Travel is our passion! We believe that travel changes you and the world around you. We are here to make sure that your vacations, getaways, honeymoons and adventures are the best they can be. We don't stop at booking your vacation. We help you have truly unique experiences when you travel with us. Our travel advisors are highly experienced and they travel frequently to help keep up with travel trends and destinations. Know that when you work with us, you are not just a number, you are getting personal one- on-one service and highly experienced travel advisors.
Thanks for stopping by, we hope to help you start collecting amazing travel memories soon!
Owner and Founder of Upon A Star Travel
Jenn
Founder/Agent
jenn@uponastartravel.com
Location: Cranberry Twp, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH JENN!
Jenn has been a lifelong Disney fan. Just like Walt Disney, she believes, "If you can dream it, you can do it!" This dream led to the founding of Upon A Star Travel and Concierge in 2014, and the agency quickly became a top-rated one in the area.
Jenn has a passion for all travel, and in addition to expertly planning Disney vacations, she has extensive experience planning for Hawaii, Europe, All-Inclusive destinations, and cruise vacations. Jenn has the designation of being a Hawaii Travel Specialist in addition to her Certified Sandals and AM Resorts Master agents status.
Having attended Cruise World’s STAR program two years running, Jenn attended the elite GTM (Global Travel Marketplace) conference in 2019 & 2021. Her commitment to continuing education in the travel industry ensures that your trip is in good hands.
She would love to bring her knowledge and expertise to your family's magical vacation!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Bora Bora or a Seine River Cruise
Favorite Airline Snack: Chex Mix
Favorite Book or Movie: Mary Poppins (the Julie Andrew Version) and any Agatha Christie novel!
Patti
patti@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH PATTI!
Patti is pretty sure that she was born with a love of all things Disney. Her first trip to Walt Disney World® Resort was in November of 1996 during the 25th anniversary, when Cinderella Castle was decorated like a birthday cake. There was a long hiatus between her first trip and subsequent trips, but in 2009 she returned to Walt Disney World when her then boyfriend proposed to her during dinner at Cinderella Castle. Patti has since returned several times to Walt Disney World® Resort and has planned magical vacations for family and friends. Patti also has extensive experience planning cruises and all-inclusive resorts!
She is happy to help plan your next magical vacation, wherever you decide to travel!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Rome, Italy
Favorite Airline Snack: Peanut M&Ms
Favorite Book or Movie: The Paper Magician Series by Charlie N. Holmberg
Michelle
michelle@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH MICHELLE!
There is magic to be found all over our world, and Michelle loves to explore and discover it in new, unexpected places. Michelle is so fortunate to have grown up in a family that cultivated her love of travel. From her first trip to Ocean City, to a childhood and adolescence spent visiting Disney World and Myrtle Beach, to road trips to places like the Grand Canyon, her family prepared her for the adventure of living in Spain and traveling around Europe as an adult. Now resettled in Pittsburgh, Michelle is excited to share her love of travel as a member of the Upon A Star team.
Specializing in travel to Europe, Myrtle Beach, and, of course, Disney, Michelle can’t wait to help you make your vacation dreams a reality. Highly experienced in leading and participating in group travel, she also specializes in working with groups of all sizes and affiliations who are traveling to any destination.
Bucket List Destination: Machu Picchu
Favorite Airline Snack: M&Ms
Favorite Book or Movie: Mariana by Susanna Kearsley and This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
Kyla
kyla@uponastartravel.com
Location: North Hampton, NH
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KYLA!
Kyla is a travel-holic loving life on the seacoast of New Hampshire.
She has loved Disney since her 1st trip to Florida at 5 years old. Over the years, Kyla & her family have traveled to all 50 states, Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Europe (Spain, Italy, England), many islands in the Caribbean & Canada, and Disney has always held a special place in her heart.
Now married with 2 young daughters, Kyla & her husband, Frank, have already introduced their littles to Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruises, all inclusive resorts in Mexico and Jamaica and so much more!
Kyla is now very excited to help other families plan their own magical Disney Destination vacations in addition to all inclusive getaways!
Bucket List Destination: Over water bungalows in Bora Bora
Favorite Airline Snack: Mojito Buzzball on Spirit flights, any snack box on JetBlue, or the purple chips.
Favorite Book or Movie: Goodfellas
Kelly
kelly@uponastartravel.com
Location: Fair Haven, NJ
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KELLY!
A self-admitted Travel Channel junkie, Kelly loves to experience the World. From Cape Cod to California down to Costa Rica, Kelly has traveled it all. With family on the West Coast, she grew up spending her summers in the California sun and keeping cool in Lake Tahoe. Hailing from a small town south of Boston, she enjoyed weekend trips to the Cape. Winter arrived and it was time to go skiing in Vail, CO.
However, her love for Disney was awakened when planning her own trip for her family. Wanting the full Disney experience down to the Dole Whip, Kelly soon realized this travel planning love is her passion!
Her ear is down to the ground for the latest cruise sailings, relaxing resorts, or action packed trips to make sure whatever her client is looking for, they get.
The quest for adventure and exploring new places is the spark that keeps Kelly seeking new destinations. Her motto is, when one vacation is over, it's time to plan a new one!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Egypt and sleeping in a thermal glass Igloo to see the Northern Lights in Sweden.
Favorite Airline Snack: Champagne and Swedish Fish
Favorite Book or Movie: Moulin Rouge
Lindsay
lindsay@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH LINDSAY!
Lindsay's love of travel started at a young age with her family who believed that the most magical memories came from experiences, not things. She frequently travels to Walt Disney World® Resort. Her favorite part is that every trip is different.
In addition to planning Disney vacations, Lindsay plans all-inclusive resorts and cruises! She loves group travel, and she would love to assist you in your next adventure!
Bucket List Destination: Hawaii
Favorite Airline Snack: Peanut M&Ms and Diet Coke
Favorite Book or Movie: Anything Disney!
kimm@uponastartravel.com
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KIMM!
They observed the Lord’s power in action, His impressive works on the deepest seas. Psalm 107:24
Kimm & her husband John love cruising, visiting new destinations and viewing incredible vistas. They are foodies and enjoy all kinds of art. Recently becoming residents of Daytona Beach, Florida, they love cruising at a moment’s notice. If they are not traveling or at their condo on the Halifax River, they might be enjoying their cottage in Ontario, Canada or visiting with family in PA as well as several other states. They have vacationed in Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and all over the USA multiple times. There isn’t anywhere they wouldn’t visit at least once!
Kimm enjoys planning trips for all of her clients and she is always ready to match them up with the best cruise line, motor coach tour, train trip or all-inclusive resort. She works hard to meet every detail of her client’s dream vacation!
Bucket List Destination: Galapagos Islands & Antarctica
Favorite Airline Snack: Popcorn
Favorite Book or Movie: The Bible and The Sound of Music
Heather
heather@uponastartravel.com
Location: Orlando, FL
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH HEATHER!
Heather will tell you that the MAGIC of Disney was instilled in her as a small child. She grew up believing that no dream was to big to achieve. Her biggest dream came true in October, 2015 when she adopted her daughter in China. The second she got home, she immediately started planning her daughter’s first trip to Walt Disney World Resort!
Heather has been to Walt Disney World more times than she can count. She’s also been to Disneyland and Hawaii. She loves to travel and learn new cultures but her heart and her true “HOME” is in Walt Disney World.
Heather's love for planning and travel led her here to us at Upon A Star Travel. She believes that her love and passion for all things Disney gives her the edge to make your Magical vacation Pixie Perfect!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Santorini Greece and Tokyo Disney (its a tie)
Favorite Airline Snack: Twizzlers
Favorite Book or Movie: Aladdin and Jurassic Park
emily@uponastartravel.com
Location: Windermere, FL
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH EMILY!
Emily has had a love of Disney Parks since her first visit to Walt Disney World at two years old. After that first bit of pixie dust, she was hooked! Since then she has been to Walt Disney World more times than she could ever count. Her favorite memories are each of her daughters’ first visits, celebrating the 50th Anniversary with the Upon A Star team, and visiting Disneyland for the first time. Each trip is unique and there is always something to celebrate!
From a young age, Emily was planning theme trips to Disney properties, before she even knew it could be an actual job!
She moved to Florida the summer after High School and has been a resident for over twenty years. Last year, she made the move to live around the corner from Cinderella Castle, completing her dream. It’s also a perk to see the fireworks nightly!
This year she is marrying her Cast Member fiancé, Jeremy, and they are joining their families together…five daughters included (Ella, Adrianna, Madeline, Abigail, Paige). Emily is on Walt Disney World property every single day and has an extensive knowledge of each resort and the parks. Also, she is a great resource for all things Disney Golf since that is where Jeremy makes magic.
She also loves traveling by sea with Disney Cruise Line and takes a trip every chance she can!
Bucket List Destination: All of the Disney Parks
Favorite airplane snack: Chocolate covered almonds
Favorite book/movie: Steel Magnolias, Cinderella, Pride and Prejudice, Eat Pray Love
Yael
yael@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH YAEL!
Yael has been a frequent Walt Disney World visitor for longer than she can actually remember. Her first experience at the age of 3 has led the way to a life long love of Disney. Yael shares her love of Disney with her husband and is actively passing it on to her two daughters.
Annual Disney family vacations are a must, with new experiences each time! Yael loves to partner with families of all sizes to make sure they are experiencing the perfect vacation designed just for them, whether at a Disney Park, Universal Studios, or at a beautiful All Inclusive Resort.
Bucket List Destination: Australia or Africa
Favorite Airline Snack: Gummy Worms
Favorite Movie or Book: The Emperor’s New Groove
Katie
katie@uponastartravel.com
Location: Butler, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KATIE!
Certifications: Aussie Specialist / CIE Tours Shamrock / CIE Tours British Collection / CoDK, Hawai'i Destination Specialist / Hawai'i Island Specialist / Kaua'i Specialist, Maui Nui Specialist / O'ahu Specialist, NCL Master's Degree / 100% Pure New Zealand Gold Specialist / Royal Caribbean Bachelor of Adventure / Universal Orlando Specialist
From Walt Disney World to New Zealand, Katie loves to travel and experience new places with her husband.
She has always enjoyed planning her own trips both in and out of the country and is happy to assist others on their adventures. Let her help you get out there and explore the world!
“Have been unavoidably detained by the world. Expect us when you see us.” -Neil Gaiman,Stardust
Bucket List Destination: Egypt
Airplane Snack: Combos
Book: The Lord of the Rings
Bridget
bridget@uponastartravel.com
Location: Baden, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH BRIDGET!
Two things I love are traveling and event planning, so there’s nothing better than being a travel agent.
My first vacation memory is Donald Ducks birthday party at Disneyland when I was 5. After that first Disney trip, I visited Walt Disney World at least once a year with my parents. Once I got older, we began cruising. My first cruise was a 3 day on the Carnival Fantasy to the Bahamas. Being a teenager on a cruise was the best vacation. I got to enjoy family time along with meeting new friends in the teen clubs and enjoying all the activities they offered. I have been on multiple cruise ships, cruise lines and visited many ports. I am also a member of the Cruise Line International Association and have earned my Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) degree.
As an adult, I have experienced many All-Inclusive Vacations. Traveling with my spouse to an island and staying in a hotel on the beach, having all your food, beverages and multiple activities included was our favorite vacation. Now that we have a family of our own, we enjoy traveling to Disney, cruising and beach vacation with our children and making memories for them to share.
I would love to help you plan your next vacation and have a hand in creating some amazing memories for your family!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Italy
Favorite Airline Snack: Pretzels
Favorite Book or Movie: any Hallmark Christmas movie
Sara K
Agent
sara3@uponastartravel.com
Location: Rome, New York
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH SARA!
The thrill of the final drop of Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom or the flight over the world’s majestic wonders on Soarin’ at Epcot never gets old for Sara. From childhood, she has loved the magic and splendor Disney World offers its guests. Now, a mother of two and a wife of a devoted Disney husband, she creates family memories through the Disney experience. Whether a short couples’ getaway, a week-long excursion, or a multi-generational trip, Sara considers the needs and interests of her family as she plans the days, parks, meals, and rides. Sara will take the same time and thoughtfulness when planning your vacation. Sara knows and understands the sacrifice it takes to budget and plan a vacation, and she will help alleviate the stress and answer any of your questions honestly and thoroughly.
While Sara currently specializes in Walt Disney World® travel, she also offers planning for other Disney Destinations, Universal Studios, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and more!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Alaskan Disney Cruise
Favorite Airline Snack: Almonds and M&Ms
Favorite Book or Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Alexa
Agent
alexa@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH ALEXA!
Alexa was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and currently lives in McCandless (just north of Pittsburgh) with her husband and young daughter. Her love all of all things Disney began at age 4 when her parents decided to take a last minute trip to Walt Disney World after visiting her grandparents in Ft. Lauderdale. A castle view room at the Contemporary Resort back in 1980 was where it all started! Since that time, Alexa and her family have been frequent travelers to Walt Disney World (with the holiday season being their favorite time to visit) and have sailed on Disney Cruise Line. She has also traveled to Beaches Turks & Caicos, Hawaii, Mexico, Atlantis in the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands. She has escorted high school and dance groups to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Disneyland and New York City. Alexa knows how important and exciting the vacation planning process is! She is thankful for her clients to let her be a part of it!
Bucket List Destination: European River Cruise
Favorite Airline Snack: Salted Peanuts
Favorite Movie or Book: Gone with the Wind
Meredith
meredith@uponastartravel.com
Location: Alabama
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH MEREDITH!
Inspired by her love of travel, planning, and all things Disney, Meredith uses her knowledge and experience to help create dream trips full of fun, magic, and memories.
A Disney Destination specialist, Meredith loves to sprinkle the pixie dust on all her clients. From the Disney Parks, to Adventures by Disney and the Disney Cruise Line, she can create planning magic for your next Disney-scape.
Looking for more than Mickey? Meredith also specializes in European and Middle Eastern Getaways! Whether it’s exploring the shores of the Emerald Isle, wine-tasting in Tuscany, or discovering the ancient sites in Jerusalem, she can help you discover a whole new world of vacation possibilities.
Bucket List Destination: Egypt and Italy
Favorite Airline Snack: Trail Mix
Favorite Book or Movie: The Princess Bride and Pride and Prejudice
David
david@uponastartravel.com
Location: Birmingham, AL
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH DAVID!
Standing in line for Disney's Jungle Cruise a few years ago, David and his wife Stephanie overheard a conversation from a couple behind them. One asked the other if they had heard of Fastpasses, and the other replied, "No, but I wish I had known about them! We could have saved so much time! I don't even know how much they are!" David smiled, knowing there would always be a need for magical vacation planners.
Since visiting Disney World for the first time in 1982 as a 7-year-old (who thought that Epcot, half built at that time, was actually in the "big silver ball"), David has been in love with Disney, from enjoying Disney's Movie of the Week in the '80s to hosting Disney movie VHS release parties in his dorm in college, and it's a passion that led to his two stints with the Disney store and eventually becoming a Disney Travel Planner.
Married to The Lovely Steph Leann, they welcomed a son in 2011. Their frequent Disney visits took a new turn 2 years later when their son was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Now every visit with the family is a new discovery on managing crowds, dining, disability policies, and more at Disney and Universal parks!
David hosts the Magic on a Dollar Disney podcast, considers himself an amateur Disney historian, an avid pin collector, and as a Harry Potter enthusiast (Gryffindor!!!) he loves the Universal parks as well. David's first love, though, is helping you build your memories at Disney Destinations around the country (and with Adventures by Disney around the world!)
Looking for Royal Caribbean or maybe a Sandals getaway? Or that Universal Orlando parks weekend? He can help with that too!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Riding across the outback in Australia
Favorite Airline Snack: Southwest's semi-stale pretzels with that short cup of Coke, filled with that overly large ice
Favorite Book or Movie: How about both? "The Obnoxious Jerks" by Stephen Manes, and You've Got Mail"
Kristen
kristen@uponastartravel.com
Location: Tampa, FL
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KRISTEN!
Kristen is currently living in Florida with her husband, two children, and her French bulldog Charlie. As the wife of an Air Force & American Airlines Pilot, Kristen and her family have lived in many states.
Kristen’s family cherishes their time together and focuses greatly on creating lasting memories – especially through their travels. They have visited Disney Parks every year, for the last 10 years. Cruising and all-inclusive travel are another family favorite and they have visited most of the Caribbean islands and Mexico.
Kristen’s goal is to help her clients whether they are a small or multi-generation family, couple, or individual she loves customizing their vacations to meet their individual interests, budget, and vacation style.
Kristen plans memorable vacations and is excited to help you with your Disney, Universal, cruising, and all-inclusive getaways.
Bucket List Travel Destination: Fiji and the Society Islands
Favorite Airline Snack: American Airlines Pretzels
Favorite Book or Movie: Christmas Vacation
Nikki@uponastartravel.com
Location: Browns Summit, NC
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH NIKKI
Nikki’s first trip was to Walt Disney World at just five weeks old – Magic Kingdom was the only park in existence. Her parents were taking her older sister to dinner, and waiting for the babysitter to arrive. When they opened the door, Winnie the Pooh stood there! The babysitter had to cancel, so Winnie came over instead. That was the beginning of a lifelong love story with the magic of Disney for Nikki. Since then she has been well over a hundred times, along with visits to Disneyland and a Disney Cruise.
Nikki’s whole life has been immersed in travel all over the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. She even pursued her graduate career in the industry, earning her Master’s Degree in Travel & Tourism at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She and her husband plan to retire in Jamaica.
Nikki has been a travel specialist for several years, and her favorite part of this career is helping families connect and make those magical memories together! Whether visiting a Disney destination, a cruise, an all-inclusive resort, or wherever else your heart leads you, Nikki can help you each step of the way.
Nikki is a College of Disney Knowledge graduate, a Universal Orlando Resorts specialist, a Sandals and Beaches Certified Specialist, and a Master Agent with AMResorts. She also has training in Destination Wedding and Honeymoon travel (before becoming a travel specialist, Nikki had her own wedding planning business). No matter the destination, Nikki is ready to assist you with all your travel planning needs!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Neuschwanstein in Bavaria
Favorite Airline Snack: Terra Chips
Favorite Book or Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird (book) / Stand by Me (movie)
valerie@uponastartravel.com
Location: Allen, TX
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH VALERIE!
Valerie fell in love with travel after she met and fell in love with her husband Chris and together they made vacationing a key part of their family's life.
It has been said that the families that vacation together stay together, and in our fast-paced, technology-saturated, 21st century life where most (if not all) family members either work or go to school all day long, vacationing has become one of the precious essential times when families can bond with each other, share and discover new experiences, and build lasting memories.
Now with two boys, Valerie and her husband have made many magical memories, especially to our favorite place on earth, Walt Disney World!
Knowing all of the benefits that vacation brings, Valerie is excited to help other families plan their own vacations too. She specializes in Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida and other Disney destinations and can also help with arranging accommodations for the special needs unique to each family, especially since her own two boys both have special needs that require extra planning.
Favorite Disney Resort: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Favorite Disney Snack: The Nutella Waffle Sandwich at the Sleepy Hollow food stand.
Favorite Disney Character: Too many to list, but my favorite to encounter at the park is Peter Pan!
melissa@uponastartravel.com
Location: Mars, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH MELISSA!
Melissa's love of all things Disney began on a honeymoon trip with a stay at Disney's Polynesian Village resort followed by a cruise to the Bahamas on the Disney Wonder. She never thought back then that there would be so many more memories to be made at the most magical place on earth.
