Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast
Jessica Mickelson is the voice behind Well Hello Magic, a Disney-loving mom of four, former therapist, podcast host, content creator, and trusted expert in Disney vacation planning for families, moms, and first-time travelers. She is also part of a proud military family, bringing an added layer of understanding to planning trips around real-life schedules, budgets, and seasons of change.
A lifelong Disney fan raised on Main Street magic and Mickey-shaped memories, Jessica helps families confidently plan trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line without overwhelm, burnout, or blowing the budget. Her approach to Disney trip planning focuses on realistic expