VIP Disney Experiences - Dining Events (Part 1)

What a fun but crazy month! We here at Upon A Star Travel have been hard at work planning magical vacations and checking out new offerings for our clients!  I had the opportunity to check out some VIP Experiences down at the Walt Disney World Resort this past month, and let me tell you - I am super excited to share.  If you want even more detail, check out the Divas Dish Podcast where I shared live from my hotel at the Grand Floridian (Episode 68). Click this link, or grab it on iTunes, I Heart Radio, or Stitcher.

Of course, the magic of Disney is unsurpassed; but, if you are someone who likes just that extra special touch, never fear! Disney has it covered! So, let's start with one of my favorite topics ... FOOD. 

Of course, thinking of upscale, VIP cuisine in Disney, your mind may go immediately to Victoria & Albert's.  This is a 5-Diamond Restaurant located on the 2nd floor of the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. I've often heard about the amazing food, and this is a place that had always been on my bucket list.  Let me say - it lives up to the hype! WOW!

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So first of all - GO HUNGRY.  This is a 7-course meal, and it can be done with or without wine-pairings. Everything was absolutely delightful. Even if you aren't sure about a particular dish, trust me - it will taste amazing. 

And they even had this really cool way of brewing coffee for dessert - and as a coffee snob - trust me when I say it was fabulous!

Looks like a science experiment, right? Very neat to watch.  

Now we ate in the dining room, but there is also the option to do the Chef's Table. 

Speaking of Chef's Tables... did you know that you can request a special Chef's Table? Whether you're heading down for business or just having a special family gathering, Disney can coordinate a beautiful experience. 

It was such a neat experience watching the chefs prepare your food at the On-stage Kitchen. The head chef then described each and every course - it really brought the food to life! Oh, and as you might imagine, it was absolutely fabulous!

I also experienced the dessert portion of the "Highway in the Sky Dine Around" on the roof of the Contemporary.  The desserts were perfection, and of course, so was the view of the fireworks!

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Another fun dining experience was "Savor the Savanna" at Disney's Animal Kingdom... but that's a post for another week! Stay tuned for more of this series very soon!
 

Interested in booking one of these experiences? Contact your Upon A Star Agent today!

Summer Room Discount

Enjoy some magical savings just in time for the opening of Pandora-The World of Avatar! Save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights May 28-Aug. 31, 2017 when you book March 27-July 14, 2017.

Plus, Nightly Extra Magic Hours will take place from 11 p.m.-1 a.m. only in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park! This will allow you more opportunity to enjoy everything Pandora – The World of Avatar has to offer – including navigating a mystical river, flying on a back of a banshee and walking under floating mountains. Them Park admission and resort ID are required.

Contact one of our experts today to book your next magical Walt Disney World® vacation!

uponastartravel.com

Taking the Disney Cruise Plunge!

As an avid visitor to Walt Disney World, I was nervous to take the ‘plunge’ into a Disney cruise. Let me tell you….it was the best decision ever!  Here are my top 10 reasons why you need to take your family on a Disney cruise.

10. The Most Beautiful Ships on the Ocean

The stately nautical colors of the exterior set Disney's ships apart from all other cruise lines. They are simply gorgeous! Once inside, the Disney level of accommodations continues. Everything is polished, clean and shines! One of my favorites inside features is the porthole cushions located throughout the ship.

As with everything Disney, the cruise offers a VIP feel from the time you check in. Captain Mickey was signing autographs at the port while people waited to board the cruise. Upon walking onto the ship, your family’s name is announced like royalty to the crews’ applause. The servers are exceptional throughout the ship. Having the same server each evening provides an amazing experience as they get to know your kids and family. Don’t be afraid to order whatever you want!

9. The Staterooms (with verandahs)!

The staterooms have an amazing amount of storage. Unpacking was simple with two large closets, an ottoman for storage and drawer space throughout. We tucked those large suitcases under the bed and our room was beyond spacious for the entire stay.

In addition to the space provided in the stateroom, the turn down service is magical each night. For a family of 4 or 5, your room attendant will pull down the additional beds and have them made for when you return from your nightly show and activities.

…And the bathroom situation! Wow, Disney has thought of everything. You can choose a stateroom with a split bathroom, which allows for one to shower/bathe while others use the restroom and get ready. A bathtub is also a wonderful addition to help with families of younger cruisers.

