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.

More Special Photo Ops to Celebrate 15 Years of PhotoPass at Walt Disney World

By Tom Bell | Published January 31, 2020

Back in December, the PhotoPass photographers at Epcot came up with several special photo opportunities to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Disney PhotoPass. Beginning February 1st, there are even more unique after dark opportunities happening throughout Walt Disney World. Starting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, pose in front of the Tree of Life on Discovery Island … More Special Photo Ops to Celebrate 15 Years of PhotoPass at Walt Disney World

Opening Team Cast Members, Plus Josh D’Amaro, Get Trained on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

By Tom Bell | Published January 31, 2020

Recently, opening team Cast Members, along with Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro, began their initial training to operate Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition to introducing some of the trainers, the video that Disney shared also gives a peek inside the loading area of the new attraction. Take a … Opening Team Cast Members, Plus Josh D’Amaro, Get Trained on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Recognized by the Visual Effects Society

By Tom Bell | Published January 30, 2020

Recently, the Visual Effects Society (VES) honored Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at their annual awards ceremony. The attraction now open at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland Park was honored for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Special Venue Project. The VES honors outstanding visual effects in film, television, … Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Recognized by the Visual Effects Society

Plans Come Together for Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite

By Tom Bell | Published January 30, 2020

The Disneyland Resort has shared some details about the upcoming Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite events that are taking place in Disneyland Park on February 12th and 13th. As with most of these events, the night will include special entertainment, themed food, photo opportunities, and unique merchandise. To keep with the romantic theme, guests will … Plans Come Together for Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts Nite

Test Footage Shows How Spider-Man May Swing Over Avengers Campus At Disney California Adventure

By Tom Bell | Published January 30, 2020 | Updated June 3, 2021

New test footage just released by the Disney Parks Blog shows Spider-Man performing “amazing acrobatic feats at a top secret location.” The video hints at what guests might be seeing when Avengers Campus opens at Disney California Adventure this summer. Disney goes on to say that guests “may be able to catch a glimpse of … Test Footage Shows How Spider-Man May Swing Over Avengers Campus At Disney California Adventure

Countdown Continues to the Opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway with Latest Poster

By Tom Bell | Published January 30, 2020

With just over a month to go until the opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Disney Parks Blog continues their look at cartoon short poster art that is set to line the queue of the new attraction. “Mumbai Madness” is among the Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts that will be … Countdown Continues to the Opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway with Latest Poster

A Behind the Scenes Look at the Floats for the Magic Happens Parade Coming to Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published January 28, 2020

Senior Art Director Scott Shaffer has a look behind the scenes at the new Magic Happens parade that premiers at Disneyland Park on February 28th. Shaffer shows a look at how the floats came together, including closeups of the Cinderella, The Sword in the Stone, and Coco floats, plus plenty of details on the Sleeping … A Behind the Scenes Look at the Floats for the Magic Happens Parade Coming to Disneyland Park

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante in Disney Springs to Host Carnevale Starting February 1

By Tom Bell | Published January 27, 2020

Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante in Disney Springs will once again host Carnevale, the festival famous in Venice, throughout the month of February. The festival, know as Mardi Gras elsewhere in the world, includes glamorous costumes, culinary delicacies, and riotous celebrations. Maria & Enzo’s will featuring live entertainment each evening from 5pm to 10pm, plus a … Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante in Disney Springs to Host Carnevale Starting February 1

Souvenir Spork Now Available for Purchase at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published January 27, 2020

The popular spork that began disappearing (and reappearing on eBay) from Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland Park last year, is available once again in the west coast version of Batuu. This time around, however, the useful utensil is being sold as a souvenir. The spork was … Souvenir Spork Now Available for Purchase at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland Park

Disney Cruise Line Discounts and Special Offers for the Week of January 27, 2020

By Tom Bell | Published January 27, 2020 | Updated January 28, 2020

Here’s the final Disney Cruise Line discount update for January and there are still plenty discounts to be had! First though, if you didn’t have a chance to read it yet, be sure to check out Pete Werner’s article about how to cruise on a budget. Great Deals on Last Minute Disney Cruises! New this … Disney Cruise Line Discounts and Special Offers for the Week of January 27, 2020