Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast

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In this episode of Behind the Magic, Jessica sits down with Disney Parks content creator Matt Richardson for a conversation that goes far beyond a typical Disney vacation story.

Matt shares how his career in tech has taken him around the world, teaching and working with teams on how to integrate technology into everyday life. Those global work opportunities have also opened the door for him to experience Disney parks internationally, allowing Disney to become a natural extension of his travel rather than the sole reason for it. From visiting parks like Tokyo DisneySea to seeing how different cultures approach design, infrastructure, and storytelling, Matt offers a thoughtful perspective on Disney as a global brand.

The conversation also dives into Matt’s creative journey, including his background in television and how that influences the cinematic, immersive style of his content. We talk about how passion projects can grow organically, how travel shapes creativity, and why seeing Disney through a global lens can completely change how you experience the parks.

In addition to travel and storytelling, Matt opens up about running marathons as his newest personal challenge. He recently completed the Walt Disney World Marathon with a personal record finish of 3:22 and shares how running has become both a mental and physical outlet. We also discuss why RunDisney races feel different from traditional marathons, blending endurance with atmosphere, community, and Disney storytelling.

This episode is perfect for Disney fans curious about international parks, individuals and couples who love travel, creatives navigating passion projects, and runners interested in RunDisney and marathon experiences.

Guest Contact Information

Guest: Matt Richardson

Website: https://mattrichardson.com/
Instagram: @mattrichardson
Email: [email protected]

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Planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026 and wondering what’s new, what’s changing, and what you need to know before you book? This episode is your complete Disney World 2026 planning guide, breaking down everything coming to Disney World in 2026, park by park, so you can plan with confidence.

In this episode, we cover what to expect at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom in 2026, including ride reopenings, closures, new entertainment, character experiences, and seasonal offerings. We also take a deep dive into Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 and explain how it impacts each park, why it’s a great option for families, and how to fit these experiences into a realistic touring plan.

You’ll also learn about all the Disney World discounts and promotions available for 2026, including resort hotel discounts, free kids dining plan offers, water park perks for Disney Resort guests, and why summer 2026 may be one of the best value seasons for families visiting Walt Disney World.

This episode is perfect for first-time Disney planners, families planning a 2026 Disney World vacation, Disney moms, returning guests looking for updated information, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by Disney announcements who wants everything explained clearly in one place.

What’s coming to each Disney park in 2026:

Magic Kingdom 2026
 We walk through what’s reopening, what’s closed, and what’s new at Magic Kingdom in 2026, including updated attractions, limited-time summer experiences, and how refurbishments may impact your park day.

EPCOT 2026
 EPCOT heads into 2026 fully operational, with seasonal festivals, interactive summer entertainment, kid-friendly experiences, and expanded use of CommuniCore during Cool Kids’ Summer.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2026
 Hollywood Studios sees major updates in 2026, including reimagined attractions, new shows, animation-focused experiences, and character additions that impact crowds and Lightning Lane strategy.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom 2026
 We explain what’s new at Animal Kingdom in 2026, including character experiences, hands-on activities, and why it continues to be a strong park for families with younger kids.

Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 runs from May 26 through September 8, 2026. This episode explains what Cool Kids’ Summer is, what’s happening in each park, and why it can actually make summer travel easier for families.

Where to find me:
 Instagram: @wellhellomagic
 Website: WellHelloMagic.com
 Podcast: Well Hello Magic Podcast available on all major podcast platforms

Helpful links and blogs mentioned in this episode:
 Blog posts and detailed planning resources mentioned in this episode can be found here:
https://www.wellhellomagic.com/whats-new/everything-new-at-walt-disney-world-in-2026-and-why-youre-really-not-missing-anything

https://www.wellhellomagic.com/planning/disney-world-guide

https://www.wellhellomagic.com/military/disney-world-resort-discounts-save-up-to-30-on-your-stay

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Today’s episode is extra special because we’re welcoming back one of the original Well Hello Disney family members—Brittany B! If you’ve been here since the early days (we’re talking 2022, under 1,000 followers), then you might remember when Brittany was planning her very first Walt Disney World trip with her two young kids. What started as a mom planning her first Disney vacation has turned into something truly magical.

Fast forward three years, and Brittany has gone from first-time Disney mom to full-blown travel agent and content creator, helping other families confidently plan their own magical vacations. In this episode, we sit down mom-to-mom and dive deep into the realities of traveling to Disney with little kids—because it’s magical, but it’s also a lot.

