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.

Step Inside the Updated Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell - January 20, 2025 | Disneyland

After a lengthy refurbishment and an extended seasonal overlay, the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park finally reopened last weekend! Most of your favorite elements are there, along with a few new surprises, including a beautiful new bride in the attic scene. The attraction reopened on a Saturday, and surprisingly enough waits were reasonable, hovering around … Step Inside the Updated Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park

Why We BRAVED Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland

By Tom Bell - January 16, 2025 | Disneyland

Many of us think that standard Disney pizza is subpar, so after a couple of years away from the parks, enjoying a lunch at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland Park was definitely not on my radar. However, on a recent visit to the parks with my Connecting With Walt colleague, Michael Bowling, he was raving … Why We BRAVED Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland

Inside the Tropicana Inn & Suites, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

By Tom Bell - January 5, 2025 | Disneyland

Recently, I spent a weekend at the Tropicana Inn & Suites in Anaheim, just across from the Disneyland Resort. The 197-room Tropicana is a fan-favorite because of its close proximity to Disneyland. The Disneyland Resort is surrounded by locally owned and chain non-Disney eateries, lodging and more, so sometimes there are some great options (and … Inside the Tropicana Inn & Suites, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

Why We’re Obsessed With Downtown Disney’s D-Lander Shop

By Tom Bell - January 2, 2025 | Disneyland

The D-Lander Shop that opened recently at the Disneyland Resort may be the store we didn’t know we needed. The small storefront on the west end of Downtown Disney is a don’t-miss for fans of Disney and their high-end fashion partnerships and we’re obsessed with it because nearly every popular brand is represented. The shop … Why We’re Obsessed With Downtown Disney’s D-Lander Shop

Don’t Miss the Energetic Viva Navidad at California Adventure

By Tom Bell - December 12, 2024 | Disneyland

One of my favorite parts of the holidays at the Disneyland Resort is the Viva Navidad Street Party in Disney California Adventure. The energetic performance is held in the Paradise Gardens Park area of the park and is one of my don’t-miss entertainment options. This year, the show is only being performed on weekends, but … Don’t Miss the Energetic Viva Navidad at California Adventure

Trying Holiday Treats for Breakfast in Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell - December 9, 2024 | Disneyland

I am not a big fan of the breakfast served in the Parks at the Disneyland Resort, so typically I will either eat at my hotel or just grab a pastry at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to enjoy while I watch the throngs of tourists enter Disneyland in the morning. This particular morning, however, I … Trying Holiday Treats for Breakfast in Disneyland Park

A Look INSIDE the Sheraton Park Hotel, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

By Tom Bell - November 27, 2024 | Disneyland

Recently, I had a chance to stay at the Sheraton Park Hotel near the Anaheim Convention Center, and just down the street from the Disneyland Resort. The location makes it convenient for guests splitting their time between a convention and time in the theme parks. The Disneyland Resort is surrounded by locally owned and chain … A Look INSIDE the Sheraton Park Hotel, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

Barbecue Is Back at Disneyland and It’s Surprisingly Good

By Tom Bell - November 18, 2024 | Disneyland

Since Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue disappeared from the landscape of Disneyland Park several years ago, fans have mourned its loss. Despite the loss coming for a greater good…Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge…there was still an empty space in the stomach of Disneyland visitors that only good barbecue could fill. Since big changes were coming to Critter … Barbecue Is Back at Disneyland and It’s Surprisingly Good

Is BREAKFAST at Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland Worth Waking Up For?

By Tom Bell - November 13, 2024 | Disneyland

I was traveling with a friend to the Disneyland Resort and we decided we wanted something a little different for breakfast. With its French-inspired menu, Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland fit that bill…at least on paper. Mobile order was too far out and the line didn’t seem long, so we headed inside to … Is BREAKFAST at Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland Worth Waking Up For?

A TOUR of the Portofino Inn & Suites, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

By Tom Bell - October 28, 2024 | Disneyland

Recently, I had a chance to spend the weekend at the Portofino Inn & Suites, just south of the Disneyland Resort. The 190-room recently renovated hotel is sandwiched among the hotels on the southwest corner of Harbor & Katella that serve the dual purpose, hosting both convention AND theme park guests. The Disneyland Resort is … A TOUR of the Portofino Inn & Suites, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel