Teachers And Educators Save 20% At Disney Springs® Resort Area Hotels This Summer

In appreciation of the hard work and dedication of teachers and educators, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offers a 20% savings during the summer break season. This special offer is available to book now through Aug. 15 for stays May 27 through Sept. 2, 2024 based on availability. Some blackout dates may apply, and availability may be limited. The rates do not include Resort Service Fees or daily parking fees (if applicable), taxes, or gratuities.

The teachers and educators offer is exclusively available through the promotion website at https://disneyspringshotels.com/teachers/ and is not valid with any other special offers, promotions, existing reservations, or groups.

Stay Steps from the Most Magical Place on Earth

Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels include B Resort & Spa, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista. All Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are conveniently located at Walt Disney World Resort with spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, dining, and recreation offerings.

Each resort is an Official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel and is within walking distance of the area's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment via the pedestrian sky bridge to Disney Springs.

New Experiences to Celebrate Summer at Walt Disney World

Summertime at The Most Magical Place On Earth is going to be extra magical this year. Join the party in The Big Easy when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom. Plus, four new, limited-time summer celebrations are happening across Walt Disney World Resort. Read more on the Disney Parks Blog.

At Disney Springs, drones take to the skies above Lake Buena Vista with “Disney Dreams That Soar,” a summertime experience that will be a late-night perk for visitors. “You can fly” takes on a whole new meaning to showcase Disney stories celebrating the joy of flight with state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create designs in the sky and paired with a “soaring” musical score and memorable movie quotes. After spending a day delighting in shopping, discovering fun activities, and savoring diverse flavors at Disney Springs, guests can turn their eyes to the skies above the West Side with a show amongst the stars. “Disney Dreams That Soar” will run nightly from May 24 through Sept. 2.

Guests of Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels receive additional benefits to add value to their Orlando vacation experience including:

Complimentary transportation – Daily bus shuttle service is available to all Walt Disney World Theme Parks for Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests. Individual hotel shuttle schedules vary.

Early Access – Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels guests enjoy even more magic with exclusive 30-minute early entry to any theme park every day.

Golf - Tee times can be booked up to 90 days in advance with discounts on greens fees and rental equipment to play on all four Walt Disney World Golf courses.

Passport to Savings booklet that features exclusive discounts and special offers from select Disney Springs restaurants, shops, and kiosks.

Guests can purchase tickets including Walt Disney World® Tickets with Park Hopper options and enjoy special events.

**Entertainment offerings are subject to change without notice. Admission to Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks and select special events require a separately priced ticket valid only during specific event dates and hours. Inclement weather conditions may also affect outdoor entertainment.

Consumer Groups Push Congress To Uphold Automatic Refunds For Airline Passengers

Consumer groups are pushing Congress to uphold automatic refunds for airline passengers whose flights are canceled or delayed for several hours.

Just last week, the Transportation Department announced a rule requiring airlines to pay quick and automatic refunds. President Joe Biden touted the rule, posting on X this week, “It’s time airline passengers got the cash refunds they’re owed, without having to jump through hoops.”

But eight words in a 1,069-page bill that the Senate began debating Wednesday would keep the burden for refunds on consumers. The bill says airlines must pay refunds only “upon written or electronic request of the passenger.”

Consumer advocates say travelers will lose money without automatic refunds.

“How many average air travelers know what the (refund) rules are? How many of them know how to go about filing a claim?” said William McGee, a consumer advocate at the American Economic Liberties Project, a group skeptical of large corporations, including airlines. “The percentages are so low that the airlines sit on a tremendous amount of money that is never refunded because nobody asks.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said the bill’s wording around refunds “would be a gift to the airlines, who know many travelers won’t have the time or resources to navigate the bureaucratic process they designed.”

The eight words are not new. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., included them in the bill she introduced last June to reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration programs for five years, and an amendment to strip them out failed in the Senate Commerce Committee, which Cantwell chairs.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said this week that his department has good legal authority for its rule on automatic refunds. However, John Breyault, an advocate with the National Consumers League, said the language in the new bill could make it easier for airlines to block automatic refunds in court.

