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.

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

Walt Disney World Cast Member Charged With Grand Theft, Issued $100K in Fake Refunds

By Tom Bell | Published July 1, 2020

A former Walt Disney World Cast Member has been charged with first-degree grand theft after allegedly issuing $100,000 in fake refunds to herself, family, and friends. Jennifer Alejandra Insuasti, 32, most recently worked as a Guest Services Coordinator from March 2016 to July 2018. She handled guests complaints and had the ability to offer free … Walt Disney World Cast Member Charged With Grand Theft, Issued $100K in Fake Refunds

California Governor Shuts Down Bars and Indoor Restaurant Operations in Orange County

By Tom Bell | Published July 1, 2020

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the closure of indoor restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and more in Orange County and several other counties around the state. This weekend, Gov. Newsom closed bars in several counties after COVID-19 cases were seen increasing, but today’s announcement is more widespread, affecting 19 counties and more indoor operations. The … California Governor Shuts Down Bars and Indoor Restaurant Operations in Orange County

Lawsuit Over Disability Access Policy Decided in Disney’s Favor

By Tom Bell | Published July 1, 2020

A federal judge reached a decision recently in one of several lawsuits regarding the disability access policy at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort, ruling that to allow any exceptions to the current policy would lead to “fraud and overuse.” This particular lawsuit against Walt Disney World was filed in 2014 by Donna Lorman, … Lawsuit Over Disability Access Policy Decided in Disney’s Favor