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.



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

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





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

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

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





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

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

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

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

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

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