland Park opening date: May 31, 2019

Disney's Hollywood Studios opening date: August 29, 2019

At last! The day is here! We now have some details for the much anticipated opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge!

On opening day for phase one, your Clients will be able to live your own Star Wars story and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, sample amazing galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and more.

And for phase two, opening later this year, will be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined that will put guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality.  In light of tremendous demand, Disney made the decision to open the land in phases to allow Guests to sooner enjoy the one-of-a-kind experiences that make Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge so spectacular.

Guests planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park between May 31 and June 23, 2019 will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date. Guests staying at one of the three DisneylandResort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required.

A reservation will not be offered or required to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Walt Disney World® Resort. And you should know that valid theme park admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is required to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge after its opening on August 29, 2019. Capacity is limited. Additionally, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours. During Extra Magic Hours Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can spend extra time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios enjoying select attractions. Details will also be available at a later date.

Contact your Upon a Star Agent to see this immersive land for yourself!

See it you must!

Coming soon! Ultimate Disney Christmas Time Package!

It’s back! The Walt Disney World ® Resort is once again offering the “Ultimate Christmas Time Package” for guests traveling December 17-22. Bookable beginning October 22, this amazing package includes a 5-night stay at a Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa property, and it also includes a 4-day Park Hopper pass. In addition, guests will get to experience some amazing, unique experiences, including:

• Exclusive Nighttime Access to Toy Story Land on Dec. 17 – Spend time at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® enjoying Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania. The land will celebrate its first holiday season with special décor Guests can’t miss.

• Celebrate the Season at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on Dec. 18 – Ring in the holiday season with a ticket to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom® Park

• Exclusive Nighttime Access to Select Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park Attractions on Dec. 19 – Enjoy exclusive nighttime access to Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey, Expedition Everest®, and DINOSAUR – plus, an exclusive showing of Rivers of Light.

• Exclusive Early Morning Access to Shopping at World of Disney Store & Disney Springs® Christmas Tree Trail Experience on Dec. 20 – Shop at World of Disney store at Disney Springs, and visit this year’s Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail and enjoy hot chocolate and cotton candy.

• Enjoy an Exclusive Holiday Themed Buffet Dinner Event at Epcot on Dec. 21 – Enjoy a holiday-themed buffet dinner event in World ShowPlace Events Pavilion.

More information and details will be available when booking begins October 22. If you’re interested in all of these experiences for an unbelievable price, contact your Upon A Star Expert today!

Memory Maker

Don’t you love those silly pictures taken on the rides, or can you stare of that precious picture
over and over of your kids meeting Mickey for the first time?

Disney offers a magical addition to your package called “Memory Maker” that captures all of
those moments to relive over and over again.

One question that all Upon A Star Agents get asked about often is, “What is Memory Maker
and is it worth it?” For those of you who have never been, or who haven't been in sometime,
Memory Maker is essentially an enhanced version of the PhotoPass service.

Memory Maker includes every picture that is taken in the park as a digital download. This is
much more convenient than the old PhotoPass CD -- especially since many newer computers
don't even have CD/DVD drives as a standard option. Now when we say every picture, we mean
every picture -- even the on-ride photos! We know where every on-ride camera is, and usually
plan to do something funny when we know a photo is going to be snapped.

Normally, we would never buy these photos after stepping off of the ride, though, opting to
spend our money on other souvenirs; but with Memory Maker, we have the luxury of reliving
each and every funny moment.

There are also lots of photo opportunities as you walk around each park. Go ahead snap that
picture in front of Cinderella Castle, or over by the Epcot Spaceship Earth icon, even below the
Hollywood Tower of Terror, or in front of the Tree of Life. There are so many photo ops to be
had.

Don’t forget to ask about extra magic shots! The fun shows up when you look at the photos on
your My Disney Experience account. There are also amazing on-ride videos!

When you pre-purchase Memory Maker at least 3 days before you arrive, you only pay $169 (as of the date of this post) and you could end up with 100s of photos to share. What a great way to create memories with your family!

Contact your Upon A Star Agent for more information about Memory Maker and how to add it to your Walt Disney World Resort package!

Co-authored by Valerie Robbins & Patti Stewart

Dining at Maria and Enzo's

If you've followed along on any Upon A Star adventures or social media accounts, you probably know that Disney Springs is a rapidly changing and rapidly growing place! In fact, it was recently listed in a travel blog as one of the top 20 places to visit -- and I couldn't agree more!

On our recent trip in January, Brady & I ventured with our friends down to Disney Springs several times - after all, a foodie's gotta eat!

Maria and Enzo's is one of the newest eateries. It's themed - stick with me here - like an airport! The back story is that Maria and Enzo had a small bakery in the airport, but when it closed, they converted the whole thing into a dream restaurant (with the help of the owner of the Edison next door - but that's another blog post!). 

As you might imagine, this restaurant serves Italian food. The views are fantastic -- overlooking the water -- and the food I had was wonderful.  I loved the whole look and feel. There were travel & aviation posters lining the walls, and the room had an open and airy feel.

In addition to the main seating area, there is also a "First Class Lounge". There are no outside views, but it does have tablecloths! Due to the diners, i couldn't snag a picture of those tables.

But let's talk about the real star here - the FOOD.  I love Italian food! And I really enjoyed everything! The menu is somewhat limited, but very good. The first picture was our appetizer, the Arancini di Carne (fried rice stuffed with meat ragù, peas and mozzerella).  For my entree, I had the Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with lump crab meat) -- it tasted fresh and was so delicious! Brady had the Rigatoni, and our friends had the Spaghetti. Desserts were the Cannoli and the Sicilian Ricotta layered sponge cake.

All four of us were impressed with our food - and with our server! Martina was amazing - be sure to request her table when you go!

In terms of pricing, you are definitely going to pay over $20 per entree. Disney Dining Plans are not yet accepted; but for me, I don't mind paying for a great meal every now and again.

Want to try it for yourself? Let your Upon A Star agent know that Maria and Enzo's is a must on your next trip -- we will set it all up for you. 

Buon Apetito! 

Toy Story Land Opening Announced!

It's just been announced that the official opening date for Toy Story Land is June 30! Get ready to shrink to the size of a Toy and go play in Andy's Backyard with some of your favorite Toy Story pals!

In addition to the popular Toy Story Mania (which will boast a new entrance), the land features two new attractions -- the highly anticipated Slinky Dog Dash and the Alien Saucer Swirl.

Ready to relive your Magical Memories? Contact your Upon A Star Agent today so you can experience the magic of this new land!

12 Days of Christmas: Day 11! ✨Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party✨

Reserve VIP seating for your family with a super fun way to experience Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth nightly spectacular! 

First, you’ll have special seating with perfect views of the fireworks. Second, indulge in “Frozen” themed desserts & drinks while surrounded by a wonderland of themed decorations. Nibble on Living Rock Crispy Bonbons, Anna’s Blue Velvet Cupcakes, Duke of Weselton’s Cheese Fondue & much more! Sip on lemonade, punch or “melted snow” and then after the grand finale, you’ll be led to the Norway pavilion for a ride on the Frozen Ever After attraction!

Contact your Upon a Star Agent to add this special event to your Disney package!

'Tis the Season to give a Magical Gift!

Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Not sure what to get them? How about gifting some new memories from a 2018 trip to Walt Disney World?!

Disney rolled out a brand new Gift Vacation Package today, and we think it is an incredible gift idea!  When you book a 2018 Walt Disney World vacation package by Nov. 15, 2017, you will get Walt Disney World MagicBands in a gold holiday gift box (it may even contain some Pixie Dust)!  You can gift this vacation to anyone to place under their tree!

This special gift box with custom MagicBands will be delivered to you on/around December 15th of this year, giving you plenty of time to wrap it before this holiday season. And just look how cute the bands are! 

Any of us at Upon A Star Travel would be thrilled to help you with this awesome gift!  Contact your Upon a Star Agent here to learn more about this special, new offer!

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

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

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

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

Map and Stickers for Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

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

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

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

My prize!

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

The Walt Disney Company is helping Hurricane victims

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

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

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

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

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

Star Wars: Galactic Nights RETURNS!

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

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

Here's a look at other event offerings: 

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

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

New features for the My Disney Experience app!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are a few of the new offerings for 2017! 

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

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

Brand new kiosks for 2017 include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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