Me and the Magic

Have you ever considered a staycation? There are many reasons why a staycation may be the perfect type of vacation for you! Learn different ideas for a staycation and how to make the most of your time off, even if you stay home. Resources New York Times: " How to Make a Staycation Feel Like an Actual Break " by Catherine Pearson, July 8, 2023. New York Times: " Reconsidering the Staycation " by Me...

In this episode… Air travel issues have been in the news a lot lately. We are going deep into everything  you need to know to have the best experience possible in airports and with air travel overall. Connect with Angela Batista at AdventuresByAngela.com , on Facebook and on Instagram . Resources: Samantha Brown just released an excellent article, My Ultimate Airport Survival Guide .  Learn more a...

In this episode… Jim Smith is back, as we pick up with Part 2 of where to find Walt Disney's influence around the Walt Disney World Resort.  Connect with Jim Smith at Disney Facts and Figment . Enjoy Jim's 2-part article, The Very Best Places to Appreciate Walt Disney in Walt Disney World, on the Me and the Magic website .  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share y...

In this episode… Come with us on this tour of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Part 1 of where to find Walt Disney's influence around the Walt Disney World Resort.  Connect with Jim Smith at Disney Facts and Figment . Enjoy Jim's article, The Very Best Places to Appreciate Walt Disney in Walt Disney World, on the Me and the Magic website .  Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook...

In this episode… The Moving to the Magic series is back, this time with Amanda sharing her best moving and packing tips. Amanda has moved 4 times in the last 5 years, including a big move from New York City to Tampa, and a very recent move. Also, check out Amanda's packing and moving essentials list for a smooth move. Resources Listen to the rest of the Me and the Magic series: Episode 028 - Movin...

In this episode… Today, Lindsay Dollinger, host of The Purpose and Pixie Dust Podcast, joins me to share her experiences with both group travel and solo travel in Europe and South America. Enjoy this fun discussion, including several tips for women traveling solo. Connect with Lindsay at LindsayDollinger.com and on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , and Pinterest .   Join Our Community Join the Me a...

In this episode… Amanda is in the process of moving and will resume new episodes starting July 10th.  Join Our 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 Me Is there a topic you'd like us to discuss? Email Amanda at amanda...

In this episode… Today, we are sharing Disney Cruise insider tips from a crew member. That crew member is Jessy Voris, who recently worked on the entertainment team on the Disney Wish for several months. Enjoy this fun conversation about what it's like to live and work on a cruise ship for months and Jessy's recommendations for enjoying the Disney Wish. Plus, we discuss the ports of call for the D...

In this episode… Beci Mahnken, founder and CEO of MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel , returns as we talk about Adventures by Disney and dive into the details of the Me and the Magic 2024 group trip, Adventures by Disney to Southern California and Disneyland in September 2024. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with...

In this episode… It's time to return to the Moving to the Magic series, as I prepare for yet another move! This time, I'm moving locally, happy to stay in the Orlando area and near my favorite happy place. I'm sharing my experiences and research on the Orlando area real estate market, the best places to live close to the magic, factors to consider when selecting a location, and the pros and cons o...

In this episode… Introducing the Loungewear: Parks Edition for fellow Walt Disney World fans like us who also love the parks' more adult spaces, including the lounges, bars, and restaurants.    Online Shop Explore the various designs of Loungewear: Parks Edition inspired by Me and the Magic! Buy the Loungewear shirts and other fun travel and pop culture shirts and more, at the Me and the Magic onl...

In this episode… Katie Smith returns as we discuss what's new at Dollywood in 2023. Katie is a Dollywood Insider and has been frequenting Dollywood since she was a kid. Her love of Dollywood and this area in eastern Tennessee shines through, as we talk about the festivals this year, a new roller coaster, and the new resort opening this fall. Listen to previous episodes featuring Katie Smith: Episo...

In this episode… What better way to welcome in the next 100 episodes than to return back to the basics? Welcome to Solo Travel 101! Learn the steps to take to plan your next solo trip! Resources  In Episode 077 , I share the Top 10 Tips to travel solo without feeling lonely. In Episode 087 , I talked about various travel styles and how those affect trip planning. Listen to Episode 094 for the Top...

In this episode… It's Episode 100! We are celebrating Me and the Magic together with members of the Me and the Magic community and return guests of the show! We share favorite episodes and moments, plus our memories of being together virtually and in person. Then, we talk about what may come in the next 100 episodes.  Connect with our guests! Connect with Tim Bigonia online: Book a stay at the Lak...

In this episode… We are sharing our best vacation rental tips for your next trip, from the perspectives of experienced renters and a vacation rental owner. Learn how far in advance to book a vacation rental, what to expect from the owner in communication and service, and why staying in a vacation rental may save you money and be a great fit for you and your travel companions. Thanks to Tim Bigonia...

In this episode… We dive deep into how to create a budget for solo travel, whether you are planning a trip to another country or a road trip not too far from home. Learn the big picture questions to ask yourself when you first start planning, how to create a spending schedule, and then how to create a detailed budget. Resources  A Little Adrift shares how to budget for a trip around the world. Bud...

In this episode… We discuss what's new at Walt Disney World this spring, as well as what's returning, including nighttime shows, the TRON Lightcycle/Run attraction opening, special events, and restaurants. If you're interested in coming to Walt Disney World in the spring, this episode will share what it's like with the crowds, Easter activities, and Earth Month.  Connect with Me Is there a topic y...

In this episode… Jaime Williams returns to discuss exploring Alaska solo, her journey on land and sea. We talk about the two different cruises she took to and from Alaska, her solo time camping and road tripping in Alaska, and how she planned for it all. Connect with Jaime Connect with Jaime online at Journeys by Jaime Leigh and on Facebook . Also, you may contact Jaime through MEI-Travel and Mous...

In this episode… We are heading to Southern California! I share details, travel tips, and Disneyland observations and tips from my trip to Southern California, including Los Angeles, Anaheim, and San Diego. Resources Conor Brown from WDW Opinion joined me in Episode 086 to share why you need to visit Disneyland! Here's the official website of the Tam O'Shanter Scottish steakhouse that we visited i...

In this episode… Safety is the number one concern of many solo travelers. Let's talk about it! Here are the top 10 safety tips for solo travelers, plus a few bonus tips! Resources Read in detail the Top 10 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers , including recommended products to increase your safety when you travel solo. Read more about how certain states in the United States have laws about pepper spra...

In this episode… I am sharing, with the help of Tim Bigonia, my first impressions of the 2023 EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival, my favorite of EPCOT's four seasonal festivals.   Connect with Tim The Journey to Grateful website, newsletter, and podcast help people navigate the pathways of grief. Check out Bigonia Creative for branding, photography, and any graphic design needs. Listen again to Epis...

In this episode… My personal travel planner, Grace Korba, returns to share her passion and expertise for cruises, and for sailing solo. We discuss the options for solo travelers on various cruise lines and why cruises make wonderful vacations for solo travelers. Connect with Grace Connect with Grace online on Facebook , or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com . Also, you may contact Grace thr...

In this episode… Aloha! Josh Fiedler is back to share details from his first visit to Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii. Josh shares his planning tips, and then we dive deep into all that Aulani has to offer, including dining, activities, recreation, the beach, and more. We also discuss other activities to do around Oahu.  Connect with Josh Connect with Josh online on Instagram and Facebook . Resou...

In this episode… Lou Mongello, host of the WDW Radio podcast, is back, as we share our Top 10 Meals at Disney Springs. Warning: You will be hungry after listening to this episode! Connect with Lou Connect with Lou Mongello at WDWRadio.com , and also on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .  Resources The Disney Springs website links to all dining, shopping, and more! Check out Episode 007 for Lou's...

Subscribe and listen to this episode on iTunes , Spotify , Stitcher , GooglePlay , or iHeartRadio ! In this episode, I share my big secret, and it's related to my honest thoughts and feelings about solo travel. Spoiler alert: you may be surprised!  Resources Want to talk with a life and leadership coach who can work with you on limiting beliefs, how to be a stronger leader, and much more? Contact...