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12/27/2022 0 Comments

Foodie Guide to New Year’s Eve 2022 at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort is ending the year in style – foodie style that is – with plenty of treats to ring in 2023 with a satisfied stomach.
All across the resort, there are multiple delights to indulge in. From the Clock Strikes 12 dessert from Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood to the 2023 Celebration Mickey Piñata at the All-Star Resorts, and the Champagne Beignet at Scat Cat's Club – Café, your tastebuds will be so excited to welcome the new year.
And for Guests who don’t have a dining reservation at a table-service restaurant, there are plenty of quick-service locations at the Disney Resorts with delicious dishes and sips to enjoy!
It’s time to countdown the treats coming to Walt Disney World Resort this new year in 3, 2, 1…

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Available at Various Resorts Celebration Charcuterie & Cheese featuring cured meats, duck confit, aged cheeses, savory cookies, and accompaniments (Available Dec. 31 and Jan. 1); Available at the following:
  • World Premiere at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Intermission at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • End Zone at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
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Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports ResortWorld Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available Dec. 31 only)
  • 2023 Celebration Mickey Piñata: Chocolate Mickey Piñata filled with white chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge cake, and fresh strawberries (New) 
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Jiko – The Cooking Place (Available Dec. 24 through 31)
  • Holiday Feast: Bone-in ribeye, preserved lemon, and almond haricot verts with herb roasted potatoes, roasted radicchio, and tart cherry wine reduction
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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available Dec. 31 only; mobile order available)
  • Pomegranate Trifle Salute: Trifle layered with pastry cream, yellow cake, pomegranate prosecco sauce, gold confetti, and shimmering pomegranate boba (New) 
Disney’s Beach Club Resort Beach Club Marketplace (Available Dec. 30 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
  • Strawberries and Champagne Tart: Champagne panna cotta, crisp pearls, and strawberry mousse with strawberry gelee topped with strawberry whipped cream, white chocolate décor, and strawberries (New)​​
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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available Dec. 31 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
  • Millionaire Shortbread Bar: Shortbread cookie topped with caramel, chocolate ganache, toffee pieces, and salty pretzels (New) 
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Dahlia Lounge (Available Dec. 27 through Jan. 1)
  • Moondust: Freixenet Blanc de Blancs Cava, lemonade, house-made cherry berry simple syrup, and gold ‘moon’ luster dust (New)
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Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood  
  • Filet of Beef & Pil-Pil Prawns with Manchego-potato purée, forest mushrooms, and Rioja wine-fig jam (New) (Available Dec. 31 only)
  • Clock Strikes 12: Chocolate hazelnut mousse with orange sauce and champagne foam (New) (Available Dec. 31 only)
  • Moondust: Freixenet Blanc de Blancs Cava, lemonade, house-made cherry berry simple syrup, and gold ‘moon’ luster dust (New) (Available Dec. 27 through Jan. 1)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Cítricos (Available Dec. 31 only)
  • New Year's Eve Enhancements: Siberian Sturgeon Caviar, Royal Ostera Caviar, house-made fettuccini with truffle butter, sunchoke purée, and choice of white alba or black Perigord truffles (New)
  • New York Strip of American Waygu: Potato confit, root spinach, wild mushroom, and trio of steak sauces (New)
  • Midnight Marquise: Chocolate torte, raspberry, and champagne sabayon (New)
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Pineapple Lanai (Available Dec. 30 through Jan. 1)
  • New Year’s Float: DOLE Whip Float with passionfruit, orange, and guava juice topped with a 2023 white chocolate medallion, popping candy, boba balls, and a cocktail umbrella (New)
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available Dec. 31 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
  • Millionaire Shortbread Bar: Shortbread cookie topped with caramel, chocolate ganache, toffee pieces, and salty pretzels (New) 
Scat Cat's Club – Café (Available Dec. 31 through Jan. 1)
  • Champagne Beignet: Classic Mickey beignet topped with a champagne glaze and starry quins (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside  Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Dec. 31 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
  • Millionaire Shortbread Bar: Shortbread cookie topped with caramel, chocolate ganache, toffee pieces, and salty pretzels (New)
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Disney’s Riviera Resort Topolino's Terrace (Available Dec. 31 through Jan. 1)
  • Coffee-rubbed Venison: Butternut squash, cherry jus, Honeycrisp hash, pickled mustard, and kale (New)
  • Opera Cake: Almond joconde, mocha Italian buttercream, dark chocolate ganache, and Morello cherry (New)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa The Turf Club Bar and Grill (Available Dec. 31 only)
  • New Year's Eve Dinner with Hoppin’ John, collard greens, truffle macaroni & cheese, and house-made cornbread (New)
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Roaring Fork (Available Dec. 30 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
  • Bear-y Happy New Year!: Strawberry mousse, champagne gel, vanilla cake, mirror glaze, and chocolate décor (New)
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Disney’s Yacht Club Resort The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Dec. 30 through Jan. 1; mobile order available)
  • Strawberries and Champagne Tart: Champagne panna cotta, crisp pearls, and strawberry mousse with strawberry gelee topped with strawberry whipped cream, white chocolate décor, and strawberries (New)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Available Dec. 31 only)
  • Midnight Kiss: Chocolate mousse, strawberry curd, and chocolate cookie with a strawberry sauce (New)
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Available at Various Lounges through Resorts (Available Dec. 28 through Jan. 1)
  • After Midnight: Licor 43 Spanish Liqueur, chocolate liqueur, and espresso dusted with cocoa powder (New)
From the Disney Destinations family, we hope you have a very happy new year!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Want to book your next Disney adventure? Contact a Starstuff Travel Planner today! 
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11/28/2022 0 Comments

Our Visit To Mexico at The Fives Oceanfront

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During the year our agency participates in many trainings and site inspections to learn more about the destinations we send our clients to. Earlier this month we spent a few fun filled days in Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village in Riveria Maya, and a quick twenty minute drive from the Cancun airport. We were hosted by The Fives Oceanfront and would soon find out it would become our new favorite hotel in the area by far. Many of our clients request a vacation to Mexico. When clients think of a vacation to Mexico, they think of the typical beach and an all inclusive getaway. Our visit to the Fives Oceanfront set some new standards for the typical trip to Mexico. 
Upon entering their lobby, you'll marvel at the contemporary and creative design with Boho-Chic details. They offer a truly different approach as they skip the normal check-in area full of desks and seats. Instead, they have someone standing in the lobby that will come to you as you relax on the couch in a very informal setting, almost like visiting with a friend. I found this welcoming and very classy. This is not your typical giant cookie cutter all inclusive, this is a great quaint luxury boutique resort.​
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This specific resort offers some great options for our foodie friends for many different reasons. They do offer both an all inclusive as well as European dining plan. This is a AAA Four Diamond property so you better believe the food here is amazing, but so are the beautifully crafted cocktails. There are only a few food options in the resort itself, however they are top notch. One of the reasons we consider this a foodies dream is because the food they offer at the hotel is amazing, but the resort is also within walking distance to town where there are many additional great restaurants and bars to choose from. 
We had a one bedroom suite and thought it was extremely spacious and clean. We loved the fact that it had a full kitchen since you can also stay with a European Plan. This way you can food shop and cook or just have a place to warm up last nights dinner. We also had a lovely balcony that you could access from the bedroom and the living space. You can review our room tour video below. 
The Fives Oceanfront has two beautiful pools. One is more of a quiet infinity pool on the rooftop and it is truly stunning. There is also an amazing rooftop bar up there as well where you can enjoy one of their beautiful artisan cocktails. The other pool is closer to the beach. Both pools are on the smaller side but since this is a smaller boutique resort they never felt crowded. 
It is hard to find a decent beach in any area of Mexico these days due to Sargassum, a wicked type of seaweed that haunts most beaches in the area. The smaller beach at The Fives Oceanfront seems easier for the hotel to maintain therefore we enjoyed a pretty clean beach. They have really nice cabanas you can rent for the day and if you have the all inclusive plan, you can have your food delivered for free. We enjoyed an absolutely amazing seafood platter the day we reserved ours.
The Fives Oceanfront is perfect for those who seek a quiet getaway or a place to lay their head at night after they explore Mexico all day. You can enjoy our property video tour below. 
When you are ready to explore Mexico, let one of our experienced Starstuff Travel Planners help you.
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11/26/2022 0 Comments

FOUR REASONS WHY TRAVEL ADVISORS ARE MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER

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There have been a few major events in history that have impacted the travel industry. Things like 9/11, the invention of the internet, and the Coronavirus pandemic have caused travel agencies to make changes in order to stay relevant and serve their clients well. What are those changes, and how do they affect you? Let’s look at a few key items so you can see why using an advisor is more relevant than ever.

#1 Travel Insurance Is Vital, It’s No Longer Just a Suggestion
Pre-pandemic, it was common to chance traveling without travel insurance. But now, with all the changes and requirements of travel, it’s more important than ever before. To accommodate, agencies and advisors have taken necessary steps to learn great products in order to make recommendations based on your needs. This also goes for testing, documentation, and ever-changing requirements. When you work with an advisor, they will be able to recommend the best travel insurance for you, as well as monitor any destination and/or testing requirements so you are prepared and ready to travel without the added hassle or risk.
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#2: Planning Travel Is Complicated!
There are so many moving parts to travel though that hasn’t always been the case! Booking a vacation used to be far less complicated than it is now. Thanks to technology and ongoing learning, many advisors are adopting a new way of taking care of their clients. New school methods are client-centric and are about crafting a trip for you, rather than just picking a pre-made trip package. Technology has also allowed advisors to have better, more accurate information than what is “Google-able” by you as a consumer.

#3 Booking with A Travel Agent Is Not Transactional, It’s Relational
No one likes to be ghosted, especially when you’re shelling out your own hard-earned money. Nowadays, advisors tend to establish a working, ongoing relationship with clients. That’s why many in the industry are no longer just called “travel agents” (someone who creates bookings) but now go by something more effective like "planner “advisor” or “consultant” (implying a deeper level of service). They are there to take care of you.

#4 Advisors Have Access to Systems That the General Public Does Not
Travel advisors have an entire world of systems and tools at their disposal, far beyond what you can see as a consumer. What’s more, these systems and tools give advisors access to virtually anything. The trips advisors can create for you are so much more than you could create for yourself. Additionally, advisors make a point to build great relationships with vendors and other advisors, as well as continually learn, train, and network to bring you an even greater experience.

With so many changes overall to the travel industry, it is best to rely on experts for your travel planning. Most people hire an accountant to do their taxes or a mechanic to fix their vehicle, simply because there are too many unknowns and too many risks that come from doing it on their own. Apply this same concept to travel and leave planning to a true expert in the industry. We challenge you to put us to the test! Schedule a complimentary vacation consultation to see what we can do for you.

Let a Starstuff Travel Planner assist you with your next vacation by clicking here!

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9/21/2022 1 Comment

Make The Most Of Your Visit To The California Wine Country

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​Known as California Wine Country, Napa and Sonoma are the most iconic wine regions in the United States. And while wine may be the draw, there’s more to the area. Scenic views, incredible food, deluxe shops and spas, and exquisite lodging.
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Are you thinking of visiting California Wine Country this year? If so, take our advice to make the most out of your visit. Cheers!


1. Hire a designated driver. DUI-related costs in California can quickly add up to $10,000 or more. California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement are serious about keeping people safe in wine country and are constantly on the lookout for impaired drivers. Trust us on this one. Hire a driver.

2. Make reservations for wine tastings. In the Post-Covid Era, most wineries require reservations, so plan ahead because drop-in wine tastings are few and far between.

3. Pace yourself. Plan on visiting three to four wineries per day. Although you may be tempted, less is more when tasting wines. Take time for lunch by bringing a picnic with you. Also, bring water bottles to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

4. Reverse your trip. Most travelers visit wineries closest to them first and then move to others that are further away. Reverse your plans to beat the crowds. Go to the winery that is furthest from you to start and work your way back to the hotel.
5. Learn to Swirl. Swirling allows the wine to aerate, bringing out its full fragrance. Hold on to the bottom of the wine glass and swirl five to eight times. After swirling, sniff and take your first sip.

6. Spend time talking with your sommelier. Wine can be more fun when you know the story behind the bottle, so ask your sommelier. They love wine and are happy to share and educate. Not only can they share about the specific location at which they work, but they can also let you know the best wineries and restaurants in the area.

7. Hit pause on the wine clubs. Every vineyard and winery you visit will try to sell you a membership to their wine club. Take the information home with you. You will still be able to join after you have returned home from your vacation if you’re still interested.

8. Budget for wine tastings. Tastings can run anywhere from $20 to $50 per tasting. Prices can go higher if you choose to elevate your experience with a class or food.

9. Don’t wear fragrances. Wine is first “tasted” by the nose. It will be impossible to appreciate the aromas of a wine if there are heavy smells of smoke, cologne, or perfume in the air.

10. Have fun! Wine tastings are social, fun events, not tax seminars. Smile. Laugh. Swirl. Sip.

​For more information on booking your trip to California Wine Country, reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner by clicking here. 
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8/19/2022 3 Comments

Foodie Guide to World Princess Week Festivities at Disney

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Hear ye, hear ye! Everyone is cordially invited to indulge in the delicious eats and sips coming to both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in honor of World Princess Week. From August 21 through 27, this celebration will highlight some of our favorite characters and featuring some tasty treats to enjoy along the way.

