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 seeks permission from the FAA to use drones

The Walt Disney Co. has filed for an exception with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would allow them to use drones over their U.S. theme parks. The application, which was filed back in October, mentions safety precautions and planned uses, which would include fireworks. The “Flixel” machines mentioned in the application, include “advanced control Disney seeks permission from the FAA to use drones

Disneyland Diamond Anniversary special to air on ABC

ABC has announced a new special celebrating Disneyland’s 60th anniversary. “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60” is scheduled to air Sunday, February 21st at 8pm (Eastern). The special will be a star-studded event filmed at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood and at select locations in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, plus highlights from Disneyland Diamond Anniversary special to air on ABC

Chemical leak at Disneyland causes brief attraction closures

Anaheim police and fire responded to a backstage area of Disneyland Park at 1:30pm on Wednesday after a small chemical leak was found in one of the Parks’s filtration facilities. As a precaution, Disneyland closed nearby attractions Autopia, the Disneyland Monorail, and the Tomorrowland Expo, which includes Star Wars and Marvel areas, plus the Disneyland Chemical leak at Disneyland causes brief attraction closures

Disneyland to offer special experiences while attractions are closed

Disneyland Park is planning several special experiences this year while attractions undergo extended closures. The Disneyland Railroad will be closed at least a year while the track is being rerouted due to the construction of a new Star Wars themed land.  During that time, guests can visit either the Main Street or New Orleans Square Disneyland to offer special experiences while attractions are closed

Disneyland and other Southern California theme parks increase security measures

Following the recent attack in San Bernadino, but not based on any specific threats, the Disneyland Resort has recently increased security measures and adjusted several rules for entering its theme parks. On Thursday, Disneyland added metal detectors near security checkpoints at the resort.  All guests pass through the usual bag check process, but now some Disneyland and other Southern California theme parks increase security measures

Universal Studios Hollywood announces opening date for Harry Potter area

Universal Studios Hollywood has announced that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open April 7, 2016. The new area will be on the Upper Lot near The Simpsons Ride and the classic Studio Tour and will be set in Hogsmeade.  Attractions will include Flight of the Hippogriff and a 3D version of Harry Potter Universal Studios Hollywood announces opening date for Harry Potter area

D23 announces their 2016 schedule of events

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has released much of its 2016 event schedule, including events in California, Florida and around the country. In 2016, D23 will offer special screenings of several classic Disney films including, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Finding Nemo”, and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”.   Screenings will be held on both coasts. In addition, a D23 announces their 2016 schedule of events