Candlelight Processional Dates Announced!

We’re happy to share that the 2018 Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays will return to the park Nov. 18-Dec. 30, 2018. The Candlelight Processional also returns this year and for the first time, the popular holiday tradition will open for Thanksgiving on Nov. 22-Dec. 30, 2018.

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays invites you to discover holiday cheer throughout the park and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens, and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. Evenings during this time are topped off with a special holiday presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”

The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot Guests, is a retelling of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra.

 

Stay tuned for info on the narrators and dining packages!

It's not too late to get a reservation for the holiday!! Contact our traveL experts today HERE

Wine Bar George Opens May 19th at Disney Springs!

The grand opening celebration of Wine Bar George begins at 5:00pm May 19th when the 1st glass of wine is poured! The restaurant’s namesake, George Miliotes, is a Master Sommelier – one of only 249 in the world. Wine Bar George is the only wine bar in Florida owned by a Master Sommelier and will offer more than 130 selections by the ounce, glass, and bottle in a range of varietals, vintages, and prices. 

This 200-seat wine bar is centrally located at The Landing. You can enjoy indoor seating with ambience reminiscent of a winemaker’s home or enjoy the sights and sounds of Disney Springs on the terrace with its fantastic views of The Landing and the waterfront stage. 

The Basket at Wine Bar George will offer European-style sandwiches, cheese, olives, hummus, charcuterie, cookies, and wines on tap—served to-go by the glass or carafe.

What a great place to hang out!

 

Want more info on booking your next magical vacation?

Contact our expert agents HERE today!!

 

Real ID Act! Be prepared!

Just an update on the Real ID act and what it means for you. Just remember that right now, PA & NJ both have an extension only through October 10, 2018. PennDOT will not be issuing RealID compliant drivers licenses until early 2019. California is issuing compliant licenses now, but you must choose that as the option; not all licenses are RealID compliant. It is unclear as to when NJ will issue RealID compliant licenses. As long as the federal government continues to issue extensions, Pennsylvanians, Californians, & New Jersey residents may continue to fly with current ID. The final deadline for enforcement is 2020. 

Pennsylvanians Click here for more info

Californians Click here for more info

Those from TX and OH -- your states are compliant, but please ensure that your Driver's License is the RealID compliant version.

What this means:
At this time, those traveling on/after Oct 10, 2018 will need another form of ID to board aircraft:

  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

It is possible that PA/NJ/CA will receive another extension, but it is not a given.
TSA requires that adults boarding aircraft use proper ID, but ID is not required for children under age 18.
If an extension is not granted beyond Oct 10, as of right now you will need another form of ID to fly.

If you have any questions or unsure of what ID you will need to travel, please contact your Upon A Star Agent today for more info!

 

Dining at Maria and Enzo's

If you've followed along on any Upon A Star adventures or social media accounts, you probably know that Disney Springs is a rapidly changing and rapidly growing place! In fact, it was recently listed in a travel blog as one of the top 20 places to visit -- and I couldn't agree more!

On our recent trip in January, Brady & I ventured with our friends down to Disney Springs several times - after all, a foodie's gotta eat!

Maria and Enzo's is one of the newest eateries. It's themed - stick with me here - like an airport! The back story is that Maria and Enzo had a small bakery in the airport, but when it closed, they converted the whole thing into a dream restaurant (with the help of the owner of the Edison next door - but that's another blog post!). 

As you might imagine, this restaurant serves Italian food. The views are fantastic -- overlooking the water -- and the food I had was wonderful.  I loved the whole look and feel. There were travel & aviation posters lining the walls, and the room had an open and airy feel.

In addition to the main seating area, there is also a "First Class Lounge". There are no outside views, but it does have tablecloths! Due to the diners, i couldn't snag a picture of those tables.

But let's talk about the real star here - the FOOD.  I love Italian food! And I really enjoyed everything! The menu is somewhat limited, but very good. The first picture was our appetizer, the Arancini di Carne (fried rice stuffed with meat ragù, peas and mozzerella).  For my entree, I had the Busiate con Granchio (spiral pasta with lump crab meat) -- it tasted fresh and was so delicious! Brady had the Rigatoni, and our friends had the Spaghetti. Desserts were the Cannoli and the Sicilian Ricotta layered sponge cake.

All four of us were impressed with our food - and with our server! Martina was amazing - be sure to request her table when you go!

In terms of pricing, you are definitely going to pay over $20 per entree. Disney Dining Plans are not yet accepted; but for me, I don't mind paying for a great meal every now and again.

Want to try it for yourself? Let your Upon A Star agent know that Maria and Enzo's is a must on your next trip -- we will set it all up for you. 

Buon Apetito!