There are plenty of treats on both coasts, including the lovely Snow White 85th Anniversary Petit Cake from Amorette's Patisserie at Disney Springs and the Tangled Loaf Cake over at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. And there’s much more than just food. From merchandise, entertainment, and special announcements, this week will be the ultimate celebration honoring our classic Disney royalty. Stay tuned throughout the week for daily princess fun coming your way.
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Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom Park
Cinderella’s Royal Table
  • Lost Slipper: White chocolate mini slipper with white cremeux pearls tucked inside a milk chocolate dome served with hot caramel
Friar’s Nook
  • Snow White Cone: DOLE Whip lemon, blue cone, chocolate bird, and sugar bow
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EPCOT  
Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
  • Anna & Elsa Cookie: Sugar cookies with chocolate ganache
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Oasis Sweets and Sips
  • Jasmine Cookie: Sugar cookies with apricot jam
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​Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
  • Tiana Banana Pudding
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Sunshine Seasons
  • Anna & Elsa Cupcake: Strawberry cupcake with strawberry filling and strawberry buttercream topped with a chocolate crown
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​Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Catalina Eddie’s
  • Enchanted Rose: Dark chocolate, blackcurrant, and morello cherry mousse with whipped cookies 'n cream fluff, and gilded chocolate-covered cacao nibs on a shortbread cookie
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Dockside Diner
  • Seaside Brownie: Chocolate brownie topped with white chocolate ganache and seaside garnish
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Creature Comforts
  • Pocahontas Mousse: Pineapple-banana cake, coconut cream cheese mousse, chocolate feather, and candy gem
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​Disney Springs
Amorette's Patisserie
  • Snow White 85th Anniversary Petit Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake layered with apple mousse and cinnamon mousse with white chocolate crunch pearls (New)
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Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Snack Shack and Happy Landings 
  • The Moana Cone: Coconut soft-serve and DOLE Whip strawberry swirled into a chocolate coconut dipped waffle cone with white chocolate and an edible flower (New)
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Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Landscape of Flavors
  • Mermaid Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with pineapple topped with a coconut buttercream and a white chocolate mermaid tail (Availability will continue past August 27)
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Disney’s Contemporary Resort  
Contempo Café
  • Cinderella Cupcake: Vanilla cake with vanilla crème custard filling, butter cream, white chocolate slipper, and fondant pumpkin
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Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill
  • Perfectly Princess Cupcake: Vanilla sponge cupcake with pink buttercream ruffles, white nonpareils sprinkles, and Princess white chocolate coin
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Disney’s Polynesian Village
Kona Island Coffee Bar and Capt. Cook’s 
  • Moana Mini Cake: Vanilla cake, mango mousse, and a wave of glaçage, buttercream, fondant, and white chocolate décor (New)
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter  
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory
  • Wishing on Stars: Olive Oil cake, banana cream pie mousse, white chocolate Feuilletine crunch, and white chocolate glaçage (New) (Availability will continue past August 27)​
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Disney’s Riviera Resort  
Le Petit Café  
  • Aurora Fruit Tart: Diplomat cream, raspberry mousse, and fresh berries with a white chocolate crown (New)
Bar Riva
  • True Love’s Kiss: Limeade, mango, guava, and raspberry glitter foam (New)​
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Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort
The Artist’s Palette and Good’s Food to Go
  • Snow White Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with a spiced caramel apple filling topped with caramel buttercream, red chocolate dip, and a red bow
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Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park 
Red Rose Taverne
  • Coconut-Strawberry Lemonade featuring Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade (New)​
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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart
  • The Princess and the Frog Macaron: Mint chocolate chip French macaron (New)
  • Princess Gown Cookie: Sugar cookie with royal icing (New)
  • Tangled Loaf Cake: Lemon-blueberry flavored cake with vanilla buttercream (New)
  • Mermaid Crisped Rice Treat: Crisped rice treat with seashells, mermaid tail, and pearls (New)
  • Princess Cookie: Sugar cookie with white chocolate icing (New)
  • Princess Cookie Box with assorted cookies (New)
  • Princess Waffle Shot with Milk: White chocolate-coated pistachio waffle shot with choice of milk, low-fat milk, strawberry, or chocolate milk (New)
  • Princess Waffle Shot with Alcohol: White chocolate-coated pistachio waffle shot with choice of Baileys Irish Cream, Grand Marnier, Captain Morgan Rum, Jameson Whiskey, or Rumchata (New)
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​GCH Craftsman Grill  
  • Princess Cupcake: Vanilla with buttercream, pearls, and a crown (New)
  • Princess Carriage Donut: Cake donut with white chocolate apples (New)
Available at Various Locations Throughout the Disneyland Resort
  • Princess Bubble Sipper includes choice of fountain beverage at time of purchase (New)
    Available at the following:
    • Main Street, U.S.A. Fruit Cart
    • Town Square Churro Cart
    • Little Red Wagon
    • Sleeping Beauty Castle Churro Cart
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Maurice’s Treats
    • Edelweiss Snacks
    • “it’s a small world” Churro Cart
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Downtown Disney District
California Churro
  • Princess Churro: A strawberry filled churro dusted with delicious pink strawberry sugar and served with a side of cream cheese frosting
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes
  • The Mermaid CrazyShake: Blueberry shake with vanilla-frosted rim and mermaid sprinkles topped with a mermaid tail, pearl clam shell, fish lollipop, whipped cream, and mermaid sprinkles 
Splitsville Luxury Lanes
  • Pink Paloma: Tequila combined with pink grapefruit juice, agave syrup, premium grapefruit soda, and freshly-squeezed lime juice
Be sure to check out both the Walt Disney World Resort app and the Disneyland Resort app for items available on mobile order.
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
To book your next Disney vacation, reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner today! 
3 Comments

5/31/2022 2 Comments

Insiders GuideTo Giving A Jurassic Park Vacation For Christmas

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Are any of the Jurassic Park quotes as memorable as, "Welcome to Jurassic Park"? Even while typing it I can literally hear Dr. John Hammond's voice in my mind. Years after the first Jurass;ic Park film was released Universal Orlando Resort developed a dedicated land to these films in their Islands of Adventure theme park. It has everything you could imagine, realistic dinosaur encounters, the infamous jeep and even a river boat ride that will keep you cool on the hottest Orlando summer day. This is why it makes the perfect gift for your family this holiday season!

