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.

The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is Hosting Minnie’s Garden Party This Weekend

By Tom Bell | Published May 3, 2019

As part of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the Odyssey Center is hosting Minnie’s Garden Party now through May 6th. Grab a free Minnie’s Garden Party Button, purchase a special dessert, or take a photo, either with Minnie or one of the cute frames or props. Minnie will be greeting guests in her … The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is Hosting Minnie’s Garden Party This Weekend

WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney Shares Featured Artists for May 2019

By Tom Bell | Published May 3, 2019

Each month, the WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort hosts artists who not only show off their work, but also demonstrate their process and chat with guests. This month’s Featured Artisan of the Month is Kristin Tercek, a self-taught artist whose paintings feature characters who “come to life in the form of … WonderGround Gallery in Downtown Disney Shares Featured Artists for May 2019

Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Introducing Lion King Dining Experience

By Tom Bell | Published May 3, 2019

Beginning June 30th, Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will be offering a new The Lion King-inspired dining experience. The evening includes a three-course menu celebrating Simba’s story as live musicians perform pieces from the film’s soundtrack. The meal starts with an “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” appetizer that … Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Introducing Lion King Dining Experience

Actor Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca in ‘Star Wars’, Dies at Age 74

By Tom Bell | Published May 2, 2019 | Updated May 3, 2019

Actor Peter Mayhew, who portrayed Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy, died Tuesday at the age of 74. Mayhew’s passing was announced by his family in a tweet: “The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of … Actor Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca in ‘Star Wars’, Dies at Age 74

Celebrate May the 4th at Disneyland Park with Some Epic Treats

By Tom Bell | Published May 2, 2019

This weekend, Disneyland Park is celebrating unofficial Star Wars Day (May the 4th) with some fun treats, both new and returning. Look for most of these special items on both May 4th and 5th. First, the legendary red and blue lightsaber churros will once again be available at the churro cart near Buzz Lightyear Astro … Celebrate May the 4th at Disneyland Park with Some Epic Treats

Book Early and Save up to $750 on a 2020 Adventures by Disney Vacation

By Tom Bell | Published May 2, 2019

Book a select 2020 Adventures by Disney vacation, including the new Egypt itinerary, and save up to $400, $500, or even $750 per person with this new offer! Quantities for each itinerary are limited and this offer must be booked by July 13, 2019. Save up to $750 per person on the following itineraries, including … Book Early and Save up to $750 on a 2020 Adventures by Disney Vacation

Alan Bergman and Alan Horn Add New Roles at The Walt Disney Company

By Tom Bell | Published May 1, 2019

Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO for The Walt Disney Company, announced today that both Alan Bergman and Alan Horn will be expanding their roles in the company’s Studio Entertainment division. Bergman, currently the president of Walt Disney Studios, will become Co-Chairman of the Studio Entertainment division, where he will serve alongside Horn. Both will report … Alan Bergman and Alan Horn Add New Roles at The Walt Disney Company

Disney California Adventure Welcoming Fancy Nancy with Disney Junior Livestream on May 3

By Tom Bell | Published April 30, 2019

Soon Disney Junior animated star Fancy Nancy will begin greeting her fans in Disney California Adventure, and to celebrate the cast of Disney Junior Dance Party will be throwing a one-time bash which will be livestreamed this Friday on the Disney Parks Blog. Six-year old Nancy has imagination and enthusiasm that transforms the ordinary into … Disney California Adventure Welcoming Fancy Nancy with Disney Junior Livestream on May 3

A Look Behind the Scenes at the Creation of Wonderful World of Animation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Tom Bell | Published April 29, 2019

This week, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut a new nighttime spectacular entitled, Wonderful World of Animation and behind the scenes, the production team has been working hard to fine-tune the show for its premier as part of the park’s 30th anniversary. The show feature moments from nearly the entire catalogue of Disney and Pixar films, … A Look Behind the Scenes at the Creation of Wonderful World of Animation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney Celebrates Release of ‘Aladdin’ with #FriendLikeMe Challenge for Make-A-Wish

By Tom Bell | Published April 29, 2019

To celebrate the upcoming release of the new live-action Aladdin, Disney is asking fans to participate in their new #FriendLikeMe challenge to benefit Make-A-Wish. Tag your friends on Twitter or Instagram and for every public post using the hashtag #FriendLikeMe between now and May 24th, Disney will donate $5 (up to a total donation of … Disney Celebrates Release of ‘Aladdin’ with #FriendLikeMe Challenge for Make-A-Wish