Airlines for America, a trade group for the largest U.S. carriers, has opposed automatic refunds from the beginning — as it opposes almost any effort to tell airlines how to conduct their business. The trade group argued that airlines should be able to offer to put a stranded traveler on a different flight or give them frequent-flyer points — and pay a refund only if the customer rejected those offers.

The trade group declined to comment Wednesday.

Refunds are emerging as one of the most controversial provisions in the massive $105 billion FAA bill. A fight also is likely over a provision to allow 10 more flights per day at busy Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C.

Consumer groups generally favor the bill, which triples maximum fines for airlines that violate consumer protections, requires airlines to let families sit together at no extra charge, and requires that airline travel vouchers be good for at least five years. It also would write into law another new rule from the Transportation Department, which defines a significant delay — one that could lead to a refund — as three hours for domestic flights and six for international flights.

They didn’t get other items they wanted, however, including minimum seat sizes and more authority for the government to regulate airline schedules and fees.

The bill includes a number of safety-related measures in response to a series of close calls between planes at the nation’s airports. It will allow the FAA to increase the number of air traffic controllers and safety inspectors and to equip more airports with technology designed to prevent collisions between planes on runways.

BY DAVID KOENIG

Travelore News: Senators Want Limits On The Government’s Use Of Facial Recognition Technology For Airport Screening

A bipartisan group of senators is pushing for restrictions on the use of facial recognition technology by the Transportation Security Administration, saying they are concerned about travelers’ privacy and civil liberties.

In a letter on Thursday, the group of 14 lawmakers called on Senate leaders to use the upcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration as a vehicle to limit TSA’s use of the technology so Congress can put in place some oversight.

“This technology poses significant threats to our privacy and civil liberties, and Congress should prohibit TSA’s development and deployment of facial recognition tools until rigorous congressional oversight occurs,” the senators wrote.

The effort, led by Sens. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., John Kennedy, R-La., and Roger Marshall, R-Kan., “would halt facial recognition technology at security checkpoints, which has proven to improve security effectiveness, efficiency, and the passenger experience,” TSA said in a statement.

The technology is currently in use at 84 airports around the country and is planned to expand in the coming years to the roughly 430 covered by TSA.

The FAA reauthorization is one of the last must-pass bills of this Congress. The agency regulates airlines and aircraft manufacturers and manages the nation’s airspace.

TSA, which is part of the Homeland Security Department, has been rolling out the facial recognition technology at select airports in a pilot project. Travelers put their driver’s license into a slot that reads the card or they place their passport photo against a card reader. Then they look at a camera on a screen about the size of an iPad that captures their image and compares it to their ID. The technology is checking to make sure that travelers at the airport match the ID they present and that the identification is real. A TSA officer signs off on the screening.

The agency says the system improves accuracy of identity verification without slowing passenger speeds at checkpoints. The technology is not being used as a surveillance tool to compile a database or monitor people in and around the checkpoints, according to the TSA. It says the photos and IDs are deleted after the passenger goes through the checkpoint.

Passengers can opt out, although David Pekoske, the TSA administrator, said last year that eventually biometrics would be required because they are more effective and efficient. He gave no timeline.

Critics have raised questions about how the data is collected, who has access to it, and what happens if there is a hack. Privacy advocates are concerned about possible bias in the algorithms and say it is not clear enough to passengers that they do not have to submit to facial recognition.

“It is clear that we are at a critical juncture,” the senators wrote. “The scope of the government’s use of facial recognition on Americans will expand exponentially under TSA’s plans with little to no public discourse or congressional oversight.”

https://apnews.com/author/rebecca-santana

Travelore Tips: Southwest Airlines Launches Wanna Go Wednesdays For Last-Minute Deals

Southwest Airlines Co. is making Wednesdays a little more fun with "Wanna Go Wednesdays" for Customers looking to get away or book a last-minute trip. Starting today, May 1, Customers can visit Southwest.com each Wednesday to take advantage of the airline's low fares for their next getaway.

"Customers have a whole new reason to look forward to the weekdays. Wanna Go Wednesdays is a new weekly program that allows Customers to book the latest low fares on routes that are still available for last-minute bookings," said Jennifer Bridie, Vice President Marketing Communications & Strategy at Southwest Airlines. "We think this is a great way to highlight some spontaneous travel destinations at low fares for our Customers."

