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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 Check out Dom Corona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domcorona?igsh=c252c3I0ZnpwYm5k

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 the Mouse). Directed by Leslie—granddaughter of Ub Iwerks (co-creator of Mickey Mouse) and daughter of Disney Legend Don Iwerks—this film uncovers rare, never-before-seen 16mm archival footage and audio from the Walt Disney Archives, revealing the extraordinary artistry, grit, and high-stakes pressure behind Disneyland's frantic construction from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955. You'll hear exclusive audio from my interview with Leslie, where she shares personal family insights, surprising discoveries, and the emotional journey of bringing Walt's vision to life. Then, I share my honest pre-screening review: This is a must-watch for every Disney Parks fan! Packed with take-home lessons on audacity and tenacity, it shows how Walt pursued his crazy idea when bankers, critics, and even family doubted him—proving big dreams thrive on risk and resilience. The one-year miracle makes every visit to your happy place feel even more miraculous. Don't miss Disneyland Handcrafted streaming January 22, 2026, on Disney+ and Disney YouTube. If the parks are your escape, this documentary will deepen your connection forever.

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 guide to the best adult beverages on property. We’ll share where to find them, what makes each one special, and why they earned a spot on the list. Grab your favorite drink,  hit play, and let’s toast to the grown-up magic of Disney World. Cheers! 🍹✨

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 fatigue hitting Disney fans, and why the analog renaissance (think vinyl and film photography) might just be perfect timing for beautiful, tangible Disney inspiration. Discover why long-form content—like magazines and podcasts—still matters for deeper magic, smarter planning, and protecting the Disney fandom we love. If you're tired of endless scrolling and ready for coffee-table pixie dust, this episode is for you. Check out our guest's website here:  https://www.wdw-magazine.com/

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 upgradeSpring reopenings of Big Thunder Mountain & Buzz Lightyear with brand-new effectsMay 22: The Mandalorian & Grogu take over Smugglers RunMemorial Day launch of the all-new Soarin’ Across AmericaSummer’s Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey meet-and-greet, and the totally reimagined Disney Animation courtyard at Hollywood StudiosPlus every returning festival (Arts, Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, Holidays), After Hours parties, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and the brand-new Disney Starlight paradeWhether you’re picking one perfect week or plotting multiple visits, this is the only 2026 timeline you need. Grab your planner, hit play, and let’s make 2026 your most magical year yet!

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 DestinyChristening CeremonyThe Grand HallStarcruiser 2.0?The Storytellers set the stageTransformations of the Grand HallStateroom ThemesMickeyTravels for BookingAmazing LoungesRotational Dining on DestinyPride Lands Feast of the Lion KingHercules the MusicalKey Shows on the DestinyTreasure VS Destiny?

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 updatesZootopia Better Zoogether REVIEWNew Soarin Across AmericaRemy's Ratatouille Adventure goes 2DFestival of the ArtsHoliday Season Tips New Years Eve at Disney WorldAfter Hours Parties for 2026

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 the best deals on future cruises.  Whether you’re dreaming of Castaway Cay or curious about DCL’s future, this episode is your ticket to the magic!  Check out Wes's podcast: The DCL Dude Podcast or on Instagram 

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 details you need to know, from sold-out holiday parties to a one-day-only soundtrack for Cosmic Rewind! Check out the in-depth coverage of Destination D23 with Lou Mongello too!

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 personality Ken Pozak, to create a definitive roadmap for anyone dreaming of making the move. Ken shares his invaluable on-the-ground expertise, breaking down the entire process from the first thought to the final signature. We cover the excitement, the challenges, and the practical steps to making your dream a reality. In this episode, you’ll learn: The current state of the Orlando real estate market as of Fall 2025 and what it means for buyers.A deep dive into the most popular neighborhoods for Disney fans—from Horizon West to Windermere to Celebration—and the unique "vibe" of each.The most common (and costly) mistakes that out-of-state buyers make during their home search.Honest budget expectations and a realistic look at what you can get for your money in close proximity to the parks.Ken’s single most important piece of advice for anyone starting this exciting journey.Whether you're just starting to daydream or are ready to start packing, this conversation is your essential first step. Find more from our guest:  Follow Ken Pozak on his YouTube Channel Check out The Orlando Real 

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' Roller Coaster!  After the news, we dive into our complete guide for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, giving you all the best tips for characters, parades, and treats, including our perfect timeline and schedule for the party. 

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 like on an Alaskan sailing. She'll answer the big questions: How does an Alaskan cruise compare to a classic Caribbean one? Are the pricey port adventures worth it? And is a stateroom with a verandah a non-negotiable splurge? Join us as we discuss everything from the unique character meet-and-greets and rotational dining to our experiences at port. Whether you're actively planning your own trip or just dreaming of one, this episode is packed with essential tips and our final verdict on whether this incredible vacation lives up to the hype.

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, opening date, and details for the swashbuckling new "Beak & Barrel Bar" coming to the world of Pirates of the Caribbean. The news doesn't stop there! We set sail with the latest updates on the "Heroes and Villains" themed cruise ship, the Disney Destiny, including new shows and a first-ever Marvel character statue. Finally, we head to the West Coast to discuss the incredible new Walt Disney audio-animatronic at Disneyland—a true technical marvel with a surprising review. Plus, what we can expect for Halloween and Christmas this year at Disney World, including a new spooky-themed bar! Tips on dining reservations episode here!