The Laid-Back Magic® Way: A Disney World Planning Podcast

Dana Stanley

Planning a Disney vacation shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or questioning if you’re “doing it right.” You want a trip your family will remember for years—but between endless online advice and all the moving parts, it’s easy to feel buried in details and unsure where to start. Here’s the good news: It’s not your fault. The problem isn’t you—the rigid, one-size-fits-all strategies forget every family is different. That’s where I come in. I’m Dana Stanley, creator of Laid-Back Magic® and a mom of three who knows exactly what it’s like to balance magical family dreams with real-life challenges. After over 16 years of planning Disney trips, I’ve learned that success isn’t about chasing perfection or treating your vacation like a To Do list—it’s about finding what works for your family and leaving room for the magic. On this podcast, I share simple, actionable tips, mindset shifts, and expert insights to help you plan Disney trips that feel even better than they look on paper. You’ll also hear real-life trip recaps, honest reviews, and guest perspectives to inspire your next vacation. I know how important this trip is to you, and I’ve been there—balancing nap times, budgets, and the pressure to make everything perfect. But I promise you: Disney World can be manageable, magical, and most importantly, laid-back. Subscribe now and join me every Monday as we plan your next favorite family memories together, the Laid-Back Magic® way. Your dream vacation is closer than you think—let’s make it happen! Let's connect! Somewhere Worthwhile Website → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/home Instagram → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/laidbackmagic Shop the guides → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/guides Read the blog → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/blogpage

  1. 54: My Favorite Disney World Park Day Combos and the Magic of 3 for Disney Trip Planning

    1D AGO

    54: My Favorite Disney World Park Day Combos and the Magic of 3 for Disney Trip Planning

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Thank you to our sponsor, Summer Makes Magic ✨ Get a free quote Learn more Follow Summer Some Disney days feel smooth and magical and others feel rushed and exhausting. Over the years, I have realized that a lot of that comes down to Disney trip planning, specifically how you pair your parks and how much you try to do in a single day. In this episode, I am sharing my favorite Disney World park day combos and explaining how I use the magic of 3 as a planning filter when I plan a Disney World trip. These are the park pairings I consistently come back to when I am planning Disney World for families, especially when I want the day to feel balanced instead of chaotic. In this episode, I talk about How I think about pairing each Disney World park so the day flows betterWhy the magic of 3 matters so much in Disney trip planningHow these park combos work best for Disney World for families with kidsThe biggest mistake I see when people try to plan a Disney World trip and do too muchHow simplifying your Disney World park days can actually make the trip feel more magical If you are currently trying to plan a Disney World trip, which park combo do you think would work best for your family right now? I would love to hear your thoughts over on IG at @somewhereworthwhile. LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community Shop the guides Read the blog Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

    25 min
  2. 53: Disney World Hacks for Blood Sugar and Energy with Ashley of Magic & Wellness

    FEB 9

    53: Disney World Hacks for Blood Sugar and Energy with Ashley of Magic & Wellness

    Thanks to our sponsor, Lynn on Main Street Shop here Use code LAIDBACK for 30% off 🛍️ Follow Lynn Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Every Disney World day can look perfect on paper and still feel awful in your body. If you have ever crashed halfway through the day, felt shaky, irritable, exhausted, or totally overstimulated in the parks, this episode is for you. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley of Magic & Wellness to talk about Disney World hacks that actually support blood sugar and energy while you are in the parks. Ashley is a nutritional therapy practitioner who helps women feel better in their bodies, and she breaks down exactly why Disney days can feel so hard and how a few simple shifts can completely change how you feel. We get very practical about what to eat at Disney World, how to build balanced meals and snacks, and how to use Disney World snacks in a way that works with your body instead of against it. Grab Ashley's free guide, the Park Plate Playbook. In this episode, we cover: • Why blood sugar crashes are so common at Disney World and how they impact your mood, patience, and energy • Simple Disney World hacks to keep blood sugar and energy stable from rope drop to fireworks • What to eat at Disney World for breakfast so you are not starting the day behind • How to use Disney World snacks strategically to avoid hunger and afternoon crashes • Smart swaps and easy mobile order choices when deciding what to eat at Disney World • Why coffee, treats, and even ice cream can work when paired the right way • What to keep in your park bag to support steady blood sugar and energy all day What is the one time of day you feel the biggest energy crash at Disney World, and what are you usually eating right before it happens? Let me know your thoughts over on IG @somewhereworthwhile. LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community Shop the guides Read the blog CONNECT WITH ASHLEY: Instagram FREE GUIDE: Park Plate Playbook Grab the "Blood Sugar Bootcamp" Work with...

    47 min
  3. 52: The 20% of Disney Planning That Can Make or Break Your Trip

    FEB 2

    52: The 20% of Disney Planning That Can Make or Break Your Trip

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Thanks to our sponsor, Sarah of the Main Street Mom Get a free quote Add á la carte services Follow Sarah I used to think overplanning a Disney trip was the problem. But after seeing how many families leave Disney feeling disappointed, overwhelmed, or questioning the cost, I realized something else was actually the make-or-break factor. In this episode, I’m breaking down the small percentage of Disney planning decisions that truly shape how your trip feels and why missing them leads so many families to ask the same question. Is Disney worth it? This episode is all about reframing Disney planning so it feels intentional instead of exhausting. I’m sharing why underplanning is often the real issue, how poor preparation becomes the make-or-break moment for a trip, and how using a Disney budget planner mindset can completely change the experience. If you have ever wondered Is Disney worth it, especially after seeing the price tag, this conversation will help you understand what actually drives satisfaction versus disappointment. In this episode, I cover: The 20 percent of Disney planning that determines 80 percent of how your trip feelsWhy missing key decisions early becomes a make-or-break moment once you are in the parksHow a realistic Disney budget planner approach helps families enjoy the trip instead of resenting the costWhy so many families leave, asking Is Disney worth it and how to avoid that outcomeHow expectations, preparation, and planning context matter more than rides or reservationsThe planning mistakes that quietly drain joy before the trip even begins What part of Disney planning feels the most overwhelming for you right now, and what do you think might be the make-or-break factor for your next trip? Let me know your thoughts over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Download the Laid Back Magic Journal Listen to Episode 38: How Much Does Disney Cost? The Hidden Expenses No One Warns You About LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram a href="https://somewhereworthwhile.com/laidbackmagic" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    19 min
  4. 51: A Moderate Resort Girl Tries a Disney Value Resort (January Trip Review with Whitney)

    JAN 26

    51: A Moderate Resort Girl Tries a Disney Value Resort (January Trip Review with Whitney)

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Thanks to our sponsor, Whit's Whimsy - Use code LAIDBACK for 15% off your first order! 🛍️ Shop Whitney's park fit Follow Whitney I hear a lot of opinions about Disney value resorts, but I wanted a real life perspective from someone who usually stays moderate. In this episode, I sit down with Whitney from Wits Whimsy to talk through her January trip where she stayed at a Disney value resort with kids and how it honestly compared to her usual moderate resort experience. Whitney calls herself a moderate resort girl with deluxe tendencies, so this conversation is a very honest look at how the Disney World resort tiers actually feel when you are traveling with kids. We talk about what surprised her, what felt different right away, and what she would absolutely do again after staying at a Disney value resort. If you are planning Disney World with kids and trying to decide between a moderate resort and a Disney value resort, this episode will help you sort through the noise. In this episode, we talk about • What staying at a Disney value resort really feels like compared to a moderate resort • How Disney World resort tiers affect transportation, food, and overall trip flow • What worked well at a Disney value resort when doing Disney World with kids • How January crowds and weather impacted their experience at a Disney value resort • What Whitney would repeat and what she would change on future trips • How expectations can shift your experience across Disney World resort tiers If you have stayed at a Disney value resort or usually book a moderate resort when traveling with kids, I want to know. Which Disney World resort tiers work best for your family right now when doing Disney World with kids? Let me know your thoughts over on IG @somewhereworthwhile. Thanks to our sponsor, Whit's Whimsy - Use code LAIDBACK for 15% off your first order! 🛍️ LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community Shop the guides Read the blog CONNECT WITH WHITNEY: Follow Whitney Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

