Living By Disney

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through home listings in Horizon West or Winter Garden in Orlando, wondering if you could actually trade your hometown for a home near the theme parks? What does it really take to go from a passionate Disney vacationer to a full-time Florida resident? In this episode, I sit down with the ultimate guide for Central Florida relocators, top Realtor and YouTube p...

A pirate's life, a trip to Zootopia, and a whole lot of spooky fun! This week on the Living by Disney podcast, Serena covers the massive news drop, including her review of the brand-new pirate tavern, The Beak and Barrel, and when we can see the "Zootopia: Better Zoogether!" 4D show. We also look ahead to 2026 and the incredible details on The Muppets coming to Rock 'n' Ro...

Ever wondered what happens when the magic of Disney meets the rugged wilderness of the Last Frontier? In this episode, we're giving you our full, honest review of our recent bucket-list vacation: a Disney cruise to Alaska on the Disney Wonder! Serena will break down everything you need to know, from pre-cruise planning and our essential tips for exploring Vancouver, to what life is really lik...

Get ready for a huge roundup of the latest news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the Disney Cruise Line! We start at Magic Kingdom with a deep dive into the brand new "Starlight Night Parade." Is it a worthy successor to the classics? I'll share my full review and give you essential tips on the best (and worst) viewing spots. Then, we stay in Adventureland to uncover the menu...

What does it mean to be a "Disney Adult" in 2025? Is it a badge of honor, a term of ridicule, or something much more complex? Why does loving a theme park as a grown-up spark such an intense and polarizing debate online? In this thought-provoking episode, Serena sits down for an in-depth interview with the founder of the Disney Food Blog and one of the most respected voices in the commun...

Ever wondered where the magic is really made? In this special episode of Living by Disney, I take you on a rare and exclusive journey behind the closed doors of the legendary Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters in Glendale, California. This is the creative engine of Disney Parks, a place not open to the public, where art and technology merge to create the attractions we all know and love. NEW: V...

Take a journey into the heart of the Disney Parks with a special look at the prestigious Disney Ambassador Program. Prepare to be inspired by today's guests as we journey back to the beginning of this incredible program, understand the honor that comes with the title, and, most importantly, we'll discover how the work of these Ambassadors has a ripple effect that touches every guest who...

Universal's Epic Universe is finally open, but does it live up to the hype? We're getting the full scoop from one of the first journalists to walk through the gates, Eve Chen , Senior Consumer Travel Reporter for USA Today. Join us as Eve breaks down all five immersive worlds, gives her honest review of the standout rides and attractions, and helps you decide if a trip should be in your...

Want to know all the "bougie" ways to elevate your Walt Disney World vacation? You've come to the right place! In this episode, we're breaking down every luxurious detail, from indulging in AAA Five Diamond dining and securing a private VIP tour that glides you past the crowds, to relaxing in a Club Level suite or unwinding at an on-property spa. We'll show you how to cele...

Picking a Disney World resort can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode of Living by Disney, Serena is your ultimate matchmaker, breaking down the best resorts for every travel style. Whether you're wrangling toddlers, traveling with teens, planning a romantic getaway, or sticking to a strict budget, we've got the perfect Disney resort recommendations to help...

Dreaming of a perfect Magic Kingdom day with minimal waits and maximum magic? This episode is your comprehensive guide! Join us as we break down exactly how to leverage Lightning Lanes, Early Theme Park Entry, and insider tips to navigate the park like a pro. Whether you're a Disney Resort guest or staying off-site, we'll share a step-by-step touring plan designed to minimize wait times...

Get ready Disney fans because Magic Kingdom is about to get its largest expansion in history! In this thrilling episode, we dive deep into the newly announced Cars- themed land that's revving up to join Magic Kingdom. We're breaking down all the details including the closing dates for some historic and beloved attractions. 

If you're visiting Orlando, this summer, this podcast episode is for you! As someone who visits Disney World and Universal Studios all summer long in the heat, let me share with you all of my best tips and tricks. In this episode, we'll talk about planning changes you need to do for summer as well as what you need to pack and bring in your park bag to help you get through the . List of A...

Today Serena is joined by Disneyland expert Gavin Doyle from MickeyVisit.com to break down Disneyland 101 for those that are more used to visiting Disney World. We'll talk about why this next year is the perfect time to plan a visit with Disneyland celebrating it's 70th anniversary! In this episode we disuss: Why planning a trip to Disneyland is easier than WDW How many days you need to...

Big News Show! Today we will talk about tons of exciting news including: Why I'm excited about the Pirate Lounge Halloween news? Opening date for new Epcot lounge Grand Floridian Construction The two new shows Cool Kids Summer Starlight parade debut clues? Link to view the Pirate concept art: https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/the-beak-and-barrel-new-details-from-pirates-of-the-caribbean-tavern/...

Planning a Disney cruise? This is the episode you need to hear! We're breaking down all the essential news, from the innovative Disney Destiny and the exotic Disney Adventure, to the crucial itinerary updates for 2026. Get the inside track on new ships, destinations, and more importantly- when to book your dream Disney cruise vacation to get the absolute lowest prices of the year. Thanks to m...

Epic Universe is coming, and the Orlando theme park landscape is about to shift! But what does this mean for the long-standing "Disney vs. Universal" rivalry? We're breaking down why this competition is actually the best thing for us, the park enthusiasts. Get ready to explore the unique magic of Disney and Universal and understand why their push for the top means more thrills, more...

In today's episode Serena is joined by her friend and theme park expert Megan duBois to share real, doable ways to save money on your next Disney World trip. Tons of practical tips for saving money and sticking to a budget as well as the free and inexpensive things you can take advantage of that you're already paying for. Megan is a theme park journalist who writes for Forbes, Conde Nast...

Ever wondered what's really going on behind the scenes at Disney World? This week I joined an exclusive, insider conversation with Disney executives, sharing their top priorities for the next year, and revealing exciting updates coming this summer! Let's dive deep into their strategies for enhancing the guest experience, and I share why I left this meeting feeling incredibly hopeful abou...

Want to totally master Animal Kingdom park? How about without buying Lightning Lanes? Today we are breaking down all the strategies and taking you step by step on the perfect one day itenerary for Animal Kingdom. We'll give you everything you need to master this park, without buying Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and both with and without Early Entry so this plan will work for everyone! This is t...

Bringing kids with you to a Disney park definitely requires some specific strategies and this is your ultimate guide to creating the most magical Disney trip with your little ones. Today Serena is joined by mom of four Abby who will share her insights from countless trips including visiting with 3 kids under 2! In this episode we will discuss: What should be the goal? How to set realistic expectat...

Big news roundup! Today Serena will break down all the latest news we've gotten for Disney World including: When will Spring Break crowds arrive? Starlight Parade Updates (and why I'm excited) After Hours party for summer (and why I'm not excited) What Disney is doing to design the new Cars ride Can Rivers of America be saved? What we still don't know for Frontierland Why the n...

Staying at a Disney resort has some perks that comes with it- and today we will talk about Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours- are they worth using? And if so, what's the best way to use them? Serena will break down these perks and show you the best strategy to use them in each park. Plus the perk that so many aren't using! Hope you enjoy this episode, follow along on all our socials...

In this episode, we dive into the life of Walt Disney, exploring 5 key lessons we can learn from one of history's greatest visionaries. Join Serena as she breaks down his powerful approach to creativity, resilience, leadership, and self-belief, and discover how these lessons can inspire anyone, no matter the goal, to achieve their dreams. Make sure to book your next Disney vacation with our p...

The parks are getting busier each year but not to worry! There are lots of tucked away quiet spots if you know where to find them. Today Serena is joined by her friend Steven who has become a master at finding all the quiet places to take a break at Disney World. Today they share all their favorite secret spots that can't even be posted online for fear they will become too popular. You can fi...