Below you will find what we call our "Jurassic Park Bible". This information can assist in creating the best Jurassic Park vacation possible in addition to working with your Starstuff Travel Planner. Let's get started!

WHERE TO STAY

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If you want to live the dream Jurassic vacation, it is a no brainer, you have to go with Loews Royal Pacific Resort and their Jurrasic World Kids' Suites. The second you open the paddock door, you have entered the world where Velociraptors, Pteranodons, and even the Indominus Rex roam. Below is a video of this awesome themed room that you can see for yourself. I bet mom and dad might want to have a sleep over with the kids once they see this room in person! One of the best amenities of a stay here is the complimentary Unlimited Express Passes you get during your length of stay (park admission is required) allowing you to take advantage of as much Jurassic fun that you can have by being able to skip the lines for most rides and attractions. Once your children find out this is what you gave them, it will make it the best holiday ever!

WHAT TO DO

Take a dash through the raptor paddock on the new VelociCoaster. It is the fastest coaster in all of Universal. Once you’re strapped in and VelociCoaster starts going, you are in for over 2 minutes of nonstop adrenaline spanning more than 4,700 feet of ride track. The ride has no brakes until it’s over, did we mention it goes upside down? 

You can also take a 
scenic water boat tour on the Jurassic Park River Adventure. Here you can see a baby Stegosaurus and other ominous creatures in their natural habitats. It’s all peaceful enough until you encounter an unexpected guest and plummet 85 feet! 

Stop by Raptor Encounter and meet Blue from Jurassic World or the new baby Raptor, Sierra. This area provides some of the best photo ops in the entire park but try to remain calm because she will sense your fear and she will feed off it just like any other dino!

Head to the Discovery Center and u
nearth the mysteries of our planet's prehistoric past at this interactive center where dinosaurs have been brought back to co-exist with humans. You can even examine dinosaur eggs in the nursery where baby Velociraptors are ready to hatch (you have not seen anything until you have seen a dinosaur egg ready to hatch)!

We also love the idea of placing a few Universal Orlando Resort gift cards in their stockings so the kids can go souvenir shopping in this fun area when you travel. 

WHERE TO EAT

If your not up for getting wet on the River Adventure then head next door to Thunder Falls Terrace and relax in the cool indoor dining room while you grab something to eat. You can also choose to watch the riders get drenched during their time on the adventure while sitting outside while eating since they offer outdoor dining that faces the attraction.

If you are visiting the Discovery Center and burgers are your jam, then head to the Burger Digs located on the top floor. The area is decorated with skeletal remains which is fun for those kiddos who want to play 
paleontologist on their lunch break at a research facility, do I sound like I have too much first hand experience at this?

For those on the go-go-go, stop by Pizza Predatorria for a slice of pizza, or maybe a meatball sub. The food here is always quick and easy, allowing you to continue your Jurassic day while appeasing your hunger. 

We LOVE the Watering Hole and all they have to offer (especially their pulled pork nachos). If nachos aren't your thing you can also find hot dogs, snacks and churros here as well. They also offer some really tasty beverages!

If your trip includes dates during the holiday season, you may even find some tasty special holiday treats here as well. 

WHAT TO BUY

I think it is a no brainer to say you are going to want to purchase a dinosaur, and not just one, probably many. There are a million dinosaur themed toys and stuffed animals so you are going to have a hard time deciding what to buy and what not to buy. Your also going to be overwhelmed by the amount of clothing and accessories that have the iconic Jurassic Park or Jurassic World logo on them. There are two different stores available in the land, which include Dinostore and Jurassic Outfitters. We recommend you wait until the end of your day to make your purchases so they don't get wet and you have less items you need to place in a locker when you ride your favorite Jurassic themed attractions. Again, great idea to gift a few Universal Orlando gift cards that allow the kids to shop on their own while visiting. 
We have only just "scratched" the surface on all there is to see and do during your time at Universal Orlando's Jurassic Park. Wishing you a safe and magical holiday. To learn more or to book your next Jurassic vacation, reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner today!
2 Comments

4/15/2022 1 Comment

Selecting a Resort on Walt Disney World Property

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At the end of the day Disney is about telling a story, painting a picture, and creating a complete experience, right? Staying on Disney property is certainly our recommendation because of this. Each resort has been carefully crafted and immerses you in a story and we LOVE that. Plus, staying on property comes with perks that hotels off site just don’t have. Added value! However, there are SO many resorts (more than 25). So, how do you select the one that is best for your family? Between all of our Starstuff Travel Planners, we have stayed at every resort a few times over and we’re here to break it down for you! 

Disney separates its resorts into four categories - value, moderate, ​deluxe and villas (usually part of the Disney Vacation Club but can be booked for cash). Pricing usually follows this model as it sounds, value is a better price per night as compared to deluxe. Same goes for features onsite and availability of certain amenities. Let’s do a quick breakdown!

VALUE

The bulk of rooms in this category are standard and approximately 260 square feet. There is a basic bath setup (sink often in the open and toilet and shower/tub in a separate room) and bedding could be two doubles or a king. Some rooms in this category are family suites coming in at approximately 520 square feet. They have a similar set up as a standard but double the baths and add in some convertible sleeping options. From here things at both are about the same. Views can differ from parking areas and wooded areas to swimming pools and naturally the better the view the higher the price. Speaking of swimming pools, the pools here are typically themed and could be interactive, but here’s your warning, no slides! Other forms of recreation can be limited think poolside games, a playground, and an occasional movie outside at night. Dining options are slim too with your only options being a food court or pool bar. Finally, transportation provided by Disney (a perk of staying onsite) will usually be via bus. The only exceptions to this are the Art of Animation and Pop Century, which were added to the Skyliner route. 

​Includes: All Star Movies, All Star Music, All Star Sports, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Campsites at Fort Wilderness.
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MODERATE

Standard rooms in this category are in the 300 square foot range with a similar bath set up as a value resort, but maybe an additional sink. Two queen beds or one king is the standard, but there might be a spot for a potential fifth person with a murphy pull down bed (otherwise four is max). Views are similar as well but throw in the possibility of a room facing/near a natural body of water. Pools, other recreation and dining options are a little more robust with the addition of “quiet pools,” water recreation, bikes, a health club (Coronado Springs), at least one table service restaurant and a lounge. Transport here is typically bus as well, but there might be a boat service from some resorts to Disney Springs.

Includes: Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, and Cabins at Fort Wilderness
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DELUXE

​There are a variety of rooms and sizes here. We’re talking anywhere from 344 to 440 square feet. The bath situation can vary too and includes what you’ll find in a moderate, but probably in a different configuration for more privacy. If the room is larger, there might be several baths. Bedding configuration is like a moderate property with nothing smaller than a queen. However, it’s the views, recreation, dining, and transportation that sets a deluxe apart. Pools will have slides, hot tubs, or other water features. Spa services might even be available. There are more table service restaurants, room service and maybe even a charater dining onsite. Lastly, these resorts are typically in close proximity to a park (very attractive to some), so transportation options open up. Buses, skyliner and boats could still be available, but add walking and monorails to the list as well. 
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Includes: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Village, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club.
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VILLAS
We’ll keep things simple here. Villas are a part of the Disney Vacation Club program but can be booked for cash. Villas can be found at some deluxe properties, but there are also three that are dedicated to Disney Vacation Club. Rooms are villa-style with more amenities and can range from a studio all the way to a three bedroom. Bath and bed configuration can vary by room size, but everything else is similar to a deluxe property.

Includes: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary, Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House and Kidani Village, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Riviera Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Villas at Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
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​Evaluate each category as described and make your selection based on the needs of your family. From there, think about the story of the resort and what resonates with you most, Maybe it’s animation, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific, etc. With the breakdown above and these two tips, you’re on your way to selecting the resort that is perfect for you! If you are still stumped, our Planners have the education to assist you in making the best decision for your trip. 
To book your next on property Walt Disney World vacation, reach out to a Starstuf Travel Planner today!
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4/14/2022 0 Comments

Foodie Guide to Earth Day 2022 at Disney Parks

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​With Earth Day coming up on April 22, both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are serving up limited-edition delights inspired by the world around us. As they celebrate our beautiful Earth this month, the chefs and mixologists at Disney Parks have put their creativity to the plate and cup with some truly wild treats. These delicious goodies feature some of the world’s most beautiful creatures while embracing the environments they come from.

