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.

4 Shops for Unique Merchandise in Disney California Adventure

By Tom Bell | Published May 11, 2026

As with Disneyland Park, many of the shops in Disney California Adventure feature a lot of the same merchandise, so when I happen upon a shop that sells something different, it catches my eye. Here are four of my favorite unique shops in California Adventure: Off The Page This store in Hollywood Land is similar … 4 Shops for Unique Merchandise in Disney California Adventure

5 Shops for Unique Merchandise in Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published May 1, 2026

When Disneyland opened, there were many unique shops in the theme park, from pharmaceuticals to undergarments to musical instruments. Now, however, many of the shops on Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond offer much of the same merchandise as the store down the street. So, when I walk through a shop that offers something a little … 5 Shops for Unique Merchandise in Disneyland Park

5 Things To Do at Disney California Adventure When Lines Are Long

By Tom Bell | Published March 12, 2026

While the attractions at Disney California Adventure have improved significantly over the last 25 years, there are still far fewer here than at its older, but still beautiful, sister across the esplanade. So when the holidays or summer hit, you may feel those long lines even more here. To help alleviate some of those long … 5 Things To Do at Disney California Adventure When Lines Are Long

Five Things to Do at Disneyland Park When Lines Are Long

By Tom Bell | Published February 27, 2026

We are not quite in the busiest part of the year at the Disneyland Resort, but it will be here before you know it. The clouds will clear, the sun will shine, and the lines will get LONG! Locals and other regular visitors will deal with the long lines by either staying home or just … Five Things to Do at Disneyland Park When Lines Are Long

Five Ways to Manage the Disneyland Resort in the Rain

By Tom Bell | Published February 10, 2026

Despite the (very) old song about it never raining in Southern California, there are days during the winter where you might experience a little liquid sunshine during your Disneyland Resort vacation. Unlike Walt Disney World, which has many of its queues covered due to the central Florida afternoon thunderstorms, most of Disneyland’s queues are out … Five Ways to Manage the Disneyland Resort in the Rain

Five Biggest Wastes of Space in Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published January 27, 2026

In a resort that’s landlocked and looking at ways to expand creatively, it’s amazing that there are still unused or underutilized spaces at the Disneyland Resort. We can address Disney California Adventure later (Stage 17…I’m looking at you), but they may be working to address some of those issues. So, let’s start with the original…Disneyland … Five Biggest Wastes of Space in Disneyland Park

Which Disneyland Ride Is Best for a Toddler’s First Trip?

By Tom Bell | Published January 6, 2026

Recently, my grandson took his first trip to the Disneyland Resort and one of the major points of discussion as the trip was being planned revolved around choosing the perfect attraction as his first. Just prior to his 3rd birthday, my son and daughter-in-law planned a three-day trip to the Disneyland Resort. They included several … Which Disneyland Ride Is Best for a Toddler’s First Trip?

A Visit to the Cortona Inn & Suites Near Disneyland

By Tom Bell | Published December 30, 2025 | Updated December 31, 2025

For this trip to the Disneyland Resort, I headed a little further south…just beyond the main hotels surrounding the Anaheim Convention Center…to the Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort. The hotel is sandwiched between the Marriott Anaheim and Clarion to the north and the Hyatt Place and Courtyard to the south. The Disneyland Resort is … A Visit to the Cortona Inn & Suites Near Disneyland

Growing the Next Generation of Disney Adult

By Tom Bell | Published December 24, 2025

When I started my connection with The DIS some 15 plus years ago, my son was 7 years old and already well on his way to becoming a Disney expert. Today, he’s a grown man… that’s hard to say… with a family of his own and has started his journey into a full-fledged Disney Adult. … Growing the Next Generation of Disney Adult

Five Hidden Gems at the Disneyland Resort

By Tom Bell | Published December 11, 2025

Every so-called Disneyland expert has things that they point out to unsuspecting friends and family. Their own little hidden gems that they think no one else knows about…and I’m no exception. These are definitely not secrets, but are some things that the casual visitor might miss. Here’s my list of hidden gems that you can … Five Hidden Gems at the Disneyland Resort