Eat to the Beat concert series announced!!

July 12, 2016

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner! Which means the Eat to the Beat concerts will be back! The concerts take place at the World Showcase at Epcot America Gardens Theatre. Showtimes are 5:30pm, 6:45 pm and 8:00pm.

Check out the lineup below!

Sept. 14-15: Wang Chung ("Everybody Have Fun Tonight")

Sept 16-18: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas ("We Built This City")

Sept. 19-20: Air Supply ("All Out of Love")

Sept. 21-23: BoDeans ("Good Things")

Sept. 24-25: Fuel ("Hemorrhage (In My Hands)")

Sept. 26-28: Sugar Ray ("Fly")

Sept. 29-30: Los Lobos ("La Bamba")

Oct. 1-2: David Cook ("Light On")

Oct. 3-4: Wilson Phillips ("Hold On")

Oct. 5-6: Blues Traveler ("Run Around")

Oct. 7-9: Plain White T's ("Hey There Delilah")

Oct. 10-11: .38 Special ("Hold On Loosely")

Oct. 12-13: Jeffrey Osborne ("On the Wings of Love")

Oct. 14-16: Tiffany ("I Think We're Alone Now")

Oct. 17-19: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX ("Come Sail Away")

Oct. 20-21: Christopher Cross ("Sailing")

Oct. 22-13: Toad the Wet Sprocket ("All I Want")

Oct. 24-25: Chaka Khan ("I'm Every Woman")

Oct. 26-27: Billy Ocean ("Caribbean Queen")

Oct. 28-29: Living Colour ("Cult of Personality")

Oct. 30 - Nov. 1: Hanson ("MMMbop")

Nov. 2-3: Soul Asylum ("Runaway Train")

Nov. 4-6: Delta Rae ("Run")

Nov. 7- 9: Boyz II Men ("End of the Road")

Nov. 10-11: Sister Hazel ("All for You")

Nov. 12-14: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy ("Go Daddy-O")

Contact us today for more info about booking a trip to experience Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival! It's so fun!

www.DISiningmemories.com

The view from the top of a lookout point in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest, featuring a volcano!

Costa Rica: ¡Pura vida!

July 6, 2016

It’s so easy to see why Costa Rica has been named one of the happiest countries in the world multiple times – it’s an absolute paradise. And, with over a dozen microclimates, coastline on two different oceans, idyllic beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, waterfalls, volcanoes (active and inactive!) …, unless your definition of “paradise” involves snow or a desert, chances are, you can find it in Costa Rica.

Before I left on vacation, I kept saying that Costa Rica was going to be an adventure. I don’t usually tend toward trips that include hiking, ziplining, and kayaking, but I was willing to try something different. And, I can honestly say that I am so happy that I went beyond my comfort zone! What an amazing experience!

There are no words – and, because I was too afraid I’d lose my phone, no pictures – to describe ziplining through the cloud forest. What is a cloud forest, you ask? I had no idea until I was there, but I learned that a cloud forest is different from a rainforest in vegetation, rainfall, and elevation. Costa Rica has both – as well as “transition forests,” which have elements of both. Our zipline adventure was through a cloud forest – and it was amazing. If you’ve never been ziplining – I hadn’t – my best advice is to embrace it. Yes, it’s terrifying, but it’s utterly exhilarating! One of my fellow zipliners, who had been terrified to even try, hit the end of the first run and yelled, “I feel so alive!”

The hike to the Poás Volcano = totally worth it! How often do you see an active crater volcano?

Kayaking and hiking were two other activities I would not have previously listed among “things I need to do on a vacation,” but wound up being amazingly fun. We kayaked on Lago Arenal – it is a manmade lake that was created to discourage people from living within the danger zone of the Arenal Volcano (which last erupted in 2010). The lake is beautiful, peaceful, and utterly relaxing. The views are unreal – again, I don’t have pictures because I was worried about losing my phone – but the mountains you can see in the distance while you kayak are the tail end of the Rockies. Knowing that you’re looking at the same mountains that run through the United States make you realize how big and small the world is all at one time.

Hiking through the rainforest (oddly sunny…) and the cloud forest (raining…clearly) is one thing…hiking to the bottom of a waterfall is quite another! We hiked down to the bottom of La Fortuna waterfall to go for a swim. The water was freezing! But, welcome after a long walk. It’s such a gorgeous sight – I highly recommend it! The swimming is wonderful, the views are beautiful…it’s worth the hike back up out of the bottom.

But maybe you’re not an adventure traveler. I can completely understand – like I said, it’s not my usual comfort zone either. Costa Rica has plenty to offer for you, too! Would you like to relax on the beach? Costa Rica has beachfront property on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the country. A word of caution, though – not all beaches are safe for swimming, due to dangerous rip currents. Talk to us at Upon A Star about it - we can definitely help you find your perfect beach! Or, find utter relaxation in the hot springs – a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day…or to spend the entire day.

The beach at Manuel Antonio National Park – don’t let the monkeys steal your lunch!

If you love wildlife, Costa Rica is teeming with it! Bird watching goes to another level when you can spot toucans. Exotic birds share tree space with napping sloths and swinging monkeys. The national animal of Costa Rica is the whitetail deer – a much smaller variety than you see here in the US. They are highly endangered in Costa Rica – a big change from the deer who are everywhere here in the greater Pittsburgh area!

If you’ve made it this far in the story, and are thinking that you’d love to go to Costa Rica, but you don’t speak Spanish, please stop worrying! I do speak Spanish, but, really, it wasn’t as necessary as I had expected. Most children learn English in school, and the vast majority of those Costa Ricans who work in the tourism, hospitality, and service industries speak it. In fact, most people in shops and restaurants wouldn’t speak Spanish to me. To me, it was annoying. To a non-Spanish speaker, I’m sure it would be a relief.

I love a country where you can pull over to take a picture of a waterfall while you’re driving!

Costa Rica is roughly the size of West Virginia, but, as stated above, its topography and climates are diverse. It’s best to decide before you go exactly what kind of a vacation you have in mind. Are you looking for adventure? Ziplining through the cloud forest and kayaking on Lago Arenal should be included on your itinerary. Are you more in the mood for relaxation? A trip to the Baldi Hot Springs Resort is a must on your agenda. Looking for a little bit of both? We can put together a vacation that hits everything you’d like to do!

I’d love to talk to you about Costa Rica, or any other destination you have in mind! Find me on Facebook, or send me an email to get started!

¡Pura vida!

New Summer Dining at the Diamond Horseshoe

June 23, 2016

If you've ever walked through Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom, chances are you've noticed the building housing the Diamond Horseshoe. Additionally, chances are that the doors were closed, and you bypassed it without much thought.

The Diamond Horseshoe is the East Coast version of Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Review. As the Golden Horseshoe was one of Walt Disney's favorite places to be in the park, it stands to reason that it was also included in plans for the Florida park. The Golden Horseshoe is still going strong - and it provides daily entertainment in the form of Old-West Saloon style singing and comedy alongside down-home quick service cooking.

While the Golden Horseshoe still provides daily shows and meals, the Diamond Horseshoe's run hasn't always been so smooth. For a time just after the park opened, it was a packed-house for the Saloon-style entertainment and refreshments. People arrived early to get tickets on Main Street to ensure a view of the entertainment. Standby was very difficult to get in terms of viewing this show (something we experience now with Anna & Elsa, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Be Our Guest). It changed names a few times over the years - Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree, Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Revue - but in the long run, for various named reasons, the company decided to close the doors on this unique experience.

The Diamond Horseshoe has operated only seasonally since 2003 as a Quick Service location, and it has occasionally housed meet-and-greets for Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye. Even when it was open seasonally, it really was only during peak lunch hours. One trip, we happened upon the doors being open, and we were excited for the opportunity to sit and dine in this really neat space!

The food was tasty, and you could see by walking around that it would have been a fun and intimate atmosphere for a stage show. Of course, one could never count on being able to dine there. Until 2016...

This year, we were excited to learn that the Diamond Horseshoe would host a 1 Table Service credit meal throughout some of the summer months! Knowing the history of this place, and of course being curious, we quickly snagged a reservation for our May trip. We weren't disappointed.

The service was good, and the food reminded us a lot of the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge (one of our favorites). Food comes served family-style with favorites like baked beans, corn bread, ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, turkey, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob. Dessert was a campfire s'mores brownie - YUM!

All-you-care-to-enjoy, including dessert! I really enjoyed my dining experience as well as the food. The place was by no means crowded, so it was a nice escape from the heat and crowds. Currently, this is only a temporary dining experience scheduled to end this summer. I truly hope they decide to keep this option around, though!

Tiffins and the Jungle Book Alive with Magic

June 15, 2016

On my recent trip to Walt Disney World, I was so excited to experience new dining experiences and shows alongside my old favorites. Today, I'd like to highlight my meal at Tiffins in Animal Kingdom.

Let's start with the name; a "tiffin" is a light meal or packed lunch in South India. Often, a "tiffin" is in a tin bucket. And if you order the bread service, it comes in a replica tiffin!

Now look at me - I'm already into the food! Allow me to back up and show you the beauty of this new dining establishment. You will find it tucked behind Pizzafari on Discovery Island, right near the construction for Avatarland.

The building itself is beautiful. As you can see, there is an outdoor area, the Nomad Lounge, which is a great place to sit and wait while your table is prepared. There is both an indoor and an outdoor area.

The decor inside is beautiful as well.

Tiffins offers a dining package that includes reserved seating at the evening show, which is currently "Jungle Book: Alive with Magic". When Rivers of Light premieres, the package will likely continue to be offered for this experience. When you dine here as part of the show experience, the meal comes with appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage.

The menu had a lot of interesting dishes, and among the four of us dining, we had quite a sampling of food! There is a picture of the full menu above, but here is a close up of the dessert menu. :)

And now what I know you really want to see... the food!

Everyone agreed that their meals were incredible. None of us had complaints with the food, the service, or any aspect of our experience. We would all go back in a heartbeat! I also have to give a shout out to the vanilla bean simple syrup - they gave that to us to sweeten our iced tea, and oh. my. goodness. It was incredible! Tiffins is a signature dining experience, so it requires 2 meal credits on the Disney Dining Plan. At this time, no discounts (Annual Passholder, DVC, etc) are accepted.

Of course, we also got to see the Jungle Book: Alive with Magic Show. While I was disappointed that Rivers of Light hadn't premiered, I must give kudos to the performers of the Jungle Book. I love the timeless music, and the dancers and musicians did a great job. I did a periscope of the performance, which you can watch by clicking this link.

I look forward to dining at Tiffins again, and I am excited to see the new Rivers of Light show as well. I'll be posting again about it once I've experienced it! In the meantime, stay tuned for my review of the Diamond Horseshoe next week!

Let the good times roll!-A visit to New Orleans

June 9, 2016

They say New Orleans is a world of it's own, and I agree! A funky, cool, unique world filled with rich history and resilient people. My husband and I were so excited to see what New Orleans had in store for us when we visited. I am a history lover and I was enthralled with the amazing history of this town. One of our favorite activities while we were away was a horse and buggy tour of the city! We loved it so much we ended up doing 2 different tours this way. Most horse and buggy tours begin at historic Jackson Square. One of the main attractions while on the tour are the cemeteries.

One of several monuments commissioned by Nicholas Cage

As weird as it sounds, the cemeteries in New Orleans are beautiful and filed with cool stories and some amazing history. Architecture in New Orleans is also quite beautiful. I loved walking through the streets of the French Quarter looking at the homes and wishing I could peek inside!

New Orleans has a beat of it's own. Music is everywhere, literally everywhere. After all, this is the birthplace of Jazz, the city that brought us Fats Domino, Harry Connick Jr and so many more! You can't walk down a street without a band playing or a song writer pouring out their soul. I think that's what I miss the most from our trip., the melodic sound of music playing all around me.

You can't take a trip to New Orleans and not talk about the food! Some of the best meals I have ever had where in New Orleans. Home to the Po Boy, the Muffaletta and Jambalaya! Don't go to New Orleans without a visit to Mothers and the ever popular Cafe Du Monde!

The people and places of New Orleans are so unique, so fun. The city has a heartbeat of it's own and once you visit a part of you stays there too.

I would love to help you plan a trip to New Orleans!

Contact me for more information!

Lori Swinderman

lori@DISiningmemories.com

www.facebook.com/uponastarlori

724-630-8958

Take me to the beach!

June 2, 2016

It's just about time to head to the beach! There is no place on Earth that I love more than the beach! Feet in the sand, sun on your face, that's my idea of perfection! One of our favorite beaches is Ocean City, Md. No matter what you like about the beach Ocean City, MD has it.

The marina on the bay side of Ocean City, MD

I love that Ocean City, MD can really work for anyone. We like to be away from the bustle of the Boardwalk on a daily basis and just visit the boardwalk several times during our stays. But if you love to be in the middle of the action than there are more than enough hotels, resorts and homes for you to rent right on the boardwalk or it's surrounding area.

While in Ocean City you must visit nearby Assateague Island and see the "wild horses". Legend has it that the Assateague horses are descendents of survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast. This legend is popular, but there are no records yet that confirm it. The most possible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of their livestock. It's a short drive to the national park where you can see the famous horses and swim at the beach on Assateague Island. It is a must do!

Part of the beach is always having some sun and fun and there's no lack of it in Ocean City. Surfing, shopping or building sand castles in he sun, you can't be bored here!

If you want to know more about Ocean City, MD and need help planning your next visit feel free to contact me! I'd love to help you plan your next beach vacation!

Lori Swinderman

lori@DISiningmemories.com

www.facebook.com/uponastarlori

www.DISiningmemories.com

724-630-8958

Flower and Garden Festival 2016

May 25, 2016

As this year's Flower and Garden Festival draws to a close, I am thinking about how amazing it is as a whole. I simply love Epcot in the spring. The topiaries, displays, and food kiosks are incredible, and I love just wandering around seeing all the special touches that Disney adds to one of my favorite parks. I am excited that I will get to experience it later this week before it closes out for the year. Rather than typing out lots of words, though, I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

If you have never been, I highly suggest visiting Epcot during 2017's Flower and Garden Festival!

Big announcements at Disney World!

May 21, 2016

Some highly anticipated announcements came out and everyone at Upon A Star Travel & Concierge is so excited! Here's a recap of all the exciting news!

Get ready Frozen fans!! The opening date for Frozen Ever After has been announced: June 21st! Fast Passes will open up May 21st!
The original Soarin opens back up May 27th for some last rides with the original movie! Fast Passes open up on May 21st!
The New Soarin Around the World opens up June 17th! You can start booking The Jungle Book dining packages at Tusker House & Tiffins today!
Nighttime Safaris at The Animal Kingdom begin May 27th!
Jungle Book Alive with Magic opens May 28th

These are just some of the exciting things happening at Disney World. Stay tuned for updates and more announcements. In the meantime take a look at all of the exciting things ahead at Disney!

Contact your Upon A Star agent today to take advantage of some of the great rates still available for this Summer at Disney World.

www.DISiningmemories.com

All-Inclusive- Punta Cana

May 19, 2016

Want a vacation where you can put your wallet away once you arrive? If that sounds good to you then an All-Inclusive resort is the vacation for you! All-Inclusive resorts are literally just that, everything is included! Your flights, your food, your drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) your resort and many activities are all included in one price! All-Inclusive resorts are becoming more and more popular family destinations. One very popular area with some amazing all-inclusive resorts is Punta Cana. Punta Cana is located in the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. Their beaches face both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Punta Cana is filled with all-inclusive resorts and we will be highlighting several of them here. Your agent at Upon A Star Travel & Concierge will help you choose the right resort for you and your family. There is a resort for everyone. Whether you are a family with several kids, a large group, or just a couple of adults wanting to get away there is a resort to fit your needs and your budget. Every resort is different and they all have their own special look and feel.

While on your trip you can choose excursions like horseback riding, buggy rides, hikes, historical tours and much more! But the beauty of an all-inclusive resort is that you don't have to do anything - you can take a swim in a lagoon or swim up to the pool bar! The above photos are of Paradisus Punta Cana. Paradisus is a stunning resort with amazing pools, 12 restaurants and 10 bars.

Most all-inclusive resorts have daily activities and clubs for kids to enjoy while mom and dad get some time to themselves. Babysitting services are also available at many resorts. Contact your agent to find out if there is an additional charge for childcare.

As you can see there is really something for everyone at an all-inclusive resort. Find out why all-inclusive resort vacations are so popular! Contact us today to help you find the best resort for your needs!

If you need help planning your next dream vacation you can reach me at:

Lori Swinderman

724-630-8958

lori@DISiningmemories.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uponastarlori

Twitter: @uponastarlori

Walt Disney World for Big Families!

May 12, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort: a location for families. Whether your family is just a couple or a much

larger group, Walt Disney World Resort can be a wonderful vacation destination. I fall into the

latter. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I have traveled with less than 6 people in my party

and my most recent trip was no exception. I just got back from Walt Disney World with my

family. We were a party of 13 people. Yes, you read that right, 13 people, including 2 infants. So

how do you manage a large family group? What do you do to make these kinds of vacations just

as magical as those with smaller groups?

First, make sure you have a lead contact and planner. This would be the person who makes

contact with your Upon A Star Travel and Concierge agent. Having a point person helps to

streamline everything so that there is no confusion.

Realize that it’s alright if the whole group doesn’t do everything together. If part of the group

wants to go one direction and the other part wants to go in the other direction, then split up.

Taking the whole group in the same direction at the same time could make your wait times

longer if half the group is riding and the other half is waiting. Plus your travel time could be

extended.

Making your dining reservations for the same place at the same time, gives you opportunities to

meet up daily and enjoy dinner together as a family.

You can also have your FastPass+ reservations at the same time if everyone wants to ride the
same ride. But if you have some that won’t ride certain rides, then split up your ride
reservations and make it easy for everyone!

There are many ways that you can make your large family group vacation magical. At Upon A Star Travel & Concierge we can help you with all of these plans and give you suggestions to make your trip run smoothly.
I invite you to contact me to help you plan your next magical Walt Disney World vacation.

Patti
patti@disiningmemories.com
www.facebook.com/uponastartravelwithpatti
Twitter & Instagram: UponAStarPatti

Seeing Europe for the first time

May 5, 2016

I will never forget the first time I went to Europe. I was a junior in college, doing a study abroad program in Salamanca, Spain, with one of my closest friends. My parents had driven me to Boston so we could fly to Madrid together. We boarded the plane with suitcases we feared were overweight and so much excitement.

Flying to Europe involves an overnight flight, and, from most destinations, at least one connection. It’s a grueling way to travel; an ability to sleep on a plane is to the traveler’s benefit. I managed to get enough sleep that I could function when we arrived. My first piece of advice: sleep on the plane. I know the lure of movies is strong. Still. Sleep.

To everyone’s great surprise, Jen got airsick, so I can’t say for sure what she remembers of our first minutes in Spain. I remember the crispness of the early morning air as we stepped off the plane, the distinctive smell of Spain, the long line to go through customs, and even the Spanish woman who asked to go ahead of me. Exhausted and reeling though I was, I can actually still remember the words she used. The impact of this first European trip was that incredibly strong.

We were picked up by representatives from our program – though I truly believe the most exciting part for both of us was that our suitcases had arrived. We had been warned repeatedly before leaving about packing extra clothes and toiletries in our carry on luggage, because bags are often lost on overseas flights. I have taken this advice on every trip I’ve taken since – and it has saved me at least once. This is my second piece of advice to you: pack a good carry on bag.

Luggage in hand, we were whisked away to our hotel to begin the pre-academic adventure. Our program had set up a weeklong tour of Spain for us before classes began. I have never once regretted the decision to take part in the tour, and I know Jen hasn’t either. It was an amazing way to see Spain, and to acclimate ourselves to the culture, to reset our internal clocks, and probably most importantly for the courses that were to follow, to adjust to speaking and hearing the language all day, every day.

We began, of course, in Madrid. I don’t remember much else about that first day, but I do remember waking up the next morning to the sight of Jen, curled up on the floor of our Juliet balcony, writing in her journal. Another strong admonishment from our study abroad office had been to journal as much as possible, so we wouldn’t forget details. Again, this is advice I have never once regretted taking. They are absolutely right – at a time when everything is so new, so exciting, and so unfamiliar, it is easy to lose details, to lose memories, and to come home to pictures without context. This is my third piece of advice: take a journal, and write every night, even if you’re tired and don’t feel like it.

In all honesty, Madrid did not captivate me on that first visit. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting of Spain – it seemed far too metropolitan. It was not until I returned to live there, rather than just to visit, that I truly learned to love the city. Though, as one of my friends and I have since discussed, the jet lag may have had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm. Jet lag is a huge challenge, but it will be overcome. My next piece of advice, and probably the most challenging to follow: don’t take a nap when you arrive in Europe. Stay awake until a normal bedtime, and get up at a normal time the next morning. It will help you get used to the time difference. I promise!

In what has strangely become a somewhat common occurrence for me, I didn’t get to tour the Royal Palace on that first visit. It was closed for official acts. I have since toured it, and been utterly amazed. Take the palace tours in European cities. You won’t regret it!

After a short stay in Madrid, we were off to see central and southern Spain. Our tour took us through Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Sevilla, Granada, and Córdoba. These cities were and are “Spain” to me. They show the different styles of architecture that represent all the cultures that have melded to create Spain – the Roman, the Gothic, the Sephardic, the Moorish, and so many others. Each city has similarities – for example, massive, impressive cathedrals are found in every one. However, they all have their own special identities and charms. Toledo represents the best melding of the tres culturas – the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures coexisted in brilliant harmony there, creating one of the best centers of learning and advancement in the world during the Medieval period. Segovia’s Roman aqueduct was built in the year 50 AD but is still functioning today. Ávila is still encircled by its Medieval walls – walking on them is one of the greatest thrills of my life. Granada’s Alhambra Palace showcases the very best of Moorish culture and architecture, and must be seen to be believed.

Our tour ended in Salamanca, where we would spend the semester. It won my heart within the first few days, and has never let go of its grip on me. Because I was in Madrid longer, it is my Spanish “home,” but Salamanca will always be my first love when it comes to Spanish cities. Its size and walking culture make it the perfect city to explore. Its university was founded by St. King Ferdinand in the 13th century; it is the third oldest university in the world. Its plaza mayor is one of the most impressive in all of Europe. It has two adjoining cathedrals – the “old” and “new.” The new cathedral was built in the 1400s, so perhaps it isn’t so new by American standards. One of the things I learned about the United States when I was in Europe the first time was how new everything here is - even things we think of as old.

