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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 that can turn your dream trip into sticker shock. We’ll talk about how to plan Disney World like a pro, spot sneaky expenses early, and avoid those “I didn’t see that coming” moments.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The real math behind how much does Disney cost, and why most first-time planners underestimate it

• Smart ways to handle transportation in Disney World without draining your budget

• The truth about Orlando resort fees and how to plan around them

• Why last-minute shopping before your trip can secretly add hundreds

• The simple mindset shift that makes it easier to plan Disney World without the stress

We’ll also talk about how Orlando resort fees can sneak up even on seasoned travelers, and why factoring in transportation in Disney World early can make your trip smoother from the start. A few small shifts can help you plan Disney World more confidently from day one.

Whether you’re looking for practical Disney World tips for first timers or just want to understand how much does Disney cost before you go, this episode will help you travel with confidence. Because when you plan Disney World with intention, the magic feels lighter - and your wallet does too.

What hidden expenses have surprised you on a trip? Let me know your thoughts over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Start a DVC rental request

Visit Pixie Point Gals' website

Follow our sponsor, Pixie Point Gals

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Somewhere Worthwhile Website

Instagram

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Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!

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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 as one mom’s simple mindset question turned into a goldmine of advice on Disney World planning from managing expectations to finding joy in slower moments.

You’ll hear why mindset, not just spreadsheets, matters when learning how to plan a Disney vacation that truly fits your family.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How to balance the once in a lifetime pressure during Disney World planning
• The 3-2-1 reflection method for simplifying your park days
• Why the best Disney family vacation memories come from unscripted moments
• How to plan a break that helps everyone reset (including you)
• The mindset quote every mom should remember before hitting book now

By the end, you’ll see that mastering the 3-2-1 reflection and taking a laid back approach to Disney World planning doesn’t mean giving up on magic, it means making space for it.

If you’ve been craving a Disney family vacation that feels calm, connected, and real, you’ll find it here.

What about you? Let me know your thoughts over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Join the Laid-Back Magic® community - Use the code PODCAST to save!

Free Pre-Planning Journal

Follow our sponsor, Whit's Whimsy 

Use code LAIDBACK to save 15% off your first order at Whits Whimsy

LET’S CONNECT!

Somewhere Worthwhile Website

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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.

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 favorite Disney World tips for first-timers - including what matters most (and what doesn’t) when you’re just getting started.
• The biggest lessons from my own first time to Disney with kids, and how it changed how I plan now.
• What to know about resorts, park days, and avoiding overwhelm for Disney World for first-timers.
• A simple roadmap that makes planning your first time to Disney World feel doable, not like a college course.

Whether this is your first time to Disney World or you just want a refresh before your next trip, you’ll walk away with clear Disney World tips for first-timers that actually make sense for real families.

👉 Want a planning system that makes every trip smoother? Join me inside Laid-Back Magic® - it’s the step-by-step guide that takes Disney World for first-timers from chaos to calm. Use the code PODCAST to save!

What’s your biggest question about your first time to Disney World? Tell me over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Join the Laid-Back Magic® community - Use the code PODCAST to save!

LET’S CONNECT!

Somewhere Worthwhile Website

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Join the Laid-Back Magic® community

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Read the blog

Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

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: peanut butter & jelly kits are involved).
• How the Disney World hurricane policy actually plays out when you’ve rented DVC points.
• What my family experienced navigating Disney World and hurricanes with three kids in tow.
• The surprises that came with Disney during hurricane downtime - from dance parties in the lobby to sandbags on the Boardwalk.
• Why Disney World hurricane season doesn’t mean avoiding trips, but it does mean smart prep.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to face Disney World and hurricanes head-on, or how to plan around Disney World hurricane season, this episode will give you a firsthand look.

👉 Want a calmer, smarter approach to trip planning? Join me inside Laid-Back Magic®, where we sketch trips before the stress hits and build plans that flex when life (or weather) happens.

Have you ever been in Disney during hurricane season? Tell me your experience over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Travel Insurance I'll Be Using

Best Raincoat

My Favorite Waterproof Sandals

Disney World Hurricane Policy

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.

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 actually stick (because who needs more half-used produce?).
• How weekly meal plan ideas feel a lot like Disney planning - sketch first, stress less.
• Why I keep coming back to Dreamlight Valley whenever I want cozy Disney magic without leaving the couch.
• The functional nutrition rabbit hole and the hormone balance tips I’m clinging to after a year of feeling blah.

If you’re into simple meal planning ideas, cozy nights on Dreamlight Valley, or finally finding hormone balance tips that don’t feel impossible - this roundup’s for you.

What are some of your go-to weekly meal plan ideas when life gets busy? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Currently Reading 

Dreamlight Valley Game

Laid-Back Magic (Use code: PODCAST to save!) 

Functional Nutritionist

Dutch Test

LET’S CONNECT!

Somewhere Worthwhile Website

Instagram

Join the Laid-Back Magic® community

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Read the blog

Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

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 about doing it smart. My tricks for Disney World breakfast (that aren’t just donuts) and using a simple Disney day planner strategy will save your sanity and your schedule.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• My favorite hacks to make morning Disney calmer and easier.
• Why I never skip a small Disney World breakfast before heading to the parks.
• How a paper-based Disney day planner keeps me sane when juggling rides and kids.
• Why slowing down matters most when traveling to Disney World with toddlers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make morning Disney smoother while planning a trip to Disney World with toddlers, you’ll love these simple shifts.

So - what’s your go-to morning hack or Disney World breakfast when the kids are melting down? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Lightning Lane Toolkit 

My Favorite Makeup

Under $5 Makeup Brush

Laid-Back Magic®

How We Stay in Villas For Less

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.

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 locations are worth making Disney World dining reservations, which ones are perfect for a spontaneous stop, and why some of the best Disney World restaurants aren’t even inside the parks. Spoiler: if you’ve been ignoring the Disney Boardwalk restaurants, you’re missing some of the most laid-back meals on property.

• The underrated EPCOT spots where Disney World dining meets lagoon views (and why they beat fighting for fireworks spots).
• Which Disney World restaurants are secretly toddler-friendly thanks to porch booths, ducks, and churros.
• The hidden gems outside the parks where Disney World dining reservations are actually easy to snag.
• Why the best Disney World restaurants aren’t always about the food - it’s the vibe, the views, and yes, the cocktails.
• A candid take on the Disney Boardwalk restaurants and why one of them is now my go-to for a calm checkout-day breakfast.

If you had to pick just one waterside meal for your next Disney trip, which would it be - EPCOT lagoon tacos, Boathouse Amphicars, or a sunset dinner at Narcoossee’s?... Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Amphicar Info 

Hidden Gems: My Most Underrated Disney World Restaurants

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Somewhere Worthwhile Website

Instagram

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Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

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 vacation without turning into your family’s frazzled tour guide, this one’s for you.

In today’s chat, I’m sharing the exact mistakes I see over and why a tiny bit of upfront Walt Disney World planning saves you hours of stress later. 

What we cover (and why it matters):

• The “sketch before you book” method: how a 10-minute day map beats weeks of chaotic Disney World planning…
• Resort reality check: why picking by price or pool can sabotage planning a Disney trip - and the easy location-first filter I use
• The mobile-order timing trick that turns your Disney trip from frantic to calm…
• When to book dining (and when not to), so planning a Disney trip doesn’t lock you into a zig-zag itinerary you’ll regret…
• The one question that instantly improves your resort choice when you plan your Disney vacation
• Why there’s no “perfect age,” to take your kids on a Disney trip

These are all of the things I wish I had known when I started Walt Disney World planning with a diaper bag and a dream.

Question for you: what part of Disney World planning stresses you out the most right now - resort location, transportation, or dining windows?... Let me know over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Join the Laid-Back Magic® community - use the word PODCAST for a discount!

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.

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 what to skip) inside Hollywood Studios, sharing our recent experiences, and breaking it all down like your Disney-savvy best friend would. Whether you're looking to master park hopping, optimize showtimes, or make the call on whether Oga’s is toddler-friendly, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How early you really need to arrive for the Fantasmic show, and when it makes sense to grab a Fantasmic dining package…
• Whether you can squeeze in both Fantasmic and the Wonderful World of Animation
• The pros and cons of Oga’s Cantina - who it’s best for and what to expect
• My 3-2-1 plan for Disney Hollywood Studios: three rides, two experiences, one dining reservation…
• Tips for smarter park hopping at Disney World, including the best park combos and how to use Lightning Lanes like a pro…

If Hollywood Studios is on your itinerary, don’t miss this episode. It’s your calm, clear, not-so-glamorous guide to making the most of Disney Hollywood Studioswithout feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation.

Are you planning to see the Fantasmic show or hit Oga’s Cantina? Got questions about park hopping from Hollywood Studios? Let me know over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

My Instagram Broadcast Channel

My full review on the Fantasmic dining package

My Disney Experience app

Standby Skipper

LET’S CONNECT!

Somewhere Worthwhile Website

Instagram

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Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.

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 ones. 

Whether you're after princesses, Mickey waffles, or somewhere with AC that doesn’t require a toddler buffet strategy - this is your go-to guide to finding the best Disney World character dining for your trip.

Here’s what I’m covering:

• My full Disney World character dining list, with no-sugarcoating ratings and real talk on what’s actually worth it
• Where to find the best character dining in Disney World without selling your soul (or skipping a park day)
• Which Disney World character dining spots are truly magical… and which ones feel more like character speed-dating
• How to use character dining in Disney World to simplify your schedule (aka maximize fun + minimize meltdowns)
• The top Disney World character dining spots that surprised me - in the best way

Whether you're team “just tell me where to book” or “I need a spreadsheet,” this episode will help you feel confident choosing the best character dining in Disney World for your family. 

So tell me: What’s your pick for the best Disney World character dining - or one you’ll never book again? Let me know your thoughts over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

LET’S CONNECT!

Somewhere Worthwhile Website

Instagram

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Podcast music by Podington Bear, track: 'Filaments', licensed under CC BY-NC, courtesy of Free Music Archive.