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Tom Bricker

@tombricker.bsky.social
2.4K followers 84 following 61 posts

Blogger & photographer: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, California, Japan, etc.

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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
I’ll never forget that infamous press conference where you announced “I’m taking my talents to TouringPlans” and body slammed @guyselga.bsky.social. What can I say—the world needed more outlet reporting!
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Children of the 1990s know the Disney Store was pure magic. Now Pizza Hut of all companies is proving that leaning into nostalgia and family memories is a winning strategy. If a fast food chain has this figured out...what is Disney waiting for?! www.disneytouristblog.com/retro-disney...
disneytouristblog.com
Why It's Time to Bring Back the Disney Store for Real.
Few things excited me as a kid like my family's pilgrimages to the mall. We'd pile into my grandparents' Bronco, and head to Woodland Mall with a long list of different destinations that everyone want...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
NEW: Imagineers have done the impossible, transforming the world's worst park, so bad that it was undeserving of the "Disney" name, into a good park I'm excited to revisit. Words I never thought I'd type about this parking lot-themed park ~15 years ago. www.disneytouristblog.com/review-disne...
disneytouristblog.com
Review: Disney Adventure World is a Disney Park.
You never forget your first time setting foot in a new Disney theme park, especially your first international one. We both still fondly and vividly recall the day, back during the 20th anniversary, wh...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
But what should my candle budget be??? (Just so we’re clear, I and the article agree with you. “Already” should’ve been “supposedly.”)
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
NEW: Walt Disney World and Disneyland won't see attendance growth in 2026 because the parks are already "filling up," with demand exceeding supply. Here's what Disney's CFO revealed...and why it's spin. www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-parks...
disneytouristblog.com
Disney Parks Have Supply vs. Demand Imbalance.
One of the biggest complaints about both Walt Disney World and Disneyland is crowds. There is the perception among fans that the parks are always packed, there's no such thing as an off-season, and wa...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
My take on the rumors that initial plans for Villains Land have been scrapped. IMO this is more accurately viewed as a “Reverse Toy Story Land” than on par with early development on (what became) Galaxy’s Edge or Fantasy Springs. www.disneytouristblog.com/is-disney-wo...
disneytouristblog.com
Is Disney World Going Bigger & Bolder on Villains Land?
A new rumor is swirling that Walt Disney World's initial plans for the upcoming Villains Land at Magic Kingdom have been "scrapped," and Imagineering has gone back to the drawing board to come up with
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Thematically, the new-look Napa Rose isn’t 100% to my tastes, but there was never any chance of that. Given practical realities, they did a good job of threading the needle on themed design and comporting with guest expectations for a fancy & expensive restaurant.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
I was nervous about this reimagining, but after a year-long closure, what was once the second-best Disney restaurant is back on top! Here's my comprehensive look around & thoughts after previewing the new menu & dining rooms... www.disneytouristblog.com/napa-rose-re...
disneytouristblog.com
Disneyland's Best Restaurant is Back & Better Than Before!
After a year-long reimagining, Disneyland Resort's #1 restaurant at its flagship Grand Californian Hotel is finally ready to welcome guests. We had the opportunity to preview the prix fixe menu and ne...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Thanks for the kind words! Moving fast on Pokemon makes sense, as does putting it at IoA (bigger franchise & faster build at the park that needs it more) and Zelda at Epic. Pieces seem to be falling into place for the next development cycle!
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Thanks for the heads up on this! Nice to see them finally offering more clarity, as this has been a big source of confusion since the DAS overhaul, and the mechanics had been overly opaque.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
NEW: I’m on board with Disney breaking the rules of Galaxy's Edge, and like the changes. The big problem is they don't go far enough. Here's what's on my wish list for SWGE to live up to its promise: Starcruiser stuff, dinner show, overhead action & more! www.disneytouristblog.com/star-wars-ga...
disneytouristblog.com
Why Star Wars Land Finally Breaking the Rules is Great, But More Changes Are Needed.
Four years ago, I wrote "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Needs to Break the Rules." That frankly felt overdue even at the time, as the land had a lot of squandered potential outside of Rise of the
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
We’ve stayed here a couple of times, but have never had the kitchen. The standard rooms are absolutely massive, though. I’m surprised it hasn’t been bought out and redone. That hotel could fetch double or triple the rates it does with the ACC location.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Check out the bar/restaurant in the lobby—they could set an 80s period piece in there! At least it has interior hallways, though?
