Living By Disney

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, and more.

Organized park-by-park for easy listening, I also dive into my experience at the recent media event and the insightful Q&A with Walt Disney World leadership — including why it feels like Disney is truly focusing on better guest experiences and transparency.

Whether you’re planning a trip or just love the latest Disney news, this episode is packed with honest reviews, highlights, and summer magic!

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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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 the video version here: https://youtu.be/jmQ6qD9c0I4

But more than that, you'll hear first hand from Exective Chef and Culinary Director of Animal Kingdom, Gregg Hannon, who sat down with Serena and Lou Mongello to share his perfect foodie day at Animal Kingdom. 

Plus you'll hear the stories of both chefs and Walt Disney Imagineers who bring the park to life and how they're preparing for the new Tropical Americas land. It's a great episode to put on and chat about one of the best and beautiful theme parks in the world!

Thanks to Disney Parks and Disney Eats for hosting us!

And thanks to:

Joan Hartwig

Gregg Hannon

Camilo Velasco

Bryan Maroun

Kellie Matthews

Dawn Richards

Daniel Contreras

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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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 Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, and so much more.

I share exclusive insights from my interviews with Disney Senior Marketing Strategy Managers Peco Pizarro Arista and Liliana Lorenzo, plus my behind-the-scenes preview of the new Muppets songs. You’ll also get practical planning tips for Florida residents and out-of-state families — including how to beat the heat, make the most of resort perks, and create unforgettable summer memories without the stress.

Whether you’re a local planning a shorter trip or coming from farther away, this episode has everything you need to plan your best Cool Kids’ Summer yet!

Check out the video version on my YouTube channel!

http://youtube.com/@livingbydisney

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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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/minglingwithmegan/

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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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 cost makes sense, or a current passholder excited for the latest perks, I give you the unbiased scoop. We cover the current 2026 tier prices (Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer, Pirate, and Pixie Dust), blockout dates, reservation rules, and real break-even math. Plus, I factor in today’s parking reality (and how free parking with an AP can help the pass pay for itself fast).

The highlight? All the fresh V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days details running May 1 through July 31, 2026 (bigger than last year!): the returning Passholder Lounge at Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion, up to 40% off select dining, new collectible magnet, exclusive merch, and more. I share exactly who benefits most and when you might want to skip it entirely.

Link to the full list of discounts and perks: 

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/passholder-benefits-and-discounts/events-and-entertainment-discounts/

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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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 gave Disney the opportunity to quietly reset expectations and make permanent changes that continue to impact every visit. I cover the big losses, the smaller details that added up to real magic, and the projects that were cancelled or heavily delayed.

But this isn’t just a list of what’s gone. I also share why I’m feeling hopeful about the future and why I believe the best days at Walt Disney World are still ahead.

If you’ve ever wondered why your Disney trips don’t quite feel the same as they used to, this episode is for you.

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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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, Soarin’ Across America, Bluey’s Wild World, and a brand-new Disney Jr. show — we’ve got every opening date and detail you need.

Plus: Cool Kids’ Summer event (May 26 – Sept 8), ticket deals from $109/day, free dining offers, resort perks, and a behind-the-scenes look at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival.

Whether you’re planning a summer trip with kids or just love staying in the know, this episode is your complete guide to making the most of Disney World in 2026.

Disney Unscripted video mentioned: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izHfsAX3kLg

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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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

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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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 family trip or hunting that perfect adults-only escape, this list has your next Disney home base. Tune in and start planning!

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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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 honest, straightforward reviews (and zero fear of calling out the flops), Kristen has built a loyal following by tasting everything and grading it like a real restaurant—not just on "Disney magic."

We start with Kristen's origin story: how she got hooked on Disney food content, what sparked her honest style, and the changes she's seen in the dining scene over the years. Then, we follow her personal list of the most overrated classics (the ones everyone waits hours for but might disappoint) and the criminally underrated hidden gems (the spots locals and repeat visitors rave about but most guests overlook).

Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World trip, rethinking reservations, or just love a good food debate—this episode is packed with real-talk insights to help you eat smarter and save your appetite (and wallet) for the winners.

Kristen drops hot takes, favorite dishes, value breakdowns, and more. Don't miss it!

Subscribe to Wright Down Main Street on YouTube for her full video reviews:

https://www.youtube.com/@wrightdownmainstreet and on Instagram at

https://www.instagram.com/wrightdownmainstreet

Link to book with Serena's Travel Agent, Jamie Rumph:

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If you enjoyed today's show please consider leaving us a review and let us know what you thought! The feedback would be so helpful and good reviews really help the show get more listeners.

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