Read the full show notes for this episode HERE!

LIVE FROM DISNEY! I'm recording this episode on location during our family trip to Disney World Riviera Resort, which means: real-time thoughts and zero filter.

Is the Disney Riviera Resort actually worth the hype - or the price tag? That’s what I’m unpacking (literally) in this honest, mildly unhinged Disney Riviera Resort review from inside our recent stay. I’m breaking down exactly what I love, what I don’t, and whether I’d personally book the Riviera Resort again.

If you’ve ever Googled “Disney Riviera Resort review” while stress-planning at 11PM with three tabs open and one eye twitching, this one’s for you.

Whether you're just starting to plan your Disney World trip or deep in the resort-selection spiral, this episode has all the mom-to-mom, boots-on-the-ground details you actually want to know about Disney Riviera Resort - without the brochure fluff.

I’ll cover:

• Why the Disney Riviera Resort price might feel steep - and how we managed to save a chunk of change anyway...
• What made the Riviera Resort surprisingly low-stress for a mom of 3 (hint: walkability isn’t everything)
• My personal take on the room location request drama - and whether it’s worth stressing over
• What I loved about the food at Riviera Resort (especially Bar Riva + Topolino’s), and what I’d skip next time
• A few things to think through before you fall in love with that dreamy rooftop character breakfast

So… would you book Disney Riviera Resort after hearing all this? Or is the Disney Riviera Resort price just not it for your fam? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Disney World Riviera Resort

Rent DVC points

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’ve ever tried to plan a trip to Disney World while wiping yogurt off the wall and answering emails with one hand - same, friend. 

In this episode, I’m five days out from our next Disney trip and walking you through what I’m reading, sipping, spiraling about, and loving lately…all with a very laid-back, minimalist Disney mindset.

From tweaking my mom morning routine to juggling prep while working from home with toddlers, this R.E.P.O.R.T. is your permission slip to keep it simple - while you're blasting the Disney resort playlist on repeat.

• How a single inch (yep, my kid’s height!) changed how I plan my trip to Disney World
• Why I’m leaning on structure to simplify my mom morning routine
• The 10 before 10 habit that’s helping me manage life while working from home with toddlers
• The “good enough” version of a minimalist Disney trip (and why it might be your new favorite way to travel)
• One thing I’m doing each week that feels like a treat (and no, it’s not just coffee alone in the car)

Trying to do Disney without doing the most? Or deep in the Pinterest spiral anyway? 

Either way…Let me know your thoughts about today’s episode over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile - this is where I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes of our upcoming stay at Disney’s Riviera resort with a 9, 5, and 20-month-old.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

My favorite makeup

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 for your first time to Disney World and already feeling the pressure to “do it all”? 

Deep breath, friend - I’m here to help you not lose your mind before you even get to Main Street.

In this episode, I’m sharing everything I wouldn’t do on a first Disney trip, and what I absolutely would - because your first time to Disney World shouldn’t feel like a stressful marathon of matching outfits and overbooked character meals.

I’m sharing the no-fluff advice I wish I could give every Disney first timer - so if you’re looking for Disney World tips for first timers that skip the overwhelm and make space for flexibility (and actual fun), you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I cover:

• The biggest mistake I see on nearly every first Disney trip (and how to avoid it)
• Why trying to “do it all” as a Disney first timer usually backfires - and what to do instead
• The dining strategy I always recommend for a stress-free first time to Disney World
• How to simplify your schedule with these underrated Disney World tips for first timers
• What I wish every mom knew before their first time to Disney - especially when it comes to kids’ expectations (and your own)

If your browser has 87 open tabs about your first Disney trip, consider this your permission slip to simplify. This episode gives you permission to drop the pressure and actually enjoy your first time to Disney World.

So tell me - what’s one thing you're or stressing over as a Disney first timer? Let’s chat about it over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

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

Episode 1: Why 22% of People Regret Their Disney Trip

Intention Journal

Dining Cancellations

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 starting to pack for Disney World and staring blankly at your suitcase thinking, “Wait, where’s the actual list of things moms need?” - this episode is your new BFF.

Today, I’m sharing exactly what to pack for Disney World - not the Pinterest-perfect, curated-for-flat-lays kind of Disney packing list. I’m talking about the real-life, mom-of-three, survived-blisters-and-slushie-spills kind of essentials. 

We’re going beyond ponchos and tennis shoes and getting into the unique things to pack for Disney World that truly make our trips feel laid-back (and a tiny bit less chaotic).

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why chewable cough medicine must be on your Disney packing list (and why you won’t find it on property)
• Why I swear by a simple sketchbook for autographs, restaurant entertainment, and magical meltdown prevention
• How a collapsible tote saved my sanity during a stroller fold-down panic - and why you should always include on on your Disney packing list
• The bandana I use in three genius ways that make me feel one tiny step ahead of the chaos
• My go-to straws that beat Disney’s paper ones (no shade, but have you ever tried to sip a slushie with one??)

If you’ve ever wondered what to pack for Disney World to make your trip smoother, easier, and a lot more magical, this episode is your shortcut. I’m spilling the low-key genius things I always pack for Disney - and why they’re now permanent fixtures on my Disney packing list.

So now I want to know - what are the unique things to pack for Disney World that you never leave home without? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Chewable cough medicine

Straws

Sketchbook

No-roll crayons 

Portable charger

Bandana

Wet bag 

Collapsible tote

Favorite bags from Walker Goods

Stanley thermos

Cardigan 

Sweater

Waterproof sandals

Blister Band-Aids

Travel umbrella 

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 the phrase “I need a vacation from my vacation” describes how you felt after your last Disney trip, this episode was made for you.

I’m sharing the real-life, real-mom moves I’m making to make our next Disney trip feel actually chill. We're talking Disney trip essentials that actually matter, a Disney trip itinerary that won’t make you cry in Tomorrowland, and a deep dive into what’s worth the Disney trip cost (spoiler: it’s not a fourth set of matching shirts). 

Oh - and yes, we’re breaking down how to skip lines at Disney without melting down before rope drop.

Inside this episode, I’m spilling:

• The 1 thing I’m splurging on daily (and what I’m skipping instead) to make the Disney trip cost actually make sense for our sanity.
• The Disney trip essentials I don’t pack anymore (and how we make packing in only carry on bags work for our family).
• The not-so-secret sauce behind our no-sprint, no-sweat, no-tears Disney trip itinerary (yes, we still ride stuff).
• My favorite hacks for how to skip lines at Disney that don’t involve rope-dropping like you’re on an Olympic track team.
• The genius (and slightly lazy) reservation trick that’s saving my energy and my outfit every day of our Disney trip.

If you're overwhelmed by Lightning Lanes, confused about your Disney trip itinerary, or second-guessing which Disney trip essentials are worth packing, this episode is your reset button. It's for the moms who want fewer meltdowns and more margaritas.

What do you want to see and hear about from this Disney trip?... Let me know over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Lightning Lane Toolkit

Laid-Back Magic

Away We Go

Get a vacation quote from Melissa here

$10 off your Instacart order

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!

You asked, I answered. 

In this episode, I’m tackling real Disney World questions from moms who are deep in the planning (and second-guessing) phase of their next Disney trip. 

We’re talking about everything from margaritas to meltdown-prevention and which bag for Disney World actually holds up under pressure.

Whether you’re booking your first Disney trip or you’ve been through the magic (and chaos) a few times, this episode offers my honest takes on what works - especially if you're traveling with tiny humans. I’m also sharing how I personally rank the Disney World parks ranked by how much my kids (nine and under) enjoy them. Spoiler: it’s not the one you think.

Here’s what I cover:

• My must-have bag for Disney World that keeps snacks, sunscreen, diapers, and sanity all in one place
• My honest Disney World parks ranked list for little kids - and why EPCOT just might surprise you
• Real-life tips for Walt Disney World with toddlers (yes, including potty logistics and snack bribery)
• What I actually pack, what I leave at home, and what you can skip altogether
• Answers to your most-asked Disney World questions - from ideal trip length to rest day strategy

If you’re in the messy middle of planning your Disney trip and wondering if you’re doing it all wrong (you’re not), this episode is for you.

Have your own tips for Walt Disney World with toddlers - or a go-to bag for Disney World you swear by? . Let me know over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Episode 7: Disney World With a Baby: Here’s Everything I’ve Learned

Join IG Broadcast channel

Lightning Lane Toolkit

Sling bag

Tote bag

Thrill Data crowd calendar 

Undercover Tourist crowd calendar

Portable potty seat

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!

Ever book a last minute Disney trip and immediately think, “Wait, what did I just do?” Yep - same. That was me this week. 

We hit confirm on a resort we’ve never stayed at, with less than 30 days until takeoff... and I’m not panicking (yet). 

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I’m prepping for this last minute Disney trip - from what I’m skipping altogether to how to plan a trip to Disney that doesn’t leave you spiraling into overplanning mode.

If you're a fellow mom trying to balance real life, high temps of Disney World in summer, and high expectations while still making this trip feel magical? This one’s for you.

Whether you’ve got your dates locked in or you're still debating if you can pull it off in time, I’ll walk you through how to plan a trip to Disney in less than a month. We’re talking mindset shifts, my must-do’s (and must-don’ts), and how I’m using tools like a Disney World crowd calendar to avoid that sweaty, stroller-jammed chaos that is Disney World in summer.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• The first 3 things I do after booking a last minute Disney trip - and why I purposely don’t rush to make dining reservations
• How I’m using a Disney World crowd calendar to sketch out park days and keep my family from melting into Main Street
• What I’m doing differently for this Disney World in summer trip - especially as a mom, a planner, and a content creator
• The stroller dilemma I didn’t expect to care so much about... and how it’s changing my park strategy
• How to plan a trip to Disney that still feels intentional (without a six-month spreadsheet or total emotional breakdown)

So, are you planning your own last minute Disney trip? Wondering how to plan a trip to Disney without completely losing your mind? Or maybe just curious how a mom of three figures this out on the fly?

