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

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

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

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

Cirque du Soleil Files for Bankruptcy, ‘Drawn to Life’ Could Still Debut this Fall in Disney Springs

Cirque du Soleil, which produces 44 shows around the world…including the upcoming Drawn to Life in Disney Springs, has filed for bankruptcy protection. A move which will reduce the company’s debt load, making it more attractive to investors. The Canadian company announced today that it is seeking debt restructuring under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act Cirque du Soleil Files for Bankruptcy, ‘Drawn to Life’ Could Still Debut this Fall in Disney Springs

Walt Disney Studios Once Again Delays Release of Live-Action ‘Mulan’

After already being delayed once, Walt Disney Studios has again moved the release date for the live-action version of Mulan. The film is now set to hit theaters August 21st. Studios’ co-chairmen Alan Horn and Alan Bergen said of the announcement: While the pandemic has changed our release plans for ‘Mulan’ and we will continue Walt Disney Studios Once Again Delays Release of Live-Action ‘Mulan’

Orlando International Airport Reminds Travelers of Face Covering Requirements in Orange County

As theme parks start to reopen and more people prepare to fly to the Central Florida area, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) is reminding travelers that face coverings are required whenever they are in public, including MCO. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ executive order, which went into effect last weekend, says that every person who Orlando International Airport Reminds Travelers of Face Covering Requirements in Orange County

D23 Postpones Destination D: Fantastic Worlds Event Scheduled for November at Walt Disney World

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced that they are postponing their Destination D: Fantastic Worlds event, which was to have been held November 20-22 at Walt Disney World. The three-day event was to have honored Disney’s many magical places, from extraordinary to fantastical. D23 has said that the event will take place in D23 Postpones Destination D: Fantastic Worlds Event Scheduled for November at Walt Disney World

Disneyland Resort Pushes Back Reopening for Theme Parks and Hotels

Current Hotel Information (Updated 11/9/20): Guests with reservations through December 31, 2020 are being advised to modify or cancel their reservation. The Disneyland Resort just announced that Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure will not reopen on July 17th as anticipated. The reopening of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Disneyland Resort Pushes Back Reopening for Theme Parks and Hotels

Disneyland Resort Announces California Sole Coming to Downtown Disney This Summer

UPDATE 07/22/20: California Sole has opened their Downtown Disney location. Source: @DisneylandToday The Disneyland Resort has announced a new footwear store will open in Downtown Disney later this summer. The rebranding of Sanuk is called California Sole and will feature a fresh and modern look, with iconic shoe and sandal brands. California Sole won’t open Disneyland Resort Announces California Sole Coming to Downtown Disney This Summer

Florida Sees Largest Daily Gain in COVID-19 Cases, Three States Announce Quarantine on Visitors From Florida

UPDATE: Despite the latest numbers from the Department of Health, Orange County officials have no plans to block the reopening of Walt Disney World theme parks. According to a county spokesperson, “that decision rests with Disney officials and the governor.” Source: @CristinaAlesci/CNN The Florida Department of Health reported an additional 5,508 cases of coronavirus on Florida Sees Largest Daily Gain in COVID-19 Cases, Three States Announce Quarantine on Visitors From Florida