As part of Disney Planet Possible, they’re dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint, supporting conservation efforts, and finding ways for us all to take part in the magic of nature this Earth Month. Taking action to help our planet this Earth Day and every day can help keep our beautiful planet, its creatures, and environments thriving for years to come, and what better way to celebrate than with food! This month, they’re playing homage to some of the Earth’s greatest treasures through culinary delights. From the Honey Bee Cupcake at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to the Corn on a Cob Succotash at Disneyland Park, both coasts are sharing the love for Mother Earth.
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Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
 Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue (available on Mobile Order through April 28)
  • Flamingo Cupcake: Strawberry cake filled with strawberry compote and crowned with guava frosting, strawberry crisp pearls, and white-chocolate wings
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​Dawa Bar
  • Lion’s Fury: Jungle juice, Red Stag Bourbon Whiskey, Fireball Whiskey Floater, and a fiery glow cube (available through April 28)
  • Tiger Tail Pale Ale: Celebrating Florida’s tiger swallowtail butterfly, this pale ale features notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and grapefruit (available through April 28)
Dino Diner (available through April 28)
  • Sea Turtle: Frozen blue raspberry and frozen lemonade with a wave of blue cotton candy on top
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Isle of Java (available through April 28)
  • Red Crowned Cane: Frozen Coke with frozen cherry and a crown of cotton candy
Restaurantosaurus Lounge
  • Crave the Wave: Refreshing vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and a lemon wheel (available through April 28)
  • Tiger Tail Pale Ale: Celebrating Florida’s tiger swallowtail butterfly, this pale ale features notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and grapefruit (available through April 28)
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Creature Comforts and Restaurantosaurrus (available on Mobile Order through April 28)  
  • Honey Bee Cupcake: Orange cake, honey Bavarian filling, honey frosting, and a white chocolate honeycomb
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Terra Treats (available through April 28)
  • Loggerhead: Sprite and Granny Smith apple syrup over ice with a gummy worm, sugar lime rim, and souvenir glow cube (non-alcoholic)
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​Satu'li Canteen (available on Mobile Order through April 28)
  • Kiwi Margarita: Kiwi Monin syrup with lime juice, sour mix, and Tcorazon Tequila Blanco
Thirsty River Bar
  • Yeti Sunset: Jack Daniels whiskey, strawberry monin, and lychee lemonade (available through April 28)
  • Tiger Tail Pale Ale: Celebrating Florida’s tiger swallowtail butterfly, this pale ale features notes of passionfruit, strawberry, and grapefruit (available through April 28)
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Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 
The Mara (available on April 22)
  • Plant (Based) in Boot: Chocolate Spice Cake with Coconut Ganache in a Chocolate Boot (Plant-based) (New)
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Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
BoardWalk Bakery (available on Mobile Order from April 18 through 22)
  • Garden Cupcake: Lemon cupcake with a lemon curd filling topped with vanilla buttercream and white chocolate ladybug (New)
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​Disneyland Resort 
Disneyland Park
River Belle Terrace (available April 21 through 25)
  • Corn on a Cob Succotash: “Butter”-poached corn, edamame purée, and chili oil (Plant-based) (New)
  • Plant-based Chili & Cornbread Skillet: Chili beans, corn cake, “sour cream,” and green onions (Plant-based) (New)
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Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Grill (available on Mobile Order through April 30)  
  • Earth Day Hot Dog: Hot dog of the month special featuring plant-based sausage, sauteed spinach, mushrooms, and onions topped with green goddess dressing, edible flowers, and served with fruit (Plant-based) (New)
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​In addition to these special Earth Day-themed treats, Disney Parks and resorts also feature delicious plant-based offerings year-round! Plant-based options are not just tasty but good for the environment too as they can help reduce one’s carbon footprint and enhance biodiversity! Disney chefs have collaborated with Impossible to bring some tasty options for guests to enjoy while expanding their commitment to putting plants on the plate and into the mouths of foodies in delicious and creative ways. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park offers up the Impossible Spicy Southwestern Burger at Restaurantosaurus, while Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom Park features a tasty Impossible Revolutionary Meatloaf! Over at Disneyland Park, a galaxy far, far away has the Felucian Kefta & Hummus Garden Spread at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and the truly delicious Ronto-less Garden Wrap at Ronto Roasters. And don’t forget the Impossible Banh Mi at Lucky Fortune Cookery at Disney California Adventure park. 
If you are ready try these mouthwatering items during a last minute trip, reach out to a Starstuff Travel Planner today!
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4/12/2022 0 Comments

Foodie Guide to Nighttime Spectaculars at Disneyland Resort: The Magic Returns

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Nighttime spectaculars are coming back to Disneyland Resort! As the daylight fades on April 22, the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” “Disneyland Forever” fireworks, and “World of Color” will bring even more spectacular magic back to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park once again. And with this exciting entertainment returning, it’s only natural that there are some tasty eats and sips joining them.
Across both parks, Guests can enjoy delicious treats and eye-catching novelties to celebrate these spectaculars. From the Parade Macaron at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to the Light-up Elliott Dragon Premium Bucket, these items are the foodie embodiment of these incredible entertainment must-sees.
For Guests looking to enhance their nighttime celebrations, consider one of the exclusive dining packages, featuring tons of yummy dishes as well as reserved viewing of a select spectacular! Over at Disney California Adventure Park, the World of Color Dessert Party serves up decadent delights and sips at Paradise Gardens Park, while the World of Color Dining Package can be enjoyed at Wine Country Trattoria for a 3-course meal or an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet at Storytellers Café at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. At Disneyland Park, enjoy the Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package at Plaza Inn featuring classic comfort dishes.
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Disneyland Park
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor hosted by Dreyer’s (available on Mobile Order)
  • Uni-cone: Banana, cherry, and pistachio ice cream in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone with fantasy sprinkles
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Hub Churro Cart
  • Blueberry Looks Good on You: Blueberry-flavored sugar-dusted churro (New)
  • Blueberry Cheesecake Dipping Sauce: Blueberry fruit topping with cream cheese icing (New)
Fantasyland Theatre and Small World Popcorn Carts
  • Electric Sweet & Salty Popcorn: Colorful sweet kettle corn combined with butter-flavored popcorn (New)
Fantasyland and Small World Churro Carts
  • Electric Sprinkle Dip: Citrus buttercream frosting with sprinkles (New)​
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Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (available on Mobile Order)
  • Parade Macaron: Yellow macaron filled with honey buttercream and lemon curd topped with rainbow sprinkles and Main Street Electrical Parade drum decoration (New)
  • Mine Cart Brownie: White chocolate-dipped dark chocolate brownie topped with sugar gems
  • Linzer Cookie: Citrus shortbread linzer cookie with strawberry glaze
Plaza Inn 
  • Parade Confetti Bundt Cake: Confetti cake with blue sopapilla filling, cream cheese glaze, and Main Street Electrical Parade chocolate décor (New)
  • Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Package: Plaza Inn fried chicken, smoky mac n’ cheese, oven-roasted carrots, baby wedge salad, Mickey-shaped corn bread, and berry cheesecake (only available with purchase of the dining package) (kids option also available)
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​Refreshment Corner Hosted by Coca-Cola (available on Mobile Order) 
  • Electric Relish Dog: All-beef hot dog, bacon, mustard cheese sauce, electric relish, and sport peppers served with a choice of a Cuties mandarin orange or small bag of chips (New)
  • Firefly Chips: Corn chips topped with chili, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and jalapeños
Red Rose Taverne hosted by Minute Maid (available on Mobile Order)
  • Pineapple Night Light: Fresh pineapple purée and Sprite with a glow cube (New)
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Town Square Churro Cart 
  • Parade Dreams: Colorful sugar-dusted churro with fruit drizzle garnished with rainbow candy (New)
 Town Square Popcorn Cart
  • Electric Pop: Brightly-colored kettle corn (New)
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Available at Various Locations Throughout Disneyland Park Throughout the Summer Season:
  • Light-up Turtle Premium Sipper (Limit two per person, per transaction while supplies last) (New)
  • Light-up Elliott Dragon Premium Bucket (Limit two per person, per transaction while supplies last) (New) ​
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Disney California Adventure Park  
Paradise Gardens Park
  • World of Color Dessert Party: Indulge in sweet delights including raspberry cookies, cheesecake, and Mickey crispies.
Wine Country Trattoria 
  • World of Color Dining Package: Prior to the show, enjoy delicious 3-course meal, including dishes like chicken parmesan, fettuccine alfredo, salmon, roasted vegetable lasagna, and tiramisu to name a few. Simply check in with your host or server about upgrading your reservation to the dining package!
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Storytellers Cafe
  • World of Color Dining Package: Indulge in an all-you-care-to-enjoy dinner buffet with specialty sweets and a non-alcoholic beverage followed by reserved seating for World of Color. Upon arrival for your reservation, just let your server or the host know you want an upgrade to this exciting enhancement.
Guests should be sure to check out the Disneyland Resort app to stay up-to-date on all things nighttime entertainment, including food, merchandise, entertainment, and more!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)
For more information on booking your next mouth watering vacation, reach out to a Starsuff Travel Planner today!
0 Comments

4/4/2022 0 Comments

Why Travel Insurance Is Important In Today's World

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No one wants to think about facing hardships while traveling but it is an important piece of your travel plan that needs to be in place. Issues that arise on vacation come in all shapes and sizes but if you have travel insurance you can feel protected if something does happen. 

While there are a vast amount of things travel insurance plans can help with, today we are going to talk about what we are noticing with airfare in the last year. As most of you know, the United States is struggling with a national staffing shortage and the airlines, airports, and TSA are not exempt from this shortage. What we are seeing right now is if there is one hiccup to a few flights, it throws future days or weeks into a complete uproar while the airlines try and play catch up. 

Over the last year thousands of flights were cancelled due to things like severe weather. While the airlines play catch up it also gobbles up days worth of flight availability to get those cancelled home. Due to this situation, if you needed to get home during something like this, you may have been stuck for three or four days. Right now the airlines do not have enough staff to keep up with the amount of people who are traveling before something goes wrong. A few of our agents personally experienced this back in October when an airline cancelled their flight and the airline could not get them back home for seven entire days. They were able to book themselves through another airline to get home sooner and submit a claim for reimbursement through their travel insurance plan. Can you imagine the financial burden you could run into if you had to pay out of pocket and were not going to get reimbursed, or worse had to sit in the airport for days at a time? 

These are just a few of the many reasons you need to make sure you are covered with travel insurance today. While we are not licensed insurance agents, we can assist you in making sure your vacation is covered by providing plan options to you and pointing you in the right direction to the insurance company we are partnered with. We are getting into the holiday season and weather in many places can delay or cancel flights. Make sure you are covered with travel insurance so you can make it to your families Christmas day festivities without being too stressed. Happy Holidays!

For more information on covering your vacation, reach out to a Starsuff Travel Planner today!
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