Grab your iced coffee (with extra caffeine) and let’s do this together.

What’s your go-to move when you’re prepping for a last minute Disney trip? Skip the packing list? Wing the dining? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Episode 14: Surviving Disney in the Summer Heat: What I Actually Do (as a Mom of 3)

Intention Journal

Steal my checklist 

Our favorite stroller (get $15 off)

My favorite Disney World crowd calendars:

Thrill Data

Undercover Tourist

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’ve been on the hunt for the best Disney World restaurants for kids that aren’t booked out 60 days in advance (because who has time for that?), this episode is for you.

This episode is all about those hidden gems in Disney World - the ones that surprised me, delivered better-than-expected food, and didn’t come with sky-high stress levels for making those Disney World dining reservations months ahead of time. 

I’m sharing my personal list of Disney World restaurants that are perfect for families who want great meals without the overwhelm. We're talking about all the coolest Disney World restaurants that deserve way more love.

Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:

• My picks for Disney World restaurants that are easy to get into - even last-minute - and still feel sDisney World restaurants can save you from planning headaches (spoiler: some are the best Disney World restaurants for kids too!)
• The one spot with 8 dipping sauces (yes, really!) that will change how you think about bread service
• A character breakfast that’s not only fun but also the most affordable option in the parks - making it one of my favorite hidden gems in Disney World
• Why staying off the beaten path for meals can actually bring out the most magical parts of your trip (and is the secret to finding the coolest Disney World restaurants)

If you’re feeling stuck in the endless scroll of must-do lists and can’t decide which Disney World dining reservations are really worth it, this episode is for you. 

Let me know which of these hidden gems in Disney World you’re most excited to try - or if you have your own underrated favorite to add to my list! 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

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!

Let’s talk about the Disney World planning advice that’s actually making your life harder. 

You know the stuff: matching t-shirts for every day of the trip, waking up at the crack of dawn to rope drop, and spending hours figuring out are the Disney dining plans worth it…all in the name of “doing it right.”

But what if... that’s not what feels right to you?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the so-called “must-dos” that I’m officially opting out of, and what to do at Disney World instead to make your trip simpler, smoother, and way less stressy. Because here’s the deal: just because it’s trending on TikTok doesn’t mean it makes sense for your Disney World planning.

We're ditching the guilt and tuning into what works best for your crew.

Here’s what I’m unpacking in this episode:

• Why I’ve sworn off matching family tees, and what I do now that’s easier, cheaper, and actually makes my mornings smoother
• The truth about Disney World rope drop: is it really worth the hype, or are you just trading one line for another?
• Why I always use Lightning Lanes—even for “short wait” rides—and how this makes or breaks the day
• The honest answer to are the Disney dining plans worth it (especially if your kids barely eat and you love a good grocery delivery)
• What to do instead of blindly following the crowd when it comes to what to do at Disney World

If you’ve ever found yourself buried in Pinterest tabs or second-guessing every Disney World planning decision you make, this one’s for you. You’re not failing, you're just overwhelmed by a system built on too many shoulds.

So tell me—are you falling for any of this Disney World planning propaganda? Are you waking up early for Disney World rope drop, or buying into the hype of "free" dining? Or maybe you're saying no right alongside me? Let me know your thoughts over on IG: @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

The only "poncho" you'll find me in

Lightning Lane Toolkit

Episode 9: Dining Questions Answered

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!

Ever find yourself stress-scrolling through every article on Disney World stroller rules while also wondering if your six-year-old will miraculously walk eight miles a day in 90-degree heat? (Spoiler: they won’t.)

In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I’ve learned from years of navigating strollers in Disney World (with babies, toddlers, big kids… and yes, even one exhausted mom who sat in it herself 🙋🏼‍♀️). 

From which are the best strollers in Disney World, to the surprising Disney World stroller rules, I’ve got you covered.

We’ll break down:

• The real reason your 7-year-old might still need a Disney World stroller (even if they “never” use one at home)
• What makes strollers in Disney World actually worth it - based on my own trips (and blisters)
• Whether to rent or bring your own - and how Disney World stroller rental services really stack up
• Genius tips to cruise through security (without dragging 3 bags and your dignity)
• The non-negotiables of Disney World stroller rules

No matter how old your kids are, strollers in Disney World aren’t just for naps - they’re your pack mule, sanity saver, and mobile cart for snacks and souvenirs. 

If you're heading to the parks soon, this episode is your must-listen Disney World stroller game plan.

So are you bringing your own, booking a Disney World stroller rental, or praying your kid will walk 10K steps in Crocs? Let me know over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

$15 off my favorite stroller for Disney 

Rent from BabyQuip

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.