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.

We May Have a Glimpse of the New Reservation System for Disney Parks

By Tom Bell | Published June 17, 2020

A regular poster on the wdwmagic message boards shared a couple screenshots today from what they claim is the proposed new reservation system for the Disneyland Resort. Keep in mind that these are a work in progress and probably just for layout purposes, as many of the words are just gibberish. This first screenshot posted … We May Have a Glimpse of the New Reservation System for Disney Parks

NBA Players Set to Stay at Gran Destino, Grand Floridian, and Yacht Club When Season Resumes

By Tom Bell | Published June 16, 2020

According to The Athletic, when NBA players head to Walt Disney World to finish out their season, the teams will be placed in hotels based on seeding. The website also shared additional information obtained from a National Basketball Players Association memo, including what players’ lives will be like during their stay. Players will be staying … NBA Players Set to Stay at Gran Destino, Grand Floridian, and Yacht Club When Season Resumes

Adventures by Disney Cancels Vacations Through August 31

By Tom Bell | Published June 16, 2020

Adventures by Disney has now cancelled all vacation departures through August 31, 2020. Previously, vacations were cancelled through July 31. Guests can choose to get a full refund or transfer to another Adventure in 2020 or 2021. Guests wishing to transfer their travel credit should do so before July 31, 2020, otherwise a refund will … Adventures by Disney Cancels Vacations Through August 31

Walt Disney World Adds Mobile Check-In for Table-Service Dining

By Tom Bell | Published June 16, 2020

As part of today’s Walt Disney World dining update that included new reservation information, we learned that guests can now check-in for their dining reservations on their smartphone. The new mobile check-in feature on the My Disney Experience app is available at select table-service restaurants and saves guests from having to visit the host stand … Walt Disney World Adds Mobile Check-In for Table-Service Dining

Star Wars Celebration Cancels August Event, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Postponed

By Tom Bell | Published June 15, 2020

Star Wars Celebration, which was to have been held August 27-30, 2020 at the Anaheim Convention Center, has been cancelled. The connected Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park has been postponed. At Star Wars Celebration, the health and safety of our fans, attendees, exhibitors, guests and staff is always our number one … Star Wars Celebration Cancels August Event, Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite Postponed

Hong Kong Disneyland to Reopen June 18

By Tom Bell | Published June 15, 2020

Disney has confirmed that Hong Kong Disneyland will reopen to the public on June 18th with health and safety measures that follow the guidance of the local government and health care officials. Guests should look for an experience similar to that at Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Springs, with limited capacity and social distancing requirements in … Hong Kong Disneyland to Reopen June 18

Disney Will Not Offer Airfare as Part of 2021 Vacation Packages

By Tom Bell | Published June 14, 2020

The Walt Disney Travel Company has announced that they will not offer air transportation as an option as part of its 2021 vacation packages for travel to Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. The new rule applies both to packages booked through travel agents and those booked directly … Disney Will Not Offer Airfare as Part of 2021 Vacation Packages

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