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

Dana Stanley
  • 4.9 (113)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    46: Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. (Eleuthera Plans and Getting My Energy Back)

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! These Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. episodes are my way of slowing things down and sharing what life actually looks like behind the scenes. This month I’m talking about monthly favorites, what I love right now, and a big personal update that’s been taking up a lot of mental space lately. This episode is a mix of monthly favorites, what I love, and a real look at getting my energy back while juggling motherhood, work, and long-term family decisions, including travel and a growing Disney family plan mindset. Here’s what I’m sharing in this episode: • What I’m reading right now, including fiction picks to get me out of a reading rut and business books that are shaping how I think about hospitality and service • What we’ve been baking lately and the cookbook that completely took over our kitchen • A Disney-themed card game we keep reaching for at home and on the go • The Eleuthera land update and why my husband is heading back down to plan what comes next • How our long-term family plans around travel are evolving, including how this fits into our Disney family plan • Why I’m recommending booking Disney World trips earlier than you think, especially for 2026 • What I’m currently doing to focus on getting my energy back and supporting my health in this season This episode is a little more personal, a little less Disney heavy, and very much a snapshot of what I love and what real life looks like right now. If you have experience with building internationally, owning a short-term rental, or getting my energy back through health or hormone support, and it truly helped you, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at hello@somewhereworthwhile.com. And if you’re listening and nodding along to these monthly favorites or pieces of what I love, come tell me what resonated with you over on Instagram @somewhereworthwhile. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Fiction: Theo of Golden Cookbook: Sweet Tooth Cookbook Business: Eat That Frog! Business: Unreasonable Hospitality Listen to: Eleuthera Travel Guide 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.

    21 min

  2. DEC 15

    45: 10 Subtle, Thoughtful Disney Gift Ideas for Every Disney Fan

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Links to shop: Louie Sling – Walker Family GoodsRide of a Lifetime – Bob IgerDreamlight Valley GameVintage Disney Records (Etsy)Laid-Back Magic Gift (email hello@somewherewortwhile to purchase)Pictopia: Disney Edition – Trivia Game35mm Film CameraDisney Gift CardSubtle Throw Blankets (love this one)Mary Blair Book If you have been hunting for Disney gift ideas that feel thoughtful and subtle without being over the top, this episode is going to make your shopping so much easier. I put together my list of ten unique Disney gifts that I have personally used, gifted, or loved, and they work for every type of Disney fan. Whether someone is planning their first trip or they simply love the magic in a more understated way, these also make perfect Disney trip gift ideas that feel practical and special. Inside this episode, I walk through the items that have become my go-to choices when I want unique Disney gifts that people will actually use. From the sling bag I bring on every trip, to the Disney autobiography that even non-Disney parents in my family loved, to the vintage records and film cameras that spark nostalgia, these Disney gift ideas are designed to work for adults, kids, and every kind of Disney fan. If you are shopping for someone heading to the parks soon, several of these also double as Disney trip gift ideas that make their vacation smoother and more fun. Here are a few of the key things we cover in this episode: The sling bag I swear by and why it works for every Disney fanWhy vintage Disney records make such unique Disney giftsThe subtle home item that feels stylish, not theme park loudThe Disney game my kids and I play nonstopHow a simple film camera becomes one of the best Disney trip gift ideas All ten Disney gift ideas are linked in the episode description, and they are each something I would genuinely buy again. If you want unique Disney gifts that feel personal and thoughtful, this list will help you skip the cheesy merch and give something someone will love. Which of these gifts would you be most excited to receive this year? Come tell me over on Instagram at @somewhereworthwhile. LET’S CONNECT! Somewhere Worthwhile Website Instagram a href="https://somewhereworthwhile.com/laidbackmagic" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    17 min

  3. DEC 8

    44: Navigating Food Allergies in Disney World - A Conversation with Seely of Safe Disney Foods

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Grab the Disney World Allergies Made Easy Guide Grab the Gluten Free Guide CONNECT WITH SEELY: Instagram Safe Disney Foods Website If you have been trying to figure out how to handle Disney food allergies on a real Disney World trip, this episode is going to feel like a deep breath. I sat down with Seely from Safe Disney food to talk through what navigating food allergies actually looks like inside the parks and what it takes to feel confident when you are ordering Disney food for kids with real allergy needs. I have never pretended to be an expert on Disney food allergies, and I knew I needed someone who lives this every single week. Seely walks the parks constantly, talks to trained cast members, checks every update on Disney allergy menus, and has an entire system for navigating food allergies at Disney World in a way that lets families enjoy the magic instead of stressing over ingredients. If you have been nervous about Disney food or worried about keeping your kids safe at restaurants, quick service, buffets, parties, or while mobile ordering, this is your episode. In this episode, I talk with Seely about: • What navigating food allergies looked like when she first started planning Disney World trips • How Disney food allergies are handled by trained cast members and how Disney allergy menus help families stay informed • Why Disneyland and Disney World feel different when you are navigating food allergies • How the consult system works and why it matters for anyone trying to stay on top of Disney allergy menus • How do quick service, table service, mobile ordering, buffets, and special events handle Disney food • How to make Disney food feel fun and normal for kids with allergies • Where to find reliable allergy-friendly snacks and treats • What to expect from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the Halloween Party, and festival booths if you have Disney food allergies What part of navigating food allergies at Disney World feels the most confusing or overwhelming for you right now? Tell me what you think over on IG @somewhereworthwhile. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Grab the Disney World Allergies Made Easy Guide Grab the Gluten Free Guide What part of navigating food allergies in Disney World still feels the most confusing or stressful for you and your family? Come chat with me about it on IG @somewhereworthwhile. LET’S CONNECT! a href="https://somewhereworthwhile.com/home"...

    36 min

  4. DEC 1

    43: Expectation vs. Reality: A Real-Life Magic Kingdom Itinerary for First-Time Disney Planners

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! If you are planning your first time Disney trip, this episode gives you a real, honest look at how a Magic Kingdom itinerary actually plays out once you are in the park. I walk through everything I planned in advance, and how the day shifted once we were navigating Magic Kingdom with toddlers. If you are searching for Disney World tips for first timers, hearing the side-by-side of expectation versus reality will help you understand what to prioritize and what to let go of. Even though I always create a detailed Magic Kingdom itinerary, I know that Disney first-time families need flexible plans. In this episode, I show how we still had a great day even when rides went down, naps shifted, and my own timing fell apart. These are the kinds of Disney World tips for first-timers that actually help because they come from real situations inside Magic Kingdom with toddlers, not from a perfect, unrealistic checklist. Inside This EpisodeHow I built my original Magic Kingdom itineraryWhat changed the minute we entered the parkHow to pivot calmly when your first time Disney plans fall apartMy best Disney World tips for first-timers who want to avoid backtrackingHow we handled naps, heat, and meltdownsWhy a flexible plan works better for Magic Kingdom with toddlersWhat we still accomplished, even when nothing went according to script What part of planning your first time Disney trip feels the most overwhelming? Ride strategy. Timing. Handling Magic Kingdom with toddlers. Planning a full Magic Kingdom itinerary. Come tell me over on Instagram at @somewhereworthwhile. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Episode 27: I Broke All My Disney World Planning Rules 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.

    30 min

  5. NOV 24

    42: Staying Disney Club Level, Buy vs. Rent DVC Points, and a Disney-Inspired Lake House with Marianne Southerland

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Follow Marianne on Instagram and TikTok Join the Laid-Back Magic® community If you love talking about Disney deluxe resorts and want real, honest insight into Disney club level and how to rent DVC points without stress, this episode is for you. I’m joined by my friend Marianne Southerland, who has stayed at every resort on the property and is renovating the most beautiful Disney-inspired lake house. We dive into what actually matters when choosing Disney deluxe resorts, how Disney club level really feels in practice, and who should buy versus rent DVC points. In this episode, we talk about: • The real differences between Disney deluxe resorts and everything else • When Disney club level is worth the cost, and why some families swear by it • The pros and cons of buying DVC compared to choosing to rent DVC points • Why convenience at Disney deluxe resorts matters more for families with little ones • How to stay flexible when the parks get overwhelming • Marianne’s Disney-inspired renovation, including her Tower of Terror elevator You’ll hear why we both think Disney deluxe resorts create a totally different trip experience, how Disney club level can simplify your mornings, and why many families prefer to rent DVC points instead of buying in. And if you love home design, the Disney-inspired touches in Marianne’s lake house will make your day. What’s YOUR take? Do you think Disney deluxe resorts, Disney club level stays, or choosing to rent DVC points actually change the pace of your Disney trips? Let’s discuss it 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 MARIANNE SOUTHERLAND: Instagram TikTok Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

    43 min

  6. NOV 17

    41: Disney Mornings Q&A: Rope Drop, Early Entry, and Realistic Strategy

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Join the Laid-Back Magic® community If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your Disney mornings, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real difference between Disney early entry and Disney rope drop, how to plan your Disney breakfast, and what actually works when you want mornings that feel productive but still relaxed. I’ve tested both early entry and rope drop in every park, and honestly, it’s not about being first in line. It’s about creating Disney mornings that work for your family. Whether you love a slow start or want to take advantage of Disney early entry, I’ll help you figure out what makes sense for you. We’ll talk through what to expect during early entry, why Disney rope drop can be amazing but exhausting, and how a little planning (and a solid Disney breakfast) makes all the difference. I’ll also share my favorite Disney mornings strategy for families with kids who aren’t morning people, because you can still make early hours magical without chaos. Here’s what you’ll hear inside: The truth about Disney breakfast and how to make it work for real familiesHow to do rope drop without turning your morning into a sprintMy go-to Disney breakfast ideas for a calm start to the dayWhy Disney mornings set the tone for your whole tripHow to combine Disney rope drop and early entry for the best results How do you usually spend your Disney mornings? Let me know over on IG: @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.

    26 min

  7. NOV 10

    40: Disney Myths and Outdated Advice I Wish I Could Delete Off the Internet

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Follow our sponsor, Whit’s Whimsy, and use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order of vintage and secondhand Disney clothing here. If you’ve ever fallen down a rabbit hole of Disney travel advice, you know how quickly it can turn into information overload. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and half of it is outdated advice that just doesn’t fit how families actually travel anymore. In this episode, I’m calling out the Disney myths that need to disappear and sharing what really works when it comes to Disney World planning that feels calm, doable, and actually fun. We’ll talk through the Disney travel advice that’s worth ignoring, the Disney myths that make vacations more stressful than magical, and how to replace all that outdated advice with a laid-back mindset that helps your family plan smarter. Whether you’re brand new to Disney World planning or just tired of sifting through bad tips, this episode is here to make things easier. Here’s what you’ll hear inside: The most common pieces of Disney travel advice that make trips harder, not betterWhy some Disney myths have stuck around for years and what to do insteadHow outdated advice still spreads (and how to spot it fast)What modern Disney World planning looks like for real familiesHow to use practical, stress-free strategies that keep the magic fun What’s the worst piece of Disney travel advice you’ve ever followed? 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 Follow our sponsor, Whit’s Whimsy, and use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order of vintage and secondhand Disney clothing here. Listen to EP 29 Best and Worst Character Dining: https://somewhereworthwhile.com/every-character-dining-in-disney-world-rated-by-me/ Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

    22 min

  8. NOV 3

    39: Disneyland Tips From a Disney Expert (And Mom of 3) on What Makes a Magical Disney Experience

    Read the full show notes for this episode HERE! Get a quick quote from Magic Mornings Vacations Grab our guide to Disneyland HERE Follow our sponsor, Magic Mornings Vacations If you’ve ever wished your Disney trip could feel less stressful and more magical, this one’s for you. I sit down with Nikki Lloyd, a true Disney expert and mom of 3, to talk about the heart behind planning family trips that feel fun, flexible, and full of wonder. Her Disneyland tips go beyond park maps and ride lists to help you create your own magical Disney experience every time you visit. What you’ll hear in this episode: The Disneyland tips Nikki swears by for families who want a smooth, joy-filled dayHow being a mom of 3 shaped her approach to travel and made her a relatable Disney expertWhy every trip can become a magical Disney experience when you focus on flow over perfectionReal-world examples from a mom of 3 who’s learned that the best Disneyland tips are the simplest onesHow this Disney expert helps families find the balance between planning and magic By the end, you’ll see that the most magical Disney experience doesn’t come from overplanning, it comes from choosing what matters most. What part of your next trip are you most excited to simplify? 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 NIKKI LLOYD: Instagram Magic Mornings Vacations Grab her guide to Disneyland Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

    43 min
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4.9
out of 5
113 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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