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.

State Legislators Send Letter to California Governor Asking Him to Reopen Theme Parks

By Tom Bell | Published September 29, 2020

A group of 19 California legislators from the state senate and assembly signed a letter that was sent to Governor Newsom asking that he issue guidelines that would allow theme parks across the state to reopen, including the Disneyland Resort. After suggesting that information regarding theme parks would be coming “very soon,” Newsom has been … State Legislators Send Letter to California Governor Asking Him to Reopen Theme Parks

Oscar Winner Barry Jenkins to Direct Sequel to Live-Action ‘The Lion King’

By Tom Bell | Published September 29, 2020

The Walt Disney Studios has brought in Barry Jenkins to direct a sequel to Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake of The Lion King. Jenkins directed and co-wrote 2016’s Moonlight, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for his direction and won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Writer Jeff Nathanson is back to work on … Oscar Winner Barry Jenkins to Direct Sequel to Live-Action ‘The Lion King’

D23 Expo Delayed Until September 2022

By Tom Bell | Published September 28, 2020

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced that the next D23 Expo, which had been expected to be scheduled in 2021, will not be held until September 2022 at the Anaheim Convention Center. D23 Expo 2022 will be held September 9-11, 2022 and will give fans their first look at the plans for The … D23 Expo Delayed Until September 2022

Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 5

By Tom Bell | Published September 27, 2020

Walt Disney World has announced that For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 5th. The unique retelling of the Frozen story features hosts Erik and Aria, the Royal Historians of Arendelle, plus special appearances by Elsa, Anna and Kristoff. Expect the same Celebration as … Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 5

Last Day for The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra is October 3

By Tom Bell | Published September 26, 2020

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, which has been performing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently as The Disney Society Orchestra, has shared on their Facebook page that their last performance will be October 3rd. So after 32 years of playing together and playing music we love…we’re done. We are so thankful for the opportunity to play … Last Day for The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra is October 3

New Pixar SparkShort ‘Burrow’ to Premier in Theaters Before ‘Soul’

By Tom Bell | Published September 26, 2020

Disney-Pixar has announced that their latest SparkShort, Burrow, will debut in theaters before Soul on November 20th. The SparkShort series of films, created with limited time and limited budgets, have been featured on Disney+. The 2D hand-drawn animated Burrow was directed by Madeline Sharafian. Source: @Pixar

New Commercial From Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Asks Governor to Reopen Theme Parks

By Tom Bell | Published September 25, 2020 | Updated September 26, 2020

The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, along with the Reopen OC Now coalition, has released a commercial aimed directly at California Governor Gavin Newsom asking him to reopen the state’s theme parks, including the Disneyland Resort. 264,000 jobs lost in the Anaheim area during COVID. They’re our neighbors, our families, our close friends.It’s time to responsibly … New Commercial From Anaheim Chamber of Commerce Asks Governor to Reopen Theme Parks

Florida Governor Lifts Restrictions on Bars, Restaurants, and Stores

By Tom Bell | Published September 25, 2020 | Updated September 27, 2020

UPDATE 09/27/20: Walt Disney World responded to Gov. DeSantis’ executive order in a brief email to Fox 35 News: We received the Governor’s executive order and are evaluating it to determine what it may mean for our business. We are not making any immediate changes. As a reminder, face coverings are still required at Walt … Florida Governor Lifts Restrictions on Bars, Restaurants, and Stores

Aulani Resort to Begin a Phased Reopening on November 1

By Tom Bell | Published September 24, 2020 | Updated October 13, 2020

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii is working toward a phased reopening on November 1st. The gradual reopening comes on the heels of Hawaii’s announcement of a new pre-arrival testing program for visitors coming from other states. Our gradual, phased approach to reopening considers the guidance of local and national government and health … Aulani Resort to Begin a Phased Reopening on November 1

New Chadwick Boseman Artwork on Display in Downtown Disney

By Tom Bell | Published September 24, 2020

Southern California artist Nikkolas Smith has shared a look at a new piece that he created as a tribute to the life of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who died last month at the age of 43 after a battle with colon cancer. “King Chad” is now on display on the former ESPN Zone building … New Chadwick Boseman Artwork on Display in Downtown Disney