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.

Two NBA Players Test Positive for COVID-19 While in Quarantine ‘Bubble’ at Walt Disney World

By Tom Bell | Published July 13, 2020

The NBA has confirmed that two of the 322 players at the NBA Campus in Walt Disney World have tested positive for COVID-19. The two players were never out of quarantine and have now returned home or to isolation housing. In testing that happened prior to arriving at the NBA Campus, 19 NBA players tested … Two NBA Players Test Positive for COVID-19 While in Quarantine ‘Bubble’ at Walt Disney World

Disney+ Honored by the American Council of the Blind for Their Audio Description Tracks

By Tom Bell | Published July 13, 2020

Disney+ has received an award from the American Council of the Blind (ACB) for their commitment to adding audio description tracks to original programming. The ACB, which works to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity and quality of life for blind and visually impaired people, honored Disney+ with the 2020 Achievement Award in Audio … Disney+ Honored by the American Council of the Blind for Their Audio Description Tracks

California Closes Gyms, Salons, and Indoor Malls in Some Counties, Plus Bars & Indoor Restaurants Statewide

By Tom Bell | Published July 13, 2020

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced two new directives today that will close more businesses throughout the state. First, Newsom has now ordered the closure of all bars and indoor seating at restaurants across the entire state of California. The order also includes movie theaters, card rooms, museums, wineries, family entertainment centers, and indoor areas at … California Closes Gyms, Salons, and Indoor Malls in Some Counties, Plus Bars & Indoor Restaurants Statewide

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Will Use a Virtual Queue When it Reopens

By Tom Bell | Published July 10, 2020

Walt Disney World has just confirmed that when Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopens on July 15th, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will once again be utilizing a virtual queue to control crowds. Disney had initially said that virtual queues would not be used. Guests with Disney Park Pass reservations will have three opportunities to access … Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Will Use a Virtual Queue When it Reopens

FuelRod Settles Class-Action Lawsuit With New Founders Program

By Tom Bell | Published July 10, 2020

FuelRod, which offered guests “free unlimited” swaps on portable chargers, has resolved a class-action lawsuit brought about by their intent to begin charging for swaps. The terms of the agreement include the creation of a “Founders” status, which will allow existing customers to continue to receive free, unlimited swaps. FuelRod portable charging kiosks are available … FuelRod Settles Class-Action Lawsuit With New Founders Program

Walt Disney World Will Resume 2020 Ticket Sales and Resort Hotel Bookings July 9

By Tom Bell | Published July 8, 2020

Starting July 9th, guests will once again be able to book Walt Disney World Resort hotel stays and purchase theme park tickets. Ticket sales and bookings had been temporarily “paused” in order to focus on existing bookings and ticket holders. Look for tickets and various resort hotel bookings to be released at different times throughout … Walt Disney World Will Resume 2020 Ticket Sales and Resort Hotel Bookings July 9

Disneyland to Release 65th Anniversary Merchandise Collection

By Tom Bell | Published July 8, 2020 | Updated July 9, 2020

UPDATE 07/09/20: It also appears that much of the merchandise is available at World of Disney starting today. Despite Disneyland Park not being open on July 17th, the Disneyland Resort will still celebrate the park’s 65th anniversary with a new merchandise collection. The items will be available for purchase online starting July 14th at 10am … Disneyland to Release 65th Anniversary Merchandise Collection

Disneyland Resort Shares List of Downtown Disney Shops & Restaurants Set to Reopen July 9

By Tom Bell | Published July 8, 2020 | Updated September 14, 2020

UPDATE 09/14/20: Sprinkles reopened today, just in time to serve their Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcake. Image: Disneyland UPDATE 08/19/20: La Brea Bakery has reopened using the La Brea Bakery Express counter and their large patio. UPDATE 08/12/20: Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and Jazz Kitchen Express are now open. The list below has been updated. UPDATE: … Disneyland Resort Shares List of Downtown Disney Shops & Restaurants Set to Reopen July 9

Disneyland Resort Ambassador Team Will Continue to Serve an Additional Year

By Tom Bell | Published July 7, 2020

Today, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced on Instagram that the current Disneyland Resort Ambassador team will continue serving in their roles a third year, continuing through January 1, 2022. The 2019-2020 Disneyland Ambassadors Justin Rapp and Rafa Barron were to have ended their time as Ambassadors this December. View this post on Instagram I … Disneyland Resort Ambassador Team Will Continue to Serve an Additional Year

Walt Disney World Confirms Opening Dates for Monorail, Ferry and Skyliner

By Tom Bell | Published July 4, 2020 | Updated July 7, 2020

Disney Parks posted today confirming the opening schedule for some of the Walt Disney World Resort transportation options, including the Monorail system, ferry boats, and Disney Skyliner. Both the Monorail and ferry boats will be back in action on July 7th, prior to the opening of Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom on July 11th. … Walt Disney World Confirms Opening Dates for Monorail, Ferry and Skyliner