In today’s podcast, Serena sits down with friend and longtime Disney guru Lou Mongello from WDW Radio. Get ready to be inspired and motivated by Lou’s story of taking the leap to pursue his love of Disney and amazed by the tales of Disney legends he’s gotten to interview over the years. Find links to Lou’s weekly show and online communities: https://www.wdwradio.com/ Have Lou help you follow your own dreams: https://www.loumongello.com/mini-course/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Early days o...
Jul 31, 2024•46 min
Buckle up because we've got a lot to cover this week as we review all the top news stories of the past two weeks for Disney World, Disney Cruise, and Universal Orlando! In today's show you'll learn: What menu item we're sad to see go at Magic Kingdom Is the new Country Bears show any good? What we can expect for the holiday season this year Return of Jollywood Nights with big changes Disney Cruise Line drops surprising huge news Universal brings out all the nostalgia for their ne...
Jul 17, 2024•46 min•Ep. 14
Some huge changes are coming to the way you’ll plan your Disney World vacation. Starting July 24th Genie+ is no more and Lightning Lanes are changing to Multi Pass and Single Pass. In today’s show Serena will break down everything you need to know. How we got here, what the new system will be, and then answer all your questions about how this will work in the parks. And finally, she’ll give her thoughts on whether these changes are good. Let’s get to it! If you want to book your next Disney Worl...
Jul 10, 2024•47 min
In this video we're joined by seasoned Disney expert and author Gavin Doyle of MickeyVisit , along with the rest of the Living By Disney team, and giving a full review and our honest thoughts on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. We got an exclusive first look at the newly reimagined Country Bear Jamboree and our must-have merch that will be available when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. We’ll also share our experience at a special cast celebration before the park opened. Plus, we discuss the new Encan...
Jun 19, 2024•44 min
Want to simplify the process of planning your visit to Disney World? Vacation strategies have changed a lot in the last few years but in today’s show Serena will share for the first time her newly revised 4-step process to simplifying the process. 4-3-2-1 to the perfect Disney World vacation! If you want to book your next Disney World or other Disney vacation check out our partners at MickeyTravels! You can find them here: https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote They have an incredible team of age...
Jun 12, 2024•31 min
Disney's new drone show is a huge hit! But it's also gotten huge crowds. In today's show, we'll talk about why the show is worth seeing, and what's working now to avoid those crowds. We'll also have kids review the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, tell you about Disney's summer glow party, and give you a full rundown of everything new debuting in the next few months. If you want to book your next Disney World or other Disney vacation check out our partners at MickeyTravels! You can find them here:...
Jun 05, 2024•44 min
Looking to book a Disney trip but trying to decide between Disney Cruise Line or a visit to Disney World's theme parks? In today's episode of the Living by Disney podcast Serena and Louisa will take you through a true comparison of the pros and cons of each type of Disney vacation. You'll be able to see which one fits you best! If you want to learn more about Disney Cruise Line check out our video Disney Fantasy Cruise SECRETS! 30 Pro Tips Before You Go Remember to book your trips wi...
May 29, 2024•53 min
We're giving our review of Disney's Contemporary Resort - is it our favorite monorail resort? Welcome to Show 8 of the Living by Disney podcast! In today's show, we'll talk about the newest VIP experience at Disney World, Tiny Tourist kid reviews of Frozen Ever After, and then in our main segment, we'll review the pros and cons of staying at Disney's Contemporary Resort! If you want to book your next Disney World or other Disney vacation check out our partners at MickeyTr...
May 22, 2024•39 min
Want to get a peek behind the curtain at Disney Imagineering? In this week's episode of the Living By Disney Podcast show we take a look at the incredible technology they've been working on for Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening June 28th at Disney World + all the Halloween news to get you ready for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World. Thanks to our friend Gavin from MickeyVisit for joining us today! Check out t he full details of Gavin's visit to Imagineering ...
May 15, 2024•49 min
Go Behind the Scenes at Animal Kingdom with us! Part adventure trek, part behind-the-scenes tour, we're going to tell you all about this Magical Extra you can add to make you vacation WILD. We'll also share our progress on "24 Adventures in 2024" challenge so far. If you want to hear more about our 24 in '24 click listen here ! Check out our cool and foggy After Hours night (mentioned in the show). Links: Blog livingbydisney.com Get our weekly email update! livingbydi...
