The Best Disney Planning Podcast For Families
Real talk. Real trips. Real life with kids.
Why Listen to Well Hello Magic
Well Hello Magic is a family-focused Disney World planning podcast for parents who want realistic, low-stress vacations without burnout.
Hosted by Jessica Mickelson, a Disney mom of four, former therapist, and longtime Disney traveler, the podcast blends practical Disney planning strategies with emotional insight and real-life experience. Jessica helps families understand how Disney works, why it feels overwhelming, and what actually makes a trip feel magical and manageable.
Each episode may include:
Disney news and updates, explained clearly for families and parents
Step-by-step planning breakdowns for parks, resorts, Lightning Lane systems, and special events
Honest trip recaps, including what worked, what didn’t, and what no one talks about
Interviews with Disney experts, creators, and parents who do Disney differently
Real conversations about burnout, expectations, mental load, and motherhood
The goal isn’t to plan Disney perfectly. It’s to help you plan Disney confidently, calmly, and realistically—in a way that works for your family.
Every episode is designed to leave you thinking:
“Okay… I feel informed, prepared, and a lot less overwhelmed.”
YouTube
(coming soon!)
123: Preparing for Our First Disney Cruise as a Family on the Disney Dream | What I Bought, Booked & Planned
Jessica shares how her family is preparing for their upcoming Disney Cruise on the Disney Dream. She talks about the experiences they booked, including Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Royal Court Tea, Palo dinner, and a bourbon tasting, plus the cruise items she’s buying and packing to make sailing with kids easier.
122: Disney Cruise Line for First Timers: Ships, Costs, Dining, and What to Expect Onboard
Thinking about your first Disney Cruise Line vacation? In this episode, Jessica shares what first-time cruisers need to know about ships, pricing, dining, onboard activities, the Navigator app, and common mistakes to avoid so you can plan your Disney cruise with confidence.
121: Behind the Magic with Camille Dashana from Sparks of Magic
Jessica interviews Camille, a Disneyland native, entrepreneur, PlanDisney panelist, and Disney Dreamers Academy mom. They discuss Disneyland memories, family traditions, post-COVID park changes, content creation, and how Disney’s intentional storytelling shapes business and motherhood.
120: Disney World Lightning Lane 2026: Pre-Booking Rules, Sell-Out Data & Best Time to Ride
Disney World Lightning Lane strategy for 2026. Learn pre-booking rules, what sells out first at each park, mini drops, and the best standby times at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.
119: The Magic of Friendship: A Galentine’s Celebration Inside the Disney Community
In this Galentine’s Day special, I’m joined by Corina of The Magical Latina, Meg of Meg For It, and Lauren of Lauren Dreams of Magic to celebrate friendship in the Disney community. We talk creativity, connection, adult friendships, and why chosen family is the real magic.
118: Is the Disney Dining Plan Worth it in 2026??
Is the Disney Dining Plan worth it in 2026? In this episode, I break down how Disney Dining works, what’s included, current prices, and who the dining plan actually makes sense for. Learn when to use it, when to skip it, and how it impacts family vacations.
117: Behind the Magic with Kellie Krueger from We Don't Wear Ears
Discover how to experience Disneyland like a local with Kellie Krueger, a 20-year Disneyland pass holder. We cover weekday park strategy, Disneyland vs Disney World differences, Candlelight Processional insights, and how to enjoy the parks without burnout.
116: Disney World Do’s and Don’ts: What Actually Makes or Breaks Your Trip
Planning a Disney World trip that actually works for your family? In this episode, I break down 12 Disney World do’s and don’ts that help you avoid burnout, manage expectations, and enjoy Disney without losing your mind. Plus, mom-specific tips at the end.
115: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Matt Richardson
Disney Parks content creator Matt Richardson joins Behind the Magic to talk international travel, tech, storytelling, and how his global work has led him to Disney parks around the world. He also shares insights from running the Walt Disney World Marathon and embracing marathons as a new personal challenge.
114: Disney World 2026: What to Expect, What’s New, Closures, and Planning Changes
Planning Disney World in 2026? This episode breaks down what’s new at every park, ride reopenings and closures, Cool Kids’ Summer, and all Disney World discounts so families can plan a 2026 trip with confidence.
113: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Brittany from Travels by Brittanyb
Is Walt Disney World worth it with toddlers? On this episode of the Well Hello Disney Podcast, guest Brittany B joins us to share real-life tips for Disney World and Disney Cruise Line, including strollers, overstimulation, meltdowns, and realistic expectations for families.
112: Fort Wilderness Tips, Jollywood Nights with Kids, and Why We Love Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Camping at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, and relaxing at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort—all in one episode. We share honest reviews, RV camping tips, holiday party insights, resort amenities, and what’s truly worth it for families planning Disney trips.
111: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Melissa from Happy Haunts Plan Magic
One of the first people in the world to step onboard the Disney Destiny shares her firsthand experience. In this episode, we break down themes, dining, entertainment, staterooms, kids clubs, and what families and first-time cruisers should expect from Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship.
110: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Shakira from Occasions by Shakira
Shakira Patterson of Occasions by Shakira joins us to talk motherhood, military life, intentional memory-making, and building The Occasions Bin®. A warm, honest conversation about celebrating everyday moments and creating meaningful family traditions.
109: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jollywood Nights, and Tips for Surviving the Holidays at Home
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Disney Jollywood Nights? We break down both holiday events with honest tips, family insights, and planning advice—plus 10 practical ways parents can survive the holiday season with less stress and more joy.
108: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Brianna from Expedition Watson
Brianna Watson of Expedition Watson joins us to talk family travel, Disney life in Orlando, brand partnerships, and her transition from side hustle to full-time creator. An honest, encouraging conversation about motherhood, creativity, and building a meaningful family brand.
107: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Trip Report
A family recap of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, plus tips for driving to Disney with kids, school vacation planning, candy trails, fireworks, and finding slower, more magical moments on a quick Disney trip.
106: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Amanda from Once Upon A Marathon
Amanda Kass of Once Upon a Marathon joins us to talk runDisney training, the Dopey Challenge, race weekend tips, and Disney business news explained clearly. A motivating, informative conversation for runners and Disney fans alike.
105: Best Places to Work at Walt Disney World + Last-Minute Halloween Tips
A real-life look at working remotely at Walt Disney World and planning a last-minute Halloween trip. We share quiet work spots, fast planning tips, thoughts on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and how new apps may help families stay organized.
104: Behind the Magic with Guest Creator Paula from Practically Perfect Family: Laughter, Magic & Resilience
Paula of Practically Perfect Family joins us to talk Disney, motherhood, viral growth, chronic illness, and building a supportive online community with humor and heart. An honest, joyful conversation about resilience and finding magic in imperfect seasons.