Living By Disney

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, Disneyland, and beyond.

Joined by special guest Adam Bankhurst, Disney writer for IGN.com and author of the in-depth article on this transition, Serena breaks down:

• Why Josh D'Amaro was chosen and what his operational, guest-first background could mean for theme park magic
• Dana Walden’s promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer – and how her creative vision might supercharge park attractions and IP tie-ins
• The real talk on fan hopes (bolder expansions, better guest experiences) vs. concerns (rising costs, Genie+, IP over originality)
• Who might step into Josh’s old role as Chairman of Disney Experiences – with a look at top contenders 

Whether you're a die-hard Annual Passholder, a once-a-year visitor, or just love debating the future of Disney parks, this episode gives you the full scoop from an insider perspective.

Tune in for candid discussion, fan-focused analysis, and a peek at what the next era of Disney magic could look like.

Thanks to guest Adam Bankhurst for joining today! 

Read Adam's article on IGN 

Follow Adam on Instagram 

Check out Adam's podcast, Talking Disney Magic 

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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!

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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

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

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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.

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

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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! 🍹✨

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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/

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

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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: The Mandalorian & Grogu take over Smugglers Run
• Memorial Day launch of the all-new Soarin’ Across America
• Summer’s Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey meet-and-greet, and the totally reimagined Disney Animation courtyard at Hollywood Studios
• Plus 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 parade

Whether 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!

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

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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 Destiny
• Pride Lands Feast of the Lion King
• Hercules the Musical
• Key Shows on the Destiny
• Treasure VS Destiny?

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

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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 Season Tips 
• New Years Eve at Disney World
• After Hours Parties for 2026

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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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. 

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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