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.

Merchandise Released for this Weekend’s Star Wars Half Marathon

By Tom Bell | Published April 20, 2017

The Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side weekend began today at the Walt Disney World Resort and as with any good Disney event, runDisney has released some commemorative merchandise for the occasion. Special merchandise for the weekend includes favorites like shirts, hats, magnets, ornaments, and pins made to look like race medals. Some of this … Merchandise Released for this Weekend’s Star Wars Half Marathon

Guests Begin to Experience the New Rooms at the Grand Californian

By Tom Bell | Published April 19, 2017

The renovations are still in full-swing at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at the Disneyland Resort, but the first phase of the updated hotel rooms are complete and ready for guests. Last month, the Disney Parks Blog gave us a sneak-peak at the rooms, but now that some of the rooms are finished, they … Guests Begin to Experience the New Rooms at the Grand Californian

Walt Disney Archives to Host Pirates-Themed Exhibit at D23 Expo

By Tom Bell | Published April 18, 2017

One of the highlights of each D23 Expo is the exhibit that the Walt Disney Archives puts together from its massive catalogue of memorabilia and props from Disney theme parks and films. At the 2015 Expo, the exhibit centered around the 60th Anniversary of Disneyland, but for this year’s Expo, the Archives is tightening the … Walt Disney Archives to Host Pirates-Themed Exhibit at D23 Expo

Frozen Summer Games Returning to Blizzard Beach

By Tom Bell | Published April 17, 2017

Walt Disney World has announced that last year’s popular event, Frozen Summer Games, will be returning to Blizzard Beach! During their visit to the water park, guests can choose Team Olaf or Team Kristoff and take part in several Frozen-themed activities, including the Ice Pail Relays, Snowball Toss or Ski Pole Limbo. There will be … Frozen Summer Games Returning to Blizzard Beach

Stage Version of ‘Frozen’ Finalizes Cast, Adds New Choreographer

By Tom Bell | Published April 17, 2017

Disney Theatrical Productions’ live adaptation of the animated hit Frozen may have finally locked in its leadership and cast after several changes at the top. Last Fall, director Alex Timbers was replaced by Michael Grandage.  With the change in the creative direction due to Grandage at the helm, choreographer Peter Darling was replaced by Christopher … Stage Version of ‘Frozen’ Finalizes Cast, Adds New Choreographer

Club 33 Coming to Walt Disney World

By Tom Bell | Published April 13, 2017

Later this year, Club 33, the exclusive restaurant that began in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, will expand to Walt Disney World. Club members will be able enjoy four different locations throughout the resort. Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels around the world will figure heavily in the theme of each of the new locations. As with … Club 33 Coming to Walt Disney World

SeaWorld Orlando Announces New Water Ride

By Tom Bell | Published April 13, 2017

SeaWorld Orlando has announced a new river rapids ride scheduled to open in 2018. The new attraction will feature several unique elements, including a vertical lift. Infinity Falls will take guests on a winding river journey, past waterfalls, fountains and ancient ruins before plunging down a 40-foot drop, the largest drop of its kind. The … SeaWorld Orlando Announces New Water Ride

Uber-Like Service to Begin Soon at Walt Disney World

By Tom Bell | Published April 12, 2017

The Walt Disney World Resort has begun hiring drivers for what appears to be a new Uber-like service that could be launching soon. The new service would provide “door-to-door” transportation between the theme parks and resorts. The service may be using electric vehicles featuring advanced technology. Cast Members that apply as drivers should have at … Uber-Like Service to Begin Soon at Walt Disney World

Disneyland Resort to Begin Testing WiFi in the Parks

By Tom Bell | Published April 11, 2017

The Disneyland Resort will soon begin testing WiFi hot spots throughout the theme parks. WiFi is available for guests in the resort’s hotels, but with Disney MaxPass expected to begin soon, many guests anticipated that WiFi would be coming to the parks as well. WiFi testing will begin April 24th, but guests will not be … Disneyland Resort to Begin Testing WiFi in the Parks

Woman Chokes Girl for Blocking Fireworks View

By Tom Bell | Published April 7, 2017

A Michigan woman was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of child abuse after choking a teenage girl for blocking her view of Wishes fireworks at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. Tabbatha Kaye Mature, 41, was booked into the Orange County Jail and released on $2,000 bond. Mature and her family were sitting near … Woman Chokes Girl for Blocking Fireworks View