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.

Ron Howard Reveals Name of New Han Solo Film

By Tom Bell | Published October 17, 2017

This morning on Twitter, director Ron Howard revealed the name for the upcoming Star Wars film centered around Han Solo. Howard also confirmed that principal photography has been completed on the film. Set before the events of the original Star Wars, Solo: A Star Wars Story is scheduled to be released in theaters on May … Ron Howard Reveals Name of New Han Solo Film

Disney Cruise Line Adds More Changes to Eastern Caribbean Itineraries

By Tom Bell | Published October 16, 2017

Due to the extended recovery and repair efforts that are happening in ports in the Eastern Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line is continuing to make adjustments to its itineraries on the Disney Fantasy, and has now added some adjustments on itineraries aboard the Disney Magic. Due to damage at Tortola and St. Thomas, ports in the … Disney Cruise Line Adds More Changes to Eastern Caribbean Itineraries

The Disney Dress Shop Opens in Downtown Disney

By Tom Bell | Published October 13, 2017 | Updated October 14, 2017

A new, probably temporary, dress store has opened in the former Chapel Hats location in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort. A similar location opened at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World early this year. The Disney Dress Shop will carry apparel created especially for Disney Parks, along with accessories and other items from Dooney … The Disney Dress Shop Opens in Downtown Disney

Layoffs Begin at Disney-ABC Television Group

By Tom Bell | Published October 12, 2017

As expected, layoffs began today at the Disney-ABC Television Group, affecting employees at ABC Entertainment, ABC Studios, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Freeform. Affected employees were notified this morning and although a 10% cut in employees was expected, according to Variety, the layoffs will be significantly lower. The cost-cutting measure also shouldn’t have … Layoffs Begin at Disney-ABC Television Group

Disneyland Testing Roaming Droid in Tomorrowland

By Tom Bell | Published October 11, 2017

After tests inside Launch Bay last year and at the D23 Expo in July, Disneyland is now testing its J4-K3 roaming droid in Tomorrowland. For the first time this week, guests have reported seeing Jake, as he’s known, interacting with crowds and posing for pictures outside of the Launch Bay. According to a Disneyland spokesperson, … Disneyland Testing Roaming Droid in Tomorrowland

Walt Disney Animation Cancels ‘Gigantic’

By Tom Bell | Published October 10, 2017

Gigantic, Walt Disney Animation’s update to the Jack and the Beanstalk story, has been shelved indefinitely due to creative difficulties. The film, featuring Jack encountering a female giant, was to have been directed by Meg LeFauve (Inside Out) and Nathan Greno (Tangled), with music by Frozen‘s Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The studio had scheduled … Walt Disney Animation Cancels ‘Gigantic’

Disney Cruise Line Releases Details of the New Marvel Stunt Showd

By Tom Bell | Published October 10, 2017

The first group of Marvel Day at Sea cruises aboard the Disney Magic have begun, and soon guests will be experiencing an action-packed stunt show that includes special effects, fireworks, and more than a dozen Marvel Super Heroes. Decks 9 and 10 will be the setting for an exclusive party thrown by Tony Stark to … Disney Cruise Line Releases Details of the New Marvel Stunt Showd

Brush Fire Causing Smoky Skies and Falling Ash at the Disneyland Resort

By Tom Bell | Published October 9, 2017 | Updated October 10, 2017

A brush fire that broke out this morning in Anaheim Hills is causing spooky looking skies and some falling ash at the Disneyland Resort. Anaheim Hills is about 15 miles east of Disneyland in the small mountains that overlook Anaheim. Currently, there are no plans no close Disneyland, as the evacuation area [below] is over … Brush Fire Causing Smoky Skies and Falling Ash at the Disneyland Resort

Music and Magic at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

By Tom Bell | Published October 9, 2017

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort is hosting Parlor Tricks: Rhapsody of Wonders,  a “musical magic” show featuring Jonathan Sky, on October 14th and 21st. The event begins at 11:00am with a brunch buffet. The menu includes Bananas Foster French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Creole Caesar Salad, Gumbo Ya-Ya, and Pasta … Music and Magic at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen

Dream Boutique Replaces Anna & Elsa’s Boutique in Downtown Disney

By Tom Bell | Published October 7, 2017

After closing for a brief refurbishment, Anna & Elsa’s Boutique in Downtown Disney reopened today as the Dream Boutique. The updated space carries character inspired clothing, accessories, and hats, plus costumes and accessories that allow younger guests to dress as their favorite Disney Princess. The store also carries a variety of toys and plush. The … Dream Boutique Replaces Anna & Elsa’s Boutique in Downtown Disney