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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

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

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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.

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

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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 Disney Experience app and pray” episode. I’m sharing the full stack - from the best Disney World app to track Lightning Lanes for you (because I don’t have time to refresh a screen while wrangling a juice box), to the surprisingly handy tool that helps me build my entire Walt Disney World planning spreadsheet on-the-go.

In this episode, I’m covering:

• The Disney World app I call the babysitter for your Lightning Lanes - and why you’ll never plan a trip without it again.
• My not-so-glamorous hack for turning Google Sheets into a magical Walt Disney World planning spreadsheet (that actually stays updated and isn’t scribbled on with crayon).
• The one Disney planning app I recommend if you just want someone (or something) else to deal with 6 a.m. dining reservations.
• The best Disney World app to help you skip more lines, carry less junk, and show up to Magic Kingdom.
• And, the airport Starbucks app trick that makes me feel like a genius every single time.

If your current Disney planning app strategy is “I pinned some stuff once,” don’t worry. I got you.

What’s your go-to tech for keeping Disney chaos under control? Let me know over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Standby Skipper

My Disney Experience

Stakeout

Get $15 off your first Instacart order

Lyft

FlightAware

WeatherBug

Starbucks

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

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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 according to plan. Some things worked out beautifully. Others? Not so much. But either way, I learned a lot - and you will too.

If you're deep into Disney World planning or overwhelmed by all the “must-dos” people swear by, this episode is a reminder that the “perfect trip” doesn’t always come from perfect plans.

• The surprising upside of ignoring my usual Disney World rules
• What happens when you skip my most recommended “break” while planning your Disney World trip
• A few unexpected things to do at Disney World that became unexpected highlights
• How bending your Disney World planning standards might actually make your trip better
• Why your personal Disney World rules might not be as essential as you think

This one’s for the magic-makers who want to feel less pressure while planning your Disney World trip - and still walk away with core memories your kids won’t stop talking about.

Which of your Disney World rules would be the hardest to break? Have you ever bent your own “rules” while planning your Disney World trip - and did it work out or backfire? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Rent DVC points

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

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So, is the Disney Skyliner the dreamy, breeze-through-the-sky transportation Disney moms pin to their trip boards… or is it an actual anxiety-inducing gondola of doom? (Spoiler: For me, it was both.)

In this live-from-the-trip episode, I’m giving you my unfiltered, real-time reaction to riding the Disney Skyliner while staying at the Disney World Riviera Resort. If you’ve been eyeing the Disney Skyliner resorts thinking “oooh, that looks magical,” let me be your reality check (with love, of course).

We’re talking panic attacks, stroller logistics, ride pauses that feel like a lifetime, and whether I’d ever stay at the Disney World Riviera Resort again.

• Why my ride on the Disney Skyliner turned into a panic attack in the sky - and what triggered it.
• What it’s really like to stay at the Disney World Riviera Resort when you’re scared of heights.
• How stroller logistics work on the Disney Skyliner (and which strollers you'll need to fold).
• Why I still kinda-sorta love the Disney World Riviera Resort… despite the mental breakdown.
• What I’d do differently next time - and what transportation option I’m fully committed to now.

If you’re planning to stay at one of the Disney Skyliner resorts, this is the episode you want to listen to before hitting “book now.”

So tell me… are you a Disney Skyliner lover or “nope, not for me” kinda mom? Let me know your thoughts over on IG:  @somewhereworthwhile.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Part 1 of LIVE FROM DISNEY: Is Disney’s Riviera Resort Worth It?

Disney World Riviera Resort

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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 

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

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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

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$10 off your Instacart order

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Somewhere Worthwhile Website

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