    41 min
  5. 50: The 7 Things I Will ALWAYS Skip at Disney World

    JAN 19

    50: The 7 Things I Will ALWAYS Skip at Disney World

    Thank you to our sponsor, Summer Makes Magic Get a free quote Learn more Follow Summer Join Laid-Back Magic: Use code FIFTY for $50 off to celebrate our 50th episode! 🎉 Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! When it comes to Disney World planning, I have learned that what you skip can matter just as much as what you plan, especially when you are traveling with kids. Over the years, simplifying my Disney World planning has helped me stay calm, focused, and actually enjoy the trip instead of constantly reacting to Disney World crowds today. In this episode, I am walking you through the seven things I intentionally skip at Walt Disney World every single time I am traveling with kids. These are not things I hate or rules anyone else has to follow. They are decisions I have made through experience, careful Disney World planning, and learning how different choices affect my energy, my kids’ moods, and our overall trip. If Disney World crowds today feel overwhelming or you are searching for realistic Disney World tips for toddlers, this episode will help you decide what is truly worth your time. In this episode, I cover: How skipping certain choices makes Disney World planning easier when traveling with kidsWhy avoiding specific situations helps manage Disney World crowds todayThe planning mistakes I stopped making after years of Disney World planningHonest Disney World tips for toddlers that reduce stress and meltdownsHow traveling with kids changes what is actually worth prioritizing at Disney WorldWhy pre-deciding what to skip matters more than perfect plansHow understanding Disney World crowds today can shape better park daysSimple Disney World tips for toddlers that make the day feel calmer and more flexible When you think about Disney World planning, what is one thing you feel pressured to do but would rather skip when traveling with kids? And if you are navigating Disney World crowds today or looking for better Disney World tips for toddlers, I would love to hear your thoughts. Let me know over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile. LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram a href="https://somewhereworthwhile.com/laidbackmagic"...

    23 min
  6. JAN 12

    49: Inside the Disney Destiny Cruise: First Impressions of DCL’s Newest Ship with Melissa McGill

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Thanks to our sponsor, Whit's Whimsy Follow Whitney Use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order of vintage & secondhand Disney I am sitting down with Melissa McGill to talk all about her first experience aboard the Disney Destiny cruise, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. Melissa McGill just returned from a preview sailing, and we recorded this conversation to share what actually stood out once she was onboard the Disney Destiny cruise and what families should know before booking. If you are thinking about planning a Disney cruise, this episode gives you a real-world look at what the Disney Destiny cruise feels like beyond the headlines. We talk through ship theming, staterooms, entertainment, kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and how this ship fits into Disney cruises for families who want a balanced vacation. Melissa McGill shares her honest first impressions, what surprised her most, and what she would prioritize differently now that she has experienced the Disney Destiny cruise firsthand. We also talk in detail about Disney cruise food, including dining rooms, lounges, and what is actually worth planning around when you are planning a Disney cruise for the first time. CONNECT WITH MELISSA MCGILL: Follow Melissa (and check her Destiny highlights!) Visit her website If you are actively planning a Disney cruise or comparing options for Disney cruises for families, this conversation will help you decide if the Disney Destiny cruise makes sense for your family. From Disney cruise food to entertainment and logistics, Melissa McGill breaks down what matters most so planning a Disney cruise feels clearer and more confident. What part of the Disney Destiny cruise would influence your approach to planning a Disney cruise for your family the most? Let me know over on IG at @somewhereworthwhile. LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community Shop the guides Read the blog Sponsor: Follow Whit's Whimsy Use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order of vintage & secondhand Disney Podcast music by Podington Bear,...

    38 min
  7. 48: Everything I’m Excited to See Coming to Disney World 2026

    JAN 5

    48: Everything I’m Excited to See Coming to Disney World 2026

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Thanks to our sponsor, Sarah of the Main Street Mom Get a free quote Add á la carte services Follow Sarah Every time Disney announces something new, it can feel like one more thing to keep up with. In this episode, I am breaking down what is coming to Disney World in Disney World 2026 that I am genuinely excited about and what actually matters for planning. This is not a full news roundup or a list of every single announcement. Instead, I am sharing the updates, Disney World ride closures, park changes, and small shifts that could actually affect how your days flow, how crowds move, and how you plan a Disney World trip in Disney World 2026 without adding overwhelm. I walk through what is coming to Disney World in Disney World 2026 from a realistic planning perspective, especially if you are traveling with kids and want your trip to feel calm instead of chaotic. From Magic Kingdom updates to Disney World ride closures and new experiences across the parks, this episode focuses on what feels exciting, what I am curious about, and what could change how you approach your plans. In this episode, I talk about • Magic Kingdom updates I am excited to see return or change • Disney World ride closures and how they could impact crowd flow • New experiences coming to Disney World in Disney World 2026 that are especially great for kids • What updates might be worth planning around and which ones are just nice bonuses • Small planning tools and app updates that could make Disney World 2026 trips easier If you are thinking ahead to Disney World 2026 and want to know what is actually worth paying attention to while planning, this episode will help you focus on what matters most. Which update coming to Disney World in Disney World 2026 are you most excited or curious about for your next trip... Let me know your thoughts over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom Free Dining Plan for Kids in 2026 "Off the Page" and Playground in Hollywood Studios LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community a...

    20 min
  8. 12/29/2025

    47: My 2025 Year Review: What I Nailed & What I Failed, Disney World Planning Edition

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! If you have ever looked back on a Disney trip and thought some things worked beautifully and other things completely missed the mark, this episode is for you. In this year review, I am walking you through my honest 2025 Disney World planning wins and fails so you can learn from both. This year review is not about perfection or doing Disney the “right” way. It is about real life Disney World planning with kids, energy levels, expectations, and shifting priorities. I am sharing the things I truly nailed, the Disney mistakes I wish I could redo, and the Disney World trip tips I am carrying with me into 2026. Whether you are deep in Disney World planning mode or just reflecting on past trips, this year review will help you feel more confident about what actually matters and what you can let go of next time. In this episode, I share: • The Disney World planning decisions that worked better than expected • The biggest Disney mistakes I made and what they taught me • Realistic Disney World trip tips for families traveling with kids • Why this year review changed how I think about priorities and expectations • How to approach Disney World planning with less pressure and more flexibility If you are trying to avoid common Disney mistakes, want practical Disney World trip tips, or just enjoy an honest year review from someone who lives and breathes Disney World planning, this episode will help you head into your next trip with clarity and confidence. Let me know what resonated with you and what lessons you are taking into your own Disney World planning over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Top episodes of the year: 23: First Time to Disney World? Here's What I'd Never Do on a First Trip 1: Why 22% of People Regret Their Disney World Trip 29: EVERY Character Dining in Disney World, Rated By Me 2: Is the Magic Kingdom Dessert Party Worth It? 22: Unique Things I Pack for Disney World (as a Mom of 3) 4: Avoid These 5 1/2 Disney World Planning Mistakes LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community a href="https://somewhereworthwhile.com/guides" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    22 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
122 Ratings

About

Planning a Disney vacation shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or questioning if you’re “doing it right.” You want a trip your family will remember for years—but between endless online advice and all the moving parts, it’s easy to feel buried in details and unsure where to start. Here’s the good news: It’s not your fault. The problem isn’t you—the rigid, one-size-fits-all strategies forget every family is different. That’s where I come in. I’m Dana Stanley, creator of Laid-Back Magic® and a mom of three who knows exactly what it’s like to balance magical family dreams with real-life challenges. After over 16 years of planning Disney trips, I’ve learned that success isn’t about chasing perfection or treating your vacation like a To Do list—it’s about finding what works for your family and leaving room for the magic. On this podcast, I share simple, actionable tips, mindset shifts, and expert insights to help you plan Disney trips that feel even better than they look on paper. You’ll also hear real-life trip recaps, honest reviews, and guest perspectives to inspire your next vacation. I know how important this trip is to you, and I’ve been there—balancing nap times, budgets, and the pressure to make everything perfect. But I promise you: Disney World can be manageable, magical, and most importantly, laid-back. Subscribe now and join me every Monday as we plan your next favorite family memories together, the Laid-Back Magic® way. Your dream vacation is closer than you think—let’s make it happen! Let's connect! Somewhere Worthwhile Website → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/home Instagram → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/instagram Join the Laid-Back Magic® community → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/laidbackmagic Shop the guides → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/guides Read the blog → https://somewhereworthwhile.com/blogpage

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