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.

Walt Disney World Cast Member Accused of Stealing and Reselling Costume from the Haunted Mansion

By Tom Bell | Published May 18, 2019 | Updated January 3, 2021

UPDATE 10/24/19: Florida authorities have released a video showing photos found on Patrick Spikes’ cell phone of several wigs and costumes from the Haunted Mansion attraction. Additionally, the video shows Spikes being interrogated by detectives when he states that he wants to speak to an attorney. The detectives tell him that’s fine, but his cell … Walt Disney World Cast Member Accused of Stealing and Reselling Costume from the Haunted Mansion

Union Leaders for Walt Disney World Firefighters Claim Expansion is Leaving them Shorthanded

By Tom Bell | Published May 17, 2019

With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening later this year and the Disney Skyliner being tested for a fall open, plus other attractions and resort hotels under construction at Walt Disney World, union leaders for the Reedy Creek Fire Department say that there aren’t enough firefighters to handle the growing crowds, leaving the department “stretched to … Union Leaders for Walt Disney World Firefighters Claim Expansion is Leaving them Shorthanded

Disneyland and Walt Disney World Share Their Best Bites for May 2019

By Tom Bell | Published May 17, 2019

The Disney Parks Blog has once again shared its Best Bites at Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort. For May, there are some fun new choices on both coasts, plus some returning favorites. We start out west, where later this month, Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel will introduce a new theme to its … Disneyland and Walt Disney World Share Their Best Bites for May 2019

Summer Pool Parties Return to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort Starting May 26

By Tom Bell | Published May 16, 2019

Beginning May 26th, the hotels of the Disneyland Resort will once again host their summer pool parties. Grown-ups can relax, the kids can splash, and the whole family can enjoy the interactive games, music and dancing. The party will be held on select days with the fun starting at 2:30pm at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel … Summer Pool Parties Return to the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort Starting May 26

Imagineer Kim Irvine Discusses Her Career and Hopes to Restore Access to Disneyland’s Court of Angels

By Tom Bell | Published May 16, 2019

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times where she discussed her career, long-time Imagineer Kim Irvine said that she’s working on a compromise that could bring public access back to the Court of Angels in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square. The 2014 remodel of Club 33 forced the closure of the fan-favorite spot to regular … Imagineer Kim Irvine Discusses Her Career and Hopes to Restore Access to Disneyland’s Court of Angels

Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Adding Weekend Brunch

By Tom Bell | Published May 16, 2019

Beginning May 25th, the Lamplight Lounge on Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure will be adding a weekend brunch. Brunch is scheduled to be served from 8:15am to 12:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Lunch will begin at 12:30pm, with dinner starting at 4:00pm. While the brunch menu isn’t currently available on the official Disneyland website, … Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Adding Weekend Brunch

More Layoffs Hitting The Walt Disney Studios and Fox Following Acquisition

By Tom Bell | Published May 15, 2019

Several sources, including Variety, are reporting that cuts in film staff were made today at both The Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox following the March acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets by Disney. Disney has not commented on the layoffs or said which departments are being affected, but insiders speculate that the distribution … More Layoffs Hitting The Walt Disney Studios and Fox Following Acquisition

More Details About the Signature Restaurant Opening this Summer at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot

By Tom Bell | Published May 15, 2019 | Updated July 2, 2019

A new signature restaurant coming to the Japan Pavilion in Epcot finally has a name and a few more details. The restaurant, which was announced last May, will be called Takumi-Tei and will be a signature dining experience “inspired by the natural beauty of Japan.” The design of Takumi-Tei, or “house of the artisan,” will … More Details About the Signature Restaurant Opening this Summer at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot

Tim Conway, Disney Legend and Star of The Apple Dumpling Gang, Dies at 85

By Tom Bell | Published May 14, 2019

Comedian-actor Tim Conway has passed away at the age of 85. While widely known for his appearances on The Carol Burnett Show, Conway also appeared in several classic Disney comedies of the 1970s. Conway’s Disney appearances often had him paired with Don Knotts. The duo appeared together in Disney’s The Apple Dumpling Gang, Gus, and … Tim Conway, Disney Legend and Star of The Apple Dumpling Gang, Dies at 85

PHOTOS: Construction Walls are Down at the Epcot Disney Skyliner Station

By Tom Bell | Published May 14, 2019

As the testing continues on the Disney Skyliner gondolas, we noticed today that the construction walls are now down at the station near the International Gateway at Epcot. There is still work to be done, but this does give us a closer look at the Epcot Station. The Disney Skyliner is scheduled to open this … PHOTOS: Construction Walls are Down at the Epcot Disney Skyliner Station