Sample fares and routes Customers can expect to see on Wednesday, May 1 are:

As low as $69 one-way nonstop between Las Vegas and Long Beach, Calif. As low as $89 one-way nonstop between Denver and Phoenix As low as $89 one-way nonstop between Dallas (Love Field) and New Orleans, As low as $109 one-way nonstop between Baltimore/Washington (BWI) and Detroit As low as $109 one-way nonstop between Atlanta and Orlando

Visit Southwest.com each Wednesday for the latest low fares.

Visit Philadelphia Debuts "Common Threads" To Celebrate AAPI Heritage

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Visit Philadelphia has launched the latest installment in its In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union series, this time celebrating Philadelphia’s vibrant and diverse AAPI community.

Entitled “Common Threads,” the eight-part video series focuses on how participants celebrate and honor significant cultural holidays and family traditions. The first video showcases all of the interviewees, followed by seven videos highlighting individuals who identify as a member of one of the largest-represented AAPI cultural backgrounds in Philadelphia, according to Census data. Those include Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, Hawaiian and Japanese.

“With over 120,000 Philadelphians identifying as members of the AAPI community, this video series highlights the breadth and diversity of our city’s AAPI community and the various ways in which they keep their traditions and heritage alive in our city,” says Angela Val, president and CEO at Visit Philadelphia. “By featuring their stories alongside the neighborhoods and landmarks throughout Philadelphia that honor the AAPI community, we aim to ensure visitors and residents from all cultural backgrounds feel welcome and at home here.”

In each of the videos, participants speak to their own unique experiences, as well as the "common threads" uniting these diverse groups: family, traditions and finding a home in Philadelphia. Those sentiments inspired the namesake for this series.

Visit Philadelphia collaborated with local AAPI leaders and organizations, including the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, to identify participants for the videos, which were filmed at culturally significant neighborhoods and landmarks throughout Philadelphia. Each participant selected the filming location for their respective video.

Details for each video are as follows:

Kazumi Teune, executive director at Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, is seen at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center speaking about the Cherry Blossom Festival. Teune identifies as Japanese.

Kiki Aranita, who identifies as Hawaiian and Chinese, is a chef, food writer and sauce entrepreneur. Her video was filmed at Herman’s Coffee, which carries her sauce products, and she discusses Lei Day.

Visit Philadelphia Director of Design Sindoor Shah, plus her husband Alok and their son Neev, who identify as Indian, discuss Holi while exploring the Festival of Colors at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Hospitality consultant Roland Bui, who identifies as Vietnamese, is filmed at Hung Vuong Market. In his interview, he explores Tết (Lunar New Year).

Travel blogger Samantha Elisabeth, who identifies as Chinese, is seen at the Chinatown Friendship Gate speaking about Lunar New Year.

Drag performer Yari, who identifies as Filipino, shares about Araw ng mga patay (All Saints’ Day) on set under the Philippine flag on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Digital creator David Wesolowski, who identifies as Korean, takes to Kimchi House to talk about Seollal (Lunar New Year).

“With nearly 50 ethnic groups and 100-plus languages represented in AAPI Heritage Month, we knew it would be a challenge to create a meaningful series that would resonate with such a wide audience,” said Neil Frauenglass, chief marketing officer at Visit Philadelphia. “But in all of our conversations and research, we were consistently reminded of the importance of traditions and celebrations for all members of the community. Our video series shows the birthplace of America as a welcoming destination that values and honors AAPI culture in May and all year long.”

The videos will roll out at a twice-per-week cadence throughout May on Visit Philadelphia’s Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube channels.

“Common Threads” serves as the fourth installment of In Pursuit of A More Perfect Union, a compelling series developed by Visit Philadelphia that showcases the city as the premier welcoming and inclusive destination in the U.S. Previous installments include Drag Queen Storytime at Independence Hall, Hispanic Voices and the Little Free(dom) Library.

As the official destination marketing organization for the city, Visit Philadelphia works to honor the nation’s history, while also acknowledging that the Founding Fathers’ vision of America does not reflect how many of our values have evolved over time.

