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.

First Teaser Trailer for Disney’s Live Action ‘Aladdin’ Released

By Tom Bell | Published October 12, 2018

After releasing a teaser poster just a day earlier, Walt Disney Studios has now released the first teaser trailer for the upcoming live action version of Disney’s Aladdin. The clip features what will likely be one of the first scenes of the film, in which Mena Massoud as Aladdin enters the Cave of Wonders. The … First Teaser Trailer for Disney’s Live Action ‘Aladdin’ Released

New Parking Garage at the Disneyland Resort to Include Pedestrian Bridge

By Tom Bell | Published October 11, 2018

Construction is progressing at the Disneyland Resort on the new 6,500 space parking structure going up next to the 10,000 space Mickey & Friends parking structure. Today, Disneyland announced that a new pedestrian bridge will be built across Magic Way, connecting the structures to Downtown Disney. Currently guests that choose to walk, instead of riding … New Parking Garage at the Disneyland Resort to Include Pedestrian Bridge

Sister Hazel Added to Eat to the Beat Concert Series, Replacing Smash Mouth

By Tom Bell | Published October 11, 2018

Walt Disney World has announced that Sister Hazel will be performing at the America Gardens Theater as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival. The alternative rock band will perform October 13 and 14, replacing Smash Mouth. According to a tweet from Smash Mouth’s official account, … Sister Hazel Added to Eat to the Beat Concert Series, Replacing Smash Mouth

Salt & Straw Opens October 12 in Downtown Disney

By Tom Bell | Published October 11, 2018

Salt & Straw has confirmed that their newest location in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort will open on Friday, October 12th! The ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 9:30am, with the ice cream shop opening at 10:00am. Salt & Straw serves handmade ice cream made in small batches with local, organic and sustainable ingredients. … Salt & Straw Opens October 12 in Downtown Disney

Walt Disney Studios Releases New Teaser Poster for Live Action ‘Aladdin’

By Tom Bell | Published October 10, 2018

Fans got a peek today at the new teaser poster for the upcoming live-action version of Disney’s Aladdin. Walt Disney Studios also hinted that fans will “see the first look tomorrow!” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie, Mena Massoud as Aladdin, and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine. Guy Ritchie is directing. Aladdin is … Walt Disney Studios Releases New Teaser Poster for Live Action ‘Aladdin’

Disneyland Resort Officially Cancels New Luxury Hotel Project

By Tom Bell | Published October 10, 2018

After putting plans for a new luxury hotel at the west end of Downtown Disney on hold back in August, the Disneyland Resort has now cancelled the project entirely. The initial delay was put in place after city officials told the resort that the proposed AAA Four-Diamond property wouldn’t be eligible for a $267-million tax … Disneyland Resort Officially Cancels New Luxury Hotel Project

Aulani Receives Award from Hawaii Tourism Authority

By Tom Bell | Published October 10, 2018

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, prides itself on its celebration of the local culture and recently, the resort was recognized for that commitment by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. At the 2018 Global Tourism Summit, organizations and business were honored for perpetuating the Hawaiian culture. Aulani Resort, along with Hawaiian Airlines and ‘Aha … Aulani Receives Award from Hawaii Tourism Authority

It’s Not the Size of the Castle: Leaving Boxes Unchecked

By Tom Bell | Published October 10, 2018

I was with friends at Disneyland recently on a very, VERY busy day. The parks were packed and the FASTPASS and MaxPass system was down. This was not our first trip and wouldn’t be our last trip to the Disneyland Resort, so there wasn’t THAT pressure, but we still wanted to experience something in the … It’s Not the Size of the Castle: Leaving Boxes Unchecked

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple Ending at Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published October 9, 2018 | Updated October 10, 2018

The Orange County Register has confirmed that Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple will soon end its performances in Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park. The update to Jedi Training Academy will have its last group of young trainees on November 3rd. The Disneyland Resort issued a brief statement: “At the Disneyland Resort, we continually refine and … Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple Ending at Disneyland Park

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Debuts Hatbox Ghost Tiki Mug

By Tom Bell | Published October 9, 2018 | Updated October 12, 2018

UPDATE 10/12/18: The Hatbox Ghost Tiki Mug is heading west and will soon be available at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in the Disneyland Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. The mug, will be debut on October 16th, beginning at 7am. There is a limit of 2 per guest. The Disneyland version of the mug is … Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Debuts Hatbox Ghost Tiki Mug