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 27/09/2025
How was it????
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Takeaways from my recent morning racing around Epic Universe during EPA. Definitely a big gamble starting with SNW, especially if you’re slow. This shares an easier & superior alternative. www.disneytouristblog.com/why-to-skip-...
disneytouristblog.com
Why to Skip Super Nintendo World's Morning Madness During Epic Universe's Early Entry - Disney Tourist Blog
Early Park Admission at Epic Universe is a popular way to beat the rope drop rush, entering the park an extra hour earlier than regular guests and getting to a headstart on rides in three lands. This ...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Brooks Ghost *Max.* I love those so much, and you can find solid deals on last year’s model!
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Ugh, Eastern Gateway. The start date on that is really frustrating, especially since Monsters Inc is closing so much earlier. Feels unnecessarily drawn out (or an OpEx savings with closing Monsters).
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
These stats aren’t even padded FWIW. Could’ve logged a far higher ride count if I wasn’t running around taking pics, and didn’t spend so much time eating.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
There’s a golden window of opportunity for visiting Epic Universe right now, and id highly recommend visiting before it closes. Even if (*especially* if) you’re sitting on the sidelines waiting for APs. www.disneytouristblog.com/low-crowds-e...
disneytouristblog.com
My Excellent Epic Universe Experience - Disney Tourist Blog
I just had my best day yet at Epic Universe, knocking out 20 rides, 2 stage shows, 2 casual restaurants, and 1 fine dining spot. All over the course of 14 hours from Early Park Admission to after park...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
I’d like to think so, but it’s already too late for this year. But if this is pushed all the way until next summer (which I could totally see happening), then yeah. Not many marketable additions on the horizon in 2026, so little wins like this, reimaginings, etc will do heavy lifting.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Really sorry that you’re going through this. Can’t imagine how terrifying it all is. But you’ve got this. We cannot—we will not—let the Italy booth win. (Can only assume it’s the culprit since you don’t smoke.) You’ve got this.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Great list. Hard to quibble with any of it (skeptical of the grilled cheese, though). I’d agree that the Monte Cristo is overrated. But it’s still highly rated and a DLR rite of passage food, especially the snack sized one from Royal St Veranda. GUESS I AM NOT A SERIOUS ASSIGNMENT-TAKER!
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Kind of undercuts the whole “here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday” conceit on a different and more iconic plaque mere feet from this.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Exactly this. Newsom is incredibly talented at debating and getting under opponents’ skin. He’s a great campaign surrogate. But he stands for nothing and has a poor track record at actual governance.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Between making the Lincoln AA and Walt’s constant television presence as the face of his company, and absent published claims to the contrary, I find it impossible to take such arguments even remotely seriously.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
WDI claims they couldn’t find anything he said about being enshrined as an AA. We’ll never know for certain at this point, but I think it’s most instructive to look at his actions: he honored Lincoln in the same way, and with similar underlying motivations.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Thanks…I think?
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
I’m always nervous when they tell media something but don’t publish it anywhere themselves. It’s like “no plans to…at this time,” but with even less accountability. If it ends up being wrong, it just makes me look bad—not them.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
After seeing the show in-person a couple of times, here's my take on the strengths & weaknesses of the new Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics show. (Plus my photos & video.) www.disneytouristblog.com/walt-disney-...
disneytouristblog.com
Walt Disney - A Magical Life Audio Animatronics Show Review: Good, Bad & Ugly - Disney Tourist Blog
“Walt Disney – A Magical Life” is the new stage show opening for Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary to preserve the history and legacy of the company’s founder. It’s a labor of love that introduces the man...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Thanks for the kind words, but that’s definitely not accurate. You have a distinct voice and every line is packed with humor that you make seem effortless.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
"Theme parks are not just the sum of their ride rosters, to be raced around and checked off one by one. They are as much defined by the spaces in between; by the absence of attractions, too." More here on why RoA matters: www.disneytouristblog.com/rivers-ameri...
disneytouristblog.com
Why Rivers of America Is Worth Saving. - Disney Tourist Blog
Walt Disney World is gearing up to demolish Tom Sawyer Island and commence construction on the Piston Peak ‘Cars’ area of Frontierland this month. The Rivers of America will not be saved, let’s be cle...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Very DisnetQuestesque, right down to green lighting the second location before assessing the first. At the very least, I’d imagine development and other sunk costs are lower, but labor costs…that’s a different story!
