Travelore News: Disney Bans More Items, Including Cameras, From Theme Parks

Disney has added to the list of items banned from its theme parks.

Credit: Disney

All theme parks are dictated by rules intended to keep both guests and employees safe and comfortable. Disney is no exception, with all guests expected to follow a code of conduct that, among other rules, prohibits disrespectful or violent behavior towards parkgoers and cast members alike.

Some Disney parks boast more unique rules than others. For example, at Tokyo Disney Resort, guests are prohibited from bringing their own food into the parks. The same was previously true at Shanghai Disneyland.

While select items are banned at all Disney parks – weapons are, for obvious reasons, a no-go no matter which park you visit – some resorts also restrict more items than others.

At Disneyland Paris, this list of banned items just expanded.

Effective immediately, guests can no longer bring professional cameras, lenses over 135 mm, tripods or extension accessories over 20 cm, lighting equipment, microphones, drones, or any material that could disrupt the experience, compromise safety, or be used for commercial or journalistic filming (via DLP Report).

📸 Disneyland Paris has updated its list of forbidden Audio/Video equipment guests can bring in the parks. The list of prohibited equipment now includes professional cameras, lenses over 135 mm, tripods or extension accessories over 20 cm, lighting equipment, microphones, drones, and any material that could disrupt the experience, compromise safety, or be used for commercial or journalistic filming.

These join an already pretty lengthy list of prohibited items, including:

Illicit substances

Hazardous substances

Alcoholic beverages

Glass bottles

Offensive weapons

Defensive weapons

Objects that appear to be weapons

Toy guns

Toy blasters

Squirt guns

Vuvuzelas

Loud speakers

Horns

Drones

Remote control toys

Guests who insist upon bringing these items to the parks risk rejection at the security checkpoint. Anyone who smuggles items into the parks may also face removal – or, even worse, a ban from Disney property.

Fans aren’t overly impressed by the changes.

“Uhm.. excuse me?? What kind of bs…” wrote one X, formerly known as Twitter, user. “What classifies as a “professional camera” or lighting equipment? And as if they’re gonna check every lens if it’s 135mm or more… Like what? And why? Why no [mics]??”

Another said: “You’re somewhat creative? They don’t want your business anymore.”

Meanwhile, one fan joked, “It’s because Cascade of Lights is so awful that they want to make sure no one has images of it,” referring to the resort’s upcoming new nighttime spectacular.

As if the amount of bad news in a month couldn’t get any worse:

-The new flat AI map

-Tales of Magic losing its drones

-Now all cameras other than phones are forbidden?

Disney Resort Prepares for Disney Adventure World

These rule changes come weeks before the debut of Disney Adventure World. The park will replace Walt Disney Studios Park as of March 29, with the likes of World of Frozen, Raiponce Tangled Spin, Adventure Bay (where guests can watch the aforementioned Cascade of Lights), and The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge – which features redesigned looks for multiple Disney princesses – rejuvenating a theme park long considered the worst of Disney’s global lineup.

Previews start soon for the new-and-improved park, with influencers already flying into Paris to prepare for a first look. Several previews are also available to Annual Passholders, with these booking out well in advance.

https://insidethemagic.net/author/chloejamesjournogmail-com/

Travelore News: American Express Reduces Lounge Access For Plantinum Card Holders

The golden era of "bringing the whole squad" into the airport lounge is officially winding down.

American Express has announced significant updates to its Global Lounge Collection that will affect how Platinum Card Members travel starting in 2026.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional vacationer, these changes—which prioritize reducing overcrowding—will likely change your pre-flight strategy. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming "trimming" of lounge perks.

1. The Big Guest Cut: Two Becomes One

For many years, the standard for the Amex Platinum and Platinum Business Cards was the ability to bring two guests into lounges for free. That is changing to align more closely with global standards.

Centurion Lounges: Starting July 8, 2026, the complimentary guest allowance drops from two guests to one for Personal and Business Platinum Card Members.
Plaza Premium Lounges: A similar change takes effect on October 1, 2026, reducing the guest limit to one.

The Exception: Corporate Platinum Card Members generally retain their two-guest allowance.

2. Priority Pass: Only for the Primary Member

This is perhaps the most significant "trim" for families and business partners. Currently, many Additional (Supplementary) Card Members enjoy their own Priority Pass membership.

Effective October 1, 2026, only the Primary Card Member will be eligible to enroll in the Priority Pass program.

Additional and Employee Card Members will lose their complimentary Priority Pass memberships entirely after this date

3. Stricter Access Rules: "Same Flight" and Time Limits

Amex is also tightening the logistical rules for who can enter and when.


Same-Flight Requirement: Starting July 8, 2026, all guests must be traveling on the exact same flight as the Card Member to gain entry to Centurion Lounges.Layover Window: If you are visiting a lounge during a transit, you must now arrive within five hours of your connecting flight (previously, there was often no specific time limit for transits).

Departure Only: As a reminder, "arrival access" (entering a lounge after your flight has landed at your final destination) remains unavailable.

4. Why the Changes?

If you’ve visited a Centurion Lounge in a major hub like New York or London recently, you’ve likely seen the "Lounge at Capacity" signs. These trims are designed to:

Reduce Overcrowding: By limiting guests, Amex hopes to ensure that the primary cardholders who pay the hefty annual fee actually have a place to sit.

Standardization: These rules bring international cards (like those in Australia and New Zealand) more in line with the U.S. version of the card, which moved to a "spend-to-earn" guest model years ago.

Strategy Tip: How to Keep Your Perks

If these changes disrupt your travel style, you have a few options:The $75,000 Rule: In the U.S., you can still "unlock" two complimentary guests by spending $75,000+ on your card in a calendar year.

Paid Guests: You can still bring extra friends or family for a fee (typically $50 per adult or $30 for children aged 2-17).

Delta Sky Club: Remember that Delta Sky Club access is still available when flying Delta, though it remains restricted to the Card Member only (no complimentary guests).While these "trims" are a tough pill to swallow for some, they may ultimately lead to a quieter, more premium experience for the Card Members who remain. Pack light, check your flight times, and enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts!

Note: These updates are based on current policy announcements for 2026. Always check the American Express Global Lounge Collection for the most up-to-date terms for your specific region

The Largest Raphael Exhibition in U.S. History Is Now Open At The Met — Featuring 200+ Renaissance Masterpieces From The Louvre & Beyond

Get ready to experience the breathtaking genius of this Italian Renaissance master up close when Raphael: Sublime Poetry opened March 29.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is officially hosting a landmark exhibition dedicated to Raphael, making it the very first comprehensive international loan exhibition of the artist’s work in the United States.

According to recent coverage from art publications like Hyperallergic, securing loans for Raphael’s work is notoriously difficult, which makes gathering this collection a truly historic feat for the city.

This unprecedented exhibition brings together more than 200 works.

Visitors will be treated to over 170 of the artist’s most important drawings, paintings, tapestries, and decorative arts.

These masterpieces are traveling to New York from public and private collections all over the world.

The collection explores his entire career, starting from his early origins in Urbino and moving through his highly prolific years in Florence. It finally culminates with his last decade spent at the papal court in Rome.

The massive layout unfolds roughly chronologically to trace his life and the development of his brilliant ideas.
Art news,
You will see his prodigious versatility up close, as the museum is featuring his drawings in direct relationship to paintings and works in other media.

One major highlight you absolutely cannot miss is The Virgin and Child with Infant Saint John the Baptist in a Landscape, which is widely known as The Alba Madonna.

Coming from the National Gallery of Art, this stunning piece will be united with its preparatory drawings from the Museum of Fine Arts in Lille.

You will also get to lock eyes with the famous Portrait of Baldassarre Castiglione, arriving straight from the Louvre in Paris.

Even though he lived a mere 37 years, Raphael achieved profound success as a painter, designer, and architect.

He was an unparalleled storyteller who made pioneering use of nude female models and painted incredibly sensitive portrayals of the Madonna and Child.

To really understand the scope of his work, the exhibition features a digital video projection of his monumental fresco cycles located in four rooms of the Vatican Palace. This digital display provides a fantastic sense of scale for the many related drawings featured in the galleries.

To top it all off, you can explore the art with an audio guide hosted by Academy Award-nominated actress Isabella Rossellini.

The essential details for your visit are below:

Exhibition Dates: March 29 through June 28, 2026

Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 899, The Tisch Galleries, Floor 2

https://secretnyc.co/author/corey-fuller/

Lufthansa’s New Premium On-Board Experience: FOX Launches In First Class

Lufthansa’s new premium onboard experience, FOX (Future Onboard Experience), was successfully launched in First Class on March 29. FOX represents one of the largest investments in the onboard customer experience in Lufthansa’s history. The program was developed over a two-year period, involving more than 110 test flights, and incorporating feedback from over 500 crew members and more than 9,000 guests. With its new service concept, Lufthansa is revamping all service elements and processes on board across all long-haul flights and throughout all travel classes, with First Class leading the way.

“To mark our 100th anniversary, we are redefining onboard service with FOX – in all classes and on all long-haul flights. We are investing more than 70 million euros in our long-haul service and, with it, in the customer experience. Our new offering combines outstanding comfort with the highest degree of individuality, creating moments that are truly unique. Every detail of our new onboard experience has been designed with the aim of setting new standards in premium travel – not only in First Class, but in all four travel classes,” said Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa Airlines.

New in First Class:

In addition to new tableware, a varied gourmet breakfast – including caviar upon request – and an expanded beverage menu featuring new cocktails, long drinks, and mocktails, the First Class menus are designed to deliver a memorable experience. They showcase modern, light fine dining – created by two-Michelin-starred chef Christoph Kunz. With his restaurant Komu in Munich, he is one of the defining voices of modern and creative haute cuisine. With FOX, First Class travelers enjoy a curated selection of smaller courses, presented as trilogies for the amuse-bouche, the appetizer, and the dessert. For the main course, guests have a choice to opt between a single dish or a tasting menu. Together, Christoph Kunz and Lufthansa have created a high-quality, yet surprising concept.

Aside from the new FOX menus, First Class travelers on Lufthansa will continue to enjoy the popular caviar service, which has been one of the “Lufthansa Signature Moments” since the introduction of First Class. In addition to the premium caviar served with the traditional accompaniments of lemon, egg, shallot, and crème fraîche, blinis are now also served – traditionally presented on a mother-of-pearl spoon, which is also new on board.

Lufthansa is also offering First Class guests an even more premium champagne selection. For the first time, the airline is serving the exquisite Prestige cuvée La Grande Dame from the renowned Veuve Clicquot. In addition to the rotating selection of premium champagnes, which will continue to be offered, First Class guests can now enjoy the exceptional quality of La Grande Dame on every flight.

The innovative amenity kit from BABOR completes the premium travel experience in FOX First Class. With the amenity menu, guests can individually select cosmetics and skincare products that best suit their preferences and their skin needs. The crew then brings guests the chosen products directly to their seats.

The new FOX Premium Service is now available on all long-haul flights.

England Set To Charge Foreign Tourists For Entry To Leading Museums

For over two decades, the "free for all" policy at the UK’s national museums has been a cornerstone of British culture. However, a major shift is on the horizon. Recent reports from late March 2026 indicate that the UK government is seriously exploring the introduction of entry fees for international tourists at leading institutions like the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria & Albert.

Here is a breakdown of why this is happening, what it might cost, and the heated debate it has ignited.

Why the Change?
The primary driver is financial resilience. Since the landmark policy of free admission began on December 1, 2001, visitor numbers have skyrocketed, but funding hasn't always kept pace with rising costs.
Bridging the Gap: Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the government is looking at "potential opportunities" to support the arts everywhere and ensure long-term stability for these organizations.Global Alignment: Many other world-class museums already charge tourists. For example, the Louvre in Paris and the Met in New York have long utilized tourist fees to subsidize their operations.

How Much Will It Cost?

While official prices haven't been set, early discussions suggest a range of £15 to £20 (roughly $19–$26 USD) could become the norm. This aligns with suggestions from figures like former British Museum director Sir Mark Jones, who argued that overseas visitors over 25 should contribute to the restoration and upkeep of these historic sites.

The Practical Challenge: Digital IDs

One of the biggest hurdles is how to distinguish a local from a tourist. The proposal relies heavily on a universal digital ID scheme, which would allow UK residents to prove their status and continue enjoying free entry. Critics argue that without this system, museums might inadvertently create barriers for domestic visitors who don't carry identification.

The potential introduction of entry fees for foreign tourists at England's national museums has sparked a significant debate, pitting financial necessity against the tradition of open cultural access.
The Arguments for Charging (Pro)

Economic Sustainability: Proponents, including some museum directors and government officials, argue that the "free-for-all" model is no longer sustainable. Revenue from tourists could fund essential building repairs, staffing, and regional arts programs that have seen budget cuts.

Fairness to Taxpayers: There is an argument that UK taxpayers already subsidize these institutions through their taxes. Charging overseas visitors brings the UK in line with international standards seen at the Louvre in Paris or the Met in New York.

Modernization: Supporters suggest that with a digital ID system, the transition could be seamless, ensuring locals keep their free access while those who can afford to contribute do so.

The Arguments Against Charging (Con)

The "Double Standard" of Provenance: Critics point out the irony of charging international visitors to see artifacts—such as the Parthenon Marbles or the Benin Bronzes—that were originally taken from their own home countries.

Soft Power and Tourism: Opponents fear that entry fees (estimated between £15 and £20) could deter tourists, leading to lower spending in surrounding gift shops, cafes, and local businesses, ultimately hurting the broader economy.

Logistical Barriers: There are concerns that enforcing fees would require a complex "two-tier" system. Without a streamlined digital ID, it could create long queues and friction for domestic visitors who may not have proof of residency on hand.

State Department Cuts Fee To Renounce US Citizenship By 80% To $450

The State Department has slashed by about 80% the fee for Americans to formally renounce their U.S. citizenship.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a working lunch at the Shield of the Americas Summit, Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

After years of legal battles with several groups representing Americans wanting to give up their citizenship, the department on Friday published a final rule in the Federal Register that reduces the cost from $2,350 to $450.

The new fee, which took effect on Friday, had been promised in 2023 but had never been implemented. The cost is now the same as it was when the State Department first started charging Americans to formally renounce their citizenship in 2010.

Renouncing U.S. citizenship can be an intensive and lengthy process. Applicants must repeatedly confirm in multiple written and verbal attestations to a State Department consular officer that they understand the implications of the step before being allowed to take a formal oath of renunciation. It must then be reviewed by the department.

The fee was raised from $450 to $2,350 in 2015 to cover the administrative expenses as the number of people wanting to renounce their citizenship surged in part due to new U.S. tax reporting requirements for American expatriates that angered many.

That dramatic fee increase drew significant opposition from groups such as the France-based Association of Accidental Americans, which represents people mainly living abroad whose U.S. citizenship is due purely to their having been born in the United States.

The association filed several lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the fee, including one that remains pending that argues there should be no cost at all for renouncing one’s citizenship.

“The Association of Accidental Americans welcomes this decision, which acknowledges the necessity of making this fundamental right accessible to all,” its president, Fabien Lehagre, said in a statement. “This victory is the direct result of six years of relentless legal action and advocacy.”

In court, the association said since the 2023 announcement that the fee would be reduced at least 8,755 Americans had paid the full $2,350 to renounce their citizenship. The State Department did not provide numbers for the total number of Americans who have renounced their citizenship.

https://apnews.com/author/matthew-lee

Hong Kong Restaurants Claim Top Two Spots In Asia’s 50 Best

“Culinary Capital” Title Reaffirmed with Over 200 Restaurants Listed in Internationally Acclaimed Gourmet Guides.

Following last year’s “The World’s 50 Best Bars” Award Ceremony in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) this year brought the “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026” Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong for the first time. The event today (25 March) brought together over 1,000 culinary industry representatives, renowned chefs and media worldwide. Top local Cantonese restaurant The Chairman and contemporary Cantonese restaurant Wing secured first and second places respectively on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list, once again highlighting the leading position of Hong Kong’s dining scene in Asia.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants team for selecting Hong Kong for the first time as the host city for the Awards Ceremony. This international award recognises the outstanding achievements of the culinary sector. I am very proud of Hong Kong’s remarkable accomplishments in this year’s Awards. Together with the ‘MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026’ and ‘The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide’, over 200 restaurants have been listed in these internationally acclaimed gourmet guides, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a “Culinary Capital” in Asia. We are delighted to welcome the esteemed Asian chefs and other culinary professionals attending the Awards Ceremony to Hong Kong, and we warmly invite everyone to explore the city’s unique and diverse gastronomic charm by following the master chefs’ curated recommendations featured in the citywide ‘Taste Hong Kong’ Gourmet Guide.”

Danny Yip, owner of The Chairman, said “Being named The Best Restaurant in Asia for the second time is a huge honour for our entire team, and to achieve it here in Hong Kong makes it even more meaningful. This recognition — as well as the strong results for the city on this year’s list — reflects the depth and diversity that define Hong Kong’s dining culture today. It’s a privilege to represent our city in this way and to continue sharing the traditions and stories that shape our cuisine.”

Hong Kong Leads Asia Culinary Landscape with Two Restaurants in the Top Three

Together with the previously announced extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (51th – 100th), a total of ten Hong Kong restaurants were recommended in the Asian edition of the prestigious list. These include six restaurants in the top 50: while The Chairman and Wing topped the list at first and second spots, Neighborhood (No. 24), Estro (No. 32), Caprice (No. 35), and Mono (No.46) stayed strong on the list. Four other restaurants were also featured in the extended list, namely Ta Vie (No. 68), Vea (No. 70), Andō (No. 88), and Amber (No. 90). With this stellar performance, Hong Kong reaffirmed its leading position in the regional culinary scene. The winning restaurants cover a diverse range of cuisines, demonstrating Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a melting pot of global flavours and a hub for star-rated dining establishments.

In the recently announced “Black Pearl Restaurant Guide”, the number of Hong Kong entries increased to 39, up from last year, including four first-time entries – Mosu Hong Kong, founded by three-Michelin-star South Korean chef Sung Anh; Jee, a Cantonese-French fusion restaurant; contemporary Indian restaurant Leela, and Cantonese fine-dining establishment Man Ho Chinese Restaurant. In addition, homegrown chef Vicky Cheng of Chinese-French restaurant VEA, and Terry Ho, Chef de Cuisine of French restaurant Amber, received the Master Chef Award and the Young Chef Award respectively in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, affirming the distinguished reputation of Hong Kong’s culinary talent in the Asian dining scene. In the “MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2026”, more Hong Kong establishments were awarded MICHELIN stars than in the previous year, bringing a total to 77 Michelin-starred restaurants in one destination, further demonstrating the world-class standard of the city’s culinary scene.

Top Asian Chefs and Global Media Gather in Hong Kong to Experience the City’s Culinary

Capitalising on the opportunity presented by major culinary event being hosted in Hong Kong, HKTB arranged exchanges between leading Asian chefs and renowned local culinary talent, enabling them to experience the city’s diverse gastronomic offerings and produce promotional videos dedicated to “Taste Hong Kong”. In addition, HKTB leveraged its global network to invite media representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and other key markets to visit Hong Kong. In addition to attending the award ceremony for media coverage of the event, HKTB curated a series of immersive culinary experiences to fully showcase Hong Kong’s unique charm as a Culinary Capital.

Highlights of the itinerary included engaging with local master chef Vicky Cheng to gain firsthand insight into his exceptional culinary skills and cooking philosophy; participating in a dim sum workshop led by master chef Wong Lung-to, Executive Chef of Forum Restaurant, to learn how to make classic Cantonese dim sum such as siu mai (Cantonese pork dumplings) and har gow (shrimp dumplings); and joining an egg tart baking workshop. Media representatives were also invited to dine at several listed restaurants and visit emerging bars to experience Hong Kong’s diverse food and beverage culture in full. Through in-depth media coverage, the media trip will help promote Hong Kong’s distinctive culinary appeal to audiences worldwide, attracting more visitors to explore “Taste Hong Kong” and further consolidating the city’s status as a Culinary Capital.

11 Exclusive Collaborative Signature Sessions around the Awards Ceremony to Share Hong Kong’s Gastronomic Experiences

To encourage locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the award ceremony, HKTB partnered with the organiser for the first time this year to invite 40 internationally renowned and local award-winning restaurants to present 11 limited-time collaborative Signature Sessions covering various global cuisines, bringing multiple tasting surprises to locals and visitors. The events attracted many locals and visitors, allowing everyone to experience the charm of global cuisines converging in Hong Kong at a single table.

Full results of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026:

https://www.theworlds50best.com/asia/en/list/1-50