10 Holiday Must-Dos in Walt Disney World Without a Party Ticket

In a world dominated by TikTok hacks and Instagram reels, is print media making a comeback for Disney fans?Join me as I chat with Stephanie Shuster, CEO and editor of WDW Magazine—one of the last independent print magazines dedicated to Walt Disney World. We dive into the recent closures of Disney twenty-three and Star Wars Insider, the double-edged sword of social media trip planning, screen fatigue hitting Disney fans, and why the analog renaissance (think vinyl and film photography) might just be perfect timing for beautiful, tangible Disney inspiration.Discover why long-form content—like magazines and podcasts—still matters for deeper magic, smarter planning, and protecting the Disney fandom we love.If you're tired of endless scrolling and ready for coffee-table pixie dust, this episode is for you.Check out our guest's website here: https://www.wdw-magazine.com/Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

2026 is the biggest transformation year Walt Disney World has seen in a decade, and this episode is your complete, chronological playbook.Join us as we walk you through every single opening, reimagining, festival, and money-saving offer in calendar order:February’s hyper-real Frozen Ever After upgradeSpring reopenings of Big Thunder Mountain & Buzz Lightyear with brand-new effectsMay 22: The Mandalorian & Grogu take over Smugglers RunMemorial Day launch of the all-new Soarin’ Across AmericaSummer’s Muppets Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey meet-and-greet, and the totally reimagined Disney Animation courtyard at Hollywood StudiosPlus every returning festival (Arts, Flower & Garden, Food & Wine, Holidays), After Hours parties, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and the brand-new Disney Starlight paradeWhether you’re picking one perfect week or plotting multiple visits, this is the only 2026 timeline you need. Grab your planner, hit play, and let’s make 2026 your most magical year yet!Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

Lets dive in to Disney Cruise Line's newest ship to sail the seas! The heroes and villains ship is a floating storybook where you become part of the story in the best way. Intro to the DestinyChristening CeremonyThe Grand HallStarcruiser 2.0?The Storytellers set the stageTransformations of the Grand HallStateroom ThemesMickeyTravels for BookingAmazing LoungesRotational Dining on DestinyPride Lands Feast of the Lion KingHercules the MusicalKey Shows on the DestinyTreasure VS Destiny?Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

In today's show, we've got a full news update on all the latest changes and updates for Disney World to get you up to date, including tips for the holiday season!Plus Serena shares some personal life updates before diving in to all the news. Life updatesZootopia Better Zoogether REVIEWNew Soarin Across AmericaRemy's Ratatouille Adventure goes 2DFestival of the ArtsHoliday Season Tips New Years Eve at Disney WorldAfter Hours Parties for 2026Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

Serena is here to share all the details on her full week vacation on the Disney Treasure, Disney's newest ship in the fleet. She's joined by her son Caleb, and they share a trip report and review of all their favorite things about the Treasure and what makes this ship special, as well as how to get the most out of your sailing, and when and how to book. Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

Join Serena and special guest Wes from The DCL Dude Podcast as they dive into the latest Disney Cruise Line buzz! Get the scoop on the Disney Destiny, gearing up for its November 2025 maiden voyage with a heroes-versus-villains theme, from a Wakanda-inspired Grand Hall to a new Hercules show. They’ll also cover the Disney Adventure’s delay to March 2026, exciting 2027 itineraries, and how to get the best deals on future cruises.  Whether you’re dreaming of Castaway Cay or curious about DCL’s future, this episode is your ticket to the magic! Check out Wes's podcast: The DCL Dude Podcast or on Instagram Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

This week, we're diving deep into the biggest news from Destination D23, including a Walt Animatronic coming to Magic Kingdom and a castle remodel that could lead to exciting things in the future! . We'll also cover closure of the DINOSAUR ride at Animal Kingdom, the delay of the new Disney Adventure cruise ship, and a critical look at EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival. Get all the details you need to know, from sold-out holiday parties to a one-day-only soundtrack for Cosmic Rewind!Check out the in-depth coverage of Destination D23 with Lou Mongello too!Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

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 ChannelCheck out The Orlando Real Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

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. Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠

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.Contact my partners at ⁠MickeyTravels!⁠ They are the perfect people to get your next Disney vacation booked. Whether it's World, Land or Cruise, if it's Disney they will help. Contact them today to get started! ⁠https://mickeytravels.com/get-a-quote/⁠