Top 10 Must-Stay Disney World Resorts for 2026 (Value to Luxury!)

Spring is here and that means it's time for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! This is your full guide to visiting, including all the best activities, my top 10 food and drink picks, and tips on when to visit and how to get the most out of your day. Here's a link to the app Serena recommends to plan your food:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wdw-food-wine/id1037609346

Value, moderate, deluxe, family, adult-only vibes- no matter your travel style, Serena has the top 10 Walt Disney World resorts that actually deliver for every type of guest. In this episode, she'll walk you through her favorites with real talk on prices, theming, food, location perks (hello Skyliner & monorail!), pools, views, and the honest downsides. Whether you’re booking your first family trip or hunting that perfect adults-only escape, this list has your next Disney home base. Tune in and start planning!

Ever wondered which Disney World restaurants live up to the endless hype... and which ones are total tourist traps? In this episode of Living by Disney, we dive deep into the ultimate foodie debate: overrated vs. underrated dining spots across the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs!Joining me is the no-holds-barred expert herself—Kristen from Wright Down Main Street YouTube channel. With her honest, straightforward reviews (and zero fear of calling out the flops), Kristen has built a loyal following by tasting everything and grading it like a real restaurant—not just on "Disney magic."We start with Kristen's origin story: how she got hooked on Disney food content, what sparked her honest style, and the changes she's seen in the dining scene over the years. Then, we follow her personal list of the most overrated classics (the ones everyone waits hours for but might disappoint) and the criminally underrated hidden gems (the spots locals and repeat visitors rave about but most guests overlook).Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World trip, rethinking reservations, or just love a good food debate—this episode is packed with real-talk insights to help you eat smarter and save your appetite (and wallet) for the winners.Kristen drops hot takes, favorite dishes, value breakdowns, and more. Don't miss it!Subscribe to Wright Down Main Street on YouTube for her full video reviews:https://www.youtube.com/@wrightdownmainstreet and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/wrightdownmainstreet

In this special episode, Serena dives into the biggest NEWS of the year at The Walt Disney Company:  Josh D'Amaro has been named the next CEO, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger. As a lifelong "parks guy" who started as a cast member and rose to Chairman of Disney Experiences, Josh's appointment has parks enthusiasts buzzing about what’s next for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and beyond.Joined by special guest Adam Bankhurst, Disney writer for IGN.com and author of the in-depth article on this transition, Serena breaks down:Why Josh D'Amaro was chosen and what his operational, guest-first background could mean for theme park magicDana Walden’s promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer – and how her creative vision might supercharge park attractions and IP tie-insThe real talk on fan hopes (bolder expansions, better guest experiences) vs. concerns (rising costs, Genie+, IP over originality)Who might step into Josh’s old role as Chairman of Disney Experiences – with a look at top contenders Whether you're a die-hard Annual Passholder, a once-a-year visitor, or just love debating the future of Disney parks, this episode gives you the full scoop from an insider perspective.Tune in for candid discussion, fan-focused analysis, and a peek at what the next era of Disney magic could look like.Thanks to guest Adam Bankhurst for joining today! Read Adam's article on IGN Follow Adam on Instagram Check out Adam's podcast, Talking Disney Magic 

Big changes coming to Star Wars Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland- Serena talks about why they matter and whether we will see them come to Disney World. Plus all the latest park news that you'll want to know, including the castle painting project, two new dining locations announced, and festival concert updates!

Here's your guide to Epcot Festival of the Arts this year! My top 10 must-do list, covering my favorite sips and bites and all the free things to see and do. PLUS an interview with Disney artist Dom Corona on fulfilling a childhood dream of making Disney art! (Interview at 17.40)The free app for planning your Epcot Festival visit:  https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wdw-food-wine/id1037609346Check out Dom Corona on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domcorona?igsh=c252c3I0ZnpwYm5k

Step back 70 years to the dusty orange groves of Anaheim, where Walt Disney turned an 'impossible' dream into The Happiest Place on Earth—in less than one year! In this special episode of the Living By Disney Podcast, we celebrate the upcoming premiere of Disneyland Handcrafted, the new feature documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Leslie Iwerks (The Imagineering Story, The Hand Behind the Mouse).Directed by Leslie—granddaughter of Ub Iwerks (co-creator of Mickey Mouse) and daughter of Disney Legend Don Iwerks—this film uncovers rare, never-before-seen 16mm archival footage and audio from the Walt Disney Archives, revealing the extraordinary artistry, grit, and high-stakes pressure behind Disneyland's frantic construction from groundbreaking to Opening Day on July 17, 1955.You'll hear exclusive audio from my interview with Leslie, where she shares personal family insights, surprising discoveries, and the emotional journey of bringing Walt's vision to life. Then, I share my honest pre-screening review: This is a must-watch for every Disney Parks fan! Packed with take-home lessons on audacity and tenacity, it shows how Walt pursued his crazy idea when bankers, critics, and even family doubted him—proving big dreams thrive on risk and resilience. The one-year miracle makes every visit to your happy place feel even more miraculous.Don't miss Disneyland Handcrafted streaming January 22, 2026, on Disney+ and Disney YouTube. If the parks are your escape, this documentary will deepen your connection forever.

In this boozy new episode, we’re counting down the absolute Top 10 cocktails you need to try across Walt Disney World property. From the legendary Lapu Lapu served in a pineapple at Tambu Lounge to those dangerously smooth margaritas around Epcot’s World Showcase – we’re covering the drinks that make your Disney vacation even more magical (and a little more tipsy).This episode is your ultimate guide to the best adult beverages on property. We’ll share where to find them, what makes each one special, and why they earned a spot on the list.Grab your favorite drink,  hit play, and let’s toast to the grown-up magic of Disney World. Cheers! 🍹✨

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/

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!