The Planning Behind the Magic: Disney Podcast / Disney World / Universal / Cruise Vacations

This week, I'm sharing all about my recent trip to Orlando for this year's Fantastical Vacations agency meeting. Did I get to any parks? Where there any surprises along the way?

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney parks and cruises, Universal and Royal Caribbean cruises. For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: ⁠https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9⁠

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https:⁠//www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/

If you are wondering what I bring with me into Walt Disney World then this week’s episode is for you! I’m taking a quick break from the trip recaps for a fun hands on "pack with me" moment.

I share my favorite park bag, cooling essentials, and more! You can also view a video of this week’s episode over on Instagram. This way you can see all the items I’m talking about.

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney parks and cruises, Universal and Royal Caribbean cruises. For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/

This week, I’m wrapping up Day 3 of my family's very first Disneyland adventure. If you've ever felt the pressure to map out the "perfect" family vacation, consider this your official reminder that even professional travel advisors can't do it all—and that’s okay!

Here is the honest scoop on what we’re talking about today:

• The Sunday Morning Reality Check: How to avoid the morning rush

• A Dose of 90s Nostalgia: The unexpected Disney World throwback that had me getting a little teary-eyed at Mickey’s PhilharMagic

• The Ultimate Carbs & Characters Mission: How I successfully hunted down San Fransokyo sourdough, a cinnamon roll macaron, and a meeting with Baymax (who tried to steal my backpack, naturally).

• Splitting up to Conquer: Why force anything; splitting up is the best option for everyone

• The Magic is in the Details: Why Disneyland’s local, laid-back vibe and roaming characters make the nighttime parade vibe completely differently than Walt Disney World.

Grab your headphones, hit play while you fold that mountain of laundry or run your errands, and let’s talk Disney magic!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney Parks, Cruises, Universal Parks and Royal Caribbean.

For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel

Ready to enter the original magic with me? 🏰✨

This week on The Planning Behind the Magic, I’m taking you along for Day 1 of my family's West Coast adventure! We are tackling a jam-packed Saturday split between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and let me tell you, the original park did not disappoint.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• The "split-stay" resort hack that accidentally doubled our Lightning Lanes!

• My literal rope-drop strategy for the famous (and delicious) breakfast chimichanga.

• Why Disneyland's versions of Autopia and Big Thunder might actually beat Disney World's.

• The total sensory overload of Hyperspace Mountain and the core-memory moment of watching Cars Land light up at dusk.

Pop on your headphones and let’s dive into the west coast magic together!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney parks, cruises, Universal and Royal Caribbean. For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/

I’m BACK! After an epic 11-day dream vacation to Disneyland and Aulani, I’m finally home (and heavily jet-lagged) to share the magic. Since this was my family’s first time on the West Coast, I got to experience that amazing "first-timer" wonder all over again!

Pack your bags and join us for Day 1 as we play a fun game of "Choose Your Own Adventure" through our arrival day. Travel along from our early morning flight out of Michigan to checking into the iconic Disneyland Hotel. I'm sharing the whole story—from giant plates of nachos at the Grand Californian and a hilarious drink fail, to a perfect Friday night pizza tradition in Downtown Disney. Plus, test your knowledge with a quick round of Disney Family Trivia!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney parks and cruises, Universal and Royal Caribbean cruises. For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here.

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/

If you love the show, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music!

With over 400 dining spots and nearly 300 attractions, let’s be real: we cannot do it all! So, how do you choose? 🏰✨

In Episode 11, I’m breaking down my three golden rules for picking your 2026 must-dos without losing your mind (or your magic). From navigating the "Plan B" reality to keeping your list simple and family-focused, this episode is my personal guide to ditching "perfection" and finding your family’s best day ever.

Plus, in this episode:

• Muppets News Flash: I’ve got the latest on the Big Thunder Mountain reopening, Encanto coming to Animal Kingdom, and 2026 dates for Food & Wine and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! 🎃🍷

• Trivia Time: It’s Kids vs. Adults! Test your knowledge of Mickey & Friends.

• Pro-Tips: Why my family went from "Park-Open-to-Close" people to "Pool-Break" people (and why I think it’s a game changer).

I'm currently charging my MagicBands for my own trip, so let's dive in and get your planning started!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney parks, cruises, Universal and Royal Caribbean. For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect form here!

Connect with me:

✨ Instagram: @jollieholliedaytravel

✨ Facebook: Fantastical Vacations by Hollie

✨ Email: [email protected]

This is Part 2...I’m sharing all I know about Disney Dining. If you’re wondering; how do reservations work? Do I need a dining plan? Can I cook in my resort room? This is the episode for you.

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan ALL things Disney, Universal, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and so much more!

For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: ⁠https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9⁠

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https:⁠//www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/⁠

⁠🔗 Special Diets Requests⁠

May the 4th be with you!

Today, I’m sharing my family's Top 10 Things To Do In Batuu. Brian and Keegan join in the Star Wars fun as we rank our favorite experiences in Disney's Hollywood Studios: Galaxy's Edge.

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan ALL things Disney, Universal, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and so much more!

For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: ⁠https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9⁠

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook: https:⁠//www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/⁠

Today, I’m sharing all I know about Disney Dining. If you’re wondering; how do reservations work? Do I need a dining plan? Are character meals worth it? This is the episode for you.

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan ALL things Disney, Universal, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and so much more!

For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/

🔗 Special Diets Requests

In this episode, we’re defining the Trip Plan—the essential itinerary for your day-to-day vacation. From selecting your park days and dinning reservations, I’m sharing how to set realistic expectations and stay organized.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The "Trip Plan" Defined: What it means to map out your parks, dining, and daily flow.

• The 60-Day Rule: Why having a tentative plan is so important before your Disney Dining booking window opens.

• Avoiding the "Oops" Moments

• The Travel Advisor Edge

Planning the 2026 trip of your dreams doesn't have to be a full-time job. Because even magic needs a plan!

This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations by Hollie. Whether or not you LOVE the planning process I would love to support you! I plan Disney Parks and Cruise Line, Universal Parks and Royal Caribbean.

For more information and a FREE quote use my Let’s Connect google form here: https://forms.gle/JZeZZkka4mfgwXwY9

Be sure to connect with me here!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FVbyHollie/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jollieholliedaytravel/