Travelore News: Disney Closes Historic Monorail System, Effective March 30

As of Monday, March 30, and the original Disneyland Resort Monorail system is now closed. The Southern California Disney destination first announced its plans to indefinitely close the tram system in February and still hasn’t confirmed a reopening date.

Credit: Disney

The Disneyland Monorail first opened in June 1959. Walt Disney, who had a lifelong obsession with trains, envisioned the tram system as the public transportation of the future. Although that never materialized, the Monorail system became a staple of Disney parks around the world, including Walt Disney World Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.

The original Monorail system at Disneyland Resort has been updated several times throughout the years, most notably for the grand opening of Disney California Adventure Park in 2001. The highway in the sky now transports guests 2.5 miles to and from a station in the Downtown Disney District into Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.

Before officially announcing the Monorail refurbishment in February, Disneyland Resort filed construction permits for the historic transportation system. Those documents indicate that Disney plans to update electrical systems and reinforce support pillars during the refurbishment period, so Disney Park guests may not notice changes to the 66-year-old transportation system when it reopens.

Still, Disneyland Resort hasn’t publicly confirmed any of its plans for the Monorail, nor has it shared a reopening date for the transportation system. Presumably, the Tomorrowland entrance to Disneyland Park is also closed, as the Monorail is the only way to access that entry point into the original Southern California Disney park.

Disneyland Resort’s website urges guests to “check back” for “updates” on the refurbishment.

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Travelore Tips: Is The TSA Really Requiring Clear Carry-Ons? The Short Answer: No.

The "news" that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would require all travelers to use transparent carry-on bags this summer was actually an April Fools' Day prank published by the travel site Upgraded Points.

While the "Transparent Screening Initiative (TSI)" sounded somewhat plausible—citing benefits like reduced manual bag checks and faster lines similar to sports stadium policies—it was entirely satirical. Your favorite opaque hardshell and fabric suitcases are perfectly safe from the TSA's "prying eyes" for now.

What Actually Changed for TSA in 2026?

While the clear bag rule is a joke, there are several real changes and enforcement trends that travelers need to be aware of this summer:1. The $45 "ConfirmID" FeeStarting earlier this year, travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable identification (like a valid passport) may be required to pay a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee to proceed through security. This fee covers an alternative identity verification process and often results in significant delays.
2. Stricter Size EnforcementAirlines have moved toward a strict 22 x 14 x 9 inch standard for carry-ons. Many carriers are now using automated scanners at the gate that measure bags—including wheels and handles—down to the millimeter. If it doesn't fit the digital "box," it’s getting gate-checked for a fee.

3. The 3-1-1 Liquid Rule (Still Clear!)

The only part of your luggage that must be clear is still your liquids bag.

Containers: Must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less.

The Bag: All containers must fit in one clear, quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag.One Per Person: Each traveler is limited to one bag.

4. New "Banned" Items and Power Bank Rules

TSA has increased scrutiny on:

Powders: Substances like protein powder or makeup over 12 oz may require separate screening.

Power Banks: Lithium batteries must be in carry-on bags, but some "smart" luggage with non-removable batteries is now being rejected at the gate.

Summary of 2026 Carry-On Standards

Rule Category
' Requirement
Bag MaterialOpaque/Standard

Max Dimensions
22" x 14" x 9" (Includes wheels/handles)

Liquids3.4 oz or less in a 1-quart clear bag

Identification

REAL ID or Passport required (or $45 fee)

Travelore News: ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance

Star Alliance officially welcomed ITA Airways as its newest member, marking the completion of the Italian carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance.

ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Joerg Eberhart, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias, and Lufthansa Group Chief Commercial Officer Dieter Vranckx, in the presence of media and institutional guests.

Starting April 1, ITA Airways will be fully connected into the Alliance’s global network, linking its Rome Fiumicino hub and Milan Linate airport, served by 17 Star Alliance members collectively, with more than 1,150 destinations worldwide. Customers traveling across the network can now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, and access to Star Alliance lounges, creating a more seamless customer experience, in and out of Italy.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort. With ITA Airways on board, we not only expand our network to and from Italy, but also elevate the connected experience of our customers when traveling across multiple airlines, through access to the world’s largest network of airport lounges, more comprehensive loyalty benefits, and other benefits like baggage tracking - all designed to enhance the journey at every step.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, said: “Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth. By becoming part of the world’s largest and most established global airline network, we significantly expand our international reach while offering our passengers a more seamless, consistent, and high‑quality travel experience, with access to over 1,150 destinations worldwide, smoother connections, integrated services, and a stronger premium proposition. At the same time, we enter Star Alliance bringing with us our distinctive Italian identity, enriching the Alliance and reinforcing ITA Airways’ role in connecting Italy with the world, combining global standards of excellence with the warmth and elegance that define the Italian way of flying.”

