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.

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

By Tom Bell | Published June 1, 2020

This morning, the Disneyland Resort once again updated their COVID-19 related travel information page and is now only accepting hotel reservations for July 15, 2020 or later. This applies to new reservations, as well as guests that are modifying existing reservations. Previously, guests could book vacations for stays starting July 1st. For guests with existing … Disneyland Resort Now Accepting Hotel Reservations for July 15 and Beyond

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