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.

Pose With an Oscar Statuette at Hollywood Studios!

By Tom Bell | Published February 20, 2017

In celebration of the upcoming Academy Awards, guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can now practice their acceptance speeches while they pose with an actual Oscar statuette. The photo opportunity can be found inside One Man’s Dream during regular park hours.  Guests can pose for the paparazzi now through Oscar night, Sunday, February 26, 2017.   … Pose With an Oscar Statuette at Hollywood Studios!

Disneyland Files Permit for New Cupola on Pirates Building for Fantasmic

By Tom Bell | Published February 17, 2017

The Disneyland Resort files a lot of permits with the City of Anaheim and most of them are pretty standard, but a new one posted by Matthew Gottula on Twitter is interesting and raises some new questions. The permit is for a 56 square foot cupola to be installed on the roof of the Pirates … Disneyland Files Permit for New Cupola on Pirates Building for Fantasmic

Big Changes Coming to Coronado Springs Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort

By Tom Bell | Published February 16, 2017

Walt Disney World has announced plans for some major expansion and updates at two of its popular themed resorts! At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney is building a new 15-story tower, with 500 suites and concierge level rooms. Current rooms will also get a refresh as will the landscaping around the resort, which will be … Big Changes Coming to Coronado Springs Resort and Caribbean Beach Resort

Construction on New Costuming Facility at Hollywood Studios to Affect Roadways

By Tom Bell | Published February 16, 2017

A new costuming building being built backstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios could soon cause some headaches for guests. The new location is on the southeast corner of the park, and in order to accommodate construction, Disney will be shifting the part of main entrance roadway to the east. The detour will happen just after guests pass … Construction on New Costuming Facility at Hollywood Studios to Affect Roadways

Disney Channel Adds Second Season for Tangled: The Series

By Tom Bell | Published February 16, 2017

With still a month to go until its premiere, the Disney Channel has already given the green light to a second season of “Tangled: The Series.” The new series debuts March 24, following the March 10 airing of the Disney Channel Original Movie Tangled: Before Ever After, which is set between the original animated feature … Disney Channel Adds Second Season for Tangled: The Series

New PANDORA Designed Medal for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon

By Tom Bell | Published February 15, 2017

runDisney has teamed up with race sponsor PANDORA Jewelry to design this year’s medal for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon. David Brotherton of Disney Yellow Shoes and the designers at PANDORA wanted to make sure that the medal represented both brands.  According to Brotherton, “it was important to keep the aesthetics of PANDORA, while also … New PANDORA Designed Medal for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: BREAKOUT! Opens May 27 at California Adventure

By Tom Bell | Published February 15, 2017 | Updated February 17, 2017

The Disneyland Resort has announced that Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will open at Disney California Adventure on May 27, 2017 as part of their Summer of Heroes promotion. The update to the Tower of Terror attraction will feature an all new storyline, plus a random soundtrack and ride profile. The Tower of … Guardians of the Galaxy-Mission: BREAKOUT! Opens May 27 at California Adventure

California Adventure’s Disney Junior Closing Due to Union Activities?

By Tom Bell | Published February 15, 2017 | Updated February 17, 2017

While in the midst of negotiations with the Walt Disney Company, the 28 puppeteers from Disney California Adventure‘s version of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! have learned that the current show would be closing in April and would reopen later without puppets. The puppeteers joined the American Guild of Variety Artists in May 2015, … California Adventure’s Disney Junior Closing Due to Union Activities?

New ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Experiences Coming to Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published February 14, 2017 | Updated February 17, 2017

Disneyland Park is adding some fun new Beauty and the Beast experiences throughout Fantasyland that celebrate the animated feature.  In addition to the recently opened shop, Disneyland will be transforming a classic Fantasyland restaurant, adding a new meet-and-greet, plus more surprises. As we told you last week, the new Royal Reception shop is now open … New ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Experiences Coming to Disneyland Park

Disney Cruise Line to Add More Concierge Staterooms on the Magic and Wonder

By Tom Bell | Published February 14, 2017

Disney Cruise Line has released plans to upgrade ten rooms on their two classic ships to Concierge Level. The staterooms aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are currently Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms (Category 4), but will be upgraded to Concierge Family Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms (Category V).  A category that doesn’t … Disney Cruise Line to Add More Concierge Staterooms on the Magic and Wonder