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.

Details of the New Rooms at the Grand Californian

By Tom Bell | Published March 7, 2017

Back in November, we told you that updates were coming to the rooms and public spaces of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.  Now we have more details as the Disneyland Resort has released details and photos of the new hotel rooms! Walt Disney Imagineering has planned an extensive refurbishment that “not only elevates the … Details of the New Rooms at the Grand Californian

Grand Californian to Close its Childcare Facility

By Tom Bell | Published March 6, 2017

The DIS has confirmed that Pinocchio’s Workshop, the childcare facility at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, will be closing. While the Grand Californian is in the middle of a major refurbishment of its rooms and public spaces, Cast Members we spoke to said that the closure is more a result of the space being … Grand Californian to Close its Childcare Facility

Disney Ranks Third on List of Reputable Companies

By Tom Bell | Published March 1, 2017

The Walt Disney Company has a claimed one of the top spots on this year’s list of the 100 most reputable companies in the world. While Rolex tops the list put together annually by The Reputation Institute, Disney comes in at number 3. The ranking is based on feedback from 170,000 respondents who shared their … Disney Ranks Third on List of Reputable Companies

No More Camping Out For a Disneyland Parade?

By Tom Bell | Published March 1, 2017

According to several sources, yesterday the Disneyland Resort implemented a new operational procedure meant to keep guests from “camping out” for parades at Disneyland Park. Previously, many guests would lay down their blankets and grab their front-row spot on the curb several hours before a parade would even begin, causing crowded walkways along Main Street. … No More Camping Out For a Disneyland Parade?

New Breakfast Menu at Steakhouse 55

By Tom Bell | Published February 24, 2017

After Chef Marcel St. Pierre took over the kitchen at Steakhouse 55 a few years ago, he soon added his signature touches to the dinner menu. Now, Chef Marcel has made some updates to the breakfast menu at the classic Disneyland Hotel eatery. New items include the Pork Belly Chilaquiles, which is corn tortilla chips … New Breakfast Menu at Steakhouse 55

Menus Released for Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

By Tom Bell | Published February 23, 2017

The Disneyland Resort has released the menus for the Marketplaces coming to this year’s Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival.  This year’s festival will be nearly twice the size of last year, with 13 booths…up from 8, plus a great new menu at Paradise Garden Grill. Here’s what you’ll find when Food & Wine … Menus Released for Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival

Disney World Firefighters and Reedy Creek Improvement District Agree on Contract

By Tom Bell | Published February 22, 2017

After over two years of negotiations, the Reedy Creek Improvement District and the Reedy Creek Firefighters Association, the union representing Walt Disney World area firefighters, may have finally reached an agreement. John Classe, District Administrator for Reedy Creek, made the announcement at today’s board meeting but added no other details. Firefighters Association president Tim Stromsnes … Disney World Firefighters and Reedy Creek Improvement District Agree on Contract

New Merchandise for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend

By Tom Bell | Published February 22, 2017

Runners participating in this weekend’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort will have a chance to pick up merchandise inspired by Belle, Cinderella, Aurora and many other Disney Princesses. For the Princess Half Marathon, much of the merchandise (and the race medal) is inspired by the animated classic Beauty and the … New Merchandise for the Princess Half Marathon Weekend

runDisney Adds PIXAR Theme to This Year’s Disneyland Half Marathon

By Tom Bell | Published February 21, 2017

runDisney has revealed that the races for this year’s Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend will be themed to some of your favorite Disney-PIXAR movies! The themes include Toy Story for the Disneyland Half Marathon, Monsters University for the Disneyland 10K, and The Incredibles for The Disneyland 5K.  The Kids Races will feature an Up theme. The … runDisney Adds PIXAR Theme to This Year’s Disneyland Half Marathon

SeaWorld to Report Lower Revenue and Attendance for 2016

By Tom Bell | Published February 21, 2017

In advance of next week’s full earnings report, SeaWorld Entertainment has provided estimates of their 2016 revenue and attendance.  SeaWorld is looking at refinancing some of their debt and needed to releases some figures early. Revenues are expected to total $1.344 billion, which is down from $1.37 billion in 2015.  The total number of visitors … SeaWorld to Report Lower Revenue and Attendance for 2016