I'm finally announcing a big project I've been working on for a while that's been a long time dream of mine! I"m hosting a small group trip to Disneyland and Hollywood!!! It'll be next summer, August 8-13, 2027 and it's going to be full of magical, exclusive experiences that aren't open to the public. Listen as I share all the details of the trip and what it will include.

Then, check out the trip page for further details, pricing, and how to book to secure your spot!

LbDTrip.com

I also share a big update on the future plans for the podcast. It's a great episode with lots to share!

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

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I'm back from a preview where I learned all about Disney Cruise Line's next big ship, Believe, sailing next year. Today we're sharing all the details about this new ship, the mixed reactions to certain announcements, and my take on them, plus who this ship is right for and which cruise I'm personally booking. Believe does start booking this week, so listen to decide if it's right for you!

Disney Believe Sailings Opening Soon!

The sailing Serena mentioned is January 15-20, 2028, 5 nights

You can book with her agent using this link

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

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Today I'm sharing my recent trip to the Emerald Isle with Adventures by Disney! This was my first time in Ireland, and I'll share the full itinerary and what is included in your Adventures by Disney vacation price. We'll also break down the pros and cons of a group travel trip like this so you can see if it's something you would consider booking.

This was not a hosted trip, just my own personal vacation, and all opinions are my own. If you're looking for a travel agent to get more information about this or other international travel, I would suggest Jamie from Love of the Magic Vacations, who is the most well-traveled person I know and is my personal travel guru. Contact her at jamie@loveofthemagicvacations.com

The video recap I did with my favorite Ireland song
The Adventure by Disney Ireland webpage

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

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This week Serena dives into the full weekend of D23 Ultimate Fan Event (aka D23 Expo) to share the take home moments beyond the big park announcements. She's joined this week by friend and theme park journalist Megan DuBois, and together they recap the big moments that stood out- from conversations with Joe Rohde and Josh D' Amaro, to big moments with Disney Legends. Join us for a candid converation about this incredible event, and what it tells us about the future of the Walt Disney Company.

Serena's suggestions for listeners:

WorldBuilders by Leslie Iwerks now streaming on Disney Plus
Disney Legends Ceremony on Disney Plus
Floating Mountains by Joe Rohde

Connect with Megan on Instagram!

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

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I was at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim last weekend, and the Horizons showcase was packed with major news for Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. In this episode, I’m breaking down the announcements that matter most for Florida trips — from the full story and attractions of Villains Land and the massive Piston Peak National Park expansion at Magic Kingdom, to Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom (including Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent and Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto), the new Monstropolis land at Hollywood Studios, the refreshed Carousel of Progress, and the first real look at the Disney Believe ship sailing from Port Canaveral in late 2027.

Because I was there in person — and got some behind-the-scenes time with Walt Disney Imagineering that I can finally talk about — you’ll hear both the official details and my firsthand take on what these projects actually feel like up close.

If you’re dreaming about future Walt Disney World vacations or a Disney cruise, this one is for you.

Link to video from Imagineering!

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There’s a version of us that only shows up at Disney — a little lighter, a little more present, and somehow more ourselves. In this episode of Living by Disney, host Serena sits down with Julie Voris, a lifelong Disney lover turned Walt Disney World cast member and photographer, for a conversation about joy and the people we get to become in the parks.

Together they explore why Disney gives us so much joy, how it invites us to drop the weight we usually carry, and what it means to live that joy out loud, both inside the parks and beyond.

This is a warm, honest conversation about permission, presence, and the softest, truest versions of ourselves. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just missing that feeling of home, this episode will leave you feeling seen… and a little more hopeful.

You can find more of Julie on her website, and follow her on Instagram!

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

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D23 is right around the corner, and the speculation is heating up! Today Serena is sitting down with Drew the Disney Dude to share predictions for the Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim. They're talking Tropical Americas, Villains Land, Piston Peak, Monstropolis, Disneyland Resort updates, and everything else Disney might drop during the Experiences Showcase!

Check out Drew's video on this topic here!

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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Starting June 28, 2026, Walt Disney World is implementing major changes to transportation leaving Disney Springs. Buses and Sassagoula River Cruise boats to the resorts now require proof of a valid hotel stay, dining reservation, or Enchanting Extras booking. Social media has erupted with complaints, claims that resort hopping is dead, and accusations of Disney being greedy.

But what’s really happening? In this episode, we break down exactly who this change affects (and who it doesn’t), how the verification process works, and why Disney is cracking down now.

Going deeper, we'll explore how the last 10+ years — especially the COVID-era population boom, remote work migration to Central Florida, and the explosion of Annual Passholders and locals — have fundamentally changed how people use the resorts and transportation system. What started as occasional “beignet runs” or convenient loopholes has scaled into real capacity problems for paying resort guests.

Is this the end of the magic for locals and passholders, or a necessary step to protect the experience for guests paying hundreds per night?

If you love thoughtful Disney discussion that goes beyond the headlines, this episode is for you. I'll share personal stories from living minutes from the parks and offer a balanced perspective on why prioritizing resort guests might actually be the right move.

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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