Perhaps the best advice I can give about visiting Europe is to truly experience it. Live it. Leave your preconceived notions, both about Europe and the United States, at home. Do the touristy things – see the palaces, the cathedrals, the museums, the shows. But do the local things, too. Eat in a café that doesn’t have menus in English. Spend time in a park with good friends and a bottle of wine – in Spain, bring a bottle of red, some Fanta limón, and ice to make tinto de verano. Go to the plaza mayor, take a table at a café, and spend the evening lingering over drinks and a meal while you people watch. Wander the streets without a definite purpose, and go into all the interesting places you see.

And when you read your journal when you come home, even months later, you’ll be shocked by how much you learned about the country – and how much you appreciate it.

I invited you to join me on Facebook at Upon A Star Michelle, on Twitter @uponastarmichel, and on Instagram @uponastarmichelle.

Monsieur Paul: Ce magnifique!

April 28, 2016

The saddest part of any vacation is leaving. My mom and I decided to go out with a bang this time around, and spent the last night of our Disney vacation having dinner at Monsieur Paul. Located in France in Epcot, Monsieur Paul is described as “fine dining,” as opposed to the “family friendly” label that comes with Chefs de France, which is located on the first floor of the same building. Please allow me to offer two suggestions: take the labels seriously, and make a reservation.

There are only two countries in Epcot that I’ve visited in real life; France is one of them. The other is Morocco, but that’s another story for another day. So, because of my firsthand knowledge of Paris, I can say without a doubt that Disney’s attention to detail in creating France and Monsieur Paul is impeccable. The décor, even down to the windows and use of mirrors, is exactly what I would expect to see in an upscale restaurant in Paris.

The view is lovely; the restaurant sits on the second floor of the building, overlooking the World Showcase. We were still working on dessert when the fireworks of Illuminations started; the windows provided an excellent view of the show. No worries about missing out if your reservation is later in the evening! I even saw a couple who were not seated near a window ask to be moved to a window seat; they were accommodated as soon as a table was available.

The wine list is extensive, featuring wines from different regions of France. I like to consider myself at least somewhat knowledgeable of wines, but I was completely overwhelmed by this list. Fortunately, our server, Guillaume, was very knowledgeable, and extremely helpful in pointing us in the right direction. He even brought me a sample of the wine he recommended to me so I could try it before committing to an entire glass. It was excellent, and paired perfectly with my dinner.

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… — Guillaume’s wine suggestions were on point!

The food menu is not nearly as extensive as the wine menu. It features appetizers, soups, salads, and main courses. We decided to forgo the appetizers, soups, and salads, in favor of saving our calories for dessert. I opted for the red snapper, which was delicious. It was beautifully prepared, covered by potato “scales,” and accompanied by a rosemary and chicken jus sauce. The sauce was amazing – it complemented the fish and potatoes perfectly. The side of spinach was also nice, but was overshadowed by the fish.

My mom chose the beef filet, which she described as the best she’s had in year. It was accompanied by potatoes and truffle mushrooms, topped by a gouda and mushroom mash, and a red wine sauce. It looked so good - I was jealous! The presentation of both dishes was beautiful, and the taste, again, was amazing.

We moved on to dessert with the highest of expectations – and were not disappointed. My dessert was a chocolate almond cake with a chocolate and raspberry filling, and a scoop of hazelnut ice cream. As Guillaume explained, the cake is baked with a piece of chocolate and raspberry inside; when you cut into it, the chocolate and raspberry run out in the most amazing lava cake you can imagine.

I’m not a coffee drinker, but my mom is. She ordered coffee to go with dessert, which is prepared in a French press. She loves a strong brew, so this was perfect for her. Guillaume brought the entire press to the table, and filled her cup halfway, as is done in Europe. She was delighted with the coffee; I was delighted with the presentation. The coffee spoon, too, is completely authentic, and is what is provided with coffee and tea in both France and Spain, where I lived for a year. This is the sort of attention to detail that I referenced in the beginning – and it is a huge part of what makes the experience of a Disney vacation so special.

We left Monsieur Paul completely in love with it. I’m already excited to go back the next time I visit Disney World.

Have you ever visited Monsieur Paul? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments!

I invited you to join me on Facebook at Upon A Star Michelle, on Twitter @uponastarmichel, and on Instagram @uponastarmichelle.

Disney’s Beach Club Resort: When can I move in?

April 20, 2016

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Disney World. Not my first trip to Disney, but it was my first time staying in the Beach Club Resort. And. I. Loved. It! Let me tell you more ...

The moment you walk into the Beach Club Resort, you are enveloped in the feeling of being at a true “beach club.” The lobby is beautifully and richly appointed, and brings to mind the days of the early twentieth century, when those who could were beginning to spend their summers on the beach. The furnishing are inviting; there were always guests relaxing there. I will admit that I would love to have some of the pieces for my house! It is a lobby in constant use; even when I arrived after 10:00 the night I checked in, the lobby was bustling with activity.

The Beach Club provides, to this urbanite, an absolutely perfect location. An Epcot resort, it is close enough to walk to the park. You can also walk quite easily to the Boardwalk, which was one of my favorite activities first thing in the morning while my family was still getting ready to go, or after we returned in the evening and the others were ready to call it a day. I love having shopping and activities within walking distance; this was a major selling point to me.

This volleyball court is just waiting for players!

If you are in the mood to swim, you’ve come to the right place. The pool was a huge favorite among my family, particularly the “beach” section, complete with sand. My nieces loved playing in the sand! The vast majority of that section of the pool is two feet deep, so my three-year-old niece was never in water over her head. They have lifejackets available for use; with her lifejacket, she was free to swim all around that area of the pool.

Not shockingly, my brother refers to it as "the beach!

The pool has more than sand. There is a water slide that begins in a “shipwreck” and ends in a deeper area of the pool. A volleyball net stretches across one section of the pool, awaiting a pick up match. Three hot tubs dot the pool area. And, a restaurant / bar, Hurricane Hanna’s, is located poolside, ready for when you need a bit of refreshment.

