AUTHOR: Tom Bell

Tom is the former host/producer of the Disneyland Edition podcast and is currently the co-host of the Connecting With Walt podcast, plus is also providing Disneyland content from the parks. He enjoys traveling with friends and spending time with family, including his son and grandson. In his spare time he volunteers with Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts, and helped found his son's former Cub Scout Pack. His favorite Disneyland attraction is Space Mountain.

Walt Disney World Water Parks Closed Until at Least March 7, 2021

By Tom Bell | Published September 17, 2020

Walt Disney World has updated their website to indicate that they don’t plan to open their water parks until March 7, 2021. Disney says that, pending government approval, either Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, will open in March. In light of the extended closure, Disney is processing a partial refund to Annual Passholders … Walt Disney World Water Parks Closed Until at Least March 7, 2021

Expansion at Tokyo Disneyland, Including Two New Attractions, Opens September 28

By Tom Bell | Published September 17, 2020 | Updated September 26, 2020

UPDATE 09/26/20: With the opening just days away, Tokyo Disneyland is sharing a look behind-the-scenes with some of the Imagineers that helped create the Park’s largest expansion. Source: Disney Parks Blog The Tokyo Disney Resort has announced that the largest expansion in the history of Tokyo Disneyland will officially open on September 28th. The new … Expansion at Tokyo Disneyland, Including Two New Attractions, Opens September 28

The Mandalorian, black-ish, and National Geographic Win 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards

By Tom Bell | Published September 17, 2020 | Updated September 20, 2020

UPDATE 09/19:20: The Disney+ breakout hit, The Mandalorian, has won another 2 Emmys, this time for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie, and Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score). Ludwig Göransson was the composer. Those interested in learning more about Göransson’s process during the creation of the … The Mandalorian, black-ish, and National Geographic Win 2020 Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Adventures By Disney Extends Cancellations Through November 30

By Tom Bell | Published September 16, 2020 | Updated September 24, 2020

UPDATE: Adventures By Disney has cancelled the Southern California Adventure for November 8th. There are still two Adventures remaining in November. Adventures By Disney has extended the cancellation of most itineraries, including river cruises, through November 30th. Currently, the Disneyland Resort and Southern California Adventure (Backstage Magic) is only cancelled through the end of October. … Adventures By Disney Extends Cancellations Through November 30

WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney Now Selling Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise

By Tom Bell | Published September 15, 2020

For Disneyland fans wanting a bit of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge merchandise even though the theme parks are still closed, there is some good news today with the new Star Wars Trading Post taking over WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney. WonderGround Gallery presents Star Wars Trading Post opened today with a variety of merchandise from … WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney Now Selling Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Merchandise

California Attractions and Parks Association Calls on State to Reopen Theme Parks

By Tom Bell | Published September 14, 2020 | Updated September 19, 2020

UPDATE 09/16/20: Officials from the Disneyland Resort itself are now adding their voices in expressing their disappointment in the progress that the state of California is making when it comes to new guidelines for theme parks. Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock had this to say: We are disappointed with the state’s lack of progress in … California Attractions and Parks Association Calls on State to Reopen Theme Parks

Walt Disney World to Shift Hours for Epcot, Park Opening at Noon Starting Nov. 27

By Tom Bell | Published September 11, 2020

Walt Disney World continues to experiment with theme park hours and has now shifted the opening hours for Epcot beginning November 27th, just after Thanksgiving. According to the Walt Disney World website, Epcot will be open from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on November 27-28, 2020. Official information is not available beyond November 28th, so it’s difficult … Walt Disney World to Shift Hours for Epcot, Park Opening at Noon Starting Nov. 27

Florida Bars Allowed to Reopen September 14 at 50% Capacity

By Tom Bell | Published September 11, 2020

Halsey Beshears, Florida’s Secretary of Department of Business & Professional Regulation, announced Thursday evening that bars in Florida can reopen on Monday, September 14th at 50% capacity. Beshears rescinded his June 26th emergency order suspending on premises consumption of alcohol statewide. The order was eventually amended to allow bars that served food to remain in … Florida Bars Allowed to Reopen September 14 at 50% Capacity

Walt Disney World Offering Florida Residents a 20% Discount on Merchandise

By Tom Bell | Published September 10, 2020

The Walt Disney World Resort has announced that Florida residents can receive a 20% merchandise discount on select days starting September 15th. The discount will be good at Disney-owned locations throughout the resort Mondays through Thursdays until October 29th. Some exclusions apply, including gift cards, tickets, outdoor vending, some artwork, and certain brand named items. … Walt Disney World Offering Florida Residents a 20% Discount on Merchandise

Disneyland Cancels Their 2020 Candlelight Processional