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.

Egg-stravaganza Begins at Disneyland on March 16th

By Tom Bell | Published February 28, 2018

Egg-stravaganza, the egg-themed scavenger hunt returns to the Disneyland Resort on March 16th, with eggs hidden in Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Guests can pick up a map with stickers at select merchandise locations for $5.99, then search for hidden eggs and mark the map with the stickers. When they’re done hunting … Egg-stravaganza Begins at Disneyland on March 16th

New MagicBand Designs for March Include the Famous Purple Wall

By Tom Bell | Published February 28, 2018 | Updated March 1, 2018

The Disney Parks Blog has released a look at three new MagicBand designs that will be available in March, either online or at Walt Disney World. The first design is inspired by the much-photographed Purple Wall at the Magic Kingdom, which the designers worked hard on trying to get the color just right. The limited … New MagicBand Designs for March Include the Famous Purple Wall

Disney and McDonald’s Announce New Happy Meal Partnership

By Tom Bell | Published February 27, 2018 | Updated February 28, 2018

In May of 2006, after 10 years of Disney-themed Happy Meal toys for young (and old) McDonald’s customers, Disney ended their partnership, hoping to distance themselves from the fast-food giant as they also worked to improve the nutritional value of the kid’s meals in their theme parks. Today, Disney and McDonald’s announced announced a new … Disney and McDonald’s Announce New Happy Meal Partnership

Fans Not Happy About Changes to Disneyland’s Flag Retreat Ceremony

By Tom Bell | Published February 27, 2018

During each afternoon’s Flag Retreat Ceremony at Disneyland Park, an honor guard of Disneyland security officers lowers the United States and California flags for the day in a patriotic ceremony where they’re usually joined by the Disneyland Band and the Dapper Dans. As the band plays the anthem from each of the armed forces, veterans … Fans Not Happy About Changes to Disneyland’s Flag Retreat Ceremony

Disneyland Park Adding Pixar Play Parade Dining Package

By Tom Bell | Published February 27, 2018

The Disneyland Resort is adding more chances to get reserved viewing for the exciting entertainment options coming when Pixar Fest hits the parks on April 13th! In addition to the Paint the Night Dining Packages that were released a couple weeks ago, Disneyland Park has added a Pixar Play Parade Dining Package as well. The … Disneyland Park Adding Pixar Play Parade Dining Package

Disney CEO Bob Iger Hints at Tiered Pricing for Streaming Services

By Tom Bell | Published February 27, 2018

During the 1st quarter earnings call earlier this month, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger talked about a $4.99 for ESPN Plus, the new streaming sports service that’s set to debut soon. Now, Iger is suggesting that the ESPN service, as well as the still unnamed Disney entertainment service, may adopt a tiered pricing structure. … Disney CEO Bob Iger Hints at Tiered Pricing for Streaming Services

Flag Retreat Returns to Disneyland Park Today

By Tom Bell | Published February 23, 2018

The Disneyland Resort has confirmed that the afternoon Flag Retreat will return to Disneyland Park this afternoon. It will be the first time the ceremony has been held since January 8th, when construction began on the tracks for the Horse-Drawn Streetcars. Each afternoon, an honor guard lowers the flag at Disneyland Park with great ceremony. … Flag Retreat Returns to Disneyland Park Today

Hollywood Walk of Fame Schedules Mark Hamill’s Star Ceremony

By Tom Bell | Published February 23, 2018 | Updated March 8, 2018

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced the dedication and unveiling of a new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Star Wars actor Mark Hamill. Hamill’s star was announced last year along with other 2018 honorees, including Minnie Mouse. The ceremony will take place Thursday, March 8th beginning at 11:30am PST. As with … Hollywood Walk of Fame Schedules Mark Hamill’s Star Ceremony

Tropical Hideaway Coming to Disneyland’s Adventureland

By Tom Bell | Published February 22, 2018

The Disneyland Resort has announced a brand new experience coming to Disneyland Park‘s Adventureland. Very soon, Aladdin’s Oasis will become The Tropical Hideaway. The new venue, between the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise, will offer the “sights, sounds and flavors of the tropics.” During their visit to The Tropical Hideaway, guests will be … Tropical Hideaway Coming to Disneyland’s Adventureland

Epcot to Host the Army’s Jazz Ambassadors on March 1st

By Tom Bell | Published February 22, 2018

Epcot will play host to the Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band on March 1st, when they’ll play three concerts at the American Gardens Theatre. The performances will be held at 5:30pm, 6:45pm, and 8:00pm, and are included with park admission. The 19-member Jazz Ambassadors are known as “America’s Big Band.” The … Epcot to Host the Army’s Jazz Ambassadors on March 1st