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.

Top New Food Picks at Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year

By Tom Bell - January 29, 2025 | Disneyland

Since I made it to opening weekend of the Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure, I figured it was my responsibility to try some of the new food items at this year’s Festival Marketplaces. I picked up a Sip and Savor Pass [$48] that allowed me to try 6 items and headed over … Top New Food Picks at Disney California Adventure’s Lunar New Year

Will Marvel Fans Love Avengers Reserve in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney?

By Tom Bell - January 27, 2025 | Disneyland

With the reimagining of the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort comes new shops and restaurants, especially on the west end of the shopping area. One of these new shops is Avengers Reserve, featuring all things Marvel. With Avengers Campus now open in Disney California Adventure, the real question becomes, do we really need … Will Marvel Fans Love Avengers Reserve in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney?

Highlights from the Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure

By Tom Bell - January 22, 2025 | Disneyland

The Disneyland Resort’s annual Lunar New Year celebration kicked off this weekend at Disney California Adventure. The month-long event features themed entertainment, food, characters, merchandise, and more. Opening weekend was popular and lines for some of the food and entertainment were long, but we were able to grab some highlights to share with you. Mulan’s … Highlights from the Lunar New Year Celebration at Disney California Adventure

Step Inside the Updated Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell - January 20, 2025 | Disneyland

After a lengthy refurbishment and an extended seasonal overlay, the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland Park finally reopened last weekend! Most of your favorite elements are there, along with a few new surprises, including a beautiful new bride in the attic scene. The attraction reopened on a Saturday, and surprisingly enough waits were reasonable, hovering around … Step Inside the Updated Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park

Why We BRAVED Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland

By Tom Bell - January 16, 2025 | Disneyland

Many of us think that standard Disney pizza is subpar, so after a couple of years away from the parks, enjoying a lunch at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland Park was definitely not on my radar. However, on a recent visit to the parks with my Connecting With Walt colleague, Michael Bowling, he was raving … Why We BRAVED Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland

Inside the Tropicana Inn & Suites, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

By Tom Bell - January 5, 2025 | Disneyland

Recently, I spent a weekend at the Tropicana Inn & Suites in Anaheim, just across from the Disneyland Resort. The 197-room Tropicana is a fan-favorite because of its close proximity to Disneyland. The Disneyland Resort is surrounded by locally owned and chain non-Disney eateries, lodging and more, so sometimes there are some great options (and … Inside the Tropicana Inn & Suites, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

Why We’re Obsessed With Downtown Disney’s D-Lander Shop

By Tom Bell - January 2, 2025 | Disneyland

The D-Lander Shop that opened recently at the Disneyland Resort may be the store we didn’t know we needed. The small storefront on the west end of Downtown Disney is a don’t-miss for fans of Disney and their high-end fashion partnerships and we’re obsessed with it because nearly every popular brand is represented. The shop … Why We’re Obsessed With Downtown Disney’s D-Lander Shop

Don’t Miss the Energetic Viva Navidad at California Adventure

By Tom Bell - December 12, 2024 | Disneyland

One of my favorite parts of the holidays at the Disneyland Resort is the Viva Navidad Street Party in Disney California Adventure. The energetic performance is held in the Paradise Gardens Park area of the park and is one of my don’t-miss entertainment options. This year, the show is only being performed on weekends, but … Don’t Miss the Energetic Viva Navidad at California Adventure

Trying Holiday Treats for Breakfast in Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell - December 9, 2024 | Disneyland

I am not a big fan of the breakfast served in the Parks at the Disneyland Resort, so typically I will either eat at my hotel or just grab a pastry at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to enjoy while I watch the throngs of tourists enter Disneyland in the morning. This particular morning, however, I … Trying Holiday Treats for Breakfast in Disneyland Park

A Look INSIDE the Sheraton Park Hotel, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel

By Tom Bell - November 27, 2024 | Disneyland

Recently, I had a chance to stay at the Sheraton Park Hotel near the Anaheim Convention Center, and just down the street from the Disneyland Resort. The location makes it convenient for guests splitting their time between a convention and time in the theme parks. The Disneyland Resort is surrounded by locally owned and chain … A Look INSIDE the Sheraton Park Hotel, A Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel