Me and the Magic

In this heartfelt episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes back Dawn Niebling to share her inspiring journey through breast cancer and how it shaped her most recent Walt Disney World trip with her family. Dawn offers practical tips for vacation planning and self-care during cancer treatment, highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced, and reflects on the healing power...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes life and leadership coach Angie Robinson to discuss the importance of cultivating a vacation mindset. Together, they explore how setting intentions before, during, and after a trip can make travel more meaningful and fulfilling. The conversation covers practical strategies for overcoming travel stress, embracing spontaneity, and ensu...

In this episode, learn essential tips and empowering advice for planning and enjoying a solo road trip. Covering everything from creating flexible itineraries and staying safe to budgeting, healthy habits, and embracing alone time, host Amanda Bauner provides practical examples and personal insights to help listeners gain confidence and make their solo journeys both memorable and transformative. J...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner kicks off a summer road trip series by sharing why summer is the perfect time to hit the road. She offers practical tips on budgeting, planning, and making the most of a summer road trip, including apps to use, ways to save money, and must-pack essentials. Amanda also highlights fun ideas like curating the perfect playlist, taking scenic deto...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner shares her detailed solo adventure aboard the Disney Dream cruise. She discusses her pre-cruise stay in Fort Lauderdale, her smooth embarkation process—including a last-minute concierge upgrade—and dives into shipboard experiences, from spa relaxation to dining at Palo. Amanda reviews exclusive concierge perks, onboard activities, Castaway Cay, while offering pr...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner dives into the pros and cons of booking a last-minute Disney cruise. With her upcoming trip on the Disney Dream, she shares insights on flexibility, potential cost savings, and the excitement of spontaneous travel. Amanda also discusses challenges such as limited stateroom availability and sold-out onboard activities. Amanda's personal experiences and tips provi...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores the joy of weekend getaways with friends. The episode highlights various destinations across North America, from the charming streets of Savannah to the stunning landscapes of Sedona and Banff. Amanda also shares creative activity ideas, such as spa weekends, volunteer trips, and themed movie nights. With an emphasis on connection and creating lasting m...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores the enchanting world of river cruises with guests Beci Mahnken and Grace Korba. They reveal details about the exciting 2026 Me and the Magic group trip along the Seine River in France with AmaWaterways, sharing insights on river cruising in Europe and the allure of destinations such as the Normandy Beaches and Monet's garden. The episode provides valuab...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner discusses adapting travel plans and goals due to various circumstances. She shares personal experiences and offers insights on why flexibility is essential, including work commitments, unforeseen health issues, and natural disasters. Amanda also touches on the impact of personal beliefs and financial shifts on travel decisions. Emphasizing the importance of self...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner discusses the growing trend of solo travel for women. She addresses common concerns such as safety, loneliness, and cultural barriers while emphasizing the benefits of personal growth, empowerment, and connections that solo travel can bring. Amanda also highlights popular destinations and offers practical advice for women planning solo trips. She underscores the...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores 2025 travel trends, highlighting solo female travel, slow travel, and conscious travel. She discusses the rising popularity of eco-friendly trips, such as visiting Japan's Yakushima Island and staying at sustainable lodgings in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Other key trends include sleep tourism, train travel, and astro-tourism.  Resources Forbes article wri...

Amanda is enjoying the holidays and wishes the same for you! Happy Holidays!  Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Amanda Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda@me...

Host Amanda Bauner explores festive holiday destinations across the U.S. Highlights include Connecticut's Christmas Movie Trail and New York City's iconic holiday attractions. Amanda discusses Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas in Pigeon Forge, Charlotte's Winterfest, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's Christkindlmarket. Other featured locations include Leavenworth's Bavarian festivities; North Pole,...

Host Amanda Bauner and guest Grace Korba delve into Alaska cruise excursions. They explore Ketchikan's cultural highlights and independent exploration, discuss whale watching in Juneau, and navigate Skagway's food scene and historical tours. Emphasizing personalized excursions and insightful tips for booking, Grace advises thorough planning. The captivating discussion includes memorable stories an...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner and guest Matt Krul from the Imagination Skyway podcast discuss solo travel at Walt Disney World. They share valuable tips for planning, dining, and flexibility. Amanda recounts her variety of solo trips, while Matt highlights his experiences as a Disney Cast Member, including his time working at Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney's Animal Kingdom. They explore resor...

In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner welcomes guest Doni Belau, founder of Girls' Guide to the World. Doni shares her journey of empowering women through curated travel experiences. They discuss the value of knowledgeable guides, authentic travel, and fostering connections in small groups. Doni highlights unique destinations like Provence, Japan, and Oaxaca, emphasiz...

Host Amanda Bauner and guest Angie Robinson explore Walt Disney's legacy through a Los Angeles trip. The episode highlights the deep emotional connection to Walt Disney's life and the joy of exploring his historical sites. They visit Walt Disney's mansion, noting its impressive architecture and historical significance. The duo recounts their visits to various Disney-related landmarks, including Di...

In this episode, we have a truly magical recap of our recent Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California and Disneyland. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary experiences that made this trip unforgettable. Enter Our Giveaway Go to this episode page, MeAndTheMagic.com/151 , and click on the giveaway button to enter this fantastic Adventures by Disney giveaway. This giveaway is open throug...

Amanda Bauner hosts guests Angie Robinson, Erin Van Quill, and Glenn Ramirez to discuss their experiences at Halloween events in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Topics include the seasonal attraction overlays, Halloween decor at the Disney parks and resorts, and seasonal food and drinks. The group contrasts their experiences at Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Connect...

Host Amanda Bauner delves into Halloween festivities across the U.S. Despite not being a Halloween fan, Amanda highlights family-friendly and adult-only destinations, spanning from Salem, Massachusetts, and Sleepy Hollow, New York, to Savannah, Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada. She explores unique events like Delaware's Sea Witch Festival and Minnesota's Halloween Capital, Anoka. The episode also in...

Host Amanda Bauner shares her top recommendations for the best fall travel destinations in the United States. Reflecting on her passion for autumn and extensive travel research, Amanda highlights both popular and lesser-known spots, including Indiana's festivals, New York City's vibrant theater scene, North Carolina's Biltmore Estate, and Utah's Zion National Park. Resources Check out The Discover...

Host Amanda Bauner and guests Christine Wallaine and Jen Schoen delve into the nuances of solo trips to Disneyland. They discuss dining tips, reservation strategies, and highlights of special events like World of Color dessert parties and Oogie Boogie Bash. The episode explores both the benefits and challenges of solo travel, and offers practical advice for maximizing the solo experience. Amanda,...

Bee Davis, founder of Life, Love & Travel and podcast host of Beachside Banter with Bee, is here to share her favorite beaches in the Caribbean islands. We talk about how to find the best beaches and travel tips for solo beachgoers. Plus, Bee has been volunteering while on vacation for awhile, and she shares excellent tips and insights into how to volunteer while you travel. Explore Life, Love & T...

Learn valuable tips for those traveling with physical abilities, as well as their caregivers, in this talk with authority and disability advocate Win Charles.  Win mentioned using Visiting Angels to help while traveling. Learn more about Visiting Angels here. Listen to Win's podcast on YouTube, Win at Life , and follow Win on Instagram .  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook commu...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner and musician and digital nomad Catherine Gairard explore their mutual love for travel and spiritual experiences, from witnessing Cozumel's "green ray" to the historical Parthenon. Catherine shares tips for intuitive, safe solo travel and her journey developing her music career across Europe and South America. They delve into cultural appreciation through food, m...