8. Rotational dining!

On a 3-night cruise, your Key to the World card will dictate your dining rotation. It is so refreshing each night to dine in a new location. We were on the Disney Dream, and the kids enjoyed Animator's Palate the best with its interactive features on the walls. My personal favorite was the Royal Palace with its beautiful porthole windows watching the waves and sunset.

7. H20 Toiletries:

The sea marine scent is one that I will pay extra for. I even left a note for my stateroom host for extras and he brought me a bunch of extras to take home. Of course, I then added a couple extra $$ to his tip envelope at the end of the cruise.

6. Kids activities

The Oceaneer Club and Lab on deck 5 are an amazing part of this wonderful cruise! My kids especially enjoyed the cooking class. I loved that the kids got magic bands before boarding the ship. While in the kids club, they could ask a cast member to locate a sibling, or ask a parent to come pick them up. Once we arrived to pick up the kids, the cast members were able to tell us exactly where they were located and could go in and check on them. Amazing! Another amazing option for kids and adults were the latest movies being shown on board, in 3D as well!

5. Disney Cruise Line Navigator app

Even though you are disconnected from the rest of the world, this app allows you to communicate with friends and family on board. You can text each other, set favorite activities for the day and preview menus, activities and weather for upcoming days. The kids club will alert you via the app when your kids are ready to be picked up!

4. The Aqua Duck!

The Aqua Duck is an amazing roller coaster-like water slide set high above the ship's top deck. Two passengers can ride at a time. Once your children are 7, they can ride with another child. My kids claimed it was one of their favorite things about the cruise. It truly is super fun! This water coaster can be found on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

3. Ice cream whenever you want!

I think my kids had 23 ice cream cones a day! Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and banana! One of my favorite moments was sitting on the pool deck while my daughter enjoyed a banana ice cream cone watching Princess and the Frog! How cool is that!?

2. The Broadway Style Shows.

Oh. My. Goodness. I would have paid at least $50-$100 a ticket for the shows on board. They were one of my favorite parts of the cruise, and the kids agreed too! They are still talking about “Villians Tonight!” I laughed, cried, sang-along, and will forever treasure watching the magic of Disney unfold in front of my child’s eyes every night.

1. Castaway Cay.

Pictures do not do this place justice. It is simply spectacular. You wake up one morning docked at your own PRIVATE ISLAND. I did not anticipate how wonderful this experience would be. A tram is available to take you to different parts of the island; family beaches, adult beaches and cabanas.

While on the island, you are astounded by the beauty of the sand, water and features. The water slide feature at Pelican’s Plunge is fun for all ages I could have added about 100 more reasons to take a cruise with Disney in the VERY NEAR future. It was an amazing experience from start to finish and my family cannot wait to go again!

Contact our experts today for help planning your next Disney Cruise!!

uponastartravel.com

Rivers of Light News

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

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

Dining Packages Now Available

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

Tiffins

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

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

Tusker House

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

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

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

What exactly is a charter flight?

You may have heard about great airfare deals you can get by taking a charter flight. Or, perhaps you found a low price on a packaged vacation, and the airfare component is on a charter flight. Chances are you might also be one of the many travelers who doesn’t know what exactly a charter flight is, or the benefits associated with charter flights.

Unlike the scheduled flights of most major U.S. airlines, charter flights generally take place outside of normal schedules. Seats on charter flights can be sold individually through a charter company or as part of a vacation package through a tour operator. Charter flights are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for safety.

What are the benefits of a charter flight?

When you charter an aircraft, you (or in most cases, the tour operator), rent the entire airplane and pay for that plane to be repositioned to your location Consequently, costs may be higher than buying standard scheduled air tickets, but it’s worth it, especially when you are flying to a destination that does not have nonstop flights from your departure airport.

Flexibility: Fares for charter flights do not carry most of the stringent restrictions that are imposed with commercial flights. These include special advance-purchase and minimum or maximum stay requirements.

Clarity of prices: Many charter fares are not subject to the typical legacy airline fare-class distinctions.

Less Hassle: Charter flights are usually direct (nonstop).

Service: Ease of ticketing, simple boarding procedure and low-stress airport experience.

Personal experience

I was fortunate enough to test out a charter flight from Pittsburgh to Cancun in August 2016. I loved that we were in our own terminal at the airport, where it was not crowded and everyone was happy because we were all headed to Cancun! We boarded nearly an hour before we were due to leave, because we were all there. Therefore, we were allowed to depart early, which meant that we arrived early. Our charter service representative was there to make thing ran smoothly. He arranged for an in-flight free snack and non-alcoholic beverage for each guest, plus there were alcoholic beverages available for purchase. During the flight, the Allegiant flight attendants passed out the forms that we needed to go through customs in Cancun and explained how to fill them out properly. It was a great experience and I will most certainly travel on a charter flight again!