To learn more about “Common Threads,” please visit visitphilly.com/commonthreads.

Jewish American Heritage Month Starts May 1st Combating Antisemitism

This May, Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) will celebrate the inspiring history of Jewish Americans, serving as an antidote to antisemitism by amplifying the true, joyful, and powerful stories of Jewish life in America.

Designated each May by Presidential Proclamation, JAHM is powered by Philadelphia’s Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (The Weitzman) and a national coalition of more than 200 cultural, educational, religious, advocacy organizations, museums, and library systems across the country.

“Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity for organizations and people of all backgrounds to learn and celebrate the integral role Jewish Americans have played in shaping our nation over the past four centuries,” said the Weitzman’s president and CEO, Dr. Misha Galperin. “The awareness-building and normalizing of American Jews that happens through JAHM is critical in educating against antisemitism. We encourage individuals, families, communities, businesses, and institutions to join us in countering antisemitism through celebration, education, solidarity, and allyship.”

JAHM Engagement

The website JewishAmericanHeritage.org serves as JAHM’s central hub. Stories on the JAHM website offer learning opportunities about who Jews are and how they have shaped and been shaped by America across nearly four centuries.

Visitors to the site have access to a free electronic toolkit with fresh content and resources, including a resource guide, posters, and downloadable social posts. The hashtags #MyJAHM and #OurSharedHeritage drive social media users to post their own content about how they celebrate Jewish American heritage and culture.

Free Educational Offerings

Teachers can sign up for free professional development sessions to learn about bringing age-appropriate JAHM lessons into classrooms. Also available are free lesson plans, teaching ideas, reading lists, and more resources. Learn more and sign up here at: https://jewishamericanheritage.org/for-educators/#professional-development

JAHM Programming

JAHM 2024 will feature a series of its own signature events and will also highlight the work of its national community partners throughout May. Much of the programming will be presented in person and online in an effort to serve a broad, national audience.

May 1, 3 p.m. (ET): JAHM Across the Aisle – Bipartisan Discussion with Former Members of Congress

May 7: JAHM Congressional Luncheon; invitation only, open to the Press

May 15, 6 p.m. (ET): Jewish American Heritage Concert from the Nation’s Capital
L
ive on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage and Live Streamed

Featuring Frank London’s Klezmer Brass Allstars (Eastern European Ashkenazi music), Susana Behar (Sephardic music), Yosef Goldman and Yoni Battat (Mizrahi music from Yemen, Syria, and Iraq)

May 16, 6 p.m. (ET): “My Life in Recipes” by Joan Nathan Book Release in conversation with Mike Solomonov

Live at The Weitzman and Live Streamed

A new cookbook from the best-selling and award-winning author that uses recipes to look back at her life and family history

May 21: Ben Shneiderman in conversation with Sandee Brawarsky

Live Streamed

Shneiderman contributed to the creation of the hyperlink; the Museum currently has a web exhibition dedicated to his family’s outsized impact on 20th century communications and technology

JAHM’s History

JAHM began as an effort by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders. Through the bi-partisan efforts of Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and the late Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, JAHM was established in 2006 by President George W. Bush to honor the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to educate all Americans. It’s been continued every year since then by Presidential Proclamation. Other notable milestones include the formation of a national advisory committee in 2007 to drive the effort forward; NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman, a New Jersey native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, carrying the original JAHM proclamation into space in 2010, and President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama hosting the first-ever White House reception in honor of JAHM that same year. In 2018, The Weitzman became the home of JAHM and now leads the nationwide effort.

Jewish American Heritage Month is made possible in part with support from The David Berg Foundation and these national partners, including the Recording Academy and American Association of School Librarians, which are new partners for 2024.

Visit JewishAmericanHeritage.org to learn more.

Hotel Matilda: The Premier Destination For Solo Travelers In San Miguel De Allende

Hotel Matilda, the leading boutique hotel in the heart of San Miguel de Allende's Centro Historico, is perfectly positioned as the ultimate sanctuary for solo travelers. With a vibe that is equal parts chic and eclectic. Hotel Matilda, voted the No. 1 Hotel in Mexico, offers a haven of comfort and luxury with easy access to all that San Miguel de Allende has to offer as it’s located on the famous street Aldama, one of the most photographed streets in Mexico.

