Counting down to Disney!!

In 51 days my family is headed to Disney World!!! Now that it is getting closer we are really getting excited!! My 4 kids have known about this trip since I started planning it, but time is very fluid with young kids 180 days is a lifetime! So like many of you we do countdowns to keep them excited and let them know how long before we go!

This year we have been using this simple countdown I made with a free printable, frame and dry erase marker! The kids love seeing the number go down (so do I) and little do they know but they have been learning subtraction along the way!

When we get to 30 days we will be making a chain! Each day they will take turns ripping off a link on the chain! Here's some examples: 

One of my fellow Upon A Star Agents Jodi, takes it a step further on her countdown chain and makes the last links her families Magic Bands!! I will be stealing that idea from Jodi!

To celebrate our 50 day mark we will be making iron on T-Shirts for our entire family. Did I mention we are taking all the cousins and Aunt and Uncle! So 12 shirts in all. I bought a digital download of the logo and some iron on paper at Wal-Mart! Super easy! Just cut it out and iron on to the shirt of your choice! Here's an example of what they will look like! A nice way to remember our big family trip!

Last year my friend and fellow agent Carrie wrote a blog about her families tradition for countdowns. They have special Disney themed meal nights! Take a look  here

I plan on starting a themed movie and meal night once we are at 4 weeks out! So for the last 4 agonizing Fridays before we go we will watch one of our favorite Disney movies and make a meal themed around it! 

On the very last day I will present my kids with a bag for the airport filled with some things to do on the plane. I have to  include the all important lollipops and gum for the plane ride!!  

Stayed tuned in for my next blog on packing for a Walt Disney Trip. Packing for a family of 6 to be exact! I have it down to a science!

 

For help planning your next Magical vacation contact me today!

Check out my Facebook page for all things Disney here

Lori Swinderman

724-630-8958

 

Festival of Fantasy Parade Dining Package

Want a VIP area to watch the Festival of Fantasy parade? Well Disney now has you covered! With this new package you are able to have a 3 course lunch at Tony's Town Square at The Magic Kingdom! Your meal will include: choice of appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. 

During your meal you will receive a voucher for a reserved viewing area for The Festival of Fantasy Parade! The package is $45.00 for adults and $17.00 for children (9 and under) plus tax and gratuity. Admission to the Magic Kingdom is required and is not included in the price.

 

Want more information about booking your next magical vacation?

Contact your agent today!

uponastartravel.com

 

The Secret's Out About Secrets Resorts!

At the beginning of this month, I had the opportunity to travel to the brand new Secrets Akumal for a long weekend with some of my fellow agents! This was my first trip to a Secrets Resort - but it certainly won't be my last! From beginning to end, the trip was amazing. 

Heading to Mexico on our charter flight!

The Secrets brand is part of AM Resorts, a company who holds other popular properties such as Zoëtry, Breathless, Dreams, NOW, and Sunscape. Secrets and Dreams have more locations than some of the other brands, and they can be found in several locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and there are even a couple in Jamaica. 

Because we flew out of Pittsburgh, our tour operator has access to charter flights, making it a quick 3.5-hour nonstop flight.  We were at the resort by 11am!  The check-in process was smooth, and immediately we felt as if we were being treated like royalty.  In fact, that vibe was around for our entire trip.  

 

The Secrets brand is all-inclusive, and it is "Luxury Included" as well.  Every aspect of the resort was clean and well-maintained, and service throughout was impeccable. We were starving, so we immediately headed to the outdoor grill near the pool/beach area for some lunch.  The food? Delicious!

Pictured above are shrimp cocktail, fish tacos, and chicken nachos. Hungry yet? 

After some beach time, we headed to our rooms ... and we were so excited to see that we had swim-up junior suites!  The complimentary toiletries were also impressive, as they included toothpaste and bug spray! 

Each floor has a floor concierge, and ours was amazing.  Jain visited us upon our arrival to our room, and she gave us a tour of all of the amenities.  She also showed us the "secret" box where you can receive room service - without even opening the door! Talk about convenience.  She also said to let her know our preference for stocking the mini-bar area.  The mini-bar holds a variety of sodas and beers (in Club Level, there are also snacks).  The room attendant can customize the mini-fridge with whatever your choice of beverage is! I was just excited that the soda was in bottles...

Tastes sooooo much better in a glass bottle...

The grounds and beach were lovely ... I did a couple of Periscopes, which you can view here:

Walk-through
Beach Time and Q & A

But let's get back to the food... 

There were fantastic restaurants ranging in flavor from Mexican and French to Italian and Asian. The Hibachi Grill was delicious!  

And the Italian was divine as well!

In fact, the food throughout the resort was great, so definitely go to dinner hungry!  In terms of activities, there is free snorkeling in addition to many planned resort activities; since there are beautiful reefs and a large turtle population, snorkeling is a great option!

The entertainment included nightly shows (ours was a Beatles tribute). We also experienced an outdoor market on Saturday night, and we were able to purchase beautiful crafts from local vendors. One of our girls even had a custom painted mini-surfboard!  Check out the video below for a clip of the beach plus a clip of the artisan painting at the open-air market!

If you're looking for an upscale, adults-only, luxury inclusive and all-inclusive destination, I highly recommend the Secrets Brand. The best news? They have a 50% off sale now through the end of the year! 

We also visited some other great properties, including Secrets Maroma Beach - stay tuned for future blog posts on these locations as well! 

Drinking Around the World Showcase

When planning adult only trips or vacation date nights, I get a lot of, “we want to go drinking around the world”. This refers to World Showcase in EPCOT. It can be a very fun and entertaining way to visit all of the countries in World Showcase. Unfortunately, there have been many adults who have fallen victim to the effects of the “it’s vacation” attitude and had a few too many drinks a little too quickly.

TIPS:

Pace Yourself: with 11 countries, you need to take your time. The basic hours of the World Showcase are 11am-9pm. This gives you 10 hours to conquer the “world” without being tempted to climb a temple in Mexico. Go in with the mindset that it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and it will help. Take your time, and enjoy the shops and attractions. There’s more to do than just drink!

Share drinks and dishes: My plan is based on sharing drinks and food. This will help you consume less so you don’t feel as full and can try more. This will also help your wallet!  Drinks run from $6-$16 each. You can blow your budget pretty quickly just on the alcohol, but you will need to eat too.

Hydrate: Not to state the obvious, but Florida is HOT! That can lead to dehydration. Alcohol can also lead to dehydration, making your feel the effects very quickly. No one wants to see you blitzed, and you don’t want to be sleeping it off in your resort before the torches are lit for Illuminations.

Start Early: This plan starts when the World Showcase opens at 11am. It factors in some rides, a dinner and entertainment.

Be Respectful: Drinking Around the World has almost become an adult past-time at Walt Disney World. You can see “teams” with matching shirts, bachelor/bachelorette parties loudly proclaiming victory, and many guests have been seen taking things a little too far. Remember- Epcot is still a family theme park. You can still enjoy yourself and be respectful of others.

MEXICO

The best location to start is Mexico, then work your way around to Canada. The food and drinks seem to make a natural progression from light to heavy going in this direction.

* Skip the kiosk outside with the pre-mixed, sticky sweet Margaritas. Head inside to La Cava Del Tequila and grab a margarita to share. The Blood Orange, Avocado, and Jalapeño Margaritas are recommended. Skip the tequila flights – shots will have you taking a siesta before your reach Italy.

* Grab some chips and salsa to enjoy with your margarita. Tell your server that you follow @CavaDelTequila on twitter and you might receive a special offer.

* Ask your server for a glass of water here. Make sure you finish it before you leave the table.

* Enjoy the Gran Fiesta Tour starring The Three Caballeros, as it has a wait under 20 minutes. Take your time visiting the shops in the air conditioning.

 

NORWAY

* Grab a Carlsberg from the kiosk. While it’s not actually from Norway (it’s actually from Denmark), it’s still a good beer. Avoid the Linie Aquavit Glacier shot – not just because it’s a shot, but because it’s awful! It’s a potato alcohol and reminds me of dill pickles – not in a good way.

* Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe is a snack highlight. The school bread is the obvious choice and a favorite among guests. It’s also cheap.

* Ask at the bakery for another free glass of water. See if you can get it to go so you can sip it while you’re looking around Norway.

* The obvious attraction here is Frozen Ever After. You will need to get a fastpass or you will lose your touring momentum. Aim for a 11:30-12:30 window. This will give you time before or after to get your drink and dish.

CHINA

* The Joy of Tea stand in China has some of the most refreshing cocktails in the World Showcase. They are tea-based and a little light on the alcohol side. The Canto Loopy is light and really tastes like cantaloupe.

* After eating nachos and school bread, along with a poor snack selection of snack food, I would skip food here.

* Purchase a bottle of water at Joy of Tea. Sipping it over the next couple of countries will really help you feel better as you continue on your quest to conquer the countries.

* After you grab a victory picture in front of China’s pagoda, head inside to sip your beverages while looking at the clay army. Enjoy the Reflections of China in the air conditioning. If you want a personal souvenir, Good Fortunes Gifts next to the Joy of Tea will add your name in Chinese, free of charge, to a fan or parasol.

OUTPOST

This isn’t a country – skip it! It doesn’t count as an official stop on a Drinking Around the World tour. Don’t be fooled by the “exclusive” Walt Disney World Safari Amber, it’s a boring Anheuser-Busch brew.

GERMANY

* Beer Here! So many great beers to choose from. Most will go for the Schofferhofer Pink Grapefruit Hefewizen. This beer is refreshing on a hot day. I prefer a glass of Riesling from the Sommerfest kiosk.

* Karamell-Küche is a wonderful sweet shop. The salted caramel is delicious but hard to share. The caramel popcorn is nothing special. Go for a cupcake! Since the shop is usually busy, they are very fresh.

* Keep sipping on that bottle of water you bought in China

* Stop at Kunstarbeit in Krystal and see the beautiful Swarovski Crystal figurines, especially the beautiful Cinderella’s Castle! Grab a pickle – a glass one – for your Christmas Tree. It’s a great tradition to start with your family.

Checkpoint: remember you have 10 hours for the tour. If you are pacing yourself, checking out the attractions and shopping, you should be about 3.5 hours in, making the time about 2:30pm (unless you got derailed at Frozen).

 

ITALY

* Italy is known for great wine. You can opt for a red or white wine flight in La Bottaga Italiana. The pours are very small, so I prefer going to Gelati and getting the Sangria or a Bellini. The drinks here are some of my favorites, so grab a drink for each of you to split; we’ll make up for it at the next stop.

* While you’re at Gelati, grab some gelato. You get 2 scoops to share!

* Make sure you get some water. If the kiosk won’t give you a cup, the sparkling Italian water could hit the spot.

* Relax and catch a street show in the piazza and a picture in front of the wonderful statues.

AMERICA

* I recommend a break in America, especially if you got that extra one in Italy. However, Block & Hans has some American crafts beers that are worth a try. Try the Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

* It’s America – Funnel Cake! There is nothing more to say….

* You can refill your purchased water bottle at the water fountains outside the bathrooms in the back of the pavilion.

* Enjoy the air conditioning inside while you watch the amazing Voices of Liberty performers. I may or may not have grabbed a power nap in the American Adventure theater. Rejoice that you have made it almost half way and your still going strong!

JAPAN

* Time to be adventurous! Head to the back of the Mitsukoshi Department Store to the Sake bar. The hot sake goes down easily. While the Ichiban beer (especially the frozen) sounds tempting, it’s bland and not very appealing.

* After that funnel cake, you’re probably feeling a bit full. There isn’t much in Japan as far as “snacks” go. A guest favorite is Kaki-Gori, which is like a sno-cone.

* San! Ni! Ichi! Participate in the pick a pearl ceremony before heading to the Bitutsu-Kan Gallery, which is filled with wonderful Japanese art. Maybe you’ll be in time to catch the Matsuriza drums.

MOROCCO

* Stop into the Tangierine Café for a coffee infused with liquor. It’s a great afternoon pick-me-up.

* Share some hummus and enjoy the air conditioning with your coffee.

* Ask for a free cup of water with your coffee and hummus.

* After you enjoy the architecture and colorful tiles in the Marketplace labyrinth, head back toward the front of the pavilion to Souk-al-Magreb for henna.

Checkpoint: Coffee and a nap! You should be feeling good! You should be 3.5 to 4 hours past the last check point. It’s around 6:30pm, so let’s grab some dinner!!

FRANCE

* The best drink in the World Showcase is the Grand Marnier & Grey Goose Orange Slush! The Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush and Kir Royale are also divine, so grab a drink for each of you to share.

* Before you get your drink, get some dinner, and more importantly, dessert. Head to Boulangerie Pâtisserie les Halles. Try the Bisque de Homard (lobster bisque) and Brie Aux Pommes- brie with apples and cranberries on multi grain bread. There are so many selections for dessert; it’s hard to pick just one! From the excellent Fraises Tart (strawberry tart), to the macaron collection, to the chocolate mousse, there is something wonderful for everyone.

* You can get a free cup of water at the Pâtisserie. Ask for it at check out.

* Check the schedule to see when Serveur Amusant is performing. These French acrobats are so fun to watch as they defy gravity. You can also find Belle by the lake.

ENGLAND

* There are several good beers on tap at Rose and Crown. Try one of the pub blends like the Bumblebee (Boddingtons and Guinness), Blank & Tan (Bass and Guinness) or the Golden Fox (Boddington and Bass).

* Grab some Victoria Sponge Cake from Yorkshire Country Fish Shop. The light sponge is filled with jam and butter cream and is delicious. If you’re still feeling pretty full from your desserts in France, head into the Teas Caddy and get some Shortbread Cookies.

* You can get a free cup of water with your Victoria Sponge Cake.

* Take your beer and treat to the back of the pavilion. Across from Toy Soldier is a band stand. Sit and enjoy the band as they play covers of some of the best British bands, like the Beatles and the Who. Stop in the Crown and Crest to see your coat of arms and pick up a Doctor Who or Sherlock tee.

CANADA

* To get the really good beers in Canada, you used to need a reservation at Le Cellier. Now there is a kiosk where you can grab some of the better beers on the World Tour. La Fin Du Monde is a robust Abbey Trioel that is considered to be one of the best beers in the world, not just World Showcase.

* There isn’t much in the way of Canadian snacks, but you can get some yummy popcorn and receive a special souvenir bucket.

* Ask for a cup of water with your popcorn.

* By now it’s the end of the evening. Find a bench or spot by the lake and enjoy Illuminations. It’s one of the great Disney nighttime shows. With the fireworks, lasers, and soaring music, it’s a great way to end your day.

Touring the countries this way can help you cover World Showcase and see all it has to offer. For regular Disney travelers, this could be a fun way to experience the park in a new way. For new Disney vacationers, this gives you an opportunity to experience every country, not just a few.

Stay tuned to the Upon A Star Travel & Concierge Blog and follow me on social media as my husband, Chris and I, tour the World Showcase and test this out in September. I’d love to hear your results and feedback when you give this a try. Cheers!!

You can find out more about agent Carrie at http://uponastartravel.com/agents/#/carrie/
Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @uponastarcarrie
Carrie@uponastartravel.com

Prepare for Your Next Disney Trip at The Dollar Tree!

I originally wrote this piece in October of 2015. I thought with all of my clients headed out for upcoming trips it might be nice to re-run it! I am currently planning a big extended family trip with over 15 of us - yes, I said 15! Check back with me afterwards to see if I survived! Stay tuned for my packing for kids blog post coming soon!

With a family of 6, I try to be wise when I shop. One of the wisest shopping decisions I ever made was going to The Dollar Tree for Disney supplies! Seriously, they have almost everything you need to make your trip a success and more affordable.  Here’s what I suggest buying and why:

Pop up hampers: Even at the Happiest Place on Earth, you may have to do laundry :( Toss your dirty clothes in the hamper and carry them easily to the laundry facilities. It packs easily in your suitcase, and you can throw it away when you leave (it was only $1)! Speaking of laundry, pack a few detergent pods to save on buying them at the resort.

Ponchos: Ok, I hate to say it, but it does rain in Florida. Toss a couple of these ponchos in your park bag so if it does sprinkle you can stay dry. I also like them for The Kali River Rapids at The Animal Kingdom. Again, they're easy to pack and much more affordable than the ones they sell at the parks. And if they rip who cares they were $1.00!

Hand Soap, Hand Sanitizer and Band Aids: All of the resorts have bar soaps for you to use, but I like to have a little hand soap as well. I find it to be a little less messy with kids, too. The little pocket hand sanitizers are great for the kids. When I shopped, they had Star Wars and Marvel, but I have seen Princesses and Mickey & Minnie ones too. I will say, the parks have amazing First Aid centers. We’ve had to frequent them several times in the past but it’s wise to pack a mini first aid kit with some Band-Aids, Neosporin, etc! If your kids are like mine, boo-boos appear out of nowhere, and sometimes all you need is a Disney Band-Aid!

 

Tissues and Hand Wipes: I like to toss a couple pocket tissues and hand wipes into my park bag. They are good to have on hand for messy faces and the occasional allergy and sniffle!

Magic Wash Cloths: I like to use these as little surprises before we go on our trips! I buy a couple for each kid and surprise them at bath time! Getting a bath seems more magical with a Disney washcloth!

Crayons, Puzzles & Activity Kits: I like to take some crayons and activity books and puzzles on the plane trip with us to keep the kids busy. These are perfect. I never worry about them getting lost or ruined on the trip since they only cost me $1.

Night Lights: This one can make or break your night at the resort! I learned that the hard way the 1st time we took our kids and didn’t pack one! They have a huge variety to please your princes, pirates and princesses.

 

Character Cups: We usually eat breakfast in our room, and I like to surprise them with a new character cup that they can use.

Glow Sticks: We love taking glow sticks to the park at night! They are great to break out before the fireworks. They cost much less than the glow items in the parks, plus for $1 you can afford to buy extras to sprinkle some pixie dust to your fellow Disney lovers around you. If your little ones are like mine they love to be all decked in glow items after my 4 are all decked out it looks like a Disney Rave party!

 Disney Bracelets: I love these bracelets! You could surprise the kiddos with these on the plane or one morning before you head out to the parks!

Large Pens: My administrative assistant is showcasing the large pens for autographs! Costume characters can have a hard time taking the lid off of a marker or pen, and they sometimes can’t hold them. I also recommend large retractable Sharpie markers!

Magnetic Frames: Ok, you might not want to pack these for the trip. But how cute are these for your pics from the trip!

These are just some of the great deals that The Dollar Tree has to make your trip a little easier and more affordable. I say save on what you have to take so you can spend more on what you can bring back!

If you would like assistance planning your next trip contact me, i'd love to help!

lori@uponastartravel.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uponastarlori

Twitter: @uponastarlori

 724-630-8958

 

 

 

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Recently, I had the honor of checking out the all-inclusive resort offerings at Hard Rock Riviera Maya.  You may be familiar with Hard Rock Resorts scattered around the US, but what you may not realize is that they have beautiful properties in popular locales such as Cancun, Punta Cana, and Riviera Maya.  

The Hard Rock Riviera Maya

I have to say, I was impressed.  The Riviera Maya location has two distinctive sections: Heaven (adults-only), and the Hacienda (family). I had a beautiful room in the Hacienda section, complete with rooftop soaking tub, dining, and even a second bathroom!  As  you can see from these pictures, the rooms are well-appointed and clean - and the view was beautiful!

The fridge/mini-bar area was well-stocked with an assortment of beverages (both alcoholic & non-alcoholic), and there were snacks as well.  I spent several hours enjoying the rooftop view! The breeze was so nice, and it was incredibly peaceful. 

