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.

Disneyland Resort Puts Plans for New Luxury Hotel on Indefinite Hold

By Tom Bell | Published August 16, 2018

The Disneyland Resort has put their plans for a new luxury hotel on hold after issues were raised regarding a $267-million tax break from the city of Anaheim. Back in October, Disney announced new plans for their AAA Four-Diamond property to be built on the west end of Downtown Disney, which was a change from … Disneyland Resort Puts Plans for New Luxury Hotel on Indefinite Hold

Walt Disney World Shares Details for New Restaurants at Caribbean Beach Resort

By Tom Bell | Published August 15, 2018 | Updated August 31, 2018

When the updates to Old Port Royale are complete a few months from now, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort will have two new dining locations! Replacing Shutter’s, the former table-service restaurant, Sebastian’s Bistro will be located right on the waterfront. The menu will feature flavors of both Latin and Caribbean cuisine and the staff will offer … Walt Disney World Shares Details for New Restaurants at Caribbean Beach Resort

It’s Not the Size of the Castle: The Reluctant Tour Guide

By Tom Bell | Published August 15, 2018

If you’re reading this, you probably have at least a little more Disney parks knowledge than the average tourist. Are you the resident expert in your office and called upon to help plan your co-workers Disney vacations? Do you bite your tongue when friends talk about the “haunted house ride” or confuse Disneyland with Walt … It’s Not the Size of the Castle: The Reluctant Tour Guide

Disney Releases First Look at Liu Yifei as Mulan

By Tom Bell | Published August 13, 2018

Today, the Walt Disney Studios released a new promotional photograph as production begins on the new live action version of Mulan. Liu Yifei, who will play the title character, is shown in-costume brandishing a sword. The cast also includes Donnie Yen, Jet Lee, and Jason Scott Lee. The film will hit theaters on March 27, … Disney Releases First Look at Liu Yifei as Mulan

Disney Parks Blog to Live Stream the August 15th Sunrise from Animal Kingdom

By Tom Bell | Published August 13, 2018 | Updated August 15, 2018

The Disney Parks Blog has made plans to live stream the sunrise at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Wednesday, August 15th as part of their #DisneyParksLIVE series! Back in June, as the Disney Parks Blog shared the sunrise at Epcot, they asked viewers which Walt Disney World theme park they’d like to see the sunrise from, … Disney Parks Blog to Live Stream the August 15th Sunrise from Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room to Reopen at Disneyland September 21

By Tom Bell | Published August 10, 2018 | Updated August 28, 2018

UPDATE 08/27/18: According to recent updates on the Disneyland Resort website, it appears that Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room will return later than expected. The new reopening date is October 3rd. Based on park hours and schedules released this morning by the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room will reopen at Disneyland Park on … Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room to Reopen at Disneyland September 21

New Baby Mandrill Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By Tom Bell | Published August 9, 2018

Yesterday, a baby mandrill was born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to mom Scarlett and dad Winston! The three can be already be seen by guests aboard the Kilimanjaro Safari. Mandrills are the largest species of monkey and are normally found in African rainforests near the equator. The gender and exact birth weight of the new … New Baby Mandrill Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Dwayne Johnson Shares a Look at the Huge Set for the ‘Jungle Cruise’ Film

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

Via the Jungle Cruise Twitter account, actor Dwayne Johnson shared a look at the massive set for the upcoming Jungle Cruise film, co-starring Emily Blunt. Johnson talked about Walt Disney and his involvement in the original attraction, then said “Walt, this one’s for you buddy” as the camera panned out to reveal the huge set. … Dwayne Johnson Shares a Look at the Huge Set for the ‘Jungle Cruise’ Film

New Charms Being Added to the Disney Parks Collection by PANDORA

By Tom Bell | Published August 8, 2018

Celebrate your summer travels with three new charms coming soon to the Disney Parks Collection by PANDORA that will help you commemorate your Disney vacation! The first features the one-and-only Mickey Mouse flying his way around the globe. Next up, a charm featuring the Florida favorite Orange Bird. Finally, an homage to Walt Disney’s Enchanted … New Charms Being Added to the Disney Parks Collection by PANDORA

Find Special Characters, Props for PhotoPass Day at the Disneyland Resort

By Tom Bell | Published August 8, 2018

Disney PhotoPass Day is coming up on August 19th at the Disneyland Resort, so the Disney Parks Blog is sharing some of their favorite “magic shots” and highlighting some of the special props and character experiences that will only be around that day! At Disney California Adventure, look for Doctor Strange and Loki near the … Find Special Characters, Props for PhotoPass Day at the Disneyland Resort