After meeting Jefferson in episode 1×17 I don’t think much has happened in those 28 years. Jefferson said he was limited to his house, but I guess what I am thinking is that those years of stasis, Regina,ruling as mayor, were kind of a limbo, or better yet kind of like the movie Groundhog’s Day. There was no escaping the limbo llife and unhappiness until Emma came, she has brought hope. SOooo..
I am of the opinion that Belle has been in that cell since the curse happened. Mr. Gold doesn’t know and her father doesn’t know.