A Solo Traveler's Oasis

For the intrepid solo traveler, Hotel Matilda is more than just a place to rest; itis a destination in itself. The hotel's contemporary design and artistic flair create its own lifestyle. Guests of Hotel Matilda are those who appreciate contemporary art, sophisticated accommodations, international gourmet dining, personalized spa experiences, and a central location.

Prime Location in the Heart of San Miguel de Allende

Speaking of location, Hotel Matilda's prime location places guests right in the center of the action. Just out the front door of the hotel, guests are within walking distance of San Miguel de Allende's main attractions. Think the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, the bustling Jardin Principal, and so much more. Solo travelers will find themselves at the epicenter of the vibrant city's cultural tapestry when they call Hotel Matilda home.

Unmatched Access

Solo travelers will appreciate the diversity and cultural opportunities that San Miguel de Allende has to offer. The city is rich with art, history, and culinary delights. Whether strolling through the charming cobblestone streets, exploring the city's art galleries, or savoring the menus at some of the best restaurants in Mexico, solo travelers at Hotel Matilda will find themselves perfectly positioned to immerse themselves in one of Mexico's top cities.

San Miguel de Allende’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a treasure trove of architectural gems. Solo travelers can wander through centuries-old churches, admire ornate facades, and discover hidden courtyards, all within walking distance of Hotel Matilda.

A culinary paradise, the city hums with a diverse array of dining options, serving everything from street tacos to upscale, haute cuisine. Solo travelers can perch up on a bar stool or admire the views from one of the many rooftop restaurants and bars across the city.

Beyond its bustling streets and lively atmosphere, San Miguel de Allende is a wonderful destination for tranquility and reflection. Solo travelers can find solace in the city's many parks and plazas, as well as walking trails in El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden.

San Miguel de Allende is one of the warmest and friendliest destinations in Mexico, as well. Solo travelers will feel welcomed with open arms, whether chatting with locals in the city, joining a cooking class, or meeting other travelers.

A Sanctuary of Comfort and Luxury

Of course, travelers don't have to go very far to enjoy the very best that Hotel Matilda has to offer. Solo travelers will check into one of the hotel's well-appointed rooms and suites for a serene escape, complete with plush amenities like Malin + Goetz bath products, Egyptian cotton sheets, and bathrooms with shower-tub combinations.

Solo travelers who like a little extra space can book the Owner's Suite A, with 570square feet of space. Amenities here include a private terrace, Pineda Covalin amenities, and a bar with a selection of top-shelf brands.

One of the core pillars of Hotel Matilda is its commitment to the arts. The hotel hosts a private collection of contemporary Latin art, with works by Angelo Musco, Diego Rivera, Luis Barra, Betsabee Romero, and many others. Art is afocal point of the property, with pieces on display throughout the hotel.

Creativity goes beyond what’s on the walls at Hotel Matilda and straight into its services for guests. On-site restaurant Moxi is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Vicente Torres, a veritable artist in his own right. He serves a menu that draws heavily from locally sourced ingredients and small producers. Foodies will want to book the Tasting Menu, a six-course masterpiece menu designed by Chef Torres.

After a day of exploration, solo travelers can indulge in Space, the hotel's legendary spa. Here, the specialties are influenced by five points of wellness: Energy, Focus, Recovery, Radiance, and Decompression. Book from a list of massages and facials, or explore one of the hotel's signature treatments, like its specialized HydraFacial Matilda, or a Lineal Treat body treatment that harnesses the power of Mezcal.

Perfectly Designed for Solo Travelers

For solo travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in San Miguel de Allende, Hotel Matilda stands out as the premier choice. With its prime location, unmatched access to the city's treasures, and commitment to excellence inhospitality, Hotel Matilda invites solo adventurers to embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation.

Experience the ultimate spa and wellness retreat this summer at Hotel Matilda in San Miguel de Allende. For more information and reservations, visit www.hotelmatilda.com.