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.

Renovating Our Disney Bathroom – Part 1: Prologue

By Tom Bell | Published May 6, 2020

We all have one….that room (or part of a room) dedicated to our Disney obsession. Well, in my house for the last 20-plus years, it’s been the “Mickey Bathroom.” Since I’ve had a bit of “shelter in place” time on my hands, I thought it might be a good idea to spruce up the old … Renovating Our Disney Bathroom – Part 1: Prologue

Adventures by Disney Cancels River Cruises for July

By Tom Bell | Published May 6, 2020

Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways have cancelled their River Cruises set to depart in July. All associated Escape trips have been cancelled as well. Adventures by Disney had previously cancelled any River Cruises set to depart in May and June. Guests can request a refund or transfer to another available experience, including 2021 itineraries that … Adventures by Disney Cancels River Cruises for July

Epcot Performers Mariachi Cobre Share Their Voices (and Instruments) From Home

By Tom Bell | Published May 6, 2020

Following in the footsteps of the Dapper Dans and the Voices of Liberty, Epcot performers Mariachi Cobre have gathered virtually to share their beautiful music. The group, which plays at the Mexico Pavilion, recorded the classic, “Cielito Lindo.” While the name might not be familiar, the tune definitely is. Source: Disney Parks Blog

Chief Medical Officer Shares How Disney is Working to Keep Guests Safe When Parks Reopen

By Tom Bell | Published May 5, 2020

Following the announcement that Shanghai Disneyland will be reopening with controlled capacity on May 11, Disney Parks Chief Medical Office Dr. Pamela Hymel shared some of the plans and considerations that Disney is looking at ahead of the reopening of the domestic parks. Dr. Hymel said that they are evaluating new and enhanced safety measures, … Chief Medical Officer Shares How Disney is Working to Keep Guests Safe When Parks Reopen

The Walt Disney Company Issues Cautiously Optimistic Earnings Report for Quarter Ending March 31

By Tom Bell | Published May 5, 2020

Tuesday afternoon, The Walt Disney Company released their earnings report for the 2nd fiscal quarter of 2020 (ending March 31, 2020), showing revenue up 21%, but income down 37% over last year for the quarter. Diluted earnings per share decreased 63%. Chief Executive Officer Bob Chapek said in a written statement: While the COVID-19 pandemic … The Walt Disney Company Issues Cautiously Optimistic Earnings Report for Quarter Ending March 31

Man Faces Trespassing Charges After Being Found Camping on Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island

By Tom Bell | Published May 1, 2020 | Updated October 5, 2020

UPDATE 10/5/20: Richard McGuire has accepted a plea deal in the case listed below. According to court records, the deal was filed on September 30th and is now showing that the case is closed. McGuire entered a “no contest” plea in addition to the trespassing charge not showing up as a conviction on his criminal … Man Faces Trespassing Charges After Being Found Camping on Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island

Disney Developing Live-Action ‘Hercules’ Remake

By Tom Bell | Published April 30, 2020

The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Disney, under their AGBO production company, is working on a live-action remake of the 1997 animated film Hercules. Joe and Anthony Russo, who head up AGBO, will produce the film. The Russo brothers directed the last two Avengers films, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. According to sources, the … Disney Developing Live-Action ‘Hercules’ Remake

Florida Governor Announces Phase 1 of His Reopening Plan Starts May 4

By Tom Bell | Published April 29, 2020 | Updated April 30, 2020

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Phase 1 of his plan to reopen the state will begin on Monday, May 4. Updated rules will be in place except in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, which have been the most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Phase 1 does not specifically address Florida’s theme parks, … Florida Governor Announces Phase 1 of His Reopening Plan Starts May 4

Disney Celebrates 40 Years of Make-A-Wish on World Wish Day

By Tom Bell | Published April 29, 2020

Today is World Wish Day and the 40th anniversary of Make-A-Wish, which Disney has been involved in from the very beginning. The global organization was founded on April 29, 1980 after founder Chris Greicius heard of a young boy who dreamed of being a police officer. The first of nearly half a million official wishes … Disney Celebrates 40 Years of Make-A-Wish on World Wish Day

Part 5 of Disney’s Imagineering Series Tours the Art Library

By Tom Bell | Published April 27, 2020

This week’s virtual tour of Walt Disney Imagineering takes us through the Art Library which includes over 135,000 pieces of original concept art from theme parks around the world. Imagineering curators Mike Jusko, Denise Brown, Vanessa Hunt take a walk through the library and give us a glimpse at the original Disneyland park drawing by … Part 5 of Disney’s Imagineering Series Tours the Art Library