Living By Disney

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Top 10 Must Dos at Epcot Festival of the Arts! Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

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

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Building the Dream: Disneyland Handcrafted + Leslie Iwerks Interview & Review Jan 14, 2026

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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.

Top 10 Cocktails at Disney World Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

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! 🍹✨

Disney Media Shake Up: How Print & Podcasts Keep Disney Magic Alive Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

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/

WDW 2026 Timeline – Your Month-by-Month Guide to Every New Ride, Show, & Festival Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

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!

Review of the Disney Destiny Cruise Ship! Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

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?

NEWS! Attraction Review, Holiday Guide, Big Epcot Changes & More! Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

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

DisneyTreasure Review & Trip Recap! Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

Disney Cruise Line’s Future: Destiny, Delays, and 2027 Dreams Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

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

A Disney Shake-Up: Closures, Delays, and Castle Glow-Ups Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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!

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