ITA Airways’ induction into the Alliance has been mentored by the Lufthansa Group, and expert teams across the group airlines have facilitated an intense integration program over the last several months.

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, said: “The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. We are pleased to introduce ITA Airways as a fully fledged hub airline into the Lufthansa Group and into the Alliance, expanding options for travelers across Europe and the world. Together, ITA Airways and the Lufthansa Group, are unlocking a joint value proposition that will benefit our customers, our partners, and the Star Alliance ecosystem.”

ITA Airways, which flies over 16 million customers every year, adds more than 350 daily flights to the Alliance network, supported by a strong domestic and regional footprint. The addition expands travel options across Italy and Europe, while improving connectivity between Southern Europe and key international markets.

As part of its membership, eligible customers can enjoy priority services, lounge access across the Alliance network, and reciprocal frequent flyer program recognition, including earning and redeeming miles. Star Alliance Gold customers will also have access to ITA Airways lounges in Rome, Milan, and Catania.

With the addition of ITA Airways, Star Alliance now comprises 26 member airlines, offering more than 17,500 daily flights across a global network spanning over 190 countries.

The Italian airline ITA Airways is the newest member of the Lufthansa Group, with the Group having a 41 percent stake in the airline. Now, the network carriers consist of Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways. These airlines offer their customers a premium experience, with high-quality products and services. The multi-hub strategy offers passengers a comprehensive route network along with the greatest possible flexibility for their journey. Eurowings is positioned as a carrier with an exclusive focus on point-to-point traffic on European short- and medium-haul routes. The Passenger Airlines segment also includes the regional airlines Lufthansa CityLine, Lufthansa City Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Discover Airlines, and the equity investment in SunExpress, the joint venture with Turkish Airlines. Since the summer of 2021, Discover Airlines has complemented the Lufthansa Group's offering in the growing segment of leisure travel.

Aviation Services comprises the segments Logistics and MRO, as well as additional businesses, which in particular include Lufthansa Aviation Training and Lufthansa Systems.

The Lufthansa Group is currently investing in its onboard product, with both Lufthansa’s Allegris and SWISS Senses showcasing an entirely new travel experience. Lufthansa’s Allegris can already be experienced on certain long-haul routes. The full revamp will also include lounges, ground processes, individuality, and exclusivity.

Lufthansa Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines are already members of the Star Alliance.

American Airlines Makes AAdvantage Miles More Flexible With Ability To Redeem Miles For Gift Cards

The award-winning American Airlines AAdvantage® program just got more rewarding with the launch of the AAdvantage® gift cards platform. Members can now redeem miles for gift cards from top brands — including Sephora, Nike and Best Buy® — across retail, dining, entertainment and more. Gift card values range from $10 to $500, giving members more everyday ways to use their miles. Customers can visit aadvantagegiftcards.com to redeem their miles for gift cards. The platform also supports a variety of American partner reward programs, expanding the ways members can redeem miles for gift cards.

AAdvantage® gift cards site, where customers can redeem miles for gift cards from top brands across retail, dining, entertainment and more.

“The AAdvantage® program offers customers more value for their miles than any other U.S. airline, and our members are looking for more flexibility in how they redeem them,” said Scott Long, American’s Senior Vice President of AAdvantage®. “By expanding our portfolio of member offerings and adding new ways to use miles, such as gift cards, we’re making it easier for customers to engage with the program and experience the full value of AAdvantage®.”

More ways to redeem miles

As the company celebrates its centennial, the AAdvantage® program continues to expand the way members can use their miles, bringing them closer to the things they love.

Today, members can redeem miles across a wide variety of travel and lifestyle options, including:

Flights and upgrades

AAdvantage Hotels® and AAdvantage Cars®

American Airlines Vacations℠

Inflight purchases such as food and beverages

Unique experiences through Mastercard Priceless® experiences

Building on this foundation, American added even more choices last year with the launch of the AAdvantage Exchange℠ platform, which allows members to redeem their miles for curated essentials and premium retail items, while also expanding the AAdvantage Cruises® partnership to add redemption capabilities.

The introduction of AAdvantage® gift cards builds on this momentum by expanding the program’s lifestyle redemption options and gives members more value and flexibility.

Where The Wealthy Are Buying Second Homes In 2026

Luxury homeowners are treating second, third and fourth homes as extensions of their primary residences, and buyers are remapping where they invest in real estate. Guided by remote work flexibility, lifestyle-driven priorities, favorable tax structures and long-term investment potential, a new generation of buyers looks beyond legacy markets like Aspen, Miami and the Hamptons. Second-home purchases now account for 28% of luxury real estate transactions globally, according to Sotheby’s International Realty's 2026 Luxury Outlook Report.

The view of the Wastach Mountain Range in Utah. getty

"What has changed most heading into 2026 isn’t just where people are buying second or third homes, it’s how intentionally they’re using them," says Mauricio Umansky, founder of global brokerage The Agency. “We’re seeing a clear rise in younger high-net-worth buyers, often founders, executives, and global entrepreneurs in their 30s and 40s, who are building real estate portfolios around flexibility. These homes are no longer occasional escapes. They’re part-time primary residences, remote work bases, and long-term lifestyle investments rolled into one.”

As legacy destinations face inflated costs, seasonal congestion and limited inventory, buyers are turning toward markets with better investment value, year-round livability and elevated cultural offerings. Here are four locations reshaping the luxury second-home landscape.

Salt Lake City, Utah

The Salt Lake City region is one of the country’s fastest-growing real estate markets, fueled by a booming tech sector, proximity to Park City's world-class skiing, strong property appreciation, and year-round lifestyle. The region's appeal, from downtown Salt Lake City to Park City and nearby areas like Heber Valley, is nothing new but continues to grow among buyers and investors from New York, California, and Texas, reports The Agency in its 2026 Red Paper. Molly Jones, managing partner at The Agency Salt Lake City, says that buyers are purchasing properties ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics in anticipation of high rental income, similar to the 2002 games.

A rendering of Deer Valley East Village. Deer Valley East Village

"Buyers are picking homes in downtown Salt Lake City for themselves and as an investment because our tax basis is low," Jones said in the report. “They expect to benefit from a huge boom eight years from now.”

Park City, home to two world-class ski resorts Park City Mountain (the largest in the U.S.) and Deer Valley Resort, continues to drive demand for the area. Once an accessible alternative to Aspen or Jackson Hole, Park City has evolved into one of the country’s most expensive ski towns both for travel and real estate. Wealthy buyers aren’t deterred by increased home prices; more than 60% of luxury transactions closed in cash in Q3 2025. At the center of Park City's transformation is Deer Valley East Village, the first new public alpine ski village built in North America in over 40 years. The roughly $2 billion development has doubled Deer Valley's skiable terrain to over 4,300 acres, with 10 new chairlifts and nearly 100 new runs.

Within the greater Park City area, branded residences from Four Seasons and Waldorf Astoria are rising alongside ultra-luxe boutique developments like Velvaere, a ski-in/ski-out wellness community, Marcella Landing, and Sommét Blanc, the latter both designed by Olson Kundig. Buyers are drawn to the rare combination of resort-level skiing, a walkable downtown with a serious dining and arts scene, and proximity to Salt Lake International Airport just 35 minutes away.

Just outside Park City, Heber Valley is capturing buyers who want mountain proximity and turnkey homes and five-star amenities but without resort-town intensity. The Lodge at Blue Sky, part of Auberge Resorts, recently announced plans for a residential community tailored to this audience.

Naples and Pompano Beach, Florida

Naples has long attracted discreet wealth, but the Gulf Coast city is no longer just a haven for Midwestern snowbirds. Buyers from the East Coast and beyond, driven by Naples’ understated luxury, have transformed it into one of the country's most dynamic real estate markets. Forbes reports a few billionaires call Naples home. In 2025, a 15-acre compound on Gordon Drive, Naples most prestigious address, sold for $225 million, setting the record as the largest residential transaction in Florida history.

The Agency's $7.95 million listing at 256 Trade Winds Avenue in Naples. Premier Media Group

"After the pandemic and then the hurricane in 2024, Naples experienced tons of new development and buyer demand from across the country," says Brittany Skotak of Douglas Elliman. “Buyers from the Northeast and across the country were attracted to its quietness, charm, and peaceful nature.”

Global luxury brands are betting on its potential. Branded residential projects from Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Ritz-Carlton are entering the market alongside boutique luxury condo developments like Olana and 3300 Gulf Shore.On the opposite side of the state, Pompano Beach, located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, is emerging as a quieter alternative to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Developments like W Pompano Beach Hotel and Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach, both designed by architect Sohith Perera, founder of Kora Architecture, are drawing buyers who want high-end hospitality without the flash or density.

“What makes Pompano Beach particularly attractive as a second- or third-home market is the balance it strikes between accessibility and escape," Perera says.

Charleston, South Carolina

One of the country’s oldest cities is emerging as a compelling second-home market. The National Association of Realtors named it as a top housing hotspot for 2026. Charleston appeals for its Lowcountry lifestyle, centuries-old architecture, Michelin-starred dining, walkability, beach access, art scene, and sense of community that's hard to replicate. Buyers are arriving from New York, the Midwest, Texas, and the Mountain West, drawn by its soul and charm, and its growing reputation as an economic hub for aerospace and manufacturing companies, among others.

On the opposite side of the state, Pompano Beach, located between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, is emerging as a quieter alternative to Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Developments like W Pompano Beach Hotel and Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences Pompano Beach, both designed by architect Sohith Perera, founder of Kora Architecture, are drawing buyers who want high-end hospitality without the flash or density.

A $7.4 million listing at 169 Wentworth in Charleston by Maison Real Estate. Nick Cann Photography

"Charleston punches way above its weight in terms of its cultural and culinary offerings, so second-home buyers coming from major metropolitan areas don’t feel like they have to give up a vibrant food, music, and art scene," says Mary Lou Wertz, founding partner of Charleston-based brokerage Maison Real Estate.

Strict preservation laws safeguard the city’s historic architecture; it's known for its diverse architectural styles, like single house style, Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture. Most homes in Charleston date back more than 200 years, and today's buyers are paying premiums for these authentic homes with soul and charm. Case in point: a 225-year-old estate recently sold for $21 million, a record for the city. Charleston is a low-lying city with well-documented flood and storm exposure, but that hasn't deterred luxury buyers, who look to architects and engineers to find solutions through innovative materiality and technology.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Desert living has never been hotter. Scottsdale has long appealed as a second-home destination for its nearly 300 days of sunshine, concentration of top-ranked golf clubs, private aviation access, and upscale wellness and dining scene. Arizona’s lack of estate and inheritance taxes and low property taxes only sweeten the deal.

Summit by Olson Kundig, which sits at the base of Camelback Mountain. Olson Kundig

What’s accelerating demand is new money. The $165 million TSMC investment in North Phoenix, which includes Scottsdale, is transforming the market into a global semiconductor industry and creating thousands of high-paying jobs and driving executive housing demand in the city's gated enclaves. Scottsdale is now one of the fastest-growing wealth centers in North America, according to Henley and Partners, with its millionaire population up 125% in the past decade.

Compass reported that real estate sales over $10 million increased by 30% from 2024 to 2025. Ultra-luxury condo developments are also gaining traction among both primary and secondary homebuyers seeking top-tier amenities, turnkey living, and high-quality finishes. These include Summit by Olson Kundig at Ascent by The Phoenician, Ritz-Carlton Residences in Paradise Valley, and Icon at Silverleaf.

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United And Chef's Table Bring Together World-Renowned Chefs To Create New, Exclusive Inflight Meals

United is teaming up with Chef's Table, the brand behind the award-winning Netflix series, to introduce 10 new, exclusive meal experiences to its United Polaris® international business class menu. The airline has enlisted 11 world-renowned chefs from four continents – representing United's seven U.S. hub cities and key international gateways in London, Tokyo and São Paulo – to curate regionally-inspired meals.

"United's network spans many of the culinary capitals of the world, allowing us to authentically bring together acclaimed chefs from around the globe," said Andrew Nocella, Chief Commercial Officer, United Airlines. "Our collaboration with Chef's Table shows how we're leveraging our unique position as the world's largest airline* to deliver restaurant-quality moments in the sky. Our United Polaris international business class travelers are going to love the new dishes coming later this year."