May 08, 2024•47 min
Summer is just around the corner here in Orlando and if you plan to visit anytime in the next six months you'll need to be prepared. In today's episode, we will discuss what to change in your planning, what to wear, and what to bring to help you beat the heat. Link to our favs from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/livingbyd... Thanks to our special guest and friend Tonya for joining us today! You can find her here on YouTube at: / thatcrazydisneylady Make sure you subscribe and follow...
May 01, 2024•53 min
In today's episode our full review of dinner at 1900 Park Fare, how to get the best views of Disney World, and our top 5 overrated and underrated restaurants at Disney World! Links: Blog livingbydisney.com Get our weekly email update! livingbydisney.com/subscribe TikTok tiktok.com/@livingbydisney Instagram instagram.com/livingbydisney If you want to book your next Disney World or other Disney vacation check out our partners at MickeyTravels! You can find them here: https://mickeytravels.com/...
Apr 24, 2024•58 min
In today's show, we will ask the question Is visiting Disney World just too complicated? It's definitely changed over the years and today Serena and Louisa will share their best tips on what they've learned (the hard way!) on how to set yourself up for success on your next vacation.
Apr 17, 2024•41 min
Welcome to our second video podcast show! Serena Louisa and Drew will feature the Star Wars experience all fans need to try at Disney World, kid reviews of Slinky Dog (part 2!) and our main segment will review an amazing Magic Kingdom private tour that you can do too! If you want to book your next Disney World or other Disney vacation check out our partners at MickeyTravels! You can find them here: https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote They have an incredible team of agents who would love to hel...
Apr 10, 2024•54 min
There's lots of exciting news to discuss and 4 NEW limited-time events coming to Walt Disney World this summer! And we're breaking down what we know about Disney Cruise Line's newest ship. We're also premiering a new format for the podcast including video on Youtube! Not much will change for you on the audio version, but we'll be discussing the future of the pod and how we're hoping to connect with all through this community and in real life! Our show is brought to you by our partnership with Mi...
Apr 03, 2024•53 min
Join Serena and Louisa as they dive deep into the magical realm of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. They’ll share the perfect itinerary for fans who can travel along Harry’s journey and create their own hero story! In this podcast, they share their expert knowledge on exactly how to have a true Harry Potter fan's most magical day. From the optimal order to experience attractions to prioritizing must-see locations and insider tips for making the most of your visit, S...
Mar 21, 2024•48 min
Serena, our Disney park strategy expert offers a practical guide to making the most of your day at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With a focus on real data and hands-on experience, she shares valuable tips and tools to help you navigate the park efficiently, no matter what challenges you may encounter. Starting your day at Studios has changed a lot since Early Entry started. We’ll discuss the challenges of this park and talk about ways to navigate it successfully. Our show is brought to you by...
Mar 14, 2024•39 min
Join us as we share our honest thoughts on everything we ate at Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Serena shares her pro tips on navigating the festival, must-try dishes from new offerings to old favorites along with what's next for the Living By Disney podcast. Our show is brought to you by our partnership with MickeyTravels ! Greg and Elyssa and their team of agents are ready to help you with any of your Disney travel needs including Disney World, Disneyland, Cruise Line, Adventures by D...
Mar 07, 2024•33 min
Join us for an insightful dive into the latest Disney news as we dissect the impact of Universal's Epic Universe on Walt Disney World. Serena, Louisa, and Drew bring you candid discussions, offering their unique perspectives, observations, and predictions. From new details revealed about the eagerly anticipated Tiana's Bayou Adventure to intriguing updates on a beloved character meal, tune in as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Disney magic. Our show is brought to you by our ...
Feb 22, 2024•48 min
Today Serena is joined by her daughter Chloe as they recap their latest family trip aboard the Disney Fantasy for the Western Caribbean cruise. It was also one of the Pixar Day at Sea cruises too. They'll give a full trip report of the itinerary and what they most loved about this cruise (it's Serena's favorite!) Our show is brought to you by our partnership with MickeyTravels ! Greg and Elyssa and their team of agents are ready to help you with any of your Disney travel needs inc...