We cover everything from:

• Navigating Walt Disney World with young kids
• What it’s really like taking little ones on Disney Cruise Line
• Handling overstimulation, exhaustion, and big emotions
• Stroller life—how much we need them, love them, and rely on them
• Tips for enjoying the parks without the pressure to “do it all”

This conversation is packed with real-life experience, practical advice, and reassurance for parents who want the magic without the meltdown. We also chat about our shared love for Disney, how Brittany’s journey has evolved, and what we’re most excited about for the future of Disney travel.

So grab a pen and paper—because you’re going to want to take notes.
 If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World or a Disney Cruise with young kids, this is the episode for you.

Guest: Brittany B
✨ OG Well Hello Disney family member
✨ Disney-loving mom, content creator & travel advisor
✨ Specializes in family-friendly Disney vacations

Find Brittany on Instagram:
📸 @travelsbybrittanyb
👉 https://www.instagram.com/travelsbybrittanyb/

Travel Agent Information:
✈️ Independent Travel Advisor
🏰 Specializing in Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line & family travel
📩 Contact Brittany via Instagram DMs for personalized trip planning, tips, and quotes

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Disney Cruise Line with toddlers & young kids
• Walt Disney World park strategies for families
• Managing overstimulation and tired kids
• Stroller must-haves and survival tips
• Mom-to-mom encouragement and realistic Disney expectations
• What’s coming next in Disney travel

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow Disney mom who needs a little extra magic in their planning.

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This week on The Well Hello Magic Podcast, we’re taking you on a full Disney journey that spans Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground at Walt Disney World, the Jollywood Nights holiday party at Hollywood Studios, and the peaceful, relaxing escape of Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. If you’ve been searching for real reviews, tips, and honest experiences on Fort Wilderness campsites, Disney RV camping, DVC beach resorts, or what Jollywood Nights is like for families, this episode is packed with everything you need.

We start with a deep dive into Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, a massive 750-acre outdoor resort that truly feels like its own little world. I talk about our full experience camping in an RV at Disney, how it felt as a family of six, and why living in an RV is absolutely not my ministry… but also why I completely understand the cult following this campground has. Fort Wilderness is known for being one of the cleanest, safest, and best-run campgrounds in the country, and you can feel that Disney quality everywhere. We cover the different Fort Wilderness campsite types, RV hookups, transportation options, and all the incredible amenities like horseback riding, archery, boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, playgrounds, pools, golf carts, and the beloved Chip ‘n Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long. If you’re looking for budget-friendly Disney accommodations, this is one of the best values on Disney property—and we talk about why.

We also chat about our Resort Christmas Tour, visiting holiday decorations at Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and why exploring Disney resorts during Christmas is one of the most underrated things to do at Walt Disney World in December.

Next, we jump into a full breakdown of Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, giving you an honest look at what it’s like to attend this event with kids. We talk about the differences from attending as adults, what the entertainment felt like this year, how long the lines were, the food, the photo ops, and the new Party-Saurus Rex experience that everyone is buzzing about. If you’re researching Is Jollywood Nights worth it?, Jollywood Nights review, or tips for Jollywood Nights with kids, this part of the episode is for you.

Finally, we wrap with our stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, one of the most peaceful and unique Disney Vacation Club properties. This resort is the perfect blend of Disney magic and beach relaxation. We cover the amenities, the pools, the Disney Beach House on Hilton Head Island, bike rentals, fishing docks, playgrounds, family activities, and the incredibly friendly cast members who make this resort feel like home. Since Hilton Head only offers quick-service dining, we share our tips on making dinner reservations on the island and how to plan meals for your trip. The beaches were cool during our stay, but the kids still played for hours—and we’re already planning a return visit.

Whether you’re a family planning your first Fort Wilderness RV trip, curious about the Disney Hilton Head DVC experience, or deciding if Jollywood Nights is good for kids, this episode gives you real family examples, honest opinions, and helpful planning information to make your next trip magical.

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Melissa from Happy Haunts Plan Magic on Instagram is joining me today, and you are going to love this conversation. She is the owner of Foolish Mortal Planning Co. and a travel expert who has helped hundreds of families plan intentional and magical Disney vacations. Recently, she had the incredible opportunity to be one of the very first people in the world to step onto the Disney Destiny. Through her partnership with the travel agency A Mouse in the Beach, she was invited on the very first preview sailing of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.

This was a three night preview designed to give travel professionals access to as much of the ship as possible. Melissa was able to see dining spaces, entertainment areas, lounges, staterooms, kids clubs, and the brand new themes that make the Disney Destiny stand out from the rest of the fleet. The ship celebrates heroic and villainous storytelling, blending classic characters with bold, dramatic design. From themed spaces inspired by Disney stories like Hercules and Guardians of the Galaxy to new entertainment offerings and elevated dining, the Destiny brings a fresh twist to the magic Disney Cruise Line is known for.

On today’s episode, Melissa shares her first impressions, what surprised her, what families should expect, and what she believes will make the Disney Destiny an instant favorite. She breaks down the feel of the ship, the atmosphere on board during the preview sailing, and the spaces she thinks guests will fall in love with. She also talks about how preview sailings work, what it is like to explore a brand new Disney ship before the public, and the small details she noticed that will matter for families, couples, multigenerational trips, and first time cruisers.

If you are considering a Disney Cruise or you are specifically looking at the Disney Destiny for a future vacation, this episode will give you a thoughtful, exciting, and helpful look at what this new ship has to offer.

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In this episode of Behind the Magic, we’re thrilled to welcome Shakira Patterson of Occasions by Shakira, a family-first creator who turns the everyday into something extraordinary. Shakira opens up about life as a military spouse, raising four children, and building a brand centered on intentional memory-making. She shares how she started her career, the unexpected path it took, and how she developed her product line (including The Occasions Bin®) to serve families looking to celebrate the moments that matter.

We talk about how Occasions by Shakira truly came to life and how she became the mom who gives the rest of us endless ideas — thoughtful teacher gifts, creative touches for holidays, practical lunch ideas that go beyond sandwiches, and little moments of magic that feel doable in real life. She shares why she loves helping families celebrate with intention and how The Occasions Bin became such a natural extension of that mission. Everything she does feels grounded in heart and practicality, and it’s clear how much care she puts into creating things that make parents’ lives easier and more joyful.

Shakira also walks through the early days of her brand, what inspired her to start sharing her ideas publicly, and the real behind-the-scenes of balancing motherhood, content creation, and the constant changes that come with military life. Her honesty about juggling all of it makes this conversation so comforting and relatable.

And of course we talk about Disney. Our shared love for the parks, the nostalgia, the memories we’re creating with our kids, and the way Disney inspires our creativity brought out such a fun and natural flow in this episode. We kept finding these little common threads in how we see motherhood, family traditions, content creation, and finding joy in the middle of a busy life.

This conversation feels warm, real, and full of heart. If you’re someone who loves thoughtful ideas, intentional memory-making, and hearing the story behind a brand that brings so much joy to families, you’re going to love this episode with Shakira Patterson.

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The holidays have officially arrived at Walt Disney World, and we’re talking about all things Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights in this festive episode of the Well Hello Magic Podcast. If you’ve ever wondered which of these two holiday parties is right for your family, I’m breaking it all down with honest insights, practical planning advice, and real parent perspective.

We’ll start with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, the classic family favorite that brings snow on Main Street, U.S.A., exclusive entertainment, festive parades, and special treats that make the night feel like pure nostalgia. I’ll walk you through how to plan the night, what’s worth the wait, and what you can skip. You can also head to my website, wellhellomagic.com, for a full step-by-step guide and itinerary that helps you plan this event like a pro.

Then we’ll move into Disney Jollywood Nights, the grown-up holiday event that has quickly become one of the most stylish and spirited experiences at Walt Disney World. Think Hollywood glamour, jazzy Christmas tunes, character-filled lounges, and brand-new shows that truly sparkle. This year, Disney has made Jollywood more family friendly than ever before, adding entertainment and experiences that make it easier to bring the kids along while still keeping that elevated adult energy. I’ll share what’s new, what’s improved, and why this party might surprise you if you skipped it last year.

And because the holidays aren’t just about park hopping and party tickets, I’m wrapping up this episode with 10 practical tips for surviving the holiday season as a parent. From maintaining your peace to setting realistic expectations, I’ll help you slow down, set boundaries, and find moments of joy amid the chaos.

If you’ve listened to my past episodes on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or how to plan Disney during spring break, you know my goal is always to help you stress less and enjoy more. So grab a cozy drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into a season filled with lights, laughter, and just the right amount of pixie dust.

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I’m thrilled to welcome Brianna Watson of Expedition Watson to the podcast! Brianna is a dedicated mom blogger, lifestyle and travel creator based in Orlando, where she shares her family’s real-life adventures through motherhood, Disney, travel, and everyday magic. Her brand is all about keeping it real and inviting families to find joy in the beautiful chaos of life.

Brianna has built an incredible platform filled with warmth, authenticity, and creativity. Over the years, she’s partnered with a wide range of brands, hotels, and family destinations, all while staying true to her mission of helping families make meaningful memories. Her collaborations reflect the trust she’s built with her community and her talent for creating content that feels genuine and inspiring.

What makes Brianna’s story even more special is her leap into full-time content creation. After years of growing Expedition Watson while raising her family, she made the bold decision to turn her passion into her profession. She’s now sharing not just her adventures, but the lessons, courage, and heart it takes to build a business rooted in storytelling and family connection.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How she approaches partnerships and stays authentic in sponsored content
• What it really looks like to transition from side hustle to full-time creator
• Her favorite family travel moments and how she plans content around her kids’ interests
• How she continues to grow Expedition Watson while staying grounded in motherhood

You can find Brianna on Instagram at @expeditionwatson and on her website expeditionwatson.com, where she shares family travel guides, lifestyle tips, and stories from their life in Orlando.

This conversation is such a good one—honest, uplifting, and full of heart. I can’t wait for you to hear it!

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In this week’s episode of the Well Hello Magic Podcast, I’m sharing our family’s recap of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. This was one of those quick Disney trips that filled our cups completely, and we packed in so much magic. From driving to Disney with kids to candy trails and fireworks, this episode covers it all.

We start by talking about what it’s really like to drive to Disney as a family. I share our best tips for long car rides with kids, how to break up the drive so it feels manageable, and how to make it part of the fun instead of just a chore. On my blog, you can find my full guide with three different ways to drive to Disney based on your family’s needs.

Next, we cover one of those small but important details parents forget until the last minute — the school vacation request form. I explain what we include, how to make it sound educational, and why it’s helpful to plan ahead so teachers know what to expect.

Then we dive into everything Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. This year, we skipped character lines and focused on the shows, fireworks, and trick-or-treat trails. The candy trails were incredible, and the allergy-friendly option worked perfectly for our crew. We watched the Boo-to-You Parade, saw the Cadaver Dans, and ended the night with the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks. We grabbed dinner at Pecos Bill and took our time soaking in all the fall décor and atmosphere before heading out. Sometimes skipping the big moments and slowing down is exactly what makes the night memorable.

Before heading home, we rented a pontoon boat on Bay Lake, which was one of the highlights of the trip. It’s such a calm and beautiful way to see Disney from a different perspective, and it’s a great family activity for a non-park day. We also spent some time at the Community Hall before checkout — another hidden gem for families who want a slower pace before traveling home.

This episode is full of tips for making quick Disney trips more magical, slowing down to enjoy the details, and keeping the nostalgia alive while traveling with kids. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and listen in as we talk about Halloween fun, family adventures, and finding little moments of calm in the middle of all the Disney excitement.

For more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks and finding magic at home, follow @wellhellomagic and check out the blog for more Disney travel inspiration.

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I am so excited to welcome Amanda Kass from Once Upon a Marathon back to the podcast. Amanda is a certified running coach, an incredible content creator, and one of my favorite people to talk to about all things Disney. She is not only an expert in runDisney but also someone who pours her heart into helping others reach their running goals.

Amanda began running in graduate school and has since completed countless Disney races, including the Dopey Challenge, which is one of the most intense and inspiring accomplishments in the runDisney community. On her website, she offers training plans, registration guides, race weekend tips, and strategies designed to help you cross the finish line feeling strong and confident. She provides clear, detailed, and practical information that runners can trust, whether they are preparing for their very first 5K or another marathon weekend.

But Amanda’s knowledge goes far beyond the races themselves. She is known for her deep dives into Disney business news and strategy. She has a special gift for taking complicated information and breaking it down in a way that anyone can understand. Whether it’s major updates, policy changes, or important lawsuits, she shares everything with clarity and insight. My personal favorite deep dive is her coverage of the Disney lawsuit. She is always my first stop for smart and thorough updates.

More than anything, Amanda is a wonderful person and a great friend. She has built a supportive and knowledgeable community that encourages runners to dream big and believe in what they can achieve. She has a genuine love for Disney and for the running community, and it shines through in everything she creates.

You can find her on Instagram at @onceuponamarathon and on her website www.onceuponamarathon.com
, where her training guides and resources are available. This conversation is going to be such a good one, and I cannot wait for you to hear it.

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