The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour

Did you know that Disney has amazing VIP Tours? The newest one added to the list is "The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP tour! This 4 hour tour will give you maximum fun while you visit classic Disney attractions! 

Disney VIP Tour Guides will lead your tour making it a breeze navigating the park. You will be receive the highest level of Disney’s world-renowned guest service while you enjoy many of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions carefree.

During the Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, you will be able to experience up to 10 of the most beloved Magic Kingdom Park attractions, including everything from Adventureland must-dos Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise to Fantasyland favorites such as Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and more attractions throughout the park.

Plus, you get to meet the main mouse himself! Mickey Mouse! This tour is perfect for all ages! The Ultimate Disney Classics VIP tour costs $199 plus tax it is offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and is subject to availability.  

Contact our experts today to book your next magical vacation!

uponastartravel.com

New Dining Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World

Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s Boardwalk

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

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

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

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

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

Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios

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

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

Paddlefish at Disney Springs

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

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

Paddlefish is now open.  Advance Dining Reservations are recommended.

Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs

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

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

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

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

Dining Packages available for the 2017 International Flower & Garden Festival

It's that time of year again! Dates are approaching for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! That means it time for the "Garden Rocks" concert series!

This year's line up includes:

March 3-4 – Jon Secada – “Just Another Day”
March 5-6 – Dennis DeYoung – The Music of STYX – “Grand Illusion”
March 10-13 – Pointer Sisters – “I’m So Excited”
March 17-18 – Simple Plan – “Welcome to My Life” – NEW
March 19-20 – Plain White T’s – “Hey There Delilah”
March 24-27 – Night Ranger – “Sister Christian“
March 31-April 3 – Little River Band – “Reminiscing”
April 7-10 – Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice – “Spinning Wheel”
April 14-17 – Gin Blossoms – “Hey Jealousy”
April 21-24 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO – “Evil Woman”
April 28-29 – Exposé – “Point of No Return” – NEW
April 30-May 1 – Berlin featuring Terri Nunn – “Take My Breath Away” – NEW
May 5-8 – STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas – “We Built This City”
May 12-15 – The Guess Who – “American Woman”
May 19-22 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone – “I’m Henry VIII, I Am”
May 26-29 – The Spinners – “Working My Way Back To You”

You can now begin booking dining packages that will give you reserved seating!

Dining Packages are available on these dates: 

March 3-6, 10-13, 24-27, 31
April 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24
May 5-8, 19-22

Prices for Breakfast Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $23 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Lunch Packages start at $39 plus tax (for adults) and $15.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9). Prices for Dinner Packages start at $53 plus tax (for adults) and $17.50 plus tax (for children, ages 3-9).

Garden Rocks concert performances are held each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Festival. Show times are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. & 8 p.m. each night. Concerts are included with regular park admission to Epcot.

Contact our Disney experts today to plan your next Disney Vacation

uponastartravel.com

Real ID Act and What it Means for Travelers

Depending on where you live, you may have started to hear whispers that "you know, you need a passport to fly now!" As a Travel Agent, this is a question I've gotten a lot over the past few weeks. The reason this issue has been coming up is due to the Real ID act.  This act was actually passed way back in 2005, and then in 2013, Congress rolled out phases of enforcement. There is a lot to the act, and although I am certainly no expert, I can tell you what it means for travel! This post will have links and resources all in one place to make the transition to Real ID compliance as painless as possible.

Department of Homeland Security has a great list of FAQs that can really help you understand what the law is about. For the purposes of this post, I'm only highlighting what relates to travel and what it means for you. Click here for the link to the FAQs. 

Right now, about half of the United States are in compliance with this law.  There are several others who are under "extensions", allowing time to comply if they choose, and a handful are non-compliant.  You can check on your state by clicking this link.  Compliant states are good to go! Yellow states are under extensions -- those extensions may or may not be renewed, so watch the site for updates on what ID is acceptable. Non-compliant states will need to ensure they have alternate ID.

Our agency is based in Pennsylvania, and PA residents will note that as of January 2018, we will be out of compliance. In fact, there is already signage at Pittsburgh International Airport prepping travelers for the change:

Signage at PIT

So, if your state (like PA) is non-compliant with the Real ID act, what does that mean for travel? Basically, you'll need another form of ID to go through security at the airport.  The popular choice is a passport, but there are other acceptable forms of ID (click here). 

If you plan to apply for a passport, save yourself the trouble, apply early! There will likely be an influx of applicants, so be ahead of the game. Applying for a passport isn't as scary as it seems.  In fact, here is a great link to walk you through the process.  If you currently have a passport, check the expiration date, and apply for renewal if it expires in the next year.  Many countries are now requiring your passport to 6+ months left before expiration in order to travel to their country.

Of course, these are just resources for your perusal.  For full, up-to-date info, keep an eye on TSA.gov and the Department of Homeland Security's website. 

Happy Travels!

New Star Wars Experiences!

Star Wars fans rejoice! Disney has just released some great new ways to tour the galaxy as we await Star Wars Land's opening.  The most recent offering is Star Wars: Galactic Nights, and it will occur on April 14 (during the Star Wars Convention at Orange County Convention Center).  

This great night will include:

• Rebel Base Activities – The Rebel Base will serve as the event hub with multiple events, hosted shows and more taking place in the center of the park. The Rebel Base is the stop to see “Celebrate the Saga,” a 40-year history of Star Wars that features rarely seen imagery; also, you can join in on Star Wars dance parties and more.
• Watch “Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show” – catch a celebrity chat show in Epic Theater to learn more about the making of Star Wars films.
• Can’t miss Star Wars photo ops – Wear your Star Wars finest and enjoy iconic Star Wars backdrops, including Han Solo cast in Carbonite, Jabba the Hutt’s Palace, the Hoth Wampa Cave and more!
• Galactic Nights Stars in Cars Motorcade – This procession will welcome in Star Wars celebrities down Hollywood Blvd.
• Imperial March & March of the First Order – Darth Vader will lead a battalion of Stormtroopers on a dramatic march down Hollywood Blvd to the Event Stage. Captain Phasma will also lead a unit of First Order Stormtroopers through the park, pausing to give a demonstration of power and strength.
• Seize the Saga Interactive Scavenger Hunt – Event Guests are challenged to collect eight clues in the form of puzzle pieces, one for each Star Wars film, at the party’s various photo stops. Each piece can be affixed to the back of the event lanyard to reveal a surprise.
• “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” – watch high-energy clips of the best moments from the film saga juxtaposed with character moments on stage, featuring Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren and more.
• “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” – The skies will come alive with the power of the Force, as the park’s popular Star Wars-themed nighttime spectacular lights up the night.

Additional offerings will include the chance to experience Star Tours-The Adventures Continue attraction, Star Wars Launch Bay, AWR Trooper sightings, roaming Droids, Star Wars-themed food and beverage, special merchandise and much more.

The event will be held at the park from 7 p.m.-midnight. The Star Wars: Galactic Nights ticket costs $129 plus tax for adults and $124 plus tax for children ages 9 and under. Tickets are extremely limited.

Also being offered (separately from Galactic Nights) is a 7-hour backstage tour, all based around the Star Wars Universe.  Guests will be able to participate in Jedi Training as well as enjoy the Galactic Fireworks as part of this special experience. 

Want more info? Check with your Upon A Star agent today! We can help you get accommodations and tickets for these great events! 

www.uponastartravel.com

Dine-on-the-Go at Walt Disney World

If you plan on visiting The Magic Kingdom from January 12th - February 22nd you can now purchase Disney's Dine-on-the-Go one day, quick-service offering! It includes one lunch quick-service entree and one non-alcoholic beverage good until until 4:00 pm. You also get one dinner quick-service entree and one non-alcoholic beverage that is good after 4:00 pm (Dessert is not included). 

The locations that are participating in this program include Casey's Corner, Columbia Harbor House, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and Pinocchio Village Haus.

The cost is $29.00 and $12.00 for ages 3-9. Valid park admission is required. The certificates can be purchased in the parks.

Ready to plan your Magical Disney vacation?

Contact our expert agents today!

uponastartravel.com

Make some 2018 Magical marathon memories!

It’s the most magical race on earth! The Walt Disney World® Marathon adventure is unlike anything else. And now for a limited time, your Upon a Star agent can book you a Race Registration with a Magic Your Way® Package for the 2018 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, which takes place Jan. 3-7, 2018. Please don't delay - contact one of us to book a race package for you.

A Magic Your Way Package allows your whole family to enjoy Disney fun throughout the race weekend. We can help you pick your favorite Disney resort and the number of days for your Theme Park ticket.

