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.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Will Again Host AdvoCare Invitational Basketball Tournament

By Tom Bell | Published November 7, 2018

Again this year, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World will play host to the AdvoCare Invitational. The men’s college basketball tournament, which will take place Thanksgiving weekend, November 22nd to 25th, is said to be one of the more competitive preseason tournaments. The teams included in the tournament include 2018 … ESPN Wide World of Sports Will Again Host AdvoCare Invitational Basketball Tournament

It’s Not the Size of the Castle: Holiday Traditions at Disneyland

By Tom Bell | Published November 7, 2018

The Holidays at the Disneyland Resort begin this week and it got me thinking about how many wonderful traditions there are during the Christmas season at the Disneyland Resort: The beautiful fireworks that end with snow on Main Street U.S.A., the fun afternoon parade, the classic decorations, the handmade candy canes, the attraction overlays, and … It’s Not the Size of the Castle: Holiday Traditions at Disneyland

Disneyland Resort Releases 2019 Military Discount Ticket Prices

By Tom Bell | Published November 5, 2018

The Disneyland Resort has released their 2019 discounted ticket prices for members of the United States military. The discount is available for “eligible service members,” which includes active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and the Commissioned … Disneyland Resort Releases 2019 Military Discount Ticket Prices

Disneyland Resort Shares Some Holiday Shopping Ideas

By Tom Bell | Published October 26, 2018

With the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort fast approaching, the merchandise team has gone into high gear and shared some shopping ideas for the Christmas season. New holiday apparel features patterns inspired by attractions throughout the resort. You’ll find it on “ugly sweaters,” t-shirts, and Minnie headbands. There are also some great new holiday crew … Disneyland Resort Shares Some Holiday Shopping Ideas

World of Disney Celebrates Its Grand Reopening at the Disneyland Resort

By Tom Bell | Published October 26, 2018

After a lengthy refurbishment, the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort will celebrate its reopening today! The store has been reimagined, with a new open layout that makes shopping even easier. The characters above the entrances are gone, with new understated signs in their place, but the exterior still features … World of Disney Celebrates Its Grand Reopening at the Disneyland Resort

Menus Revealed for 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Food Kitchens

By Tom Bell | Published October 25, 2018

Walt Disney World has released details of the menus for the 12 Holiday Kitchens that are part of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays which begins November 18th. This year’s options include a brand new Holiday Kitchen featuring traditional Jewish dishes! This year’s menus include: Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany) Potato Dumpling with Mushroom Sauce … Menus Revealed for 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Food Kitchens

Disneyland Celebrates 25 Years of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ with PhotoPass Opportunities

By Tom Bell | Published October 24, 2018

Starting Friday, the Disneyland Resort will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas with some special PhotoPass opportunities! The fan-favorite debuted in theaters on October 29, 1993. At Disney California Adventure, head over to Buena Vista Street for a Magic Shot featuring Oogie Boogie. At the same location, you can … Disneyland Celebrates 25 Years of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ with PhotoPass Opportunities

Disney Releases New Pins to Commemorate Play Disney Parks Achievements

By Tom Bell | Published October 24, 2018

Disney Parks guests that have been enjoying the new Play Disney Parks app can now purchase a physical representation of their digital achievements with a new set of collectible pins. Earn one of several ride achievements while in the Parks, then show your screen to a Cast Member in order to be able to purchase … Disney Releases New Pins to Commemorate Play Disney Parks Achievements

Ed Catmull, President of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, to Retire

By Tom Bell | Published October 23, 2018

Pixar co-founder and current President of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Ed Catmull has announced his retirement. Catmull will end his decades long career in animation at the end of the year, but will stay in an advisory capacity through mid-2019. In his statement, Catmull said: “Never in my wildest imagination could I have … Ed Catmull, President of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, to Retire

Disney Cruise Line Makes Weather-Related Changes to Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise

By Tom Bell | Published October 18, 2018

Disney Cruise Line has notified passengers set to board the Disney Wonder tomorrow that they are making an adjustment to the Eastbound Panama Canal itinerary due to weather concerns. Forecasts show that a low pressure system in the Pacific could develop into a tropical storm or depression (Vicente) over the weekend off the coast of … Disney Cruise Line Makes Weather-Related Changes to Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise