Adventures by Disney Heading to Egypt in 2020!

The Ultimate Egypt Experience – Transcending Time and Terrain

With Adventures by Disney, you  will be immersed in the allure of both ancient and modern Egypt during a skillfully planned itinerary developed with the trusted family travel expertise of Disney.

Highlights from the 10-day, nine-night Egypt vacation include:

• Visits to breathtaking ancient monuments with the expert guidance of a world-class Egyptologist. These include the world-famous pyramids and Sphinx of Giza; the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun’s tomb; and the temples of Luxor, Kom Ombo, Horus at Edfu, Philae and Karnak.

• Immersive experiences at the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum, which opens to the public in 2020. Here, Guests can embark on an interactive King Tut-themed treasure hunt or peruse the museum’s state-of-the-art exhibits at their leisure.

• Access to the inner wonders of the Great Pyramid of Giza during a tour of the burial chamber of Pharaoh Cheops.

• Interactive cultural activities, such as a chef-led cooking class on Egyptian specialties, a Nubian folkloric show and henna tattoo experience, and a hieroglyphic writing lesson.

• Picture-perfect outings in surreal settings, like a voyage on a traditional Egyptian felucca sailboat, visits to lively local markets and a private beachside Bedouin-themed dinner.

• A three-night cruise along the Nile River with premium accommodations and themed entertainment, followed by a two-night stay at a luxurious beachside resort in Sharm El Sheikh, including a full day snorkeling excursion on a private boat to visit the famous coral reefs of the Red Sea.

Adventures by Disney will offer 11 Egypt departures in 2020, five of which are reserved for adult travelers. The adult-only itinerary features an exclusive VIP tour of the conservation rooms at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where millennia-old artifacts lie uncovered and unrestored — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Adventures by Disney Guests.

This will be AMAZING! If you would be interested in this once in a lifetime experience, contact us today for more info!

info@uponastartravel.com

TSA Cares Program

I love how fast flying gets me to my destination so I can start my vacation, but I am not a fan of the airport.  I completely understand the necessity of the screening process but still feel overwhelmed by it, no matter how many times I travel.  Every airport seems to have its own way of doing their screenings too, which causes real confusion! 

Now imagine you have a medical condition that makes going through the security checkpoint a very difficult process.  My son, Mike, is on the autism spectrum and has type 1 diabetes.  He wears a wireless insulin pump that uses Bluetooth technology and carries back-up syringes.  He is supposed to avoid scanners as they can interfere with the pump's programming and he always gets his bag pulled for the supplies in them.  This causes him severe stress and anxiety as he waits in line because he knows this will happen.  By the time we get to the agent he can't even verbalize his needs and can be inconsolable. 

I had recently heard the TSA Cares program can help travelers with disabilities and medical conditions navigate the system so my family decided to try it on our most recent vacation to Florida.  It really helped our family get through the anxiety of the screening process at the airports with ease.  The Support Specialists were kind yet efficient, and took the time to explain step-by-step what we needed to do.

Three days before our departure I called TSA's toll free helpline at 1-855-787-2227 and spoke to Jeanette.  She was very friendly and patient with my questions.  She took my flight information and put it in the system.  She asked what accommodations we would need and made note of each of them.  She asked clarifying and relevant follow up questions.  Her knowledge of the process and the special needs of my family really helped put my mind at ease.  She sent me an email confirmation outlining how the program would work for my family.  Jeanette further explained that each airport handles the support program differently and that some would contact us in advance and some would not.  It is also only available in US airports.  She also directed me to their website to download and print out a card I could use at any airport for assistance, even if I couldn't call in advance.

                     Mike's TSA Notification Card

Within 24 hours I received a call from PIT (Pittsburgh International) airport support.  They gave me a number to call once I checked in for my flight.  When we arrived and called the number, a TSA Support Specialist met my family at Arch (the giant mechanical statue).  He went through the entire process of how the screening would go.  They would not separate us for the screening.  He confirmed the special services we needed and walked through security with us, talking to us the entire time about next steps.  He even sat with my son Mike after the screening and chatted about our vacation while Mike put his shoes on and got re-organized.

                                                    Mike loves Arch!

For our return flight out of MCO (Orlando International) we hadn't heard from anyone prior to our arrival at the airport.  I used the TSA Card Jeanette had recommended and showed it to the first TSA officer I saw.  She had our family stand to the side while she called a Support Specialist, who arrived to meet with us in just a few minutes.  The Support Specialist explained to Mike every step of the process and stayed with us through the line and screening.  When Mike started to get to the private pat-down screening he started to get very agitated with his eyes darting between me and the Support Specialist.  She must have picked up on it and said there was a male officer that would handle it and that we were all allowed to stay together through all of security.

When we reached the gate area I found I had missed a call from MCO's TSA Support team.  They had called 2 hours before my flight to make arrangements.  They must have called while we were going through security.

The TSA cares program really helped my family make it through security this trip without Mike freaking out or melting down.  It was one of the smoothest TSA screenings we have had with him in all the times we have traveled.  If you have someone with special needs or a medical device, I recommend this services.

You can find more information on the TSA website HERE and get the TSA Notification Card HERE

Celebration of Harry Potter returns to Universal Studios Orlando!

Packages Now Available

A Celebration of Harry Potter™ returns for a fifth consecutive year.  This ultimate fan event can only be experienced at Universal Orlando Resort and will feature an array of interactive and engaging experiences that will allow guests to celebrate their love for the stories from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

During the 3-day celebration, guests will also have the opportunity to:

• Attend Q&A sessions with select film talent. Currently scheduled: The Weasley Twins and Victor Krum, with more expected!

• Experience and participate in the interactive and unique activities and displays from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World at the Harry Potter Expo.

• Enjoy special panels and demonstrations giving fans a close look ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ .

• Visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Hogsmeade™ at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida™. Plus, ride the Hogwarts Express between the two lands with a park-to-park ticket.

• And much more!

Contact your Upon A Star Travel Expert to book your Celebration of Harry Potter Package before this event sells out!!

Sunset Season Greetings: Hollywood Studios

Set to debut this November, immerse yourself in the season as Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios comes to life with some of your most favorite characters. Sunset Season’s Greetings will take place nightly from November 9 - December 31, 2017.

Billboards will suddenly begin to move as they tell the stories from some of your favorite characters sharing their love of the winter season. The Hollywood Tower Hotel, fondly known by fans as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, will magically transform, bringing the characters’ stories to life.

Disney Character moments will include:

·      Mickey and Minnie will reminisce about a hometown Christmas. The scene will shift to a romanticized Norman Rockwell-inspired town that starts in Black & White and then slowly changes to color.

·      The Toy Story characters take guesses as to which new toys will be coming this Christmas and then the scene becomes covered in holiday wrapping paper.

·      The Swedish Chef from The Muppets babbling on in true Swedish Chef fashion as the scene turns into giant gingerbread houses.

·      And lastly, Olaf will be yearning over his holiday wish with iconic music playing and the scene freezing over into a Frozen winter wonderland. The scene will be completed with dancing Aurora Borealis lights and projected falling snow.

Guests can be enchanted by this new unforgettable, seasonal experience with valid theme park ticket. Contact your Upon A Star Travel expert today to book a trip to Walt Disney World to see it in person!

Viking Cruises Rhine River Getaway!

Check out this amazing offer by Viking Cruises for their Rhine River Getaway! Select November 2018 sailings are offering discounts on both air and sail fares.  

During this 8 day excursion, you will be able to explore Germany's medieval castles (including Heidelberg Castle!) & Black Forest, enjoy a cuckoo clock making demonstration, meander alongside canals and visit museums and windmill villages in Amsterdam, sip vino in one of Germany's or France's wine making regions, visit cathedrals as part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites & more.

All on-board food & drinks, guided tours & excursions, port fees and taxes & transfers are included plus, air from select cities is just $295 per person round trip! There are options to add pre & post cruise nights in Edinburgh, Lucerne, Zermatt and more as well!

Viking longships have 4 gorgeous decks consisting of staterooms, restaurants & lounges, a sun deck and even an organic garden. Relax and take in the scenery while you cruise down the Rhine! Email your Upon A Star agent for details today!

Grand Avenue: Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios® is going through some major changes with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. But we just found out there will be a bit more! Muppets Courtyard, along with a portion of the former Streets of America, is being re-imagined by Walt Disney Imagineering to become a new area called Grand Avenue. Inspired by present day Los Angeles, Grand Avenue is where vintage office buildings and warehouses are being converted into fun and exciting new uses. New spaces for “shops” should soon be popping up in this area! Each window on the street will charming displays to look at.  One of the highlights of Grand Avenue will be BaseLine Tap House, a new corner pub that will feature California beers and wines along with small bites. 

Muppets Courtyard will become Grand Park, an urban square off Grand Avenue. Close by will be PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.  If you haven't notice changes have already begun. The Muppets theater has been renamed “Grand Arts Theatre” and has a brand-new marquee. Muppet*Vision 3D will be sticking around to keep you laughing as well! Grand Avenue is expected to open up to guests this Fall. We are so excited about all of the new changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios®  how about you?