The facilities in general were lovely, and there were activities to keep everyone busy - of course, if you are more inclined to relax on the beach or by the pool. that option is always open!  I even did a little periscoping while down there - check out some of the action live by clicking here!

Beautiful huh?? And the best part is that the service was also wonderful.  Every employee we met was polite and provided great customer-service.  

Now, I can't possibly blog about a location without mentioning the dining.  Being the foodie that I am, meals are an important part of my vacations!  I am happy to say that the food was quite tasty.  I won't go so far as to say that it's the best I've had, but it was flavorful, presented nicely, and there was always plenty.  In particular, I enjoyed the desserts that were often delivered to our room.  Oh - and room service was always very prompt, which is another important note. 

How on earth do I only have 3 food pictures? I guess I was super-relaxed and slacked on my photography! Well, this is only a sampling... I promise the food was tasty.  We also had some stunning views of the beach while dining in the "Heaven" section at the steakhouse. 

Of course, this is the Hard Rock - so there was cool memorabilia scattered everywhere!

We also enjoyed live entertainment! There are frequently concerts scheduled by popular bands, but even if there isn't a concert, the resort has live bands, dance clubs, karaoke and much more!  

The spa facilities were also wonderful! I enjoyed the sauna/steam/cold rooms prior to a great massage. Speaking of which, I enjoyed that massage with my resort credit! Oh did I forget to mention it? Many stays at Hard Rock Resorts come with a nice amount of credit to your room! You can use this credit for merchandise in select locations, or as I did, for spa treatments! You do pay 20% of the rate, but heck, paying $30 for an hour massage with full access to the spa facilities was a steal in my opinion! 

So, in summary, I found that the Hard Rock is a great option for adults and families looking to enjoy a fun, relaxing all-inclusive vacation. Want to see for yourself? Contact an Upon A Star Agent today! 

Costa Rica, Group Travel Style

I’ve written before about group travel, so you know I’m a fan.  While my first group travel experience took me into the unknown, I’ve been at least marginally familiar with everywhere I’ve traveled in a group setting since.  So, although I enjoy having my itinerary planned by someone else, not having to worry (too much) about money on the trip, and basically kicking back and letting someone else handle my vacation, I think I was missing a vital aspect of group travel: the tour director’s knowledge in the face of my utter lack thereof. 

 

I rectified this oversight this summer when I traveled with a group to Costa Rica.  In my last article, I talked about how much I loved the country and all the activities I tried.  I feel very confident in saying that without my group and my tour director, I would not have loved it nearly as much as I did.

 

I’ve always wanted to go to Costa Rica.  I know people who have gone and enjoyed it, I speak Spanish and always like to take trips where I can speak it, and, let’s face it, I’m a sucker for a beautiful country.  So, when the opportunity came up to go, I grabbed it with both hands.

This country is too pretty!

Of course I did my research before I left.  I knew what activities our tour included, and which ones I would and would not be doing.  I had a general idea of the topography – enough to know to take motion sickness medication with me.  (Pro tip: if you are prone carsickness, take meds along when you go to Costa Rica!)  I looked into weather forecasts, packing lists, suggested attire for various activities, and everything I could find about the local currency (colones) and how much I’d need. 

 

But, even with all that preparation, I am eternally grateful for Erick, our tour director.  He made the entire experience absolutely perfect – and, if it hadn’t been, he would have found a way to fix it.

 

Tour directors prove their worth so many ways, and Erick was no exception.  We ended every day with a rundown of the next day.  He would tell us what time to be at breakfast, what to wear (closed toe shoes? long pants?) and what to pack in our bags (water, sunscreen, bug spray – always! rain gear, sometimes).  That little touch of someone else who would know what I needed before I did, who would make sure I was properly dressed and that I had all the necessary items, but nothing I wouldn’t need – it removed a potential stressor, and let me relax and focus on enjoying the activities.  He kept us safe, warning us when we could not drink the water – which only happened at one hotel – and making sure we had the opportunity to purchase plenty of bottled water before we arrived there.

