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.

Festival of The Lion King Dining Packages!

Receive the royal treatment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park with two all-new Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Packages! Simba and his friends are inviting you to join in the festivities with a delicious meal at Tiffins Restaurant followed by special VIP seating at one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World® Resort.

There will be 2 tiers for the dining packages. both Tier 1 & Tier 2 will have a delicious lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant on Discovery Island. You will enjoy a world-class three-course meal that includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and your choice of wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage.

Along with your meal, you will receive special vouchers for priority reserved VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King, a Broadway-style show and receive a commemorative cast photo that captures the moment forever!

The Tier 1 dining package,  will continue with a unique safari tour through the African outback, where over 34 distinct wildlife species seemingly roam free. Escorted by a special guide, you will ride through rugged terrain to see some of the world’s most exotic animals in their unique habitats. Tour guides will provide interesting information on the land and its residents for an unforgettable expedition. Tier 1 dining packages cost $99 per adult and $49 per children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

The Tier II Festival of the Lion King Signature Dining Package (which includes lunch or dinner at Tiffins Restaurant and priority reserved seating at Festival of the Lion King) is $74 per adult and $29 for children ages 3-9 (tax and gratuities not included).

What a fun experience to enhance your next trip to Walt Disney World!!

If you would like to add this to your next trip to Walt Disney World, contact your Upon A Star Agent today!

Don't have an agent yet? Contact one HERE today!

Unwrap The Holidays at Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World is a winter wonderland of twinkling lights & holiday magic! Curious how the Parks transform into their holiday splendor so quickly? With Disney's new Yuletide Fantasy & Holiday D-Lights tour, guests will be able to venture backstage to meet with the Holiday Services Cast Members! 

Discover how Cinderella's Castle is immersed into its spectacular display of thousands of twinkle lights and experience Epcot's popular Candlelight Processional. Disney’s Holiday D-Lights is offered on 12 select nights throughout the season. 'Tis the season to contact your Travel Agent to register for this special tour during the holiday season! 

Contact your Upon A Star Agent today here!

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Happily Ever After Firework Cruise

So you enter the Magic Kingdom at night and as soon as you come out from under the Main Street Train Station all your senses are engulfed! You have the neatly outlined storefronts of Main Street that leads your eyes down the path to a stunning Castle. No matter which entrance you used to exit the Train Station you start to smell one of the most famous memories of Walt Disney World…… (can you guess), it’s the Popcorn! Already you know you’re in familiar territory! Of course we can’t forget the infamous Main Street background music or maybe you entered at Parade time! Either way, you know you almost get goose bumps with the thrill of being in the Magic Kingdom. The nighttime is so special and by far my most favorite time of day at the Magic Kingdom. It’s always magical! 

I guarantee that almost all of you would then start to plan where you’ll stop and wait to see the Fireworks. Where’s the best spot? Have you tried many? Lots of Guests have their tried and true locations, but that’s only because they’ll caught the show from all over the park. Everyone has their favorite and I would say the majority is in front of Cinderella’s Castle. And why not? That’s truly the way the show was designed to be viewed. But, have you thought about seeing it above the Castle but NOT inside the Magic Kingdom? 

When Walt Disney World shakes things up Guests can’t get enough! Well, in the case of the beloved “Wishes” Firework show leaving it did bring on some sadness but all was not lost! Have you seen the Happily Ever After show? It’s quite breathtaking and you can’t help but sing along to all the awesome hit movie songs! That inspired me to take the “Happily Ever After” Firework Cruise which we picked up at the Grand Floridian. You can pick it up at the Contemporary or even at the Wilderness Lodge. This is by far for me the best view!!

We’ve recently enjoyed a few boats for our party at the Illuminations Cruise for Epcot, but this is one I’ve done a lot and I was looking for a newer experience. Even if you’ve seen the “Wishes” Firework cruise, you’ll still be getting new show if you take the cruise now for “Happily Ever After”. 

You hire the private pontoon boat with a Captain and this allows you to have up to 10 Guests on each boat you hire. Each location has something a little special they do for their boat and all of them are outfitted with snacks and other sweet goodies, along with a cooler of water and soda. If it’s a Birthday celebration they’ll decorate the boat too! It’s really a great time with your family or friends! 

Each boat Captain will tell share some Disney memories and trivia while they take you on about a 35-40 minute tour of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake before the Fireworks start. I feel I'm a bit of a trivia buff and even I learned some new things! So much fun! 

So what’s the best part? Why do I love it so much? What happens with the Fireworks are over inside the Magic Kingdom? Yep! You know what I mean… lots of Guests heading out to all the transportation! But guess what? You’re not! You’re moving over on the lake to now see your up close view of one of Walt Disney World’s most treasured attractions…The Electrical Water Pageant! It’s an amazing view and after you’ll have slow ride back to the dock. 

A private fireworks cruise - clips and highlights

Grab your friends and family or have a couples night out and enjoy a private tour and fireworks! 

Contact us today to plan your next magical vacation!

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!

Candlelight Processional at Epcot®: List of Narrators Announced!

We love the Candlelight Processional at Epcot®! This year some new faces will be added to the list of narrators! Check it out!

New to this year’s lineup include Matt Bomer (“White Collar,” “The Last Tycoon,”) and Star Wars fan favorite Warwick Davis, who played Wicket the Ewok in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.” Also, new to the event is television Legend Pat Sajak and TV star CCH Pounder, who was recently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park for the grand opening of Pandora – The World of Avatar.

Take a look at the schedule of narrators that have been conformed so far!

• Nov. 24- 26 – To Be Announced
• Nov. 27-28 – Matt Bomer
• Nov. 29 – 30 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 1-3 – Whoopi Goldberg
• Dec. 4-5 – Pat Sajak
• Dec. 6-11 – To Be Announced
• Dec. 12-14 – Warwick Davis
• Dec. 15-17 – Trace Adkins
• Dec. 18-21 – Neil Patrick Harris
• Dec. 22-24 – CCH Pounder
• Dec. 25-27 – Jaci Velasquez
• Dec. 28-30 – Chandra Wilson

The processional is performed three times per night (5 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.) during the holiday season at the America Gardens Theatre. Packages for this festive event are available on select nights, they include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. Availability is limited.

 Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and The Garden Grill will have breakfast, lunch and dinner options again as well as Captain’s Grille at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort,** with breakfast and dinner options being offered at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Candlelight Dining Packages for breakfast start at $35 plus tax per person for adults and $21 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Candlelight Dining Packages for lunch and dinner start at $44 plus tax per person for adults and $15.50 plus tax per person for children, ages 3-9. Epcot admission is required and not included in the dining packages.

The Candlelight Processional celebrates time honored traditions and Epcot comes alive through the sights and sounds of the countries of World Showcase, and live performances enliven the park throughout the day.

Contact your Upon A Star agent today to book a Candlelight dining package today!

Let us help you make magical memories!!

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!

FANTASMIC! DESSERT & VIP VIEWING EXPERIENCE!!

If you like yummy desserts and Fantasmic! then you are in luck!! This enhanced event will begin when you check-in and receive a yummy snack box, which features a mix of sweet and savory items, at the Fantasmic! theater before the show starts. You will receive a special light-up credential will allow Fantasmic! Dessert & VIP Viewing Experience Guests to enter your own special reserved viewing area! 

The adult snack boxes will include chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecake, a chocolate cupcake, apple crisp, California trail mix and cheese and crackers. The kiddos box will include chocolate pudding with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms, confetti popcorn, grapes and a vanilla cake bite which features the star of Fantasmic! — Sorcerer Mickey! Everyone will also receive a bottle of water and a specialty alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage in a light-up keepsake Fantasmic! cup.

The cost will be $39 for adults and $19 for children ages 3-9. 

Want to add this to your next magical vacation? Contact our experts here today!

Let us help you plan your next amazing vacation!

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!

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?!

Want more info on Epcot International Food & Wine Festival? Contact our experts here for assistance! 

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!

‘DISNEY MOVIE MAGIC’ Debuts at Hollywood Studios

Every night this Summer the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre will be transformed for a brand new nighttime show called Disney Movie Magic! The new show includes special lighting and state-of-the-art projection mapping technology that immerses you into the world of Disney Move Magic!

Disney Movie Magic includes iconic moments from contemporary Disney blockbusters like "Pirates of The Caribbean," the "Indiana Jones Adventures," and classics like "Mary Poppins,"

You can view this show nightly this Summer in addition to performances of “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.” 

Want to see this awesome new show in person? Contact our experts here  to get more information about planning your magical vacation!

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!

VIP Tour Experiences at Walt Disney World® Resort Part 2

A couple of weeks back, I posted about some of the amazing VIP Experiences that are available at the Walt Disney World® Resort.  Of course, Part 1 focused on my favorite topic - food!  Again, more detail can be found If you want even more detail, check out the Divas Dish Podcast where I shared live from my hotel at the Grand Floridian (Episode 68). Click this link, or grab it on iTunes, I Heart Radio, or Stitcher.

So today, let's focus on a VIP Tour.  Simply amazing. If you want to truly feel like a Rock Star, this is the way to roll! Your Tour Guide is a very knowledgeable Cast Member who will be your personal escort through the parks. Basically, they ensure that you see what you want, when you want, with no waiting.  They will take you into the FastPass line of every attraction - even the most popular!  You bypass bag check.  You are driven right to a special entrance, where your band is scanned and you walk right into the park with no lines.  It couldn't be easier!

Yep - I went to Tower of Terror first!

And did I mention SNACKS?! Private VIP guides really do think of everything!  Our guide, Kirk, was phenomenal.  So knowledgeable and friendly! It was fun getting to know him and fun getting to ride the rides with him! He found out that I love Hidden Mickeys, and so he spent time pointing out the hard-to-find ones.  Did you know that there are 3 of them in Soarin' Around the World™? I bet that 3rd one is the one you'll struggle to find! 

Oh you know, just your normal Tower of Terror selfie...

Kirk even helped us park hop! We went from Disney's Hollywood Studios® to Epcot®  - again no bag check line or line to use the touch point. In the space of 2 hours, we had done 4 big ticket attractions!  The amount of time saved was amazing.  

Private VIP Tours are available for up to 10 guests. If you are with a larger party, you'll just add another guide -- this ensures that the personalized experience stays, well ... personal! The cost varies based on season from $400-$600 per hour (7 hour minimum).  This cost is well-worth it, especially during those extra-crowded times of year! Your Upon A Star Agent can book this for you or even add it into your package. 

There are also half day VIP Tours available that are not private; they will, however, take you through the parks to focus on either "thrill rides" or "classic rides".  These are not personalized to your family, but they are a great way to tour if the full VIP Private Tour isn't in the budget this time around.

More to come - watch for Part 3 about "Early Morning Magic" at Walt Disney World® Resort!

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.

New Dining Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World

Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk

This is a brand-new character meal featuring Disney Couples!  This new breakfast will feature couples from Tangled and other films like The Little Mermaid.  Looks like this will be the first-time Rapunzel will have be at a character meal.

While enjoying enjoy breakfast, guests will be encouraged to “share the tales of their own hopes and dreams” or maybe tell a tale of a great adventure.

Trattria al Forno has a great location.  The Boardwalk is within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios so it’s a great place to start your park day.

While the official menu has not been released here’s hoping their waffle with espresso-mascarpone cheese remains.  It’s excellent!

This exciting new Character Breakfast is set to open this spring.  Advanced Dining Reservations are recommended. 

Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios

Minnie’s Seasonal Dine has been a enjoyable dinner experience with Minnie, Mickey, Donald and Goofy for a little over a year now.  Soon there will be more chances to join Minnie and Friends for some festive fun.  This spring Minnie’s seasonal Dine will be offered for lunch! 

Minnie Mouse arrives for lunch starting May 14, 2017.  Advance dining reservations are recommended.

Paddlefish at Disney Springs

Adding to the new food line up is Paddlefish, the multi-million-dollar transformation of Fulton’s Crab House in Disney Springs.  The iconic paddleboat has been reimagined into a modern yacht experience.

The seafood-centric menu features Maine lobster, King and snow crab and a selection of fresh fish picked daily.  Some favorites from Fulton’s are still on the menu like the lobster corn dogs.  An expansive wine list as well as classic turn-of-the-century cocktails as to the ambience of the restaurant.

Paddlefish is now open.  Advance Dining Reservations are recommended.

Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs

Planet Hollywood has re-opened its doors in Disney Springs.  The overhaul of the interior and exterior took more than a year.  The new observatory houses the new Planet Hollywood Restaurant and shop along with the new Stargazers Bar. 

The menu features burgers and other items created especially for the Planet Hollywood Observatory by The Food Network’s Guy Fieri.  For guests that speak in Guyism’s you’ll recognize LTOP, SMC and Donkey Sauce on the menu.  The Stargazers Bar will showcase local Florida Craft Beers.

Planet Hollywood Observatory is now open.  Advanced Dining Reservations are recommended.

These new dining experience are an exciting addition to the food choices at Walt Disney World.  Contact your Upon A Star Agent for more details. 

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!!!