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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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Join us on Living by Disney for a delicious deep dive into Disney Parks food nostalgia and current favorites with Carly Caramanna!

In this episode, we sit down with veteran theme park journalist, food writer, passionate Disney enthusiast, and good friend of the show Carly Caramanna. As co-author (with Julie Tremaine) of the highly anticipated The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook — releasing October 13, 2026 — Carly shares the stories behind 60+ nostalgic recipes inspired by legendary Disney dining spots. From opening-day classics and beloved ’90s gems to more recent favorites we miss too much, this book brings the magic (and the flavors) of Disney Parks history straight to your kitchen.

We explore what inspired the book, some of the most fascinating untold stories behind the dishes, and practical tips for home cooks. Then, we shift to the parks themselves as Carly — a true Disney foodie expert — shares her go-to recommendations for the best eats at Walt Disney World right now, including quick-service favorites, table-service standouts, hidden gems, and must-try treats.

Whether you’re a longtime Disney fan craving retro flavors, planning your next trip, or just love great theme park food, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and practical advice.

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode!

Pre-order The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook today and start planning your own Disney dining adventures!

Follow Carly @adventuresbycarly for more of her Disney and travel insights.

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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!

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