Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast

Jessica Mickelson
  • 5.0 (36)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Jessica Mickelson is the voice behind Well Hello Magic, a top family-focused Disney World planning podcast and trusted resource for parents. She is a Disney-loving mom of four, former therapist, military spouse, content creator, and expert in realistic Walt Disney World vacation planning for families, moms, and first-time Disney travelers. A lifelong Disney fan raised on Main Street magic and Mickey-shaped memories, Jessica helps families confidently plan Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line vacations without overwhelm, burnout, or unrealistic expectations. Her approach centers on realistic Disney itineraries, Lightning Lane strategies for families, crowd planning, budgeting tips, Disney resort comparisons, and helping parents enjoy Disney without feeling pressure to do it all or spend it all. As a mom who has experienced Disney with toddlers, tweens, teens, grandparents, large groups, and multigenerational families, Jessica shares real-world Disney planning advice rooted in emotional insight and hands-on experience. From stroller-friendly park days to Lightning Lane Multi Pass breakdowns, from solo trips and girls’ weekends to group vacations of 14 or more, she teaches parents how to plan Disney trips that feel both magical and manageable. On the Well Hello Magic Podcast, Jessica shares practical Disney World planning tips, in-depth Lightning Lane strategy, rope drop guidance, Disney resort reviews, Disney Cruise Line advice, and event guides like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. She also hosts honest conversations about the emotional and mental load of Disney travel, helping parents reduce stress while maximizing joy. In addition to practical planning content, Jessica hosts Behind the Magic, a Disney podcast interview series featuring Disney content creators, bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers who share their love of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Through authentic conversations, she explores how creators build Disney-focused brands, grow engaged online communities, balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, and keep the joy of Disney alive in everyday life. Behind the Magic highlights the voices shaping today’s Disney creator community while offering inspiration and insight for aspiring Disney bloggers and content creators. Beyond the podcast, Jessica creates daily Disney and family travel content on Instagram and YouTube, blending humor, therapist-informed insight, and actionable Disney vacation planning advice to help families plan Disney trips with confidence, clarity, and less stress.

  1. 1D AGO

    120: Disney World Lightning Lane 2026: Pre-Booking Rules, Sell-Out Data & Best Time to Ride

    Send a text f you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026 and feeling overwhelmed by Lightning Lane pre-booking, this episode is for you. Lightning Lane is not random. Sell-outs are not random. Mini drops are not random. And standby wait times are definitely not random. In this episode, I break down Disney World Lightning Lane strategy using real data — including pre-booking rules, Multi Pass vs. Single Pass differences, and what actually sells out first in each park. We go park by park — EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios — and separate the highest demand rides by category so you know exactly what to prioritize when your booking window opens. We cover: • Lightning Lane pre-booking windows (7-day vs 3-day access)  • On-site vs off-site booking advantages  • The difference between Multi Pass and Single Pass attractions  • The highest demand rides at each Disney World park  • How Lightning Lane tiers impact your choices  • What “mini drops” are and when additional inventory tends to reappear  • The lowest average standby wait times by hour  • Why the final hour of park operation is often the smartest time to ride If you’ve ever wondered:  What sells out first at Magic Kingdom?  What’s the best Lightning Lane strategy for Hollywood Studios?  Is Test Track still the hardest Lightning Lane to get at EPCOT?  When is the best time to ride Flight of Passage without Lightning Lane?  Does rope drop still matter in 2026?  Is staying on property really worth it for booking access? We answer all of it. Instead of panic booking at 6:59 AM, this episode teaches you how to pre-plan strategically. Instead of refreshing the app all day, you’ll understand when mini drops typically happen and how Disney adjusts availability throughout the day. And instead of assuming rope drop is always best, you’ll learn how standby wait times actually behave hour by hour across all four parks. Every Disney park behaves differently. EPCOT rewards evening strategy. Animal Kingdom rewards early mornings and park close. Magic Kingdom rewards staying late. Hollywood Studios demands intentional planning. When you understand those patterns, Lightning Lane becomes a tool instead of a stressor. If you want a Disney World Lightning Lane pre-booking strategy for 2026 that is calm, clear, practical, and data-backed — this episode is your starting point. This episode is designed to give you clarity before your booking window opens, so you can make confident decisions and enjoy your Disney vacation without second-guessing every tap in the app. For more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks, follow @wellhellomagic. Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    47 min

  2. FEB 10

    119: The Magic of Friendship: A Galentine’s Celebration Inside the Disney Community

    Send a text Friendship can look a lot like magic and in this special Galentine’s Day episode, we’re celebrating the kind of connections that feel like home. This week on Well Hello Magic, Jessica is joined by three women who have become far more than fellow Disney creators: Corina from The Magical Latina, Meg from Meg For It, and Lauren from Lauren Dreams of Magic. What started nearly two and a half years ago on a hosted Disney trip grew into real friendship, mutual support, and a sisterhood rooted in creativity, community, and shared joy. Together, we talk about what Galentine’s Day really means as adults, how friendships evolve in creative spaces, and why the Disney community has a unique way of bringing people together. This conversation is about chosen family, showing up for one another, and finding connection in places that spark joy. Meet the Creators Meg Harrell began her journey in 2015 as a Disney-focused travel blogger. Over time, her passion for storytelling and Disney life caught the attention of the company itself, evolving her work into full-scale Disney lifestyle content. As a single mom, Meg shares what it looks like to navigate Disney both personally and professionally—often describing the parks as her “local spot,” where she works, creates, and builds meaningful friendships. Corina, known as The Magical Latina, also started her platform in 2015. What began as couple-focused content eventually shifted into a celebration of individuality, creativity, and joy as a child-free millennial who genuinely loves the parks. Her content blends Disney food, art, and everyday magic, while emphasizing the importance of belonging, authenticity, and finding your people within the Disney community. Lauren, your go-to local Disney expert, is frequently in the parks sharing real-time updates, event tips, and behind-the-scenes magic. Her content balances what’s happening now with timeless Disney charm, making her a trusted voice for Disney fans who want to stay connected and informed while still savoring the magic. Disney Love Breakdown The episode also features a fun and lighthearted game called Disney Love Breakdown, where the group competes in Disney trivia covering iconic movies, characters, and moments. The laughter, playful competition, and easy banter perfectly capture the heart of the episode—friendship that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but means everything. What This Episode Is Really About • Friendship as adults and why it takes intention  • How community forms in creative spaces  • The many ways women experience and share Disney  • Why there’s no “right” way to belong  • Celebrating Galentine’s Day without romance being the center This episode is a reminder that love doesn’t only show up romantically. Sometimes it looks like women cheering each other on, inviting each other into rooms, and choosing connection again and again. Happy Galentine’s Day. Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    42 min

  3. FEB 3

    118: Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth it in 2026??

    Send us a text Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it in 2026? Should your family add the Disney Dining Plan or pay out of pocket? How does the Disney Dining Plan actually work, and who is it really for? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about the Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World so you can decide if it makes sense for your family’s vacation. We start by explaining how the Disney Dining Plan works, including how dining credits are calculated, how meals are redeemed, what counts as a quick-service meal, what counts as a table-service meal, and what snacks are included. We also cover what the dining plan does not include, like gratuities, unused credits, and extra menu items that still cost money. Next, we compare pre-pandemic Disney Dining Plans vs. the current Disney Dining Plan options, including what plans no longer exist, what has changed, and why many families feel the dining plan works differently than it used to. If you’ve searched “Why did Disney change the dining plan?” or “What happened to the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan?” this episode gives you clear answers. We also discuss Disney Dining Plan prices, value, and budgeting, including why the dining plan is not always about saving money and how it functions more as a budgeting and planning tool. With 2026 promotions like kids dining free on select packages, we explain when the Disney Dining Plan may be worth it for families with younger children and when it still may not make sense. Finally, we answer the question families really want to know: Who should get the Disney Dining Plan and who should skip it? We talk about family travel style, flexibility, character dining, picky eaters, meal sharing, and how your park pace impacts whether the dining plan helps or hurts your vacation. If you’re planning a Disney trip and searching:  • Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it?  • Should I add the Disney Dining Plan?  • How does Disney Dining work?  • Is the Disney Dining Plan a good deal for families?  • Disney Dining Plan pros and cons This episode will help you make a confident, stress-free decision. For more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks and finding magic at home, you’re in the right place. Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    29 min

  4. JAN 27

    117: Behind the Magic with Kellie Krueger from We Don't Wear Ears

    Send us a text Disneyland hits differently when you experience it like a local, and in this episode of Behind the Magic, we’re unpacking exactly why. I’m joined by Kellie Krueger, a Disneyland pass holder of over 20 years and the creator behind We Don’t Wear Ears. Kellie brings a perspective that only comes from decades of regular park visits, raising a family alongside Disneyland, and learning how to enjoy the parks without turning every visit into a checklist. In this conversation, we talk about what it’s really like to be a long-time Disneyland pass holder, why locals approach the parks differently than tourists, and how slowing down can completely change your Disney experience. Kellie shares why weekdays, especially Tuesdays, are her go-to for park visits, how Disneyland functions as a true local hangout, and why you don’t need to ride everything to feel the magic. We also dive into iconic Disneyland traditions like the Candlelight Processional, the reality of crowd patterns, and the key differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World that often surprise first-time visitors. Kellie opens up about the origin of We Don’t Wear Ears, her content creation journey, staying authentic in a crowded Disney space, and why there’s no single “right” way to love Disney. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Disney planning, burned out by must-do culture, or curious about how locals really experience Disneyland, this episode is for you. Whether you’re planning your first Disneyland trip, visiting from Walt Disney World, or simply love Disney but want a more relaxed, intentional approach, this conversation will help you rethink how you do the parks and find joy in the moments that matter most. Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    1h 11m

  5. JAN 21

    116: Disney World Do’s and Don’ts: What Actually Makes or Breaks Your Trip

    Send us a text Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel magical… until it doesn’t. Between budgeting, park planning, Lightning Lane decisions, dining reservations, heat, crowds, and kids with very real limits, it’s easy for a Disney trip to miss the mark—especially for families. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real Disney World do’s and don’ts I actually follow as a mom of four and someone who plans Disney trips regularly. This isn’t about doing Disney perfectly or squeezing every ride into one trip. It’s about setting realistic expectations, protecting your energy, and planning a trip that works for your family. We’ll talk about why budget, time, and season matter more than most people realize—and why you truly cannot do it all at Disney World (no matter how many blogs say otherwise). I share 12 practical do’s and 12 don’ts that cover everything from mornings, food strategy, Lightning Lane, transportation, breaks, and sensory overload to the biggest planning mistakes families make. I’ll also explain the difference between tips and hacks, why chasing hacks often backfires for families, and how to stop planning based on internet pressure instead of your real life. At the end of the episode, I share mom-specific Disney tips that make a huge difference when you’re traveling with kids of any age. If you’re planning your first Disney trip—or trying to figure out why your last one didn’t feel magical—this episode will help you plan smarter, calmer, and with way less stress. Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    53 min

  6. JAN 13

    115: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Matt Richardson

    Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Magic, Jessica sits down with Disney Parks content creator Matt Richardson for a conversation that goes far beyond a typical Disney vacation story. Matt shares how his career in tech has taken him around the world, teaching and working with teams on how to integrate technology into everyday life. Those global work opportunities have also opened the door for him to experience Disney parks internationally, allowing Disney to become a natural extension of his travel rather than the sole reason for it. From visiting parks like Tokyo DisneySea to seeing how different cultures approach design, infrastructure, and storytelling, Matt offers a thoughtful perspective on Disney as a global brand. The conversation also dives into Matt’s creative journey, including his background in television and how that influences the cinematic, immersive style of his content. We talk about how passion projects can grow organically, how travel shapes creativity, and why seeing Disney through a global lens can completely change how you experience the parks. In addition to travel and storytelling, Matt opens up about running marathons as his newest personal challenge. He recently completed the Walt Disney World Marathon with a personal record finish of 3:22 and shares how running has become both a mental and physical outlet. We also discuss why RunDisney races feel different from traditional marathons, blending endurance with atmosphere, community, and Disney storytelling. This episode is perfect for Disney fans curious about international parks, individuals and couples who love travel, creatives navigating passion projects, and runners interested in RunDisney and marathon experiences. Guest Contact Information Guest: Matt Richardson Website: https://mattrichardson.com/ Instagram: @mattrichardson Email: matt@mattrichardson.com Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    1h 1m

  7. JAN 9

    114: Disney World 2026: What to Expect, What’s New, Closures, and Planning Changes

    Send us a text Planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026 and wondering what’s new, what’s changing, and what you need to know before you book? This episode is your complete Disney World 2026 planning guide, breaking down everything coming to Disney World in 2026, park by park, so you can plan with confidence. In this episode, we cover what to expect at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom in 2026, including ride reopenings, closures, new entertainment, character experiences, and seasonal offerings. We also take a deep dive into Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 and explain how it impacts each park, why it’s a great option for families, and how to fit these experiences into a realistic touring plan. You’ll also learn about all the Disney World discounts and promotions available for 2026, including resort hotel discounts, free kids dining plan offers, water park perks for Disney Resort guests, and why summer 2026 may be one of the best value seasons for families visiting Walt Disney World. This episode is perfect for first-time Disney planners, families planning a 2026 Disney World vacation, Disney moms, returning guests looking for updated information, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by Disney announcements who wants everything explained clearly in one place. What’s coming to each Disney park in 2026: Magic Kingdom 2026  We walk through what’s reopening, what’s closed, and what’s new at Magic Kingdom in 2026, including updated attractions, limited-time summer experiences, and how refurbishments may impact your park day. EPCOT 2026  EPCOT heads into 2026 fully operational, with seasonal festivals, interactive summer entertainment, kid-friendly experiences, and expanded use of CommuniCore during Cool Kids’ Summer. Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2026  Hollywood Studios sees major updates in 2026, including reimagined attractions, new shows, animation-focused experiences, and character additions that impact crowds and Lightning Lane strategy. Disney’s Animal Kingdom 2026  We explain what’s new at Animal Kingdom in 2026, including character experiences, hands-on activities, and why it continues to be a strong park for families with younger kids. Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 runs from May 26 through September 8, 2026. This episode explains what Cool Kids’ Summer is, what’s happening in each park, and why it can actually make summer travel easier for families. Where to find me:  Instagram: @wellhellomagic  Website: WellHelloMagic.com  Podcast: Well Hello Magic Podcast available on all major podcast platforms Helpful links and blogs mentioned in this episode:  Blog posts and detailed planning resources mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://www.wellhellomagic.com/whats-new/everything-new-at-walt-disney-world-in-2026-and-why-youre-really-not-missing-anything https://www.wellhellomagic.com/planning/disney-world-guide https://www.wellhellomagic.com/military/disney-world-resort-discounts-save-up-to-30-on-your-stay Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    28 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    113: Behind the Magic - Guest Creator Brittany from Travels by Brittanyb

    Send us a text Today’s episode is extra special because we’re welcoming back one of the original Well Hello Disney family members—Brittany B! If you’ve been here since the early days (we’re talking 2022, under 1,000 followers), then you might remember when Brittany was planning her very first Walt Disney World trip with her two young kids. What started as a mom planning her first Disney vacation has turned into something truly magical. Fast forward three years, and Brittany has gone from first-time Disney mom to full-blown travel agent and content creator, helping other families confidently plan their own magical vacations. In this episode, we sit down mom-to-mom and dive deep into the realities of traveling to Disney with little kids—because it’s magical, but it’s also a lot. We cover everything from: Navigating Walt Disney World with young kidsWhat it’s really like taking little ones on Disney Cruise LineHandling overstimulation, exhaustion, and big emotionsStroller life—how much we need them, love them, and rely on themTips for enjoying the parks without the pressure to “do it all”This conversation is packed with real-life experience, practical advice, and reassurance for parents who want the magic without the meltdown. We also chat about our shared love for Disney, how Brittany’s journey has evolved, and what we’re most excited about for the future of Disney travel. So grab a pen and paper—because you’re going to want to take notes.  If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World or a Disney Cruise with young kids, this is the episode for you. Guest: Brittany B ✨ OG Well Hello Disney family member ✨ Disney-loving mom, content creator & travel advisor ✨ Specializes in family-friendly Disney vacations Find Brittany on Instagram: 📸 @travelsbybrittanyb 👉 https://www.instagram.com/travelsbybrittanyb/ Travel Agent Information: ✈️ Independent Travel Advisor 🏰 Specializing in Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line & family travel 📩 Contact Brittany via Instagram DMs for personalized trip planning, tips, and quotes What We Cover in This Episode: Disney Cruise Line with toddlers & young kidsWalt Disney World park strategies for familiesManaging overstimulation and tired kidsStroller must-haves and survival tipsMom-to-mom encouragement and realistic Disney expectationsWhat’s coming next in Disney travel🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow Disney mom who needs a little extra magic in their planning. Support the show Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

    1h 14m
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5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Jessica Mickelson is the voice behind Well Hello Magic, a top family-focused Disney World planning podcast and trusted resource for parents. She is a Disney-loving mom of four, former therapist, military spouse, content creator, and expert in realistic Walt Disney World vacation planning for families, moms, and first-time Disney travelers. A lifelong Disney fan raised on Main Street magic and Mickey-shaped memories, Jessica helps families confidently plan Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line vacations without overwhelm, burnout, or unrealistic expectations. Her approach centers on realistic Disney itineraries, Lightning Lane strategies for families, crowd planning, budgeting tips, Disney resort comparisons, and helping parents enjoy Disney without feeling pressure to do it all or spend it all. As a mom who has experienced Disney with toddlers, tweens, teens, grandparents, large groups, and multigenerational families, Jessica shares real-world Disney planning advice rooted in emotional insight and hands-on experience. From stroller-friendly park days to Lightning Lane Multi Pass breakdowns, from solo trips and girls’ weekends to group vacations of 14 or more, she teaches parents how to plan Disney trips that feel both magical and manageable. On the Well Hello Magic Podcast, Jessica shares practical Disney World planning tips, in-depth Lightning Lane strategy, rope drop guidance, Disney resort reviews, Disney Cruise Line advice, and event guides like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. She also hosts honest conversations about the emotional and mental load of Disney travel, helping parents reduce stress while maximizing joy. In addition to practical planning content, Jessica hosts Behind the Magic, a Disney podcast interview series featuring Disney content creators, bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers who share their love of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Through authentic conversations, she explores how creators build Disney-focused brands, grow engaged online communities, balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, and keep the joy of Disney alive in everyday life. Behind the Magic highlights the voices shaping today’s Disney creator community while offering inspiration and insight for aspiring Disney bloggers and content creators. Beyond the podcast, Jessica creates daily Disney and family travel content on Instagram and YouTube, blending humor, therapist-informed insight, and actionable Disney vacation planning advice to help families plan Disney trips with confidence, clarity, and less stress.

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