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.

Baby Porcupette Named After Animal Kingdom Cast Member

By Tom Bell | Published April 24, 2020

One of the newest residents of Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a prehensile-tailed porcupine, finally has a name. The porcupette born back in February was named Shelley, after one of the Cast Members that help take care of mom Peri during her pregnancy. Veterinary Operations Manager, whose training enabled her to perform essential prenatal … Baby Porcupette Named After Animal Kingdom Cast Member

Disney Chefs Share Recipe for Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets

By Tom Bell | Published April 24, 2020

Whether you get them from New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park or Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter in Walt Disney World, Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets have always been a fan-favorite. Since we can’t get to the parks and resorts right now, the Disney chefs have been kind enough to share their recipe. The recipe, … Disney Chefs Share Recipe for Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets

The Dapper Dans of Disneyland Park Share Another Disney Classic From Home

By Tom Bell | Published April 23, 2020

The Dapper Dans of both Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom have been getting together virtually to share some Disney film and theme park favorites from their homes while they’re not able to sing on Main Street USA. The west coast Dans are back again to perform “When I See an Elephant Fly” from the … The Dapper Dans of Disneyland Park Share Another Disney Classic From Home

Helicopter Pilot Shares Flight Over Closed Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published April 23, 2020 | Updated May 25, 2020

Helicopter pilot Micah Muzio was able to get permission for a quick flyover of Disneyland Park recently and shared what it looks like during this current closure. Muzio flew over much of the Orange County area, including Angel Stadium, before crossing over Disneyland Park, entering from the east near Tomorrowland, then crossing diagonally to Star … Helicopter Pilot Shares Flight Over Closed Disneyland Park

Dr. Jane Goodall Helps the Disney Conservation Fund Celebrate 25 Years

By Tom Bell | Published April 21, 2020 | Updated May 25, 2020

On Earth Day tomorrow, the Disney Conservation Fund marks 25 years of supporting organizations that work to save wildlife and protect the planet. As part of the celebration, noted conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall sent her well wishes. Goodall is also featured in a new documentary that premieres tomorrow, April 22. Jane Goodall: The Hope will … Dr. Jane Goodall Helps the Disney Conservation Fund Celebrate 25 Years

A Trip Through Research & Development in Disney’s Imagineering Series, Part 4

By Tom Bell | Published April 21, 2020 | Updated May 25, 2020

This week the virtual tour of Walt Disney Imagineering heads through the Research & Development lab, where they create next generation of Disney experiences. Join Imagineer Mike Honeck as he takes a walk through the R&D lobby and talks about what they do. If you missed the first 3 parts, here are the links to … A Trip Through Research & Development in Disney’s Imagineering Series, Part 4

Lawsuit Claims Guest Was Injured on Frozen Ever After at Epcot

By Tom Bell | Published April 21, 2020

A 27-year-old Illinois woman has sued Disney, claiming she was injured on the Frozen Ever After attraction at Epcot during a January trip to Walt Disney World. Amanda Peters, who has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, was visiting Epcot with her family six weeks after brain surgery. Her doctor gave approval for the trip, … Lawsuit Claims Guest Was Injured on Frozen Ever After at Epcot

Walt Disney World and Universal Leaders Named to Re-Open Florida Task Force

By Tom Bell | Published April 20, 2020

Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis has (virtually) gathered 22 state leaders and business people, including Disney and Universal executives, to discuss how best to aid economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the Re-Open Florida Task Force Executive Committee, which met with the governor today via conference call, include: Josh D’Amaro – … Walt Disney World and Universal Leaders Named to Re-Open Florida Task Force

Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger Named to California Economic Task Force

By Tom Bell | Published April 17, 2020

Bob Iger, Executive Chairman for The Walt Disney Company, has been named by California Governor Gavin Newsom to an 80-person task force that is being charged with developing economic strategies to aid in the recovery caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Iger is joined on the panel by several other well known executives, including Apple CEO … Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger Named to California Economic Task Force

Grad Nite at the Disneyland Resort Has Been Cancelled for 2020

By Tom Bell | Published April 17, 2020

The Disneyland Resort has cancelled all of their Grad Nite events for 2020 due to the current COVID-19 situation. The late night parties were scheduled to be held at Disney California Adventure on select nights starting May 8th and continuing through June 13. A statement on the Disney Youth Programs website shared the news: While … Grad Nite at the Disneyland Resort Has Been Cancelled for 2020