While we’re talking about restaurants at the Beach Club, there are two special places that I absolutely loved. The first is the Cape May Cafe, which features a buffet breakfast complete with a crepe making station, and a seafood buffet dinner. The breakfast was wonderful - the food was good, but the best part was the Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy all stopped by to join us for breakfast. They were fantastic breakfast companions - they were systematic in their rounds of the dining room, making sure each table had an equal amount of time with them. And, they were so great with the girls - Donald even had my nine month old niece laughing and grabbing his beak and face. The girls - and the adults - loved the experience.

My other favorite was Beaches and Cream Soda Shop. It is an ice cream shop and grill restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, and, I can’t stress this enough, ice cream. I won’t lie - I didn’t try anything beyond the ice cream. If you’re looking for a place to sit down for lunch or dinner, I’d try to make a reservation - they didn’t have tables available during peak dining times. However, Beaches and Cream has a carry out entrance where you can order ice cream to go. My favorite treat was the ice cream sandwich. You choose the flavor of ice cream, and the staff will put a generous helping of it between two chocolate chip cookies.

If you’re looking for some family-friendly evening activities, the Beach Club has you covered. Each evening kicks off with a campfire on the beach, along with roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and singing songs. Chase your sugar high with a movie - the resort shows a different Disney movie on the beach or in the solarium every night. I didn’t have the chance to sit down and watch a movie, but I walked past and saw plenty of guests snuggled up with their families, enjoying the evening entertainment.

The Beach Club has your evening activities handled!

The Disney magic is everywhere at the Beach Club Resort. After my first stay there last week, I already can’t wait to go back! I know you’ll love staying there as much as I do.

I invited you to join me on Facebook at Upon A Star Michelle, on Twitter @uponastarmichel, and on Instagram @uponastarmichelle.

Jenn Does Adventures By Disney - Nashville Style! →

April 15, 2016

Exclusivity. This is the word that kept repeating in my mind throughout my amazing Adventures by Disney trip last week. I mean, I have read about the service, I've heard others tell their amazing stories -- but until I experienced it for myself, it really didn't hit home. There are lots of ways to tour all of the great places in the world you want to visit, but after this experience, I can say hands down that Adventures By Disney will offer the best experience. Every single aspect was VIP! This means - no lines, exclusive experiences, and needs being met that you didn't even know you had!

Of course you all know that I am a die-hard Disney fanatic; plus I'm definitely a theme park girl. But there are also so many amazing other places I'd love to visit, and there are a lot of people who aren't "theme park people". Adventures by Disney is all of the Disney quality and excellence, plus it encompasses the power of the Disney brand -- all outside of a theme park experience. In fact, Adventures by Disney is the TOP RATED Disney brand - incredible!

This picture is of one of our 2 amazing Adventure Guides. Actually every Adventures by Disney has 2 guides! One is a local expert, and one is from Disney. This really enhances the experience and gives AbD a "leg up" on other tours.

But back to Nashville - on this long weekend adventure (3 nights/4 days), you really get to experience everything Nashville has to offer! And if you're worried about being with a group, don't be! It honestly enhanced the fun... plus, there is time for on-your-own exploration. What follows is a description of the itinerary - but I promise, there is extra pixie dust sprinkled throughout. To share it here would spoil the fun, so if you want to find out more, I encourage you to try one of these amazing itineraries.

On day 1, you will be treated to an overview of the city, visiting its landmarks along the way. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included -- and dinner is of special import today! You get a special after-hours tour of the Hermitage, which is President Andrew Jackson's Estate. Not only are you doing a special tour, but you are making southern biscuits, which you will eat as you dine right there on the property! By the way, my biscuits turned out perfectly!

Day 2 holds more fun! Your hotel is located right in Downtown Nashville, and breakfast is on your own anywhere you please! After breakfast, you will head to the famous Bluebird Cafe! This is the same spot featured on the show "Nashville", and it has been the launching point for more than one famous country artist! While here, you will be eating an amazing lunch while being treated to a private performance by some of today's premiere songwriters!

Just when you thought it couldn't get better, you'll leave the Bluebird and head to Historic RCA Studio B, the very place where Elvis recorded many of his greatest hits! Plus, you get to participate in the magic by creating your own recording!

And this is where my magical moment happened. I still get chills thinking about it. As a musician, I was drooling over the Steinway in the corner -- you know, the one that Elvis wanted desperately to buy. Of course, there is a "Do Not Touch" sign prominently displayed, so I settled for sitting beside it. At the end of the amazing tour, I was called out by our Guide and invited to play this amazing instrument! I was nothing short of flabbergasted... and nervous of course! Thankfully, my friends captured this amazing moment for me!

Playing the Steinway in Studio B - Jenn does ABD!

Surreal. It was sooooo magical! The end of day 2 allows you to tour this beautiful city - and all of the nightlife - on your own!

Day 3 kicks off with an on-your-own breakfast followed by tours of Hatch Show Print and the Ryman Auditorium. Pick a place on your own (or with some new friends!) for lunch, and then it's off to The Country Music Hall of Fame (tickets are provided, of course!), which you can explore at your leisure. Now it's time for one of the highlights, a special tour of the Grand Ole Opry!

Yep - not the main entrance - the ARTIST Entrance is where you'll be heading! That's the power of AbD!

Not only will you tour the backstage area and get premium seats for the evening's show - you will be treated to an amazing Farewell Dinner in Studio A!

Day 4 ends the adventure, but I can guarantee that the memories you'll make will stay with you forever! Whether you are a country music fan or just a music and history lover, this tour is an amazing opportunity to see Nashville in VIP style!

Ready to try it? Message me - I would love to help you experience the magic for yourself!

jenn@DISiningmemories.com
724.316.4777

Major changes to the FastPass+ system!

April 12, 2016

On April 10th some major changes took place within the FastPass+ system! Let's take you through the changes!

Now when you have used your first 3 FastPass+ choices you can make your 4th choice using your phone with the My Disney Experience app! Same goes for your 5th choice just go on your app after your 4th choice is complete and choose a new FastPass+ experience!
You also don't need to make all of your choices at once. If you want you can choose, just 1 or 2 or all 3.
Now you can choose your experience then select either, morning, afternoon or evening. You can also choose a specific time as well and see if it is available.
You still have to use your first 3 choices at the same park. But after the first 3 you can use the 4th and 5th at another park if you have Park Hoper Tickets.

Here at Upon A Star Travel and Concierge, we are very happy with the new changes! The new FastPass+ system is much easier to navigate on the app! Did you know if you are one of our clients that one of the services we provide for you is completing your FastPass+ selections! That's just one of the many services we can provide for you!

www.disiningmemories.com

724-241-8028

Welcome to Diagon Alley!

April 7, 2016

When I last left you Jenn and I were trying to find our way into Diagon Alley! It's not as visible as one might imagine! But we used our super travel agent magic and found it! When you walk through the opening to Diagon Alley you truly feel that you have been transported to the actual spot!

We immediately felt transported into the movie! On our right when we walked in was The Weasley's Wizard Wheezes joke shop filled with all kinds of cools jokes and gadgets from the movie! I might have bought a bunch of stuff in here! Let's just say my kids know what Puking Pustules taste like now! The shop is amazing every inch of it is utilized!

The Inside of The Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes Joke Shop!

Think of any of the shops and buildings in Diagon Alley and you will find them here at Universal's amazing recreation! Flourish and Blotts, Sugarplum's Sweets, Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occassions, Borgin and Burke's you name it is there to see! The big attraction in Diagon Alley is Harry Potter and The Escape From Gringott's! Lookout for the dragon guarding the bank!

Harry Potter and The Escape From Gringott's is a hybrid simulator ride/ coaster! Universal's Express pass is not accepted at this ride so try to take advantage of staying at an onsite Universal Resort and getting into the park early! The line for this amazing ride can get quite long! For those who get squeamish on simulator rides (me!) never fear you can still walk through the amazing queue and take it all in!

The animatronic Goblins in the bank look and act so real that it's almost creepy! Their heads turn and their eyes actually follow you! We don't want to give it all away but I can tell the that the queue alone is well worth waiting in line for! As for the ride Jenn loved it!!

You really have to take your time to walk around to take it all in and admire the intricate attention to detail! We had walked through several times before we found this ........

If you know and love Harry Potter you know of Knockturn Alley, the less than friendly dark and dreary area off of Diagon Alley! The Universal version did not disappoint! It is indeed dark and dreary in there! You don't know what's around the corner ! Of course Knockturn Alley is where Borgin and Burke's is located! When you are hungry in Diagon Alley the place to head to is The Leaky Cauldron!

Try the Fisherman's Pie we give it 2 thumbs up!

This is where we will leave you today! Join us on our next adventure as we head to The Hogwarts Express!!

To book your next magical vacation contact us today!

Lori Swinderman

lori@disiningmemories.com

www.facebook.com/uponastarlori

Twitter: @uponastarlori

Jennifer Novotny

upon.a.star,concierge@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/uponastarconcierge

Twitter: @uponastarjenn

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Disney's Vero Beach Resort

March 24, 2016

There’s something magical about vacationing at Disney that puts a spring in my step and a huge smile on my face. It’s one of my favorite ways to vacation. But then again, a vacation at the beach is so relaxing. There isn’t the hubbub of people, the waiting in lines for attractions, and the go-go-go feeling of having to be somewhere at a certain time. For me, it’s hard to choose between the two. Luckily, there’s a place where we don’t have to choose between the magic of Disney and the relaxation of the beach. Enter Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is just a two- hour drive southeast of Walt Disney World Resort. Nestled right up against the Atlantic Ocean, it combines the beauty of nature and Disney-inspired family fun. This is a Disney Vacation Club resort that offers accommodations ranging from studios to one and two- bedroom villas. There are also a small number of 3- bedroom cottages available.

When you first arrive to the resort, you will see a sign that says “Welcome Home”. As well as some fun topiary hedges, such as one of the crocodile from Peter Pan. In true Disney fashion, you feel like you belong.

There is so much to see and do at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Before we even discuss the beach and ocean, let’s look at what’s available right at the resort.

The pool is a Mickey shape with a fun 163-foot spiral water slide.

Near the pool is the Tiger Lily wet play area as well as a pirate themed 9-hole mini golf course. There is also activities hosted by the cast members, such as poolside trivia and waterslide races. Visit Eb & Flo Rentals on the pool deck to rent bikes and more as well as get complimentary billiards, sports balls, ping pong equipment, and board games. If you go out to the front of the resort, you’ll find a tunnel walkway that will take you across the street. Here you will come to a beautiful nature area, where you can play sports, go for a nature walk, or just hang out and enjoy the scenery. You can also get tennis lessons or learn how to fish.

All of this and we haven’t even touched the beach yet.

Disney’s Vero Beach Resort features a private beach with guest only access. As with any beach, I love to just sit and relax on the beach. To soak up the sun and put my toes in the sand and the ocean or to look for seashells. Visit the SeaBreeze Cabana Company to rent beach chairs and umbrellas daily or for the week. You can also rent boogie boards, jet skis, surf boards, and other fun ocean equipment. The resort also share beach space with the nesting grounds of the Loggerhead Sea Turtles. In keeping with Walt Disney’s conservation legacy, the beach has been specifically designed to create a minimal impact on their nesting patterns. During the warmer months, you can join a nighttime outing to view the nesting turtles. You will be accompanied by cast members who have degrees in a related field.

Sea Turtles are much of the resort’s theming. My husband and I have a tradition of taking a family picture in front of the Sea Turtle painting in the foyer.

The resort has 2 dining rooms as well as a lounge and a quick service restaurant near the pool. Shutter’s, the casual dining restaurant, also offers character dining twice a week. Typically on Monday nights, Shutter’s hosts a family style, all you can eat, Pirate dinner with Pirate Goofy and Pirate Donald. Feel free to dress up and join in the fun! (Featured in the summer through Labor Day)

On Saturday morning, join Goofy and Donald for breakfast at Goofy’s Beachside Character Breakfast. This is also a family style, all you can eat meal.

With so many different things to do at the resort, including The Spa at Disney’s Vero Beach where you can indulge in various different spa treatments, you might hesitate to venture off property. However, there is so much to see in the surrounding area as well. The boardwalk of Vero Beach features shops as well as dining and this can be found throughout the area. Just ask the locals for some of their favorite places to shop or eat, they have suggestions that turn out to be hidden gems! So if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation and that Disney flair, don’t hesitate to check out Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. If you have any questions or want to book your Vero Beach vacation, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Until then, dream of the sun on your face and your toes in the sand,

Patti
patti@disiningmemories.com
www.facebook.com/uponastartravelwithpatti
Twitter & Instagram: UponAStarPatti

Disney Dinners: A Yummy Way to Countdown to Your Disney Vacation

March 16, 2016

Anticipation is one of the wonderful side effects of booking your Disney Vacation. You’ve figured out where you want to stay and how many days you want to go. You’ve been wise and booked your package with Upon A Star Travel and are taking full advantage of the Concierge service. You’ve excitedly told your kids! “YAY! We’re going to Disney!!” They yell. Now you have to wait- it’s the hardest part. It can be especially difficult for kids. When you’re little, time moves so slowly. Even High Schoolers feel like they’ve been in a relationship forever if it lasts from Christmas to Snowball. A fun way to help add to the anticipation and move the time more quickly are Disney Dinners!

A Disney Dinner is a meal themed after a Disney movie. My family started doing this on Friday nights and we count down the weeks instead of the days. It doesn’t feel as long to say we leave in 10 weeks instead of 70 days. This gives everyone something to look forward to each week. It also helps us get reacquainted with some Disney movies and characters.

My kids are 11, 13 and 16. We rotate who gets to pick the movie. Then they help plan and assist with cooking the meal to go with it. I can’t even explain how wonderful this has been for my family. With school and activities, it’s been quality family time. We work together on the menu, including looking up recipes together. We then post the menu on the fridge, a day or 2 before so everyone knows what’s planned. Sometime we plan a menu that’s similar to the location where the movie takes place- we did a Hawaiian theme for Lilo and Stitch. Sometime we play on words like our Pirates Pizza Party because my husband was craving pizza. My son is autistic and by posting the menu in advance, he knows what is coming and has tried many new foods since we started doing this. He associates it with the movie so it “makes sense”. Working one on one with each of my kids has been wonderful, and they’ve really been great about cooking.

There are several ways to plan Disney Dinners. You can make it simple and pick fun names for simple foods like Playing Card Sandwiches for Alice in Wonderland or “Poisoned” Apple Slices for Snow White. There are some great preschool ideas online (check out Pinterest). You can add activities, coloring pages and decorations. You can even get some Walt Disney World recipes online for your dinners. Make it your own and have fun!

Here are some of our favorites:

You can follow Carrie on facebook at facebook.com/uponastarcarrie and on Twitter & Instagram @uponastarcarrie.

Diagon Alley or Bust

March 10, 2016

I just got back from a fun filled *magical* trip to Universal Studios Florida with Owner/Agent Jenn. Both Jenn and I are huge Harry Potter fans, and we hadn’t been there since the addition of Diagon Alley! If you are a Harry Potter fan you need to get yourself to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ASAP! We began our trip by checking into the Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel at The Universal Studios Resort. What a gorgeous resort! When you stay at the Loew’s Portofino Bay Resort, The Loew’s Hard Rock Hotel and The Loew’s Royal Pacific Hotel, you get the Universal Express pass for free. This is a huge deal - you don’t want to be at the park without it!

Portofino Bay is modeled after an Italian Resort that Stephen Spielberg stayed at during his honeymoon. It’s just beautiful you feel like you are walking into a villa in Italy, not central Florida. Our room was on the 2nd floor of the East Wing, and we had a view of the courtyard and bay. We were very excited to see that our room had a well-stocked Keurig coffee maker with to-go cups to take right into the parks!

The resort also has a beautiful pool/recreation area with a separate kids pool that is gated. You can also rent private pool cabanas. The cost for the cabanas varies based on the season.

There are several ways to get to the park from the hotel. A water taxi runs throughout the day and well into the night. The water taxi takes about 5-8 minutes to get you to the park. There is also a lovely pathway that you can take to walk to the parks. The path takes about 10 minutes.

Diagon Alley is located in the Universal Studios side of the resort. When you stay at an onsite resort you can get into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 1 hour before the park opens! Before you get into Diagon Alley you enter into “London”.

Do yourself a favor and get a picture with the driver at the Night Bus! The shrunken head is interactive and actually will talk with you and ask you questions! Right across from the night bus you will see a familiar row of townhouses. Head to 12 Grimmauld place and knock on the door. Imagine our surprise when the house elf Kreatcher pulls back the curtain on the 2nd floor window and peeks out to see who is knocking!

I hate to admit it but we actually had a hard time finding Diagon Alley! Just like in the movie it is well hidden. I’m going to keep it a secret so you can stumble upon it yourself! Once we walked in saying we were blown away is an understatement! The attention to detail is so amazing! It truly does feel magical! Everything from the movies and books is represented here. The Daily Prophet, The Leaky Cauldron, Owl Post, Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes and so much more!