Once Upon A Time Vacations and Storytellers Travel - Donna Zelazny

25/07/2023

Donna had the privilege of attending the launch party for Meow Wolf’s newest venue in Grapevine, TX which opened on July 14th at Grapevine Mills. 🤩

It is mind-blowing! Grapevine is the fourth Meow Wolf location with the other locations in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, and Denver. If you have the chance to attend…GO! You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime experience! 💛

26/06/2023

Don’t miss this new update with Disney’s Genie+ Passes! 🧞‍♂️🧞

🧞‍♂️ Changes Coming to Disney Genie+ at Walt Disney World 🧞‍♂️

Beginning June 27th Disney is rolling out a new way to grant your Genie+ Lightning Lane wishes based on the way YOU want to use it!

Now, when you purchase your Genie+ for the day you’ll have the option to select a single, specific theme park OR purchase a multi-park option.

This change means that you’ll only pay for what you’ll need, with a lower price point at select parks!

25/04/2023

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So proud of my husband, Peter Weishar, and his UCF Themed Experience students.

Students from the first-ever University of Central Florida Creative Lab had a special visitor drop by ahead of their final presentations. Mark Woodbury…

13/02/2023

Art of Animation is great when you need a little more space. Having two bathrooms when you are trying to get out in the morning is great. And they have the Skyliner!

11/02/2023

Donna avoiding the VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure! 😅🎢

08/02/2023

I love this resort! It's one of my favorites: central location, reasonable price, great food court and total nostalgia trip!

28/01/2023

Congratulations to the Once Upon A Time Vacations, LLC for being recognized for the 8th year in a row!!! 🤩🍾🥂 So happy to work with such amazing people! Cheers to 2023!!! This is going to be an amazing year!!! 💛

We are so proud to share that Once Upon a Time Vacations has been recognized as an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Agency - Gold for the 8th year in a row!

Walt Disney once said, “When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”. Our agency was founded on this ideal and our desire to help families experience Disney Magic. We’ve worked tirelessly for the past 14 years to bring our passion for Disney Destinations to our guests.

But, we couldn’t reach this achievement on our own.

This recognition is because of YOU, our treasured Guests. Each time you have given us the distinct privilege of planning your Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney or Aulani vacation you’ve supported a small but mighty team of agents! Because of your continued support we are recognized by Disney as a top agency.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your valued time and precious memories. Here’s to the future - it sure looks bright!

20/12/2022

Check out these fun and magical decorations at Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida! 🤩🎄❤️💚

09/12/2022

Are you interested in creating themed experiences like you see at Walt Disney World? Have you thought about getting a Masters Degree? Don't miss out on your chance to join in creating memorable and themed experiences! 🤩 Sign up for UCF's MS Degree in Themed Experience and join Program Director, Peter Weishar, in creating lasting memories! Check out the first cohort of graduates: https://www.ucf.edu/news/makers-of-the-next-new-worlds-ucfs-first-themed-experience-cohort-graduates/. 🥳🎓💛🖤

The first graduating class from UCF’s themed experience track in the theatre Master of Fine Arts program is prepared to create lands and parks that we can only imagine.

09/11/2022

Adventures by Disney just announced special booking rates for their 2024 Expedition Cruises to Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos!! 🛳⚓️🗺 Book by January 2023 to save 50% on deposits and $750 per person!

Learn about Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruise Early Booking Rate of $750 or more off per person on select 2024 sailings.

06/04/2022

Just one of the egg-stra events Disney World has for Easter. You can also check out the egg hunt at Epcot.

05/04/2022

All Disney World Resorts are finally open so if you have been waiting for your favorite resort to plan your trip to Disney World, it's time! https://blogmickey.com/2022/03/all-walt-disney-world-resorts-now-open-for-first-time-since-march-2020/

Walt Disney World news, photos, and reviews! We provide you with daily news from the Walt Disney World theme parks and beyond

17/10/2021

For those of you who are missing your cruises, here's what Disney Cruise Lines is doing to keep you safe and healthy onboard.

🚢 Let's talk about Disney Cruise Line's Health and Safety Procedures in the Current Pandemic Era.

🚢 If you are looking for a vacation with minimal crowds, a consistent focus on health and safety, and fun for the entire family, then Disney Cruise Line may be exactly what you are looking for.

🚢 Here a few things you can expect from a Disney Cruise Line Vacation:
⚓️Passengers over 12 must be fully vaccinated, passengers under 12 must receive a negative Covid test dated no more than 3-days prior to embarkation, and all passengers are tested at the port before being permitted to proceed to the ship.
⚓️Social Distancing is utilized in all public spaces, including the pool deck, theaters and dining rooms.
⚓️All previously self-serve dining and beverage options are now served by Crew Members. Cabanas has plexiglass separating Guests from the food stations.
⚓️Characters are still out frequently, but with socially distanced meet & greet locations.

🚢 As a mother of two kids who are not old enough to be vaccinated, I was completely at ease onboard the ship. The health and safety measures are taken very seriously by the entire crew, and everything was sanitized regularly. As a result, we were able to truly relax and enjoy our cruise, and can't wait to schedule another one.

🚢 Looking for more? If you go back through our feed you'll find detailed posts regarding character experiences and the Oceaneer's Club. In coming days I'll be sharing further details on dining, social distancing measures and other topics.

🚢 Have a specific question? Just leave a comment below!

14/10/2021

Disney's new Genie Service begins next week.

What a week! The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort is in full swing, as we kicked off the 50th anniversary festivities on Oct. 1 with all-new experiences and countless magical moments. Now, we’re gearing up for yet

02/09/2021

I love crepes and will definitely be trying this place out!

C’est Magnifique! La Crêperie de Paris Menu Revealed!

Debuting on October 1st, this new table service location in Epcot’s France Pavilion will delight tastebuds with delectable savory galettes, sweet crepes, hard ciders, sodas and juices.

La Crêperie de Paris will serve a daily prix fixe menu that includes a choice of soup or a salad, one savory galette, one dessert crêpe, and a glass of hard cider, soda or juice.

Reservations will not be available, and table service dining will be on a first come, first serve basis.

Bon Appetite!

25/08/2021

More changes at Disney to make your park experience even better.

✨ You've Never Had a Friend Like Disney Genie ✨

Let's break down Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, and the additional paid Lighting Lane individual attraction selections.

🧞‍♂️Disney Genie🧞‍♂️
Disney Genie is a complimentary in-app service that acts as your in-park personal assistant to ensure you have the "Best Day Ever".
✨Using the app, you'll select the attractions and experiences at each park that are most important to your travel party, and Disney Genie will use real-time data to put together a personal itinerary ensuring that you maximize the fun and minimize the waiting.
✨If patterns or experiences change, Disney Genie will adjust your itinerary to reflect the best possible scenario on the go.
✨If you aren't sure of the exact attractions and experiences you wish to experience you can select a category such as Princesses, or Star Wars, and let the app do all the work for you.
✨You can add or remove selections from the app easily, allowing for maximum flexibility.
✨Disney Genie will be housed inside the current MyDisneyExperience and Disneyland mobile apps.

🧞‍♂️Disney Genie+🧞‍♂️
Disney Genie+ is an add-on feature you can purchase that allows you to bypass the standby attraction lines and utilize the new Lighting Lanes for a shorter wait time.
✨Lighting Lanes will be available at over 40 Walt Disney World and 15 Disneyland attractions, including favorites such as Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run.
✨Using your app, you'll be able to choose one available selection at a time starting at 7AM at Walt Disney World and park opening at Disneyland.
✨At Walt Disney World, your Genie+ purchase will cost $15 per person/day and will include immersive new audio experiences featuring Imagineers and other special guests, as well as augmented reality photo lenses.
✨At Disneyland, your Genie+ purchase will cost $20 per person/day and will include unlimited PhotoPass downloads for that day.
✨Once launched, Disney Genie+ will be available as a package or ticket add-on for select tickets, so let your travel advisor know if you are interested! It can also be purchased on a day-to-day basis.