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Would love to be wrong about this, but I feel like there’s a bit too much frothiness over regional concepts & viewing pent-up demand as new normal, when it’s already clear it isn’t. Skeptical this is viable long-term. More thoughts: www.disneytouristblog.com/universal-ho...
disneytouristblog.com
Universal's Second New 'Horror Unleashed' Attraction Opening in Midwest in 2027! - Disney Tourist Blog
Comcast has announced the second location for Universal Horror Unleashed, the new year-round entertainment experience that’s basically a permanent Halloween Horror Nights, before the first has even op...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Here’s Push from last November at HKDL.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
This is exactly it. Epic Universe’s opening is (understandably) attracting a lot of casual tourists, many of whom are being hyped up by locals with more time & tolerance for problems. It’s a recipe for expectations that current ops do not meet.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
That’s the Disneyland version, so what we really need is a new one to go alongside this for Magic Kingdom. I guess Guy and I will also have to compete on the Wreck-It Ralph and Ant-Man versions too. For research.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
I feel like I’ve thought that about each of the last 4 or so festival menus. They’ve also been scaling them back, which I assume is a result of lower demand (anecdotally) due to higher prices.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
I knew exactly how close it is, but was nevertheless taken aback by how imposing it already is now that it’s vertical. Only going to get worse as it gets taller, too.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Regardless of near-term, I agree that making it nicer would’ve been the right long-term play. It’s weird to have (IMO) a mid-tier resort in such a prime location. Like if Disney built Gran Destino overlooking a park…which they kinda did in Fantasy Springs (oof).
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
At least the pricing is right (for now). I was way more critical of Helios prior to seeing it about $100/night less than I expected. Still think going for efficiency or whatever over something well-themed or luxurious was a miss.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
My latest, which is basically just commentary about the excellent interview by @toddmartens.bsky.social and not the substance of the changes themselves. www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-conce...
disneytouristblog.com
Disney Concerned About Death in Haunted Mansion, A Ride About Death
Haunted Mansion has reopened after a 16-month absence at Disneyland, and features a few enhanced scenes and modernized Audio Animatronics. This follows the removal of the seasonal Haunted Mansion Holi...
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
Parasite Eve would absolutely be high on my list, but I’ll go with Dino Crisis. I would say Resident Evil Code Veronica or OG Metal Gear Solid, but those are seemingly already in the pipeline. (And I want ground up remakes, not re-releases.)
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
He’s basically Greg Olsen now, right down to similar-sounding voices. Not a bad thing! But also, a lot of money spent on a lateral move.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Every other Walt Disney World fan is mourning the loss of Dino-Rama, calling it under appreciated or other such nonsense. And then there’s me:
media.tenor.com
a picture of a man in a suit and tie with the name tyronequacious bingleton above him
ALT: a picture of a man in a suit and tie with the name tyronequacious bingleton above him
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
I’ll never understand the defenses of that ride. Matterhorn is one thing. It’s iconic and the punishment is at least worth it to some extent. Goofy’s Sky School belongs in the junk heap alongside Dino-Rama.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Eating at Tomorrowland Terrace six times per day doesn’t count as six of them fwiw.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
I feel that way about the core talent. If anything, they will only get better in the next 2-3 years. What has me worried is coaching. They need to keep the whole brain trust intact. Love Campbell, but I worry about his worst impulses sometimes. I’m also hoping for a Lions-Bills rematch.
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Hey! It’s been a while!!! (Although not sure we should be on speaking terms after yesterday’s game.)
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
It was nice running into you as well—hope you had a great trip!
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Tom Bricker @tombricker.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Disney’s best theme park in the world is seeing a surge in 1-star reviews. Here are the biggest reasons why, and our recent experience that should serve as a cautionary tale for anyone visiting in the next year or so… www.disneytouristblog.com/tokyo-disney...
disneytouristblog.com
Why Disney's #1 Park is Getting 1-Star Reviews
In response to one of our (many) posts effusively praising Disney's best theme park in the world, a reader recently asked whether our review is still true. They expressed concern based on a huge numbe...
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