Her family has visited Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and taken several Disney Cruises over the past 20 years. They have had the opportunity to experience both the Halloween and Christmas celebrations at Disney World, and have stayed at many of the different Disney resorts on property.
Melissa said that the most enjoyable thing for her has been seeing Disney magic through her children's eyes. Watching the many parades coming down Main Street USA, standing at the castle watching shows and fireworks, meeting the characters, enjoying all the wonderful food choices, and most of all just being together as a family, have provided her with many magical memories. Since Disney is always adding new and exciting attractions, Melissa knows that she will have many more Disney trips in her future!
Most of all, Melissa truly believes that seeing the Disney magic light up the faces of your family is an experience that everyone should have! She is ready to help you plan a trip that will fit your needs, and you can begin building magical memories to last a lifetime!
Bucket List Travel Destination: Aulani Resort, Hawaii
Favorite Airline Snack: M&M's
Favorite Book or Movie: Cinderella and The Greatest Showman!
cliff@uponastartravel.com
Location: Rock Hill, SC
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH CLIFF
Cliff loves to travel just about anywhere. He also considers himself an adventurer and loves visiting new places. Whether it's the big cities or small towns there is always something unique to be found.
Cliff and his wife, Lenora, got married in 2014 and have a blended family of 7 kids! They love to travel and have been many places. Sometimes it's just my Cliff and his wife, it's the whole family. Cliff has been up and down the east coast just about everywhere between New York and Florida! Cliff has a degree in Christian Counseling and a passion to rebuild and strengthen marriages and families. He says one of the best ways to rebuild or strengthen your marriage is plan frequent getaways with your spouse and reconnect.
If it is Disney related, Cliff usually knows about. Cliff is the self-proclaimed king of useless knowledge, especially Disney related. He grew up on all things Disney. Whether it was Mary Poppins and Snow White with his parents, Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears on Saturday mornings, or Duck Tails, Tail Spin, Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers, and Darkwing Duck after school, Cliff grew up 'Disney'. Today, the Disney properties in Orlando are still one of his favorite places to visit.
If you are looking for the romantic trip for two or planning a vacation for a large family, Cliff can help you!
Bucket List Destination: Anstey, his ancestral village in Leicestershire, England
Favorite Airline Food: Pretzels (or Cardboard... whatever they are)
Favorite Book/Movie: BOOK? Who has time to read?/Anything Marvel (Especially Guardians of the Galaxy)
Stephanie
stephanie@uponastartravel.com
Location: Birmingham, AL
CLICK HERE TO PLAN YOUR VACATION WITH STEPHANIE!
Stephanie began her love of Disney early on watching Disney movies, first visit to Walt Disney World at 5, family vacations as a teenager to Walt Disney World for Thanksgiving, Honeymooning at The Beach Club Villas, first time taking her children to the see the MAGIC, Anniversaries and even escapes when the Disney Parks opened during the pandemic for some needed Pixie Dust. Disney has shown her the MAGIC and it was her turn after leaving the corporate world to help others create their own magical memories.
Stephanie enjoys helping match up clients with their very own personalized experiences while helping them navigate through ticketing options, meal planning and everything in between. She has worked with a variety of clients from first-time families, families with children with special needs, couples vacations and large family reunions to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Adventures, Disney Cruise Lines, Aulani and Universal.
Favorite Disney Resort: Disney's Yacht Club
Favorite Disney Snack: Gaston's Cinnamon roll
Favorite Disney Character: Ariel and Sleeping Beauty
Agent
kasey@uponastartravel.com
Location: Atlanta, GA (Kennesaw)
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH KASEY!
Kasey’s love of travel started early with her grandmother’s influence. Her grandmother used her earnings from selling real estate to take the family on vacations from road trips to cruises. She wanted everyone to always have a trip planned and something to look forward to.
Kasey still lives by this motto and as soon as one trip is over, she is ready to plan the next. When her husband proposed, she asked if they could honeymoon in Hawaii, he answered “yes” and therefore she so did she! They have been married since 2003. Their twin boys were born in 2009. The twins first trip to Walt Disney World was in 2011 and they have gone yearly since. She started her travel planning business in 2014. Since then, they have also traveled to Disneyland on their way to Aulani in Hawaii. They have sailed on Disney Cruise Line over 5 times. They have also sailed Royal Caribbean and have visited Universal Studios Orlando several times. She also enjoys non-family vacations as well and has been to Sandals and Beaches as well as several other resorts without them. She has also participated in 3 Run Disney Half Marathon Weekends.
While her family enjoys beach vacations the best, they have had several road trips and enjoy visiting National Parks. Two of their most memorable trips were to Yellowstone and to Washington, D.C.
When Kasey isn’t planning travel, she can be found in the classroom teaching. She has a background in Special Education and enjoys watching the magic in an elementary age students’ eyes when they unlock the ability to read. She finds her classroom experience helps her travel business by keeping her in touch with families with different needs and helps her stay organized as planning is what she enjoys most.
Bucket List Destination: Italy
Favorite Airline Snack: Pretzels and a Coke
Favorite Book or Movie: Peter Pan, my boys first chapter book, and Toy Story movies - all of them!
susan@uponastartravel.com
Location: Suffolk, VA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH SUSAN!
Susan lives in Virginia with her husband and her son. As a military spouse, she and her family have lived in many states, including five years in Hawaii. Growing up in Georgia, one of her earliest memories is a Disney World trip at age 4. After taking her son on his first trip, her love of Disney exploded into yearly trips and then multiple trips per year! Susan’s family focuses greatly on creating memories and experiences through travel. They have visited Disney Parks every year since 2008, and they have stayed in nearly every Disney World resort hotel from Value to Deluxe! After taking their first Disney cruise in 2012, they were hooked and now have completed almost 15 Disney cruises as well as cruises on Virgin Voyages, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Over the years, Susan & her family have traveled to 42 states (including all the Hawai’ian islands and Alaska), Mexico, Europe (England, Norway, Germany, Austria, France, and Switzerland), Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and many islands in the Caribbean…but Disney has always held a special place in her heart.
Susan plans memorable family vacations and specializes in Disney destinations, Universal Studios, cruising, Hawaii destinations, and all-inclusive getaways.
As a retired military spouse, Susan especially loves to help military families experience Disney vacations and cruises.
Bucket List Destination: Croatia and Greece
Favorite Airline Snack: Ginger Ale & any snack mix with cheese crackers!
Favorite Book or Movie: Gone with the Wind (book or movie) and Mary Poppins
jamie@uponastartravel.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH JAMIE!
Jamie’s love of travel started at an early age, thanks to family vacations on the beaches of Florida and at one of her favorite places on earth, Walt Disney World!
Her love for Disney grew so much over the years that she ended up starting her career with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts after college, where she met her husband. She and her husband now live in the Pittsburgh area with their two boys and two doodles.
Jamie is passionate about travel and takes every opportunity to explore new destinations with her family. Some of their favorite trips have been to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, the Bahamas & Caribbean via Disney Cruise Line, Anna Maria Island, Yosemite National Park, Maui, the Florida Keys, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, England, and Scotland.
As a former WDW Cast Member, Jamie is well equipped with the knowledge it takes to book a Disney vacation! She has been to the Disney parks countless times, has taken many Disney cruises, and is a long time Disney Vacation Club Member. She loves everything about the magic of Disney and can’t wait to help you plan your next vacation!
Bucket List Destination: South Pacific Islands
Favorite Airline Snack: Trail mix & protein bars (although she does love a Biscoff biscuit 🙂)
Favorite Book or Movie: The Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
jessical@uponastartravel.com
Location: Winter Garden, FL
CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR VACATION WITH JESSICA!
Jessica is a Florida native whose love of all things Disney started pretty much at birth! Growing up so close to the parks, Jessica and her family made annual trips to Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs throughout her entire childhood. Fast forward 18 years, and Jessica found herself attending college at the University of Central Florida in Orlando! While there she met her husband, Blake who also grew up with a deep love of the Mouse!
Their love of Disney brought them back to Orlando for good in 2018 where they live with their two little girls, Lucy Belle and Layla Rose! (Named after Princess Belle and Briar Rose, of course!)
As local Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, they visit the parks at least once or twice a week to try new snacks, ride all the rides, enjoy the shows, and take photos with their favorite characters! (They actually live so close to the Magic Kingdom that they have a view of the nightly fireworks from their backyard!)
Jessica can't wait to assist your family in making magical memories at Walt Disney World and beyond!
Bucket List Destination: Every Disney Property in the World (but starting at Disneyland Paris)
Favorite Airplane Snack: Anything chocolate
Favorite Book or Movie: All 7 Harry Potter Books, and the classic Barbra Streisand musical, Funny Girl
ericp@uponastartravel.com
Location: Fort Worth, TX
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Eric has been planning trips for family and friends on his own for 10+ years. Eric is very familiar with Disney travel, as a DVC owner at the Polynesian and Saratoga Springs. Eric and his family have taken 15 Disney cruises to include Alaska, Caribbean, Iceland, Norway, Mediterranean and other stops.
Eric has a passion for outdoor travel such as hiking trips to waterfalls and destination golf such as Bandon Dunes, Scotland, Iceland and Hilton Head.
Eric and his family are big foodies as well. This includes stops to wineries in locations such as Napa Valley, Texas Hill Country and Tuscan area of Italy. Craft beer stops are always a must on any itinerary, with over 150 breweries visited across the world.
“Oh the things you will find, if you don’t stay behind” – Dr. Suess
Bucket List Travel Destination: Hiking and golfing in New Zealand
Favorite Airline Snack: Southwest pretzels
Favorite Book or Movie: Take the Day Off by Robert Morris and Shawshank Redemption
Cheré Davis
chere@uponastartravel.com
Location: Dallas, TX
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Cheré has loved traveling for as long as she can remember. As a young teen, her grandparents took them on a road trip across the United States. The trip lasted for two months, and she realized she loved seeing new things and different topography.
Fast forward to today, and Cheré has visited almost all of the United States and several countries! One of the things she loves about planning travel is seeing families enjoy their time together and creating lasting memories. As a travel planner, her goal is to make the process easy and worry free! She is excited to plan your MEMORIES!!
Bucket List Destination: French Polynesia, Switzerland, New Zealand
Favorite Airplane Snack: Popcorn & Beef Jerky
Donna DeGiacomo
donna@uponastartravel.com
Location: Windermere, FL
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Donna DeGiacomo has been a travel advisor and concierge planner since February of 2012. Born and raised in a Philadelphia suburb for the first 27 years of her life, she and her husband quickly realized they were spending all of their "fun" money traveling South to visit the theme parks, enjoy the gorgeous weather, and jump on cruises to the Caribbean. So — they moved to central Florida that summer!
She is in the unique position of seeing the Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando theme parks on a very regular (weekly!) basis to be able to share her knowledge and new happenings with clients. In addition to being a theme park enthusiast, she is an avid cruiser, and has personally sailed with more than six different cruise lines (having accrued over 200 nights at sea). She believes that cruises can be perfect for everything from single travelers to honeymooners to multi-generational family units.
Donna can help you select a cruise line, itinerary, and stateroom category that makes the most sense for your family, and she has experience with group bookings to destinations including everyone’s bucket list destination: Alaska CruiseTours. If laying on the beach and sipping on a cocktail or grabbing your scuba gear and diving is more your speed, she also has ample experience with All-Inclusive resorts in the Bahamas and Caribbean and would love to help you reconnect with those who matter most in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Bucket List Destination: Every Disney Park in the World. I have done Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris!
Favorite Book/Movie: Anything that I'm currently reading becomes my favorite. Currently, I'm reading The Last Kingdom series, which became a TV show by the same name on Netflix.
Favorite Airplane Snack: I'm a trail mix kind of gal! I like the salty and the crunch, plus it travels well.