🧞‍♂️Individual Attraction Lighting Lane Purchases🧞‍♂️
Select attractions will not be included in your Disney Genie+ purchase and will instead be available for individual purchase.
✨This is a different set of attractions from those available with Genie+ and includes the most highly-sought after attractions at each park such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom and Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure.
✨You'll be able to purchase individual Lighting Lane access for one or two attractions each day.
✨Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel will be able to purchase and book their individual attraction Lighting Lane access at 7AM. Other guests must wait until the park opens.
✨The cost will vary based on attraction, date, and park.

🧞‍♂️Important Things to Note🧞‍♂️
Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Attraction Lighting Lanes are meant to make your Disney vacation as enjoyable as possible, maximizing your time in the parks and helping you ensure you experience the attractions and entertainment that is most important to you.
✨You have the option to purchase one, both, or neither paid option for any or all days of your vacation. For example, maybe you want to purchase Genie+ for your day at Hollywood Studios, but don't think you want it for your day at Epcot. That is totally doable!
✨Genie+ can be used with Park Hopping, so as you finish up your time at Animal Kingdom you can grab the next available Lighting Lane entrance time for Soarin' as you head to Epcot!
✨Standby lines and virtual queues are not going anywhere and will still be available to all Guests.
✨We do not have an exact launch date yet but will be sure to let you know when it is available. All we currently know is that it will launch sometime this fall.

We know this is a lot to take in, and we are here to help you understand and navigate this transition in the way you experience Disney Parks. We are excited about how Disney Genie will revolutionize your in-park experience!

23/07/2021

I forget something different each time. We play a game on the way to our destination -- "What did Donna forget to pack?" 😄

Do you have that one item you always forget to pack? It's been found that the most forgotten item is typically a phone charger. Let us know what your most forgotten item is.

14/07/2021

It's not too early to start thinking about holidays at Disney World.

Enjoy the "Very Merriest" of Holiday Celebrations at Magic Kingdom!

The holiday season will be in full swing at Magic Kingdom Park as Guests take in the sights and sounds of the season. Main Street, U.S.A will be decked out in bows of holly, and Cinderella Castle will glow in the magic of nightly holiday projections, alternating periodically as she transitions into a Beacon of Magic to celebrate Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary.

Then, on select nights beginning November 8th, Magic Kingdom Park will celebrate the season with a new "Disney Very Merriest After Hours" event, full of festive fun. Beginning after the park closes, Guests will enjoy "Minnie's Wonderful Christmas Fireworks", Disney characters, holiday music and decorations, and much more, with select treats included in the ticket price! Attendance at this even will be limited, so you'll want to secure your tickets as early as possible.

Tickets will go on sale next month, with an early purchase window available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Make sure you're following our page, as we will share additional ticket details as they become available.

02/07/2021

Lots of Disney World traditions are returning come October including early park entry, extended evening hours and character appearances.

"The World's Most Magical Celebration" will be here before we know it, and we've got some exciting updates for you today!

Early Theme Park Entry for Resort Guests
Beginning October 1st, an Early Theme Park Entry benefit will be rolling out for all Disney Resort hotel guests, and guests at select other hotels, just in time for the celebration. This exclusive offering will be available at EVERY theme park, EVERY day, and will give guests the opportunity to be among the first to enjoy the dazzling EARidescent decor and excitement.

Exclusive Extended Evening Hours for Guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts
Guests at Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotels will have the additional opportunity to enjoy extended evening hours on select nights at select theme parks! These exclusive hours will begin in early October, with the specific kick-off date shared in the future.

Special Resort Character Appearances
Guests will be delighted by special surprise appearances when their favorite Disney pals like Goofy and Pluto drop by their Resort hotels dressed in their EARidescent best!

Dining Plans!
Disney Dining Plan Packages will be returning! While an exact date hasn't yet been announced, Disney is getting ready to bring back these guest-favorite dining packages! As soon as we have an official date we will be certain to let you know!

There is so much excitement in store for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration! Ready to book a trip? Message us to get started!

27/06/2021

The Contemporary Resort is one or our favorites. It's walking distance to the Magic Kingdom and has a monorail running through it, plus you can see fireworks from the resort every night!

25/06/2021

After 17 months, all Disney Parks worldwide are open! Fireworks are starting back up at Disney World July 1 and new shows are coming throughout the year to celebrate Disney World's 50th Anniversary.

✨An All-New Nighttime Spectacular will Light Up the Magic Kingdom for the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!✨

Disney Enchantment will take Guests at Magic Kingdom Park on an incredible journey filled with adventure, wonder, and empowerment. With captivating Disney music, stunning fireworks and immersive projection effects that extend down Main Street, U.S.A., Enchantment will inspire everyone to believe in magic again.

Disney Enchantment will debut on October 1, 2021 as Walt Disney World kicks off 18-months of 50th Anniversary festivities.

12/06/2021

More changes Disney World's mask policy starting June 15.

Walt Disney World is making additional changes to their face coverings policy, effective June 15th.

Be sure to check the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go website for the most up-to-date information.

05/06/2021

Halloween is always tons of fun at Disney World. Tickets for the Boo Bash go on sale to the public June 14.

This year, Walt Disney World is swapping out the traditional Halloween Party for a Boo Bask After Hours Event and ticket sales begin later this month. Here's everything you need to know.

🎃The event runs on select nights between August 10th and October 31st with prices ranging from $129-$199 per ticket depending on selected date.

👻The party runs most nights from 9pm-midnight, with Guests admission beginning at 7pm. Some night the party runs from 9:30pm to 12:30am.

🎃Guests are invited to wear their favorite costumes (no full costume masks for Guests 14 and older), and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the Magic Kingdom.

👻Halloween-themed Cavalcades will run throughout the event including: Mickey's Happy Halloween Cavalcade, Villains Cavalcade, Jack's Nightmare Cavalcade, and Maleficent in her Dragon form.

🎃Some favorite Disney friends will be on hand for distanced meet & greets, including the lovely Miss Carlotta from the Haunted Mansion, Goofy, Chip & Dale in their Halloween best, and the Cadaver Dans, plus other surprise characters.

👻Select snacks are included with the cost of admission. These include ice cream novelties, popcorn and select drinks.

🎃Additional themed food options will be available for purchase, including an Apple Ginger Dale frozen drink and Foolish Mortal Funnel Cake.

👻More than 20 park attractions will be available for Guests to enjoy with shortened wait times.

Image via Walt Disney World

17/05/2021

New masking guidelines for Disney World.

17/05/2021

Updated masking and safety guidelines for Universal Orlando.

Exciting News from Universal Orlando!

Beginning TOMORROW masks are no longer required outdoors!

🌎 New Safety Guidelines: Getting Closer to Normal.🌎

We’re excited to enhance your Universal experience with the latest safety updates from local health and government officials.

Face coverings are not mandatory while outdoors.

Face coverings are still required in all indoor locations including shops and restaurants.

Face coverings are required at all attractions—from the moment the queue begins until the exit of the experience.

Guests must still provide their own face covering.

Social Distancing between travel parties remains at three feet (1 meter).

As always, we remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards.

07/05/2021

This is going to be awesome!

21/04/2021

Are you starting to think about travel again? Where do you want to go?

What would a snapshot of your perfect vacation moment look like?

08/04/2021

Something new for all you thrill seekers....

02/04/2021

This is a great time to visit. You can snack your way through Epcot!

25/03/2021

Good news for cruise lovers....

Announcing Summer 2022 Disney Cruise Line Itineraries!

Get ready for fun and relaxation for the whole family on a dream Disney cruise vacation. Start planning today––bookings open Ma‍rch 2‍5 for all guests with early booking options for current Castaway Club members!

These itineraries include exotic Caribbean and Bahamian cruises, and––for the first summer ever––sailings out of Miami on 4- and 5-ni‍ght itineraries with a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Plus, a return to Alaska, visiting breathtaking ports like Juneau and Ketchikan. Additional sailings to charming European locales like the Greek Isles, Italy, Norway and the British Isles.

For best availability and pricing contact us now do we can get the process started!