Remember, when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel, you enjoy special benefits, including complimentary MagicBands and early access to Disney FastPass+ planning up to 60 days before you arrive - with FastPass+ reservations made by your Upon a Star agent, of course!

Half-Off Disney Cruise Line Deposits!

Now's the time to book a magical Disney Cruise Line vacation

and get 50% off your deposit!

This new offer is valid on any 7-night or longer Disney cruise departing between June 17, 2017 and December 30, 2017. Set sail from a multitude of ports on one of the many amazing itineraries   available:

• 7-Night Caribbean Cruises from Florida
• 7-Night Bahamian and Canadian Coast Cruises from New York
• 7-Night Bahamian and Caribbean Cruises from Texas
• 7-Night and Longer European Cruises
• 7-Night or Longer Alaskan Cruises

Booking window: December 28, 2016 - February 15, 2017

Want to find out first-hand why Disney Cruise Line is consistently voted the #1 cruise line for families?

Contact us today!

uponastartravel.com

Star Wars Guided VIP Tour coming soon!

Attention Star Wars fans: Starting January 2nd, Disney's Hollywood Studios will be offering a seven-hour guided tour that offers VIP access to the parts of the park that feature a galaxy far, far away.

These specialty tours include Star Tours, Jedi Training, and Star Wars Launch Bay. Guests will also have the opportunity to have interactions with Kylo Ren and Chewbacca.

There will a special themed meal, and the evening will be capped off with a dessert party during the park's "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular" fireworks/laser/projection show.

My family just experienced all of these things last week and were completely in awe of how the Star Wars experiences have revitalized Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Galactic Spectacular left me speechless and trading with the Jawas was a highlight of our vacation!

Starting January 2nd, tours will be given on Mondays and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., and will cost $121.12 per person, in addition to the cost of admission to Hollywood Studios. It's a great deal!

Contact your favorite Upon a Star Agent for more information. They will happily book this tour for you! uponastartravel.com                       

Summer Meal Offer

Enjoy one meal per person, per night at select

Walt Disney World® Resort quick serve locations!

Want more info on booking this great deal?

Contact our expert agents today for more info!

uponastartravel.com

Save $$ this Spring and Summer at Walt Disney World!: Fun & Sun room offer!

Save up to 25% off rooms at Walt Disney World ® Resort hotels!

Contact us today for more information about booking your next magical vacation!

Let our agents use their expertise to help you plan the perfect vacation!

uponastartravel.com

Alcohol to be served at 4 Magic Kingdom Locations

In 2012, Be Our Guest made history by becoming the first dining location in the Magic Kingdom to serve alcohol. Now 4 more locations follow suit by adding alcohol to their menus. Next week the following locations will start serving alcohol on their menus.

• Tony's Town Square
• Cinderella's Royal Table
• Skipper Canteen
• Liberty Tree Tavern

The alcohol served in the locations will match the theming. Tony's Town Square will serve Italian Wines and beers. Skipper Canteen will bring you drinks and beers from all over the globe. Cinderella's Royal Table will serve regal champagne and sparkling wines and Liberty Tree Tavern will have American-made ciders, beers and locally-made wines.

The plan is to only serve alcohol at these locations for lunch and dinner and not at any pop-up stand-alone locations.

Have questions?

Want info about booking your next magical vacation?

Contact us today!

uponastartravel.com

My Big Giant Family Disney Trip!

Picture it November 12th, 2016, Orlando International Airport 15 people excitedly head towards Disney's Magical Express in one large very loud group! I am one of the 15, as is my husband our 4 kids, my brother and sister in law and their 4 kids, a family friend and her 2 kids. If you're counting that was 10 kids! Who goes to Disney World with 10 kids you say? This crazy bunch below:

My family has been to Disney World numerous times but everyone else had never been there before. Well except for 2 of them who had been there for one day but we won't count that! It was so much fun to go with people who had never been there! It's always fun to see Disney through other peoples eyes!

We started our big Disney extravaganza at Hollywood Studios! This has actually become a tradition for my family. We all are huge Star Wars fans so we couldn't wait to see everything Star Wars related! We LOVED the Launch Bay! Meeting Chewbacca was a dream! Meeting with Kylo Ren is seriously intense, that gut needs to get out and have some fun and relax! But our favorite part of the Launch Bay was the Jawas! We knew that they would try to trade with us  so we brought some trinkets with us and we had a ball! Take a look!

One of the Jawas was begging my daughter for 20 mins for her light up Sketchers! She thought it was the best day of her life. Here's a tip about trading with the Jawas, they won't take money or anything that looks like it! If you are a Star Wars fan then you must go and see everything! Another favorite of ours was the Imperial March that goes on throughout the day. It starts at the entrance  of the park and ends at the stage in front of the Chinese Theater. I literally got chills when I heard the music begin!

As you can imagine food is a big deal with a group of 15, luckily we were traveling with the best travel expert around (me!) One of our favorite meals was at Ohana! It has always been a favorite of ours so I was excited to take all of our family to see what they thought! I intentionally made our reservations so that we would be there for Wishes. It's so beautiful to be there enjoying your meal and seeing the most amazing fireworks show right outside your window! Ohana serves everything family style and it is all you can eat. With 15 of us we put that to the test for sure. I always tell my clients that Disney is the best place to be if you have food allergies and they proved that again on our trip. My sister in law and my niece both have allergies and one is vegan. The chef at Ohana came out right away and spoke with them and worked with them on substitutions that they would enjoy. They even created special desserts just for them! Take a look at Ohana below!

Traveling with a large group can be difficult and fitting everything in can be hard too. I try to tell everyone to just make a list of what you really want to do and try to make it happen, but realize that people will get cranky, tired and nobody goes has to go to bathroom at the same time! But we were able to hit some of the items on everyones bucket list!

A big part of Disney is the characters! We all have our favorites and we had a great time meeting them all!

My daughter was so excited to meet Elena!

A fun time was truly had by all! When you are ready to book your big, giant, family Disney vacation or any Disney vacation I am happy to help you and be your expert!

Contact me today

lori@uponastartravel.com

724-630-8958

Express Transportation: Disney World

Here is a new way to make transportation even easier at

Walt Disney World!

Express Transportation service is now available to all guests with Park Hopper tickets and all everyone that holds a Walt Disney Annual Pass. Special buses will take you to a special location inside of the next Disney theme park that you choose to go to. The express buses will depart every 30 minutes and the service is available from 10:00am till park closing. Park Hopper tickets are required because you will be taken inside of next theme park and not to the front gate. Of note: the buses do not run to the resort hotels. This Express Transportation Service allows you unlimited transfers between parks for one day or 7 consecutive days if you purchase the multi day pass.

Express Transportation can be purchased for $15 per person for one day use or $24 per person for 7 consecutive days from the date of the purchase. The check in locations can be found at:

• Magic Kingdom: Near Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
• Epcot: East Side of Spaceship Earth
• Hollywood Studios: In the courtyard of Rock 'N' Roller Coaster
• Animal Kingdom: Near Kilimanjaro Safari

What do you think? Is this something that looks good to you?

We'd love to help you plan your next magical vacation!

Contact your agent today!

uponastartravel.com

5 Things You Don't Know About World Showcase!

1. TWEET TWEET - La Cava Del Tequila is a magical little gem hidden within the Mexico pavilion. Opening its doors in 2009, this small Mexican eatery/tequila bar offers 100+ tequilas and mind blowing margaritas (Avocado!). Show the bartender you follow the the establishment on Twitter and be rewarded with a free shot! 

2. HOLA! GUTEN TAG! BONJOUR! - did you know Cast Members working in each country around Epcot's World Showcase are actually from that country? Talk to them! Learn new words, try their favorite native snacks and drinks. Cast members in Germany even played soccer with my daughter! Cast Members are super friendly and very eager to share their stories with you! 

3. ICE CREAM MARTINIS - yes, I said ice cream martini. Check out L'Artisan des Glaces in the France pavilion for a one of a kind treat (drink?!). Currently, there are about 15 flavors of ice cream and sorbet offered, AND there's the option to add a topper of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka or Rum! YUMMY!!!! 

4. CARAMEL LOVERS UNITE - Caramel is delicious. Maybe even better than chocolate. And maybe no one makes caramel better than the original company, Werther's. Did you know the company started in the small Bavarian village of Werther in Germany? Visit Karamell-Kuche in Epcot's Germany pavilion for a delicious array of treats including Werther's caramel popcorn, Caramel pecan clusters and my favorite, the Caramel drizzled chocolate chip cookie! 

5. SAKE TIME - while exploring Japan's Mitsukoshi department store, find your way to the back to a neat sake bar! There, you will find Cast Members eager to educate you about the variety and types of sake offered as well as single tastings and flights! Sparkling or strong; they have a taste for everyone!