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.

Disney Employees Create Video Featuring Their Stories of Racial Inequality

By Tom Bell | Published June 13, 2020

Today, Disney shared a powerful video put together by a group of employees sharing their personal stories of racial inequality in our country. Disney says that the video highlights the “need for greater understanding, unity and action.” Disney continues: “We believe that Black lives matter and that this message is one that everyone should hear. … Disney Employees Create Video Featuring Their Stories of Racial Inequality

Disney Sues Over 2019 Walt Disney World Property Tax Assessments

By Tom Bell | Published June 12, 2020

Disney has once again sued Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh over property taxes, this time for the 2019 assessments on Walt Disney World theme parks, resorts, and other buildings. Currently there are dozens of cases pending in Orange Circuit Court going back to 2016. Beth Watson, spokesperson for Singh’s office, claims in a statement … Disney Sues Over 2019 Walt Disney World Property Tax Assessments

Face Masks Recommended, But No Longer Required in Orange County, California

By Tom Bell | Published June 11, 2020 | Updated June 18, 2020

UPDATE 06/18/20: California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order today requiring face masks in all public areas and high risk settings. The new state-wide rules will override those of Orange County. Newsom said in his statement: Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we … Face Masks Recommended, But No Longer Required in Orange County, California

What I Plan on Doing First When Disneyland Reopens

By Tom Bell | Published June 11, 2020 | Updated July 17, 2020

I’m sure there are Disney fans already out there talking about what they’re going to do first when Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure reopen, but as a Disneyland Resort Annual Passholder and someone who visits the parks as part of my job, my thoughts may be different than other Disneyland fans. Here’s what I … What I Plan on Doing First When Disneyland Reopens

Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Shares Message of Hope and Optimism

By Tom Bell | Published June 10, 2020

Along with today’s announcement that the Disneyland Resort would be reopening in July comes a hope-filled message from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products. The Magic is Returning With the announcement of the proposed reopening dates for the Disneyland Resort, we are one more exciting step closer to reopening all of our … Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Shares Message of Hope and Optimism

Disneyland Resort Announces Plan for Reopening Theme Parks, Hotels, and Downtown Disney in July

By Tom Bell | Published June 10, 2020 | Updated June 19, 2020

UPDATE 06/19/20: It appears that the Disneyland Resort has received governmental approval to reopen Downtown Disney, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel as planned. There is still no word on approval for the theme parks. The Disneyland website, which was updated today, now says: The Downtown Disney District will begin … Disneyland Resort Announces Plan for Reopening Theme Parks, Hotels, and Downtown Disney in July

Exclusive DIS Face Masks Are Now Available

By Tom Bell | Published June 9, 2020

Fans of The DIS and DIS Unplugged will soon be able to hit the theme parks (or their local shopping mall) sporting one of several new DIS-exclusive face mask designs that are now available from our friends at Magic Your Band. Rather than ordering one or two designs in bulk, we’ve opted to go with … Exclusive DIS Face Masks Are Now Available

Disney Pledges $5 Million to Organizations That Advance Social Justice, Including the NAACP

By Tom Bell | Published June 3, 2020

The Walt Disney Company has announced a new $5 million commitment to help nonprofit organizations that advance social justice, with the first $2 million going to the NAACP to support their advocacy and education programs. Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek said of the pledge that “it is critical that we stand together, speak out … Disney Pledges $5 Million to Organizations That Advance Social Justice, Including the NAACP

Joffrey’s Adds Coffee Subscription Service, Including Its Disney-inspired Collection

By Tom Bell | Published June 1, 2020

Recently, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company announced a new coffee subscription service that will deliver your favorite Walt Disney World and Disneyland-inspired flavors to your home each month. The Disney Collection is one of three options for Joffrey’s new service that includes a curated selection of three bags of coffee each month. Fans can subscribed … Joffrey’s Adds Coffee Subscription Service, Including Its Disney-inspired Collection

Disneyland Resort Now Accepting Hotel Reservations for July 15 and Beyond