If you love shorter wait times, top-tier attractions, and a more relaxed theme park experience, Disney After Hours is absolutely worth considering.
Read MoreDisneyland: Armed Forces Salute Offer for 2026
Once again, Disney has graciously extended special military pricing for rooms and tickets in 2026.
2026 Military Salute Ticket Pricing (Disneyland)
3-Day Park Hopper: $314
4-Day Park Hopper: $369
3-Day Park Hopper with Lightning Lane Multi Pass: $416
4-Day Park Hopper with Lightning Lane Multi Pass: $505
This ticket will allow you to visit Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park valid for visits January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Park reservations are required. This offer will be available for purchase November 18, 2025, through December 27, 2026, at participating U.S. military base ticket offices.
Park pass reservations are required for these tickets!
New This Year
There’s also an additional opportunity for special savings—a 1-Day, 1-Park Disneyland Resort Military Adult Ticket is $104 and a child ticket (ages 3-9) is also available for $98. These are subject to availability with park pass reservations.
These 1-day tickets will be available beginning November 18, 2025, and are valid for visits November 18, 2025, through December 30, 2027, with no blockout dates. Park pass reservations are still required.
Disneyland Resort Hotel Military Discounts
Enjoy great rates on select rooms at Disneyland Resort hotels for stays on select nights from January 1 through December 31, 2026. Discounts are valid for eligible service members or spouses for travel between January 1 to December 31, 2026. Book from November 18, 2026, through December 27, 2026, with travel completed by January 1, 2027.
Room discount offer is not valid for select Concierge rooms, Signature or Premium suites, or 2-or 3-Bedroom Villas. Limit of 2 rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room.
Valid Admission Dates For Disneyland Military Salute Tickets
The tickets are valid for visits January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. All ticket types require an advance park reservation.
Remember, with Military Salute tickets, THEME PARK RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
Important Details Regarding Military Salute tickets:
Disneyland Military Salute Tickets may be purchased at participating US military sales outlets by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouse, for use by themselves, family members and friends. Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
Disneyland Military Salute Tickets can be purchased at participating military base ticket office. The actual prices charged at the individual US military base ticket offices for Disneyland Military Salute Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
"Eligible Service Members" are active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Eligible Military Service Members also qualify if they can present valid and active US Military IDs.
Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) must present valid military identification to purchase and use Disneyland Military Salute Tickets.
Disneyland Military Salute Tickets are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Member (or their spouse) at a Disneyland theme park ticket window.
No more than a total of 6 Disneyland Military Salute Tickets may be purchased by any Eligible Service Member or their spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person's spouse). In addition, 1 of the 6 Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or their spouse. Or, if the Eligible Service Member or their spouse has a valid Disneyland Resort Annual Pass at the time of purchase and at the time a Ticket is used, then such Eligible Service Member or their spouse is not required to purchase a Ticket for their use and no more than a total of 5 Tickets may be purchased by such Eligible Service Member or their spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse).
Disneyland Military Salute Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
All tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced.
Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
Parks, attractions and offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice.
Tickets are subject to changes or cancellation without notice.
Contact your Favorite UAS Travel Advisor for more details!!
Looking for Disney World’s Military Salute? CLICK HERE!
Disney's 2026 Military Salute!!
Disney Parks is great about taking care of our veterans and servicemen and women who take care of us, and they have finally released the Walt Disney Armed Forces Salute for 2026!
The promo not only has special rates for tickets - including a new ticket option - but also offers great rates on most Disney resorts.
So let’s take a look first at where to stay!
THE RESORTS
As a member of the US military, you can save on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels—for stays most nights from January 1 to December 18, 2026. Book by December 18, 2026. There are blockout dates where the Military rates do not qualify.
In these blockout dates, military rate tickets will be valid, but room discounts will not be available - sometimes existing other promotions will be just as good (or better) during the blockout times, but Shades of Green is also an option (Note: Your fave Upon a Star Travel Advisor cannot book Shades of Green - you’ll need to call them directly)
March 29 through April 11
November 22 through November 28
December 19 through December 31 (tickets also not valid in this time)
For Most Disney Deluxe Resorts and Villas:
Save up to 25% on stays most nights from January 1 to May 31, then September 1 through December 18 (blockout dates apply)
Save up to 30% on stays most nights from June 1 to August 31
For Most Disney Moderate Resorts
Save up to 20% on stays most nights from January 1 to May 31, then September 1 through December 18 (blockout dates apply)
Save up to 25% on stays most nights from June 1 to August 31
For Disney Value Resorts + Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds
Save up to 15% on stays most nights from January 1 to May 31, then September 1 through December 18 (blockout dates apply)
Save up to 20% on stays most nights from June 1 to August 31
Resort exclusions include:
Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Bungalows, 1-Bedroom Villas, 2-Bedroom Villas and Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows; Suites at Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; Club Level; and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas.
Important Details Regarding Disney Resort Rates with Military promotion
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
Valid military ID will be required upon check-in and the military member (or spouse) must stay in the room.
This offer is for active or retired US military personnel, including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify if they are able to present valid and active US Military IDs in the absence of active or retired Military Personnel or Commissioned Corps Members.
Additional per-adult charges may apply if there are more than 2 adults per room.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion, except for the 2026 Kids Dining Plan Offer.
Advance reservations required.
Valid admission is required to enjoy the theme parks and is not included in this offer. Theme park reservations may be required based on admission type.
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MILITARY RATE TICKETS
Note: Your favorite Travel Advisors cannot purchase these tickets on your behalf - you can purchase at most participating military bases or Shades of Green
Choose between the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket or a 4-Day, 5-Day, or 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket, with either the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option—for visits in 2026.
The following promotional tickets are available for purchase:
6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
With the Park Hopper Option: $449 plus tax / With Park Hopper Plus Option: $479 plus tax
5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
With the Park Hopper Option: $429 plus tax / With Park Hopper Plus Option: $459 plus tax
4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
With the Park Hopper Option: $409 plus tax / With Park Hopper Plus Option: $439 plus tax
And this year, Disney is introducing a brand new ticket! The Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket, which allows military guests to visit again and again through December 18, 2026, with an available reservation.
With the Park Hopper Option: $499 plus tax / With Park Hopper Plus Option: $529 plus tax
Valid Admission Dates For the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets and Disney Military Salute Tickets
The tickets are valid for visits January 1, 2026, through December 18, 2026. All ticket types require an advance park reservation and are subject to the following block out dates of March 29 to April 11, and then November 22 to November 28. Tickets are not valid and will expire on December 19, regardless of how many days you may have remaining.
Remember, with Military Salute tickets, THEME PARK RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
Important Details Regarding Military Salute tickets:
Disney Celebrates America Military Salute ticket holders may hold up to 5 park reservations at a time on a rolling basis.
Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets and Disney Military Salute Tickets may be purchased at participating US military sales outlets by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouse, for use by themselves, family members and friends, subject to these terms. Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets and Disney Military Salute Tickets can be purchased at participating military base ticket offices (including Shades of Green® Resort at Walt Disney World Resort) or at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows. No tax if ticket is purchased at a base ticket office or Shades of Green® Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. Tax is added if ticket is purchased at a theme park ticket window. The actual prices charged at the individual US military base ticket offices for Disney Military Salute Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
"Eligible Service Members" are active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Eligible Military Service Members also qualify if they can present valid and active US Military IDs.
Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) must present valid military identification to purchase and use Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets and Disney Military Salute Tickets.
Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets and Disney Military Salute Tickets are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Member (or their spouse) at a Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket window.
No more than a total of 6 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets or Disney Military Salute Tickets may be purchased by any Eligible Service Member or their spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person's spouse). In addition, 1 of the 6 Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or their spouse. Or, if the Eligible Service Member or their spouse has a valid Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass at the time of purchase and at the time a Ticket is used, then such Eligible Service Member or their spouse is not required to purchase a Ticket for their use and no more than a total of 5 Tickets may be purchased by such Eligible Service Member or their spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse).
Each Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Tickets or Disney Military Salute Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
All tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced.
Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
Parks, attractions and offerings subject to availability, closures and change or cancellation without notice.
Water parks are subject to extended rehabilitation, seasonal, capacity and weather closures or may close for other reasons. On certain dates, a water park may only be open for special events or to limited groups.
Tickets are subject to changes or cancellation without notice.
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Did you know that you can also save money on Disney’s photo package, Memory Maker?
Purchase at the theme park ticket windows with a special price only for Eligible Service Members or their spouse. All other Memory Maker policies apply.
Contact your Favorite UAS Travel Advisor for more details!!
Looking for Disneyland’s Military Salute information? CLICK HERE!
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with a Journey Through History
America is celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026, and this is your invitation to rediscover the history of our great country!
Read MoreCruising Smart: Why Your Passport Should Be Your Plus-One
Lost your wallet in port? Missed the ship after a shore excursion? A passport makes it easier to work with local authorities, check into hotels, or arrange last-minute flights. Without it, you’ll be stuck navigating foreign bureaucracy with far fewer options — and a lot more headaches.
Read MoreHolidays at Universal Orlando Resort: Where Magic, Mischief, and Merry Moments Collide!
Get ready to unwrap the holiday spirit, Universal-style!
Read MoreBeware: Latest Travel Scam Tactics You Need to Know
Travel scam watch: Protect your vacation plans!
Read MoreWhy Using a Trusted Travel Agent Matters More Than Ever
In a world where one-click bookings and flashy online deals are everywhere, it's easier than ever to fall victim to travel fraud.
Read MoreIn the heart of Tuscany, where rolling hills meet endless rows of vines — every sip tells the story of the land.
Tuscany in Wine Harvest Season — Sip, Savor, & Soak It In!
Each year, from late September through October, the rolling hills of Tuscany come alive as locals and vintners gather to harvest grapes and celebrate the season. It's the perfect time to explore the region: the summer crowds have faded, the weather is crisp and comfortable, and the wine? It’s never been fresher.
This is more than just a trip — it's an experience.
Wine Harvest (Vendemmia): Early fall is grape harvest season, and many wineries open their doors to visitors for tours, tastings, and even hands-on harvesting experiences.
Truffle Festivals: White truffles are at their peak in October and November. Towns celebrate with lively markets where you can taste truffle-infused dishes straight from local chefs.
Olive Oil Tasting: Freshly pressed olive oil is a delicacy unique to this season. Visit an olive mill and sample the rich, peppery flavors of “olio nuovo.”
Autumn Landscapes: The rolling hills of Tuscany glow with autumn colors, making it an ideal time for travelers who love scenic drives.
Whether you're a wine lover, a foodie, or just someone who dreams of traveling to a beautiful place, Tuscany in harvest season delivers on every front — flavor, culture, scenery, and soul.
Helpful Tips:
Pack Layers: Mornings and evenings can be cool, while afternoons often stay comfortably warm.
Book in Advance for Festivals: Truffle and wine festivals are popular with both locals and visitors. A little planning ensures you won’t miss out.
Ready to plan your autumn escape to Italy’s wine country? This is the perfect time to be planning for next fall!
Let us handle the details — from vineyard tours to villa stays — so you can focus on what really matters: soaking it all in, one sip at a time. Contact us to start planning your Tuscan wine adventure!
What You Need to Know Before Booking a Cruise Guarantee Cabin
Who should consider a "guaranteed cabin or stateroom"? Easygoing travelers looking for value and who don't mind where they are on the ship are good candidates for this category.
Read MorePreparing for Travel During Hurricane Season
During hurricane season, plan ahead and know how to protect your vacation investment should the unexpected happen.
Read MoreRiver Cruise Paris & the Heart of Normandy: Viking versus AmaWaterways
European river cruising is very popular right now. Take a look at some the comparisons between Viking Skaga and AmaWaterways AmaDante sailing similar itineraries.
Read MoreGreat Stirrup' Cay’s Tides Water Park
Island Upgrades: Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay Like You’ve Never Seen It
The all-new Great Stirrup Cay is more than an island — it’s a whole new beach experience and it’s coming in 2026!
Read MoreWhere Canals Meet Culture: Exploring Amsterdam
We have visited the city a few times and done completely different activities each time. This time we were traveling with a wide variety of ages (19-92 year olds). We opted to explore the city via an evening canal cruise.
Read MoreNew Disney Cruise Line Itineraries: September 2026-May 2027
The long-awaited Disney Cruise Line itineraries for fall 2026, and winter-spring 2027 have arrived!
Read MoreHoliday Magic Awaits with Disney Cruise Line: Make Your 2025 Holiday Extra Merry
‘Tis the season for a Very Merrytime sailings on Disney Cruise Line!
Read MoreLeaf It to Us: Top Spots for Autumn Views
From late September through October, forests across the United States transform into vibrant tapestries of red, orange, and gold. If you're dreaming of the perfect autumn getaway, here are the best places in the U.S. to experience fall foliage at its finest.
New England – The Classic Fall Escape - Best time to go: Late September to mid-October. The region’s dense forests, charming towns, and scenic byways make it the gold standard for leaf-peeping. Postcard-worthy views with covered bridges and mountain backdrops or Acadia National Park blending ocean views with autumn hues for a unique twist on fall travel.
The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina - Best time to go: Mid-October to early November. The Great Smoky Mountains are home to more tree species than all of Europe, which means an extended and vibrant fall season. Explore scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road and Newfound Gap Road, or hike trails for panoramic views framed by fiery foliage. Because this is a little further south, the peak season is later than some other locations!
Aspen, Colorado – Golden Aspens and Mountain Peaks - Best time to go: Mid-September to early October. The contrast of white-barked aspens against the rugged Rockies is unforgettable. Take a drive along the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop, one of the most photographed spots in North America.
The Upper Peninsula, Michigan – A Hidden Gem - Best time to go: Late September to mid-October. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers an uncrowded fall escape, with pristine forests, waterfalls, and dramatic lake views. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the shores of Lake Superior are especially stunning during peak foliage.
Travel Tips for Fall Foliage Viewing:
🍂 Book early – Hotels and cabins in popular areas sell out fast.
🍂 Pack for layers – Fall weather can be unpredictable.
🍂 Bring a camera – These views are ones you’ll want to remember.
Whether you're after a cozy cabin in the mountains or a scenic road trip through vibrant forests, our travel experts can craft the perfect fall foliage itinerary for you. It may be a little late for this year, but cancellations do happen and sometimes if we think outside the box on location and focus on weekdays versus weekends, we could find a great a trip for you!
Contact us today to book your autumn adventure and watch the leaves turn in some of the most beautiful places America has to offer.
Cruising in Alaska: Choosing your Stateroom!
How to choose your stateroom type for an Alaska cruise.
Read MoreAmaWaterways Military Discounts
Two Upon a Star Travel Advisors recently had an opportunity to experience first hand a river cruise on AmaWaterways, and it was absolutely magnificent! (More detailed blog coming soon!) River cruising is so vastly different from an ocean cruise, and even better…AmaWaterways recognizes US Military with some tremendous discounts on select cruises.
There are still many sailings listed for 2025, but there are also some listed for early 2026 and more to come.
What does the military discount get you? 2-for-1 discounts.
Yes, TWO people cruise for the cost of one person. Literally half off the cruise.
AmaWaterways has some great themed cruises, too, to includes locations like the visiting the EuropeansChristmas Markets, beer themed cruises, wine themed cruises, and the ever popular Tulip Time sailings which go see all the spring tulip fields in the Netherlands!
So, how do you book one of these? So easy:
Take a look at the current dates available.
Pick your date.
Email your favorite Upon a Star Travel advisor.
Easy, right?
Here’s the link for existing 2025 & 2026 military discounts for AmaWaterways: 2025 & 2026 Military Discounts AmaWaterwaysAmaWaterways
What if you want a date not currently offered with the deep discount? We can still get you a $250 discount in addition to any other AmaWaterways promotions!
If you’re ready to book a river cruise or have more questions about river cruising, reach out to your favorite Upon a Star Travel Agent or contact us here!
Disney Villains: The Ones We Love to Hate
Maleficent is one of our most recognizable Disney villains!
Halloween is getting closer and will soon be front and center in the parks. The first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held on August 15th this year I want to talk villains… specifically Disney villains. I love villains! I have an incomplete tattoo sleeve of Disney villains to prove it. With 20-25 hours in a tattoo chair already and many more hours, this has become my passion. But why, you may be wondering. Let me tell you why…
If you don’t know already, villains are the bad guys in books, movies, and TV shows—the wicked, the cunning, the ones who make our stories dangerous! Villain characters, also known as antagonists, date back ages in writing and early film. If you look at some of the best movies, they have great villains. To fully appreciate the good guy, you really must hate the bad guy. And the more you hate the bad guy, the louder you cheer when the hero wins. Where there has been a strong Protagonist, there is almost always a strong Antagonist.
Villains make things better. Look at the Bible, one of our earliest forms of writing passed down by generations. We have David versus Goliath. David’s “hero” moment came in his ability to fell the giant known as Goliath. Or we can look at Robin Hood versus Prince John. Look at Diehard—who would Bruce Willis’ character, John McClane, be without the great Hans Gruber played by one of the greatest actors ever, Alan Rickman? Speaking of Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series… how could I not mention Harry Potter versus Voldemort? Villains make you love the Hero more.
I took a poll to find out what Disney villains people love the most. I asked the following questions:
Best Disney Villain?
Best Villain Sidekick?
Best Villain Song?
Most satisfying end to a Villain?
Best ‘Toxic’ trait?
I started off asking my fellow travel advisors at Upon a Star Travel… henceforth to be known as “The Stars.” The Stars overwhelmingly voted Maleficent as the best villain, and it wasn’t even close! The best sidekick was much closer. It was a tie between Mr. Smee and Lafou. Best song went to everyone's favorite underwater witch, Ursula with Poor Unfortunate Souls. The best demise of a villain belonged to Jafar who was pulled into a magic lamp and kicked into lava by his sidekick. Best toxic trait went to Maleficent for using dark magic and having a vengeful nature.
I also polled my friends and family AKA Facebook. All of the results were close to the same with one exception—the best sidekick award went to the Hyenas from The Lion King.
This has been fun to write and explore since I love villains. And Disney really knows how to do it right. Let’s plan your next vacation… maybe in October when Halloween will be a big focus in the park!
So let’s recap:
Everyone is wrong. Scar is the best villain!
Everyone is wrong, Be Prepared sung by Scar in The Lion King is the best song!
Plan to go see “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” the new stage show now playing at Disney’s Hollywood Studio.
Disney needs to HURRY UP and open their planned Villain Land… ASAP.
Don’t forget, the Fall Halloween Season will take over the Walt Disney World resort in late August! See details on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party here.
Contact your favorite Upon a Star Agent for your party tickets and your next Walt Disney World or Disneyland Vacation Package!
