Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music You know what no one—including myself—wants to admit? We spend the majority of our expensive, long-awaited family vacation glued to our phones. The second you get to Disney, it’s like… everything lives in the app.Checking wait times.Pulling up the map.Booking your Lightning Lanes.Ordering food. It’s exhausting! […]

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music One thing I’ve noticed about a Disney World vacation? It brings out everyone’s true personality—like, within the first 12 hours. Some people are snackers.Some are spreadsheet lovers.Some cannot stand being hot.Some cannot stand sitting still. And when you’re traveling with a group? Every one of those […]

Eleuthera is part of the Bahamas – about 240 miles from the coast of southern Florida and about 60 miles from Nassau. Eleuthera is unique because it’s a long, skinny island at 110 miles long (!) but only a mile wide for most of it. Which means a lot of beaches, coves, lagoons, and other hidden places.

If you’re planning your first trip to Disney World with kids, figuring out where to eat can feel like a full-time job. From booking dining reservations and navigating the dining plan, to understanding how meals affect your Lightning Lane options, there’s a lot of noise out there—and not all of it is helpful. In this […]

It’s time for my March R.E.P.O.R.T: a monthly roundup of what I’ve been Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsessing, Recommending, and Treating. And this month’s might make you the hungriest. Without further adieu… Reading: Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten. I think I’ve learned more about business from reading this than anything else. If […]

So, you’re thinking about taking a baby to Disney World. Maybe you’ve already booked the trip and are now having a mild panic attack, or maybe it was on the calendar long before you found out you were pregnant. Either way—let’s talk about what it’s really like to bring a baby to Disney. I’ve done […]

There are plenty of amazing Disney World resorts, but somehow, we just keep coming back to Disney’s Boardwalk. Maybe it’s because I’ve been staying there for so long that it literally feels like a second home to me, or maybe it’s the location, or maybe it’s the vibes that make it feel like we get […]

Spring break is coming, and if you’re heading to Disney World, I just want to be real with you—it’s going to be crowded. Like, picture a lot of people and then picture more people, right? Ideally, you’d be skipping this time of year altogether, but I know that’s not always possible when you’re working around […]

Ever feel like Disney World planning is an extreme sport that no one prepared you for?  If you’ve ever second-guessed your Disney World dining reservations, underestimated Disney transportation, or thought “Eh, I’ll figure it out when I get there”—I’ve got news for you. That’s how you end up stressed, exhausted, and eating overpriced popcorn for […]

Ever wondered how someone goes from filming weddings to talking about planning trips to Disney World for a living? Yeah, me too.  Because five years ago, I didn’t even know what a Disney content creator was—let alone think I’d be one. In today’s episode, I’m rolling back the tape (yes, actual tape—shoutout to my fellow […]

Now that the Happily Ever After firework show is back in Magic Kingdom (squeals), you may be thinking about adding a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party to make your night feel more special. Coming from a “never skip the fireworks” family, I know my options when it comes to watching fireworks in Magic Kingdom: That […]

Planning a Disney trip should be exciting, right? But somehow, 22% of guests leave Disney World feeling disappointed. So, what went wrong? In this episode, I share exactly why some trips fall flat and how to plan a trip to Disney that actually feels magical for your family. We’re diving into the five steps I […]

Hey there, I’m Dana Stanley—creator of Laid-Back Magic®, a mom of three, and your go-to guide for Disney World tips and secrets!  If you’re a busy mom looking to finally plan your Disney trip without feeling overwhelmed by the heat, crowds, and costs, then you’re in the right place.  I created The Laid-Back Magic® Way […]

Amazon Must Haves for Disney World I know to stick with the basics to truly be a minimalist packer for Walt Disney World. Nothing fancy-schmancy packing hacks over here. Just simple things that I know will have a big impact on our trip. For our latest trip, I found myself — to my horror — […]

Just like at home, getting out the door to head to the magic of the parks means two things: easy and FAST.

I hope this routine inspires you to prioritize getting yourself ready so you’re looking and feeling good all day in Disney World!