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.

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 29, 2020

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’

By Tom Bell | Published June 26, 2020

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 26, 2020

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 26, 2020

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 25, 2020 | Updated November 9, 2020

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 24, 2020 | Updated July 22, 2020

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 24, 2020

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

Disneyland Unions Ask California Governor to Delay Reopening

By Tom Bell | Published June 19, 2020

This week, a union group representing 17,000 Disneyland Resort Cast Members sent a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom expressing their concerns over “Disney’s rapid timetable” for reopening. While the Disneyland Resort issued a plan for a phase reopening beginning July 9th, the plan for the theme parks is still awaiting government approval. The Coalition … Disneyland Unions Ask California Governor to Delay Reopening

Orange County Mayor Issues Order Requiring Face Masks

By Tom Bell | Published June 18, 2020

Orange County (Florida) Mayor Jerry L. Demings just announced that he will be signing an executive order requiring face masks for all residents beginning Saturday, June 20th. Demings said the order will be in effect indefinitely, adding that “we do not want to experience another shutdown in our community.” Demings also said that there could … Orange County Mayor Issues Order Requiring Face Masks

College Athlete Sues Walt Disney World for Missed Season Following Scooter Accident

By Tom Bell | Published June 18, 2020

A college athlete filed a lawsuit recently in Orange Circuit Court claiming that an ECV accident at Disney’s Hollywood Studios caused him to miss his basketball season. The lawsuit against Walt Disney World claims that scooters are allowed to be driven too close to pedestrians. It also says that guests using Disney-owned scooters are not … College Athlete Sues Walt Disney World for Missed Season Following Scooter Accident