113: Behind the Magic - Guest Creator Brittany from Travels by Brittanyb
Today’s episode is extra special because we’re welcoming back one of the original Well Hello Magic family members — Brittany B.
If you’ve been here since the early days (we’re talking 2022, under 1,000 followers), you might remember Brittany when she was planning her very first Walt Disney World trip with her two young kids she filled out a Magic Vacay Report. At the time, she was navigating everything first-time Disney parents face: questions about strollers, naps, overstimulation, dining with kids, and whether Disney was even worth it with little ones.
What started as a mom trying to figure out her own Disney vacation has turned into something truly meaningful.
Fast forward three years, and Brittany has gone from first-time Disney mom to full-blown travel advisor and content creator, now helping other families confidently plan Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line vacations with realistic expectations and kid-centered strategies.
In this episode, we sit down mom-to-mom and talk honestly about traveling to Disney with young kids — because while it can be magical, it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and emotionally intense if you don’t know what to expect.
This conversation is rooted in lived experience, not theory. Everything we discuss comes from doing Disney as parents, learning the hard way, and adjusting plans to actually work for families with small children.
Why This Conversation Matters for Families Planning Disney
Many parents wonder:
Is Walt Disney World worth it with toddlers?
Is Disney Cruise Line easier than Disney World with young kids?
How do you plan Disney without meltdowns, exhaustion, or burnout?
This episode answers those questions honestly, without sugarcoating the experience or making parents feel like they’re doing something wrong if Disney feels like a lot.
We talk about what Disney looks like in real life with little kids, including the emotional load parents carry, the pressure to “do it all,” and how expectations can make or break a trip.
Navigating Walt Disney World With Young Kids
One of the biggest topics we cover is how to realistically navigate Walt Disney World with toddlers and preschoolers.
Parents often ask:
How many park days is realistic with young kids?
Do you need a stroller at Walt Disney World?
How do you avoid overstimulation at Disney parks?
We talk through what actually works when kids are small, including pacing your day, building in rest, and understanding that Disney World is physically and emotionally demanding for children.
We also discuss why many first-time families struggle — not because Disney is “too much,” but because expectations don’t match reality. Long days, heat, crowds, noise, and transitions can all be hard on little kids, especially when parents feel pressure to maximize every moment.
This part of the conversation focuses on giving families permission to slow down and plan around their kids instead of forcing kids to fit an adult-paced Disney schedule.
Stroller Life: Why It Matters More Than You Think
We spend a significant amount of time talking about stroller life, because it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of Disney planning.
Parents frequently ask:
Do toddlers really need a stroller at Disney World?
What stroller works best for Disney parks?
When should kids stop using a stroller at Disney?
We break down why strollers aren’t a failure or a crutch — they’re a survival tool. At Walt Disney World, kids walk far more than they ever do at home. Strollers help manage exhaustion, prevent meltdowns, and give kids a safe space to decompress.
We talk about:
Using strollers strategically, not emotionally
How strollers support kids’ regulation, not just mobility
Why many families regret ditching the stroller too early
This is especially helpful for parents feeling judged or conflicted about stroller use with older toddlers and young kids.
Disney Cruise Line With Toddlers and Young Kids
Another major focus of this episode is what it’s really like to take little kids on Disney Cruise Line.
Parents often search:
Is Disney Cruise Line worth it with toddlers?
Is a Disney Cruise easier than Disney World for families?
What age is best for a Disney Cruise?
We talk through the reality of cruising with young kids, including why many families find Disney Cruise Line to feel more manageable than the parks.
We discuss:
Built-in entertainment and structure
Less decision fatigue for parents
Easier transitions between activities
Why cruises can feel calmer for both kids and adults
This isn’t presented as “one is better than the other,” but rather helping families understand which option fits their current season of parenting.
Overstimulation, Exhaustion, and Big Emotions at Disney
One of the most important parts of this episode is our conversation around overstimulation and emotional overload — for kids and parents.
Families frequently ask:
How do you handle meltdowns at Disney World?
Why do kids get overwhelmed at Disney?
How do parents manage exhaustion on Disney trips?
We talk about how Disney environments — crowds, noise, schedules, and constant stimulation — can overwhelm young nervous systems. We also talk about how parents often carry guilt when kids struggle, even though it’s completely normal.
This section focuses on:
Recognizing signs of overstimulation early
Adjusting plans without feeling like the trip is ruined
Letting go of the idea that every moment has to be magical
It’s a very real, grounding conversation meant to help parents feel less alone when Disney feels hard.
Letting Go of the Pressure to “Do It All”
Another recurring theme throughout this episode is releasing pressure.
Many parents feel like they need to:
Ride everything
Stay all day
See every show
Maximize every dollar
We talk about how that pressure often leads to burnout instead of joy.
Parents searching online often ask:
How do you enjoy Disney World without stress?
Is it okay not to do everything at Disney?
What are realistic expectations for Disney travel with kids?
This part of the episode is about reframing success. A good Disney day doesn’t mean doing everything — it means your family is okay, connected, and not completely depleted.
Brittany’s Journey From Disney Mom to Travel Advisor
We also talk about how Brittany’s own Disney journey evolved over time.
Listeners who followed her early days will hear how:
Her confidence grew with experience
Her planning approach changed as her kids grew
Her lived experience turned into professional expertise
Her story resonates with parents who start out overwhelmed and slowly build confidence as they learn what works for their family.
What We’re Most Excited About in Disney Travel
Toward the end of the episode, we talk about what we’re excited about next in Disney travel — not from a hype perspective, but from a family-focused one.
This includes how Disney travel continues to evolve for families and what we look forward to as parents who’ve been doing this for years.
Guest: Brittany B
✨ OG Well Hello Magic 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, and family travel
📩 Contact Brittany via Instagram DMs for personalized trip planning, tips, and quotes
🔍 Questions We Answer in This Episode
Is Walt Disney World worth it with toddlers and young kids?
How do you plan Walt Disney World with little kids without getting overwhelmed?
What is it really like to do Disney Cruise Line with toddlers?
Is a Disney Cruise easier than Disney World for families with young kids?
How do you handle overstimulation and meltdowns at Disney parks?
Do you really need a stroller at Walt Disney World?
What stroller works best for Disney World with toddlers?
How many park days are realistic with young kids?
How do you enjoy Disney without the pressure to do everything?
What are realistic expectations for Disney travel with small children?
Should first-time Disney families choose Disney World or a Disney Cruise?
How do moms manage exhaustion and emotional overload on Disney trips?
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow Disney parent who is planning a trip with young kids and wants honest, realistic insight.
