Living By Disney

Latest Episodes:

The Disney Fan's Guide to Moving to Orlando (feat. Realtor Ken Pozak) Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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

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Disney's Huge 2026 Plans & Your Halloween Party Guide Aug 27, 2025

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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.

Sailing on the Disney Wonder to Alaska: Full Review Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

Disney Parks News Roundup: New Parade, Pirate Bar, Halloween & Holidays Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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!

The Disney Adult Debate (with AJ Wolfe) Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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 community, the one and only AJ Wolfe.

Together, they go far beyond the stereotypes to unpack the "Disney Adult" label, exploring what it reveals about the state of modern fandom, the power of online communities, and the ever-changing relationship between fans and the brands they love.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

The cultural conversation surrounding fan communities and why the "Disney Adult" has become a focal point.
How social media has empowered fans to influence and effect real change within a massive corporation like The Walt Disney Company.
AJ Wolfe's incredible origin story: her personal journey from starting a passion project to building one of the largest and most influential Disney media companies in the world.

Whether you proudly wear the 'Disney Adult' label or are just curious about the dynamics of fandom and media, this is a must-listen conversation about how passion can build an empire and change the conversation.

You can check out AJ's new book, available now at Amazon or any book retailer, or visit her website for more information.

Exclusive! Behind the Scenes Tour of Walt Disney Imagineering Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

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: Video version is available on Spotify!

Join me as I walk the halls of history, see the future being built, and discover the secrets behind the magic. In this episode, you’ll hear about:

The Model Shop: Get a peek at the intricate, physical models for upcoming attractions like the new Lion King land for Disneyland Paris.
The Sound Lab: Uncover the invisible art of 3D audio and learn how the chilling effects of the Haunted Mansion’s stretching room are created.
The R&D Lab: Step into the future and learn about mind-blowing technology like the HoloTile floor, the Stuntronics robots that bring Spider-Man to life, and the "real" Star Wars lightsaber.

PLUS, I sit down for an exclusive interview with Ted Robledo, the Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering. Ted is one of the masterminds behind some of Walt Disney World's most iconic modern attractions, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. He shares his journey, his creative philosophy, and what it takes to lead the teams that build these incredible worlds.

This is a must-listen for any Disney fan who has ever dreamed of seeing how the magic is made.

Video link coming soon!

Keepers of the Magic: Disney World's First and Current Ambassadors Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

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 walks down Main Street, U.S.A.

In this episode, we're honored to host two incredible women who have held this title: Debby Dane Browne, the very first Walt Disney World Ambassador, and Shannon Smith Conrad, one of the current Ambassadors. Join us as we explore the history of the program and discover how its legacy directly enhances the magic for you and your family.

Thank you to the Disney Parks team for allowing me to interview these incredible women! Their official site can be found here.

The official Instagram account of the Disney Ambassadors, and Shannon Conrad Smith

Should You Visit Epic Universe in Its Opening Year? Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

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 future. From Mario to monsters, get the ultimate insider's guide before you plan your visit.

Read Eve's amazing theme park and travel articles at USA Today

Luxury Travel at Disney: A Guide to Upscale Experiences at WDW Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

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 celebrate those milestone moments or simply treat yourself to a truly premium Disney experience. Tune in to discover how to add a touch of upscale magic to your trip!

Disney World Resorts by Travel Style: Which is Right for YOU? Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

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 you make magical memories. Tune in to find your ideal home away from home.

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