 

Erick and Johnny, our drivers, made sure we arrived to all of our activities, meals, and hotels without incident.  As I stated above, Costa Rican roads are no joke.  Super highways do not exist in the same form there as they do here, and in any case, the topography does not lend itself to a smooth ride.  The roads are narrow, winding, and trace paths up and down hills.  For two days, we spent most of our time on dirt roads.  Curves even on paved roads were treacherous.  Guide rails are barely visible, and would not stop you from going over an edge.  I couldn’t imagine driving myself around the country.  Even GPS wouldn’t be able to help you stay on the road – as we learned when we saw a car on its side over a hillside, the disoriented couple who had been driving it standing on the side of the road.  As I stared down at it, I could hear Erick explaining that that is why it is best to see Costa Rica in the company of an experienced driver.  I wholeheartedly agree!

The view of a dirt road from my window seat on our bus.

The activities were another place that Erick added so much to our trip in so many ways.  First, this was not his first rodeo.  He could tell you exactly how challenging any given activity would be, and suggest alternatives if a traveler didn’t feel up to completing it.  For example, the climb down to La Fortuna Waterfall was amazing.  Swimming at the bottom of it was unforgettable.  Climbing back up convinced me that I need to spend more time at the gym.  Erick knew how challenging that climb was, and let us know, in a matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental way, that there were alternatives to going all the way to the bottom

The climb back up wasn't easy but it was worth it!

He also knew the potential pitfalls of any given activity.  When we visited Manuel Antonio National Park to go to the beach, he gave us more information than any of us wanted about the monkeys who live there, and their penchant for stealing food from unsuspecting beachgoers.  He gave us a long list of what to do and what not to do before we even left.  (Pro tip: chips are not allowed in the park.  The monkeys are addicted!  Yes, really!)  He also taught us how to keep our food and belongings safe – and not a bite of food was lost from our group.  I cannot say the same for others at the beach – we definitely saw some raccoons make off with someone’s sandwich!

A mama and baby lunch thieving duo!

Erick also enriched our itinerary was through additional activities.  Some tour companies allow their tour directors to add what are called “tour director options” to the tour.  Erick offered two: a night walk through the rainforest, and a chocolate tour, each for a small additional cost.  Of course, I took advantage of both.  These were both wonderful additions to the trip.  I didn’t question the integrity of the guides who led us into the rainforest, or my own safety in going with them.  I didn’t hesitate when the guide of the chocolate tour put a raw cocoa bean in my hand; I popped it straight into my mouth.  Being on a tour gave me a sense of security that freed me to try these things, to have these experiences, without needing to worry about any safety issues.  Moreover, they are activities that I would not necessary have heard about or found on my own – his expertise was necessary to lead me to them.

Walking through the rainforest at night was worth it for this sunset.

Without Erick there to direct our group, I doubt any of us would have seen Costa Rica the way we did.  We had to travel in a group to do it.  I’m sure you’re curious about my fellow group members.  No, they did not annoy me – no more than anyone else that I see all day.  Yes, we spent a lot of time together.  But, we also had free time when we could explore independent of each other.  Although we were all traveling on a bus together and doing our activities together, we had our smaller groups with whom we had arrived in Costa Rica – these were our roommates, not the near-strangers sitting around us on the bus.

The chocolate tour snack progression! We had spoonfuls of chocolate too…but I ate that too fast to get a pic.

 

But, that’s the thing: by the end of the trip, we weren’t strangers anymore.  The woman sitting behind me on the bus was from Texas, but the week after we got home from Costa Rica, she and her husband moved to my hometown of Pittsburgh.  It was wonderful for us to make that contact and become friends before we became neighbors.  You forge friendships on these group trips with people who share one important thing with you: a love of travel.  And, that is a passion not to be taken lightly.

 

Would you like to participate in a group trip?  It’s easy to join a group – or, to pull a bunch of friends together and create your own private group!  I’d love to talk more with you about it – find me on Facebook at Upon A Star Michelle or send me an email to start the conversation!

 

New Summer Dining at the Diamond Horseshoe

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

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!

Bread Service

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!

Take me to the beach!

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. 

Ocean City, MD Boardwalk

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

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!

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