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.

Orlando Area Under Overnight Curfew, Disney Springs Will Close Early at 7pm

By Tom Bell | Published May 31, 2020 | Updated June 8, 2020

UPDATE 06/08/20: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has lifted the temporary overnight curfew effective immediately. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has has also lifted a similar curfew for Orlando. Disney Springs has resumed its normal operating hours and is scheduled to close at 10:00pm tonight. Individual restaurants and retailers may not have adjusted their hours as … Orlando Area Under Overnight Curfew, Disney Springs Will Close Early at 7pm

Disney Executives Address ‘Time of Unrest’ in a Message to Cast Members

By Tom Bell | Published May 31, 2020

The Walt Disney Company issued a message to Cast Members today addressing the current unrest in the country. The letter was signed by Disney CEO Bob Chapek, Chairman Bob Iger, and Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton. Here is the message, “Resolve in a Time of Unrest: A Message to Fellow Employees,” in its entirety: Dear … Disney Executives Address ‘Time of Unrest’ in a Message to Cast Members

Joe Rohde and Jon Landau Go Behind the Magic of Pandora for its Third Anniversary

By Tom Bell | Published May 29, 2020

To celebrate this week’s third anniversary of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Disney Parks Blog took a trip “behind the magic” with two of the creative minds that helped develop the land. Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, and Jon Landau, producer of Avatar, talk about … Joe Rohde and Jon Landau Go Behind the Magic of Pandora for its Third Anniversary

Disney CEO Bob Chapek Addresses Reopening of Walt Disney World: The World is Ready to Get Back to Some Magic

By Tom Bell | Published May 27, 2020

Bob Chapek, CEO for The Walt Disney Company, chatted with Julia Boorstin of CNBC today following the announcement that Walt Disney World would begin a phased reopening of their theme parks on July 11th. Chapek, who spoke via telephone, addressed timing, capacity, trust, and profitability, adding that “the world is ready to get back to … Disney CEO Bob Chapek Addresses Reopening of Walt Disney World: The World is Ready to Get Back to Some Magic

Walt Disney World Confirms It Will Present a Phased Theme Park Reopening Plan on May 27

By Tom Bell | Published May 26, 2020 | Updated May 27, 2020

Walt Disney World has confirmed that they will submit a proposal on May 27th to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force for a “phased reopening of the resort’s theme parks.” Both Disney and SeaWorld will present their plans to the Task Force beginning at 10:00am. Once approved, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings would send … Walt Disney World Confirms It Will Present a Phased Theme Park Reopening Plan on May 27

California Says That Theme Parks Can Reopen When State Reaches Stage 3

By Tom Bell | Published May 26, 2020

According to recent information from the state of California, Disneyland and other theme parks are now part of Stage 3 of its roadmap for reopening the state. Theme parks were initially thought to be included in Stage 4, along with nightclubs, concert venues, and live sports. California is currently at Stage 2, with some counties … California Says That Theme Parks Can Reopen When State Reaches Stage 3

NBA Confirms That They are in Talks to Finish Basketball Season at Walt Disney World

By Tom Bell | Published May 26, 2020

The NBA has issued a statement confirming that they are in discussions with Disney to finish up their interrupted basketball season at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort. The NBA suspended its current season on March 11th. The 255-acre ESPN complex has multiple arenas that could host several … NBA Confirms That They are in Talks to Finish Basketball Season at Walt Disney World

The Voices of Liberty Celebrate Memorial Day From Home With a Patriotic Classic

By Tom Bell | Published May 25, 2020

The Voices of Liberty, who normally perform at The American Adventure in Epcot, once again share their voices from home this Memorial Day, with their rendition of “America the Beautiful.” Source: Disney Parks Blog

Disney Parks Share Downloadable Graduation Backdrops and Decorations for the Class of 2020

By Tom Bell | Published May 21, 2020

The Disney Parks Blog has shared some downloadable digital backgrounds and craft projects to help celebrate the Class of 2020. First up is an animated background that grads can use on their favorite video conferencing platform. Next up are some printable signs to use for at-home or drive-by parades and celebrations. Families and friends can … Disney Parks Share Downloadable Graduation Backdrops and Decorations for the Class of 2020

Recent Disneyland Resort Website Update Addresses Limited Availability and Closures When Parks Reopen