"This collaboration represents an unprecedented look at how we can elevate the inflight dining experience, bringing the culinary brilliance featured on Chef's Table to the skies," said Justin Connor, President of Chef's Table Projects. "By partnering with United, we are turning a global culinary journey into a reality for millions of passengers. Many travelers around the world will be able to experience firsthand the artistry of these 11 world-renowned chefs on their plates at 35,000 feet. Together we'll create incredible, regionally-inspired meals and unforgettable experiences for travelers from takeoff to landing."

Starting August 1, United Polaris international business class travelers can taste recipes from Chef's Table culinary talent. Each chef will create complete meal experiences, including an appetizer, salad and entrée, for flights departing from the chef's home city that inspired the recipes. The line-up of chefs includes:

Los Angeles – Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza

A James Beard Award-winning chef and author, Nancy Silverton is a culinary icon and the co-owner of Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, where she brings her passion for Italian cuisine and artisan ingredients to life.

New York/Newark – Fariyal Abdullahi, Hav & Mar

Chef Fariyal Abdullahi is the Executive Chef of Hav & Mar in New York, where a convergence of her travels and Ethiopian ancestry comes to life with an infusion of European technique in the unique flavors of her meals.

São Paulo – Manu Buffara, Manu

Chef Manu Buffara is the culinary force behind Manu in Curitiba, where she cooks with a keen sense of stewardship, elevating the bold, vibrant flavors of Brazilian cuisine with a modern sensibility and responsible agriculture practices.

Chicago – Jenner Tomaska, Esmé, The Alston and Petite Edith

Chef Jenner Tomaska is a three-time James Beard-nominated chef and co-owner of Michelin-starred Esmé in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood where he blends classical French cooking techniques with artistry, as well as steakhouse, The Alston located in the Gold Coast district, and French-Midwestern bistro, Petite Edith, in River North.

Houston – Justin Yu, Theodore Rex

A native Houstonian, Chef Justin Yu is a James Beard Award-winning chef and the owner of Houston's Theodore Rex, a relaxed fine dining restaurant with a French touch.

Denver – Penelope Wong, Yuan Wonton

Denver native Chef Penelope Wong celebrates the diversity that has helped shape Denver's food scene, bringing the flavors of her Asian American childhood with memories of her family to her eatery, Yuan Wonton.

San Francisco – David Barzelay, Lazy Bear, JouJou & True Laurel

Chef David Barzelay, a visionary for unpretentious American fine dining, owns the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Lazy Bear, in San Francisco's Mission District, JouJou in the Design District and True Laurel in the Mission.

Washington, D.C. – Isabel Coss & Matt Conroy, Lutèce

Chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy combine French technique and Mexican sensibility into Michelin-starred Lutèce, creating refined seasonal dishes that highlight bold flavors.

London – Tomos Parry, Mountain & Brat

Chef Tomos Parry is the founder and co-owner of three open-fire restaurants in London, including the Michelin-starred Mountain in Soho and the Michelin-starred Brat in East London. Inspired by his Welsh and Celtic heritage, his cuisine combines the traditions, techniques and cooking styles of northern Spain.

Tokyo – Tashi Gyamtso, Jimgu, Enowa Yufuin

Chef Tashi Gyamtso is the acclaimed head chef of Jimgu, the farm-driven restaurant featuring menus solely based on what the land provides.

Chef's Table is an Emmy Award-winning documentary series that spotlights the world's most extraordinary chefs who are redefining the culinary landscape. The series is available only on Netflix.

For more information, visit united.com.

'Once Upon A Nation' In Philadelphia Puts Actors In The Spotlight Of History For America 250 And Beyond

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is the non-profit behind 'Once Upon A Nation' - a program that brings history to life using actors who train at The Benstitute.

Two types of actors appear in public performances throughout the historic district. History makers stay in character of the people they portray, and are dressed in colonial costume. Storytellers dress in contemporary green shirts and khakis, and can be found at storytelling benches in the historic district.

The benches are semicircular and noted by lime green signs that say 'Once Upon A Nation'. The non-profit has been auditioning actors for these roles for 30 years now, but this year their work takes on special significance. You can find out all the events planned for this summer in the current issue of The Historic Philadelphia Gazette, found either online, or in hard copy at the Independence Visitor Center.

By Natalie Jason