Living By Disney

Serena Lyn
  • 4.9 (220)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Serena and her team are dishing out all the latest park news each week to get you ready and excited for your next theme park visit! You'll also find tons of reviews and insider tips to get the most out of your Orlando, Disney World, and Universal Studios vacations. 

  1. 1d ago

    Disney World Summer Survival Guide: Beat the Heat Without Melting

    Planning a Disney World trip this summer? Don’t let the brutal Florida heat ruin your magical vacation! In this episode of the podcast, we’re sharing your complete Disney World Summer Survival Guide — packed with practical strategies to stay cool, comfortable, and happy even when the temperatures soar. Discover how to master your daily schedule by starting early, taking smart midday breaks, and returning in the evening for cooler temps and beautiful nighttime vibes. Learn which rides to tackle when, the best ways to use water rides and splash areas for natural cooling, and why slowing your pace might actually help you enjoy the day more. We also cover the must-have gear you need in your park bag — from handheld fans and electrolyte packets to stroller sun covers and cooling towels — plus important health tips to keep your whole family safe and hydrated. Whether you’re visiting with kids, as a couple, or solo, these battle-tested tips will help you beat the heat and create unforgettable Disney memories this summer. 🎧 Tune in now for your ultimate guide to surviving (and thriving) at Disney World in the heat! Intro & Why Summer Strategy MattersMastering Your Daily ScheduleSmart Ride TimingCooling Activities & Water FunMust-Have Gear & Packing ListHealth, Safety & Mindset TipsIf you're heading to Walt Disney World soon, this episode is a must-listen! Amazon Must Haves: https://a.co/d/08ZrWDm5 Here's the master list of places to cool off by park:  Magic Kingdom Indoor Shows & Attractions:  Carousel of Progress (long, seated AC show)Mickey’s PhilharMagic (3D show)Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (interactive comedy show)Country Bear JamboreeEnchanted Tiki Room Hall of Presidents (when open) Space Mountain (long indoor queue + dark ride) Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Pirates of the Caribbean (cool indoor queue and ride)It’s a Small WorldUnder the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid NEW Jessie’s Roundup  Water Play & Kid Areas:  Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station (Fantasyland) — interactive splash pad with circus train theme Dumbo Indoor Play Area — air-conditioned playground near Dumbo ride (great for parents to sit while kids play)EPCOT Indoor Shows & Attractions:  The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion (ride + massive aquarium + Turtle Talk with Crush) Journey into Imagination with Figment + ImageWorks (interactive play area afterward)The American Adventure (long seated show)Impressions de France / O Canada (circle-vision films)Living with the Land (boat ride through greenhouses)Soarin’ (in The Land pavilion — big AC area)Awesome Planet (film in The Land) NEW GoofyCore Gran Fiesta TourWater Play & Kid Areas:   Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana — interactive walking trail with splash elements (you can get wet or stay dry). Small splash/mister areas near some pavilions (check near Imagination). Indoor playground near Mission Space Disney’s Hollywood Studios Indoor Shows & Attractions:  For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (great AC theater) The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (newer version, comfortable theater)Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (perfect for little kids)Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (mostly indoor queue + ride)Toy Story Mania! (indoor queue + ride)Star Tours – The Adventures ContinueMillennium Falcon: Smugglers RunTower of Terror & Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (indoor queues)Villains ShowWalt Disney Presents (exhibits + AC theater) Disney’s Animal Kingdom Indoor Shows & Attractions:  Festival of the Lion King (excellent large theater show Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond! (theater show)Better ZooGether (3D show in Tree of Life)Na’vi River Journey (Pandora boat ride, cool dark atmosphere)  Water Play:   Kali River Rapids (get soaked for major cooling)

    36 min

  2. May 27

    Full REVIEW: All New Rides, Shows & Spaces at Disney World

    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!

    53 min

  3. May 13

    Animal Kingdom Foodie Tour! + Chef Tour & Tiffins Review

    Welcome to the Living by Disney podcast! In today's episode Serena is sharing about her chef-led culinary food tour at Disney's Animal KIngdom park. Along the way she'll share the 7 new snacks and sips you'll want to try on your next trip, as well as Nomad Lounge's brand new menu items, and what it's like to experince a signature dining experience at Tiffins.  Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/jmQ6qD9c0I4 But more than that, you'll hear first hand from Exective Chef and Culinary Director of Animal Kingdom, Gregg Hannon, who sat down with Serena and Lou Mongello to share his perfect foodie day at Animal Kingdom.  Plus you'll hear the stories of both chefs and Walt Disney Imagineers who bring the park to life and how they're preparing for the new Tropical Americas land. It's a great episode to put on and chat about one of the best and beautiful theme parks in the world! Thanks to Disney Parks and Disney Eats for hosting us! And thanks to: Joan Hartwig Gregg Hannon Camilo Velasco Bryan Maroun Kellie Matthews Dawn Richards Daniel Contreras

    1h 2m

  4. Apr 22

    What's New This Summer at Disney World: Details + Insider Advice!

    Get ready for the ultimate guide to Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World (May 26 – September 8)! In this episode, I break down all the exciting new experiences: Bluey’s Wild World at Animal Kingdom, the Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Mandalorian & Grogu updates on Smugglers Run, Jessie’s Roundup Revue, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, GoofyCore parties, H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon, and so much more. I share exclusive insights from my interviews with Disney Senior Marketing Strategy Managers Peco Pizarro Arista and Liliana Lorenzo, plus my behind-the-scenes preview of the new Muppets songs. You’ll also get practical planning tips for Florida residents and out-of-state families — including how to beat the heat, make the most of resort perks, and create unforgettable summer memories without the stress. Whether you’re a local planning a shorter trip or coming from farther away, this episode has everything you need to plan your best Cool Kids’ Summer yet! Check out the video version on my YouTube channel! http://youtube.com/@livingbydisney

    35 min

  5. Apr 15

    Is Disney Vacation Club Right For You? Beginners Guide!

    Have you ever wondered is Disney Vacation Club is worth it? Or maybe even what exactly it is?  Today Serena is joined by her friend and DVC member Megan DuBois to break down exactly how DVC works and what it costs. You'll also hear how you can try it out and see if it'll be a good fit for your next vacation.  You can connect with Megan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/minglingwithmegan/

    42 min

  6. Apr 8

    Should You Buy a Disney World Annual Pass? + Summer Perks for Passholders

    Should You Buy a Disney World Annual Pass in 2026? Honest Pros, Cons & New Summer Perks for Passholders In this episode of Living by Disney, I’m breaking down the big question so many of you are asking right now: Is a 2026 Walt Disney World Annual Pass actually worth it for your family — or should you stick with single-day tickets? Whether you’re a once-a-year visitor wondering if the upfront cost makes sense, or a current passholder excited for the latest perks, I give you the unbiased scoop. We cover the current 2026 tier prices (Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer, Pirate, and Pixie Dust), blockout dates, reservation rules, and real break-even math. Plus, I factor in today’s parking reality (and how free parking with an AP can help the pass pay for itself fast). The highlight? All the fresh V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days details running May 1 through July 31, 2026 (bigger than last year!): the returning Passholder Lounge at Restaurant Marrakesh in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion, up to 40% off select dining, new collectible magnet, exclusive merch, and more. I share exactly who benefits most and when you might want to skip it entirely. Link to the full list of discounts and perks:  https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/passholder-benefits-and-discounts/events-and-entertainment-discounts/

    32 min

  7. Mar 25

    6 years since Covid- What’s still missing at Disney World

    Six years after the COVID closures shut the gates on March 15, 2020, Walt Disney World still feels different. Today, we're taking an honest look at what’s still missing from the guest experience- from beloved nighttime spectaculars and atmosphere performers to everyday perks like Extra Magic Hours, Disney’s Magical Express, free FastPasses, and so much more. We’ll talk about how the pandemic gave Disney the opportunity to quietly reset expectations and make permanent changes that continue to impact every visit. I cover the big losses, the smaller details that added up to real magic, and the projects that were cancelled or heavily delayed. But this isn’t just a list of what’s gone. I also share why I’m feeling hopeful about the future and why I believe the best days at Walt Disney World are still ahead. If you’ve ever wondered why your Disney trips don’t quite feel the same as they used to, this episode is for you.

    43 min

  8. Mar 18

    Huge NEWS Round Up for Disney World!

    Get ready for an action-packed summer at Walt Disney World! In this episode of the Living by Disney podcast, we break down all the biggest March 2026 announcements that will shape your next family vacation. From the new leadership team at Disney Experiences to Cinderella Castle’s stunning new look, Buzz Lightyear and Big Thunder Mountain re-openings, the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Soarin’ Across America, Bluey’s Wild World, and a brand-new Disney Jr. show — we’ve got every opening date and detail you need. Plus: Cool Kids’ Summer event (May 26 – Sept 8), ticket deals from $109/day, free dining offers, resort perks, and a behind-the-scenes look at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. Whether you’re planning a summer trip with kids or just love staying in the know, this episode is your complete guide to making the most of Disney World in 2026. Disney Unscripted video mentioned:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izHfsAX3kLg

    36 min
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4.9
out of 5
220 Ratings

About

Serena and her team are dishing out all the latest park news each week to get you ready and excited for your next theme park visit! You'll also find tons of reviews and insider tips to get the most out of your Orlando, Disney World, and Universal Studios vacations. 

Information

  • Creator
    Serena Lyn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Living By Disney
  • Show Website
    Living By Disney

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