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.

Construction Walls are Down at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published May 24, 2019

The makeover of Sleeping Beauty Castle is finally complete and construction walls are down at the Disneyland Park icon. The months-long refurbishment was need to repair or replace some of the castle roofs, but Imagineers also used the time to add a little pixie dust. The castle has been updated and refreshed several times since … Construction Walls are Down at Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park

University of Central Florida Added to Disney Aspire Education Program

By Tom Bell | Published May 24, 2019

Walt Disney World Cast Members have a new option for continuing their education now that the Disney Aspire education investment program has been expanded to include the University of Central Florida (UCF). Disney Aspire, which begin in August 2018, helps hourly Cast Members by creating educational opportunities at participating schools. With its investment of $150 … University of Central Florida Added to Disney Aspire Education Program

Celebrate Memorial Day with Patriotic Merchandise From Disney Springs

By Tom Bell | Published May 23, 2019

The merchants at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World have some patriotic merchandise suggestions and special sales for guests who find themselves in warm Central Florida this Memorial Day Weekend. HARVEYS Disney Americana This weekend, Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories will be debuting a new collection from HARVEYS. The Disney Americana collection will include … Celebrate Memorial Day with Patriotic Merchandise From Disney Springs

Expansion Port at Tokyo DisneySea Will Be Called Fantasy Springs

By Tom Bell | Published May 23, 2019

This week, The Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger and representatives from the Oriental Land Company gathered to announce the name for the expansion that is taking place at Tokyo DisneySea. The new port that was announced last summer will be called Fantasy Springs. Scheduled to open in 2022 or early 2023, the area will … Expansion Port at Tokyo DisneySea Will Be Called Fantasy Springs

Soarin’ Over California is Back at Disney California Adventure This June

By Tom Bell | Published May 23, 2019 | Updated June 21, 2019

Disney has confirmed that Soarin’ Over California will stay around through (at least) August 31st! In addition June 27th through July 31st, Annual Passholders can enjoy an extra hour of Soarin’ after park close. Source: Disney Parks Blog According to @dlthings on Twitter, the Soarin’ Over California version will remain at Disney California Adventure through … Soarin’ Over California is Back at Disney California Adventure This June

More Info About the DescenDANCE Party at New Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure

By Tom Bell | Published May 23, 2019

The Disneyland Resort has released a bit more information about the Descendants-themed dance party happening at the new Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party which is taking place this fall at Disney California Adventure. The interactive DescenDANCE Party will take place at the Backlot Stage in Hollywood Land and is sure to be … More Info About the DescenDANCE Party at New Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure

New Adventureland Marquee Installed at Disneyland Park

By Tom Bell | Published May 23, 2019

Back in late March, the existing sign at the entrance to Adventureland in Disneyland Park was removed as part of Project Stardust. Disneyland is working to improve guest flow in advance of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the supports for the existing sign intruded into the walkway, causing recurring traffic jams. This … New Adventureland Marquee Installed at Disneyland Park

New ‘The Lion King’ Food Offerings Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By Tom Bell | Published May 22, 2019

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is introducing a jungle-full of new treats beginning this Friday to celebrate the upcoming release of Disney’s The Lion King “live-action” remake. Unless otherwise noted, all of these items will be available May 24th through the end of summer. Simba Ice Cream Sandwich (Tamu Tamu) – Vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two … New ‘The Lion King’ Food Offerings Coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Global Theme Park Attendance Grew 5% in 2018, With Disney Still on Top

By Tom Bell | Published May 22, 2019

According to numbers released today by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and engineering firm AECOM, global theme parks saw more than half a billion visitors for the first time in 2018, with attendance jumping 5.4% from 476 million to 501 million. Growth at water parks was 2.5%. Disney remained the top theme park company with … Global Theme Park Attendance Grew 5% in 2018, With Disney Still on Top

Approval of New 20-Year Agreement Means More Disney Cruise Line Ships at Port Canaveral

By Tom Bell | Published May 22, 2019

This morning, the board of directors for the Port Canaveral Port Authority approved a new 20-year agreement with Disney Cruise Line that has been in the works for nearly a year. The new agreement replaces one that has been in place since 1995, but wasn’t set to expire until 2027. The new contract is will … Approval of New 20-Year Agreement Means More Disney Cruise Line Ships at Port Canaveral