Living By Disney

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...

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...