Living By Disney

Starting June 28, 2026, Walt Disney World is implementing major changes to transportation leaving Disney Springs. Buses and Sassagoula River Cruise boats to the resorts now require proof of a valid hotel stay, dining reservation, or Enchanting Extras booking. Social media has erupted with complaints, claims that resort hopping is dead, and accusations of Disney being greedy. But what’s really happ...

Join us on Living by Disney for a delicious deep dive into Disney Parks food nostalgia and current favorites with Carly Caramanna! In this episode, we sit down with veteran theme park journalist, food writer, passionate Disney enthusiast, and good friend of the show Carly Caramanna. As co-author (with Julie Tremaine) of the highly anticipated The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook   — releasin...

Planning a Disney World trip this summer? Don’t let the brutal Florida heat ruin your magical vacation! In this episode of the podcast, we’re sharing your complete Disney World Summer Survival Guide — packed with practical strategies to stay cool, comfortable, and happy even when the temperatures soar. Discover how to master your daily schedule by starting early, taking smart midday breaks, and re...

Join me as I recap all the exciting new summer openings at Walt Disney World! In this episode, I share my personal reviews of the brand-new Mandalorian & Grogu mission on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the rethemed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets, Soarin’ Across America at EPCOT, Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom, the stunning new Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios, an...

Welcome to the Living by Disney podcast! In today's episode Serena is sharing about her chef-led culinary food tour at Disney's Animal KIngdom park. Along the way she'll share the 7 new snacks and sips you'll want to try on your next trip, as well as Nomad Lounge's brand new menu items, and what it's like to experince a signature dining experience at Tiffins.  Watch t...

Get ready for the ultimate guide to Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World (May 26 – September 8)! In this episode, I break down all the exciting new experiences: Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom, the Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Mandalorian & Grogu updates on Smugglers Run, Jessie’s Roundup Revue, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, GoofyCore parties, H2O Glow After H...

Have you ever wondered is Disney Vacation Club is worth it? Or maybe even what exactly it is?  Today Serena is joined by her friend and DVC member Megan DuBois to break down exactly how DVC works and what it costs. You'll also hear how you can try it out and see if it'll be a good fit for your next vacation.  You can connect with Megan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/minglingwi...

Should You Buy a Disney World Annual Pass in 2026? Honest Pros, Cons & New Summer Perks for Passholders In this episode of Living by Disney, I’m breaking down the big question so many of you are asking right now: Is a 2026 Walt Disney World Annual Pass actually worth it for your family — or should you stick with single-day tickets? Whether you’re a once-a-year visitor wondering if the upfront...

Six years after the COVID closures shut the gates on March 15, 2020, Walt Disney World still feels different. Today, we're taking an honest look at what’s still missing from the guest experience- from beloved nighttime spectaculars and atmosphere performers to everyday perks like Extra Magic Hours, Disney’s Magical Express, free FastPasses, and so much more. We’ll talk about how the pandemic...

Get ready for an action-packed summer at Walt Disney World! In this episode of the Living by Disney podcast, we break down all the biggest March 2026 announcements that will shape your next family vacation. From the new leadership team at Disney Experiences to Cinderella Castle’s stunning new look, Buzz Lightyear and Big Thunder Mountain re-openings, the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster...

Spring is here and that means it's time for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! This is your full guide to visiting, including all the best activities, my top 10 food and drink picks, and tips on when to visit and how to get the most out of your day.  Here's a link to the app Serena recommends to plan your food: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wdw-food-wine/id1037609346

Value, moderate, deluxe, family, adult-only vibes- no matter your travel style, Serena has the top 10 Walt Disney World resorts that actually deliver for every type of guest. In this episode, she'll walk you through her favorites with real talk on prices, theming, food, location perks (hello Skyliner & monorail!), pools, views, and the honest downsides. Whether you’re booking your first f...

Ever wondered which Disney World restaurants live up to the endless hype... and which ones are total tourist traps? In this episode of Living by Disney, we dive deep into the ultimate foodie debate: overrated vs. underrated dining spots across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs! Joining me is the no-holds-barred expert herself—Kristen from Wright Down Main Street YouTube channel. With her hone...

In this special episode, Serena dives into the biggest NEWS of the year at The Walt Disney Company:  Josh D'Amaro has been named the next CEO, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger. As a lifelong "parks guy" who started as a cast member and rose to Chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh's appointment has parks enthusiasts buzzing about what’s next for Walt Disney World, D...

Big changes coming to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland- Serena talks about why they matter and whether we will see them come to Disney World. Plus all the latest park news that you'll want to know, including the castle painting project, two new dining locations announced, and festival concert updates!

Here's your guide to Epcot Festival of the Arts this year! My top 10 must-do list, covering my favorite sips and bites and all the free things to see and do. PLUS an interview with Disney artist Dom Corona on fulfilling a childhood dream of making Disney art! (Interview at 17.40) The free app for planning your Epcot Festival visit:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wdw-food-wine/id1037609346 Che...

Step back 70 years to the dusty orange groves of Anaheim, where Walt Disney turned an 'impossible' dream into The Happiest Place on Earth—in less than one year! In this special episode of the Living By Disney Podcast, we celebrate the upcoming premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted , the new feature documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Leslie Iwerks (The Imagineering Story, The Hand Behind t...

In this boozy new episode, we’re counting down the absolute Top 10 cocktails you need to try across Walt Disney World property. From the legendary Lapu Lapu served in a pineapple at Tambu Lounge to those dangerously smooth margaritas around Epcot’s World Showcase – we’re covering the drinks that make your Disney vacation even more magical (and a little more tipsy). This episode is your ultimate gu...

In a world dominated by TikTok hacks and Instagram reels, is print media making a comeback for Disney fans? Join me as I chat with Stephanie Shuster, CEO and editor of WDW Magazine—one of the last independent print magazines dedicated to Walt Disney World. We dive into the recent closures of Disney twenty-three and Star Wars Insider, the double-edged sword of social media trip planning, screen fat...

2026 is the biggest transformation year Walt Disney World has seen in a decade, and this episode is your complete, chronological playbook. Join us as we walk you through every single opening, reimagining, festival, and money-saving offer in calendar order: February’s hyper-real Frozen Ever After upgrade Spring reopenings of Big Thunder Mountain & Buzz Lightyear with brand-new effects May 22: T...

Lets dive in to Disney Cruise Line's newest ship to sail the seas! The heroes and villains ship is a floating storybook where you become part of the story in the best way.  Intro to the Destiny Christening Ceremony The Grand Hall Starcruiser 2.0? The Storytellers set the stage Transformations of the Grand Hall Stateroom Themes MickeyTravels for Booking Amazing Lounges Rotational Dining on Des...

In today's show, we've got a full news update on all the latest changes and updates for Disney World to get you up to date, including tips for the holiday season! Plus Serena shares some personal life updates before diving in to all the news.  Life updates Zootopia Better Zoogether REVIEW New Soarin Across America Remy's Ratatouille Adventure goes 2D Festival of the Arts Holiday Sea...

Serena is here to share all the details on her full week vacation on the Disney Treasure, Disney's newest ship in the fleet. She's joined by her son Caleb, and they share a trip report and review of all their favorite things about the Treasure and what makes this ship special, as well as how to get the most out of your sailing, and when and how to book. 

Join Serena and special guest Wes from The DCL Dude Podcast as they dive into the latest Disney Cruise Line buzz! Get the scoop on the Disney Destiny, gearing up for its November 2025 maiden voyage with a heroes-versus-villains theme, from a Wakanda-inspired Grand Hall to a new Hercules show. They’ll also cover the Disney Adventure’s delay to March 2026, exciting 2027 itineraries, and how to get t...

This week, we're diving deep into the biggest news from Destination D23, including a Walt Animatronic coming to Magic Kingdom and a castle remodel that could lead to exciting things in the future! . We'll also cover closure of the DINOSAUR ride at Animal Kingdom, the delay of the new Disney Adventure cruise ship, and a critical look at EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival. Get all the d...