Want a truly magical vacation? Let our experts help you plan! Contact us here today!

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire at Disney Springs!

We are so excited about this news!!! Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is coming to Downtown Disney at the Disneyland® Resort and Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World®Resort!

Starting this holiday season, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will send you to a galaxy far, far away. You will be able to engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. You will literally become part of the Star Wars story!

This new immersive experience is from THE VOID, an entertainment company that combines the magic of illusions and advanced technology to create immersive social experiences. Of course  Lucasfilm and ILMxLab will be collaborating with THE VOID to bring us this one- of- a- kind experience.

We will be bringing you more details as soon as we get them!! We can't wait to experience this in person!

Are you ready to book a vacation that is out of this world? Contact our experts here today!

Minnie Van service at Walt Disney World Resort

It was announced earlier this month at D23 Expo 2017 and now it is a reality! Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can now can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. Once the transportation has ben scheduled a Disney Cast Member will arrive and whisk you anywhere on Walt Disney World property!

The new Minnie Van service fits up to 6 passengers with 2 car seats for even the smallest Disney fans! The service will run from 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. (subject to change). Guests staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts can learn more by visiting their Bell Services desk.

Can't wait till it's rolled out to all of the resorts!

Want info on booking a magical vacation? 

Contact our experts today!

AM Resorts Christmas in July Sale!

Check out this limited ,week long Christmas in July sale from AM Resorts!

Book from July 25, 2017 through July 31, 2017 and save some $$! Rates starting at $174.00  USD per person, per night! Travel dates must be from December 23, 2017 through January 1, 2018.

Available at the following resorts:

• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya
• Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort
• Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa
• Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
• Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
• Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa
• Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa
• Dreams Dominicus La Romana
• Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
• Now Jade Riviera Cancun
• Sunscape Dominican Beach Punta Cana

It's a great time to plan a winter getaway and save some $$

Contact our Am Resort Master Agents here for more info on taking advantage of this deal!

*Starting from rate varies by resort and is based on land-only reservations. Starting from rate is not reflective of the price for the entire travel period. Not applicable to group bookings. Run of the house room categories. Entire promotion is subject to availability and can be modified or closed at any time.

Coming to a Galaxy near you! A Star Wars themed resort!

Take all of my money right now!! All of us Star Wars fans at Upon A Star Travel are so excited with the announcement that there will be a Star Wars themed resort heading to Walt Disney World!

It was announced yesterday at D23 that there will indeed be an awesome new resort that is Star Wars inspired! Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts,  described the resort by saying, “It’s unlike anything that exists today.” Bob said. “From the second you arrive, you will become a part of a Star Wars story! You’ll immediately become a citizen of the galaxy and experience all that entails, including dressing up in the proper attire. Once you leave Earth, you will discover a starship alive with characters, stories, and adventures that unfold all around you. It is 100% immersive, and the story will touch every single minute of your day, and it will culminate in a unique journey for every person who visits.”

Check out the visual concepts:

Come on Star Wars fans, are you thrilled or what!! Can't wait to stay in this resort and be fully immersed into the world of Star Wars! This is the perfect addition to all of the awesome new things coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios! No opening dates have been announced yet but you better believe that we will let you know as soon as we get the news!

Let our experts help you plan a vacation that is out of this world! Contact us today here and will get in touch with you to help you plan your next magical vacation!

Want travel info? Check out our website!

Toy Story Land: Opening Summer 2018!!

Get ready to shrink to the size of a toy and explore Andy's backyard! Toy Story Land will be opening in the Summer of 2018! We've known about this exciting new addition to Hollywood Studios for a while and now the opening is in sight! 

You will get to explore the world of Andy's backyard and ride his awesome creations! Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster, will be one of the exciting new attractions coming our way!

Slinky Dog Dash

The other main attraction in Andy's backyard is Alien Swirling Saucers! This ride will be modeled after Andy's playset from Pizza Planet. Aliens will swirl and fly around you while they try to capture your rocket with "The Claw"! Can't wait to come face-to-face with those adorable aliens!

I don't know about you but we are super-excited about Toy Story Land! It's such an iconic Disney movie franchise, so I can't wait to see it come alive and be part of it! Make sure to check in with us for the opening day announcement when it is released!

Want to be there in person to see it all? Let us help you plan a truly magical trip for the Summer of 2018! Contact our travel experts here to start planning a vacation that is out of this world!!

Check out our website today!

Am Resorts Wanderlust Sale!!

The definition of wanderlust is (n.) A strong desire to travel. These great deals from AM Resorts will be giving you wanderlust! AM Resorts represents 6 countries-52 Resorts-and 6 different resort styles! There is truly something for everyone! Check out this awesome promotion!

Book your vacation at any AM Resort by June 20, 2017 and save up to 40% off!  Plus, resort coupons, hydrotherapy and welcome gifts with room upgrades for as low as $15 USD!

BOOK BY: JUNE 20, 2017
TRAVEL BY: AUGUST 18, 2017

Contact one of our All-Inclusive Vacation experts today to take advantage of this great deal!

Our agents are destination specialists and know what they sell! We can help you find the perfect resort for you!

Where's the Stage?

This week Upon A Star Eric is in Walt Disney World checking out many of the newest features and attractions.  Yesterday he posted this beautiful photograph of the Chinese Theater in Hollywood Studios.  Isn’t it lovely?!  It’s been a while since many have seen this view as there has been a big stage and tents in front of the theater.  The stage has been used for the live Star Wars show that occurred almost hourly.  So while the picture is wonderful to some, my initial reaction was…

I am a Star Wars fan and love the March of the First Order and the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away live show.   I was really looking forward to showing my Star Wars-loving kids the show this summer. So I had to know what was going on.

Now, that wasn’t a good enough answer for me.  So I started looking around.  Turns out the stage is undergoing refurbishment to make it portable! Why 'portable'?  Well, Hollywood Studios started a new evening projection show called Disney Movie Magic.  This tribute to the movies shows on the Chinese Theater nightly.  Removing the stage allows for more people to enjoy the show that will work in conjunction with Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, a nighttime fireworks event.  It looks like the stage will re-open on June 16th so fans can still enjoy the show this summer.

Do you want to see what the Upon A Star Travel team is up to this summer?  Follow their travel adventures as they explore new attractions and destinations at #StarsSummer17.

Do you want more info on booking your very own Magical Vacation? Contact one of our experts here!

Six Month Passport Validity Rule

Today, I learned something that affects many of our clients - it’s called the “Six Month Validity Rule,” and I decided to do a bit more research on the topic to help all of our clients who travel to other countries.

If your passport is set to expire soon and you have travel plans, watch out for this six month rule. Many countries require a six month buffer on your passport’s expiration date. Quite simply put, this means if you travel to those countries and your passport expires in a month, it may not be valid and you may not be able to board a flight, or enter your destination county.

Your best bet is to renew your passport at least nine months before it expires; however, it’s useful to know which countries enforce the rule. U.S. Passport Help Guide lists 50+ countries that require six-month validity when traveling from the U.S.

Here are a few of the most popular for tourists:

• Bahamas

• Belize

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Burma

• China

• Cote d’Ivoire

• Ecuador (Galápagos Islands)

• French Polynesia

• Guyana

• Honduras

• Jamaica

• Kenya

• Mexico

• Malaysia

• Mozambique

• Namibia

• Nicaragua

• Papua New Guinea

• Philippines

• Singapore

• St. Lucia

• Taiwan

• Thailand

• Trinidad & Tobago

• Venezuela

• Vietnam

For a complete list of countries that require six-month validity, head here.

We recommend that you renew your passport nine months before your passport expires. This gives you enough time to apply for a U.S. passport with the passport office.

If you are traveling soon and your passport is about to expire, you will need to expedite your passport renewal. The post office is not recommended in this situation as the turnaround time to expedite a passport renewal at the post offices is two to four weeks. Go to a passport agency or center. Find more information here or contact your favorite Upon A Star agent. Happy traveling!

Rivers of Light News

Rivers of Light is Walt Disney Worlds much anticipated nighttime spectacular for the Animal Kingdom.  The show is now opening and has been given operating hours! 

Rivers of Light will official debut on February 17, 2017.  Shows will be every other day at 7:15pm.  The show will move to 8:45pm in March.  By April the show gets to wow guests twice an evening at 8:30pm and 9:45pm on some days.  This also means a change and extended hours for Animal Kingdom.  Disney has the schedule for the new show out through June.  Those wishing to guarantee a seat can now schedule a FastPass for the show.

Dining Packages Now Available

With the conjunction with the show, Rivers of Light will have dining package.  This combines a table service meal with reserved seating for the show; similar to the Fantasmic Dining Packages and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Guest must arrive to dine at least 3 hours prior to the show to use their reserved seating vouchers for the same night as their meal.

Tiffins

Tiffins is the Animal Kingdom first Signature Dining Restaurant.  “Tiffin” mean a midday meal or a container for to carry food while traveling.  The travel inspired and carvings could be an attraction in the park.  The menu is also travel inspired creating an eclectic variety of dishes featuring foods from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The Tiffins meal with The Rivers of light dining package includes, your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage.  Lunch and Dinner packages start  at $67 for Adults and $26 for children ages 3-9. If using the Disney Dining Plan this Dining Package is 2 table service credits.

Tusker House

Tusker House is home to Animal Kingdom's only character dining experience with “Donald’s Safari Breakfast”.  The buffet lunch and dinner features carved meats, stews, and salads with an African twist.  Characters appear at all three meals-  typically Donald and Daisy but others may join them.

Breakfast Packages are available starting at $39 for Adults and $23 for children ages 3-9, with Lunch and Dinner Packages starting at $52 for Adults and $32 for children ages 3-9. If using the Disney Dining Plan this Dining Package is 2 table service credits.

Contact your Upon A Star Travel agent for more information on these additions or to help you book your next Walt Disney World vacation.

9 Reason to Use a Travel Agent for your Magical Vacation

I was working with a client and friend last night on her family’s vacation. She thanked me for helping her make her vacation so easy.  She said her sister-in-law was planning a trip and was so stressed out.  She said, “She’s completely overwhelmed! I’ve never seen her like this.”

Disney is supposed to be FUN!...not stressful. You don’t have to plan everything in a day.  Yes, you can plan every little detail all by yourself, or you can us a Travel Agent to help you with as much (or a little) as you want. Whether you’re a go-with-the-flow type or a total “type a”, a TA can help you with the ins and outs and constant changes of Walt Disney World.

Here are 9 reason why you should use a Travel Agent

1- Travel Agents are FREE!

Yes, you read that right. Most travel agents are free! It doesn’t cost you a penny more to book with an agent than with Disney directly. Disney pays the agency a commission, but the price to you is the same. So support your friends, neighbors and local businesses – book with a travel agent!

2- They’ll monitor your vacation for discounts and deals.

When a sale or promotion comes out your TA will automatically “apply” the new deal, if it’s available for your resort/dates.

3- If you don’t want to do your own dining reservations, your agent will. 

They get up at 6am FL time, 180 days in advance while you sleep in. You can also do them, if it makes you happy; they can help you figure out which restaurants are a good fit for your family.

4- Your TA can help you find the right resort for YOU!

Everyone’s vacation wants, needs and budget are different. There are hundreds of options to choose from. Driving vs flying makes a difference. Pre-Schoolers vs teens makes a difference. As your TA sees your needs, they can come up with the right resort and save you dozens of hours doing research.

5- Your TA can help you pick you park days to maximize your fun time vs your line time.

We have many tools to help us predict which parks will have less crowds over other parks.  This means less wait for rides and entertainment so you can do more! 

6- Your TA can help with the Disney Dining Plan.

Is the dining plan beneficial for my family? Did I over book my credits? - Your TA will help you with those questions and help you get the most out of your dining credits.

7- Your TA will make your fastpasses for you

At 60 days out your travel agent will get up at 7am to make your fastpass reservations for you, while you sleep in or are getting the kids off to school. Or if it’s fun for you, you can book them yourself. You TA can help you figure out which rides are best to get passes for. 

8- Your TA can help you with an itinerary.

At Upon A Star Travel and Concierge we will send you a personalized itinerary to help you navigate through everything that has been pre-booked for you. It's your guide to fun!

9- Your TA has some tip and tricks up their sleeve.

Our agents are regular Disney goers. We’ve got a few things we’ve picked up along the way. From ways to save to surprising your kids with some “pixie dust” while your there, our knowledge can really help make your trip more magical. We are constantly educating ourselves and doing everything we can to be your experts!

Even if you have already booked, you can TRANSFER your existing reservation to a Travel Agent. If you booked within the last 30 days and have not paid in full, your trip can be transferred to a TA to take advantage of their services.

There are a “few, uh, provisos. Ah, a couple quid pro quo.” The only thing you cannot do with a TA is modify your reservation- change, cancel or move dates, through Disney. You must do this through your TA and they are no more than an email away.

I used Walt Disney World as an example of the many ways a Travel Agent can make your Disney vacation less stressful, but we apply this same level of service for all of our destinations and bookings. Whether it's Walt Disney World, Disney Destinations, Cruises, group travel, All Inclusive vacations and many more, you will get the same expert service every time!

Contact your Travel Agent to help you book your next Magical Vacation!!!