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.

It’s Not the Size of the Castle: Why Early 2019 Could be a Great Time to Visit Disneyland

By Tom Bell | Published December 5, 2018

I have a feeling that something unusual is coming to the Disneyland Resort in 2019. It’s something that we haven’t seen in a very, very long time. It’s a little something I like to call: off-season. I know…you’re as surprised as I am, but hear me out. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens next summer at … It’s Not the Size of the Castle: Why Early 2019 Could be a Great Time to Visit Disneyland

Napolini Reopens in Downtown Disney with a New Menu Concept

By Tom Bell | Published December 4, 2018

Napolini, the Downtown Disney quick serve location next to Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, soft-opened on Sunday after a five-month refurbishment with a new look and a new menu concept. Napolini closed back in June as part of the major remodel happening this year at Naples. Before the remodel, the menu consisted of pizza slices and … Napolini Reopens in Downtown Disney with a New Menu Concept

Second Downtown Disney Starbucks to Reopen on December 10

By Tom Bell | Published December 3, 2018

The former Starbucks location at the west end of Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort is set to reopen on December 10th! The Disney Parks Blog hinted at a its return a few weeks ago, but now the Orange County Register has confirmed the date. This Starbucks near the Disneyland Hotel was opened back in … Second Downtown Disney Starbucks to Reopen on December 10

Bing Bong Figure Finally Installed in His Store on Pixar Pier at California Adventure

By Tom Bell | Published November 30, 2018

While Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff opened this summer at Disney California Adventure along with the rest of Pixar Pier, the promised Bing Bong figure in the center of the store was missing. A crayon drawing of the Inside Out character stood in its place. Today, Bing Bong finally made his debut, riding in his red … Bing Bong Figure Finally Installed in His Store on Pixar Pier at California Adventure

Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’ Cast May Include Tom Hanks as Geppetto

By Tom Bell | Published November 29, 2018

It appears that Tom Hanks is in talks to play Geppetto in an upcoming live-action version of the 1940 animated classic, Pinocchio. Hanks’ current schedule of film projects conflicts with the proposed filming schedule for Pinocchio, so nothing has been finalized. The film is being produced by Chris Weitz and Andrew Miano, with Weitz’ original … Live-Action ‘Pinocchio’ Cast May Include Tom Hanks as Geppetto

Pop Warner Football, Cheer and Dance Championships Heading to Walt Disney World

By Tom Bell | Published November 29, 2018

Beginning this weekend, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World will play host to Pop Warner football and cheerleading teams from around the country during the 62nd annual Pop Warner Super Bowl Championship tournament. 64 football teams in two different divisions and five age/weight ranges will compete for the national championship … Pop Warner Football, Cheer and Dance Championships Heading to Walt Disney World

Disney Cruise Line Continues to Receive High Marks from CDC Inspections

By Tom Bell | Published November 29, 2018

Up to twice a year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) carries out surprise inspections on cruise ships in order to prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses. The four ships of Disney Cruise Line continue to score high marks during these inspections, including a recently released perfect score by the Disney Fantasy. The … Disney Cruise Line Continues to Receive High Marks from CDC Inspections

Play Disney Parks App Adds Special Achievements for the Holidays

By Tom Bell | Published November 29, 2018

The popular Play Disney Parks app has added some festive achievements that guests can collect during the holidays at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Guests at Disneyland Park can earn a holiday achievement for taking a cruise on it’s a small world holiday. There’s also still an achievement available at Haunted Mansion … Play Disney Parks App Adds Special Achievements for the Holidays

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Late Show Cancelled on 11/27 and 11/28 Due to Cold Weather

By Tom Bell | Published November 26, 2018

Because of expected cold weather conditions, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has cancelled the 8:15pm seating for Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner on November 27th and 28th. Guests with reservations for those performances can book alternate dates or times, or request a full refund. Earlier, Disney also announced the closure of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon for those … Spirit of Aloha Dinner Late Show Cancelled on 11/27 and 11/28 Due to Cold Weather

Medals Revealed for runDisney’s 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

By Tom Bell | Published November 26, 2018

runDisney has released a look at the medals for the upcoming 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend that’s coming up in February. Each medal features a different Disney Princess. Complete the Disney Princess 5K  to earn a medal featuring the Disney Channel favorite, Elena of Avalor, or run the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K and get … Medals Revealed for runDisney’s 2019 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend