The Laid-Back Magic® Way: A Disney World Planning Podcast
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
Episodes
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 jugg...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
Links to shop:
- Louie Sling – Walker Family Goods
- Ride of a Lifetime – Bob Iger
- Dreamlight Valley Game
- Vintage Disney Records (Etsy)
- Laid-Back Magic Gift (email hello@somewherewortwhile to purchase)
- Pictopia: Disney Edition – Trivia Game
- 35mm Film Camera
- Disney Gift Card
- Subtle Throw Blankets (love this one)
- Mary Blair Book
If you have been hunting for Disney gift ideas that feel tho...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
Grab the Disney World Allergies Made Easy Guide
CONNECT WITH SEELY:
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 ...
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 expe...
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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...
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 dr...
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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 anymo...
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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....
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
Follow our sponsor, Pixie Point Gals
Visit Pixie Point Gals' website
So, you’ve got your spreadsheet ready and you think you’ve read all the Disney World tips for first timers, but then the receipts start rolling in and you’re wondering… how much does Disney cost?
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the hidden fees, extra charges, and tiny surprises ...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
Follow our sponsor, Whit's Whimsy
Use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order at Whits Whimsy
If you’ve ever wondered how to plan a Disney vacation that feels calm instead of chaotic, this one’s for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing what real moms inside the Laid Back Magic® community know about creating a Disney family vacation that actually works in real life. What started ...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
If you’ve ever said, “We’ll go to Disney someday,” this is your sign that someday is now. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to plan a trip to Disney World for first-timers - from timing and resorts to common first-timer mistakes.
Here’s what we’re covering:
- When to start planning your first time to Disney World so you’re not stuck with leftover rooms or peak crowds.
- My fa...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
What actually happens when your dream trip collides with a storm? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it’s like to be in Disney during hurricane season - the good, the stressful, and everything about Disney World and hurricanes I wish I knew ahead of time.
Here’s what I cover:
- The reality of being stuck in a resort during Walt Disney World hurricane closures (hint: ...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
It’s time for September’s Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. - my roundup of what I’m Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, and Treating.
This month? Think tacos, Dreamlight Valley, and some hard-earned hormone balance tips. Oh, and plenty of meal planning ideas for moms who are tired of 5 p.m. panic.
Here’s what I’m diving into this month:
- The weekly meal plan ideas that actuall...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
If morning Disney feels more like chaos than magic, this one’s for you. I’m sharing the real-life routine that make will make your morning at Disney manageable - even with three kids in tow. From stroller prep to quick wins before coffee, these are the little shifts that keep the day on track.
Because let’s be honest - surviving Disney World with toddlers isn’t about doing it all, it’s ...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
If you’re already stressing about Disney World dining, let me hand you a life raft: water views.
In this episode, I’m sharing 11 of my favorite spots where you can slow down, sip something, and remind yourself this trip is supposed to be fun. This list of Disney World restaurants is part survival strategy, part secret weapon for your sanity.
I’ll give you the scoop on which locatio...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
If the words “fun” and “relaxing” don’t describe your last Disney trip, this episode is your rescue plan.
I’m breaking down what most families get wrong when planning a Disney trip - and how a few simple shifts in Disney World planning (hi, transportation and dining, I’m looking at you) can make your Disney trip feel human again. If you’re ready to actually plan your Disney vacati...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
Planning a day at Hollywood Studios can feel like a high-stakes strategy game - with sunscreen and strollers. From deciding if the Fantasmic show is worth the hassle, to debating drinks at Oga’s Cantina, to making the most of park hopping at Disney World, this episode is your cheat sheet to all things Disney Hollywood Studios.
I’m answering real listener questions about what to do (and ...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
Planning Disney World character dining for your next trip, but feel personally victimized by the overwhelming number of options? I’ve got you.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the full Disney World character dining list - every single restaurant that includes characters, with real reviews, honest ratings, and tips to help you avoid the overpriced, underwhelming, or just plain chaotic ...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
Let’s talk tech - aka the actually useful apps on your phone that keep your Disney trip feeling magical (instead of like a meltdown waiting to happen).
In today’s episode, I’m diving into the must-have Disney World apps and other tech that help me avoid meltdowns (mine and my toddler’s), minimize the chaos, and yes - even enjoy my trip.
This isn’t your typical “download the My Disn...
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!
So, I may have thrown my entire list of personal Disney World rules out the window on our latest trip - and honestly? The results were surprising.
In this episode, I’m sharing what happened when I completely veered off course with my usual Disney World planning approach. I’m walking you through the real-life results of what happens when planning your Disney World trip doesn’t go accordi...
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