Feb 15, 2024•50 min
Feel overwhelmed planning your Disney World vacation? Serena is breaking down her exact planning process to conquer Disney World like a pro! This will walk you through each step along the way from start to finish. We'll get actual quotes for a trip and take you step by step through it all. It doesn't have to be so overwhelming once you listen to this! References mentioned: Best Resorts for 2024 Ranking the Best Months to Visit Best Restaurants at Disney World Mastering Dining Reservati...
Feb 01, 2024•41 min
Adventure is out there! We're planning 24 adventures in 2024 - adventures big and small - and we want to take each of you along with us. Regardless of where you live, we have ideas for you of how to be intentional about planning a little more magic in the year ahead. If there's one thing the last few years have taught us it's that we need plan time for joy and what better way to do that than together. That's why we want your feedback on what you think some of our adventures s...
Jan 25, 2024•33 min
In this episode, we delve deep into the perks, experiences, and overall worth of Disney's After Hours events. Join us as we explore the enchanting world that unfolds when the park closes at the most magical place on Earth. From access to iconic attractions to the allure of shorter lines and of course, free snacks, we'll unravel what these parties are meant for and if it's worth it. A huge thank you to Matt from Disney Coffee Blog for hanging out with us and sharing your experience...
Jan 18, 2024•40 min
Can you really get paid to go to Disney? Today Serena interviews two full-time theme park reporters to find out what it's like to report news and updates from Disney parks each day. Jared and Miranda and reporters for MickeyBlog which is quickly rising to become one of the best and most reliable Disney news sources online. We'll discuss: How they got their start in this competitive industry What is a day in the life of a theme park reporter? What would surprise people about this job? W...
Jan 11, 2024•45 min
In our latest episode, we're breaking down all the essential updates at Disney World for 2024. Join us as we talk about what's up with the reservation system, a long-awaited announcement about dining, important ride closures, and all the changes that could impact your vacation. Our show is brought to you by our partnership with MickeyTravels ! Greg and Elyssa and their team of agents are ready to help you with any of your Disney travel needs including Disney World, Disneyland, Cruise L...
Jan 04, 2024•39 min
In today's episode Serena is breaking down the best Disney World resorts to choose for your 2024 vacations to Orlando! Things are always changing here, and construction projects as well as discounts available can change which resorts have the most to offer you. You'll hear about the best picks for 2024, including resorts in each price category. She'll also talk about which resorts didn't make the list and why you may want to avoid those next year. Let next year's vacatio...
Dec 14, 2023•30 min
In this episode, we dive deep into Universal Orlando and explore Orlando Informer's after-hours event, the Orlando Informer Meet-Up. Join us as we dissect this ticketed experience, analyzing its worth in the larger scheme of Universal Orlando's other ticket offerings. Hear what we love and what we would have done differently. Is the Orlando Informer Meet-up the quintessential Universal Orlando experience you've been seeking? If you missed it, listen to our interview with Orlando I...
Dec 07, 2023•32 min
This week Serena is joined by Drew and Louisa to discuss: Does Disney's latest movie Wish miss the mark? Why is there a naked man on It's a Small World? Inexpensive gifts for Disney fans No Park Ticket? How to Resort Hop Serena's Perfect Monorail Resort Tour Here's the link to 30 gifts under $30 for Disney Fans Our show is brought to you by our partnership with MickeyTravels ! Greg and Elyssa and their team of agents are ready to help you with any of your Disney travel needs ...
Nov 30, 2023•38 min
Serena is joined this week by her daughter Chloe as they chat about their recent family vacation to Moon Palace. Learn more about the pros and cons of all-inclusive resorts, and then stick around for tips on traveling with multi-generation family members. How to plan ahead, and what to do before you go help things go smoothly. Our show is brought to you by our partnership with MickeyTravels ! Greg and Elyssa and their team of agents are ready to help you with any of your Disney travel needs incl...
Nov 23, 2023•35 min
Join us as we dive into the whirlwind of opinions surrounding Jollywood Nights, the recent Disney Hollywood-themed holiday extravaganza. While the event faced its share of criticism, we're here to sift through the hype and share our genuine experiences. Discover why, despite its imperfections, it offered magical moments and a delightful time worth exploring in this episode. We'll talk about what went wrong, what went right, and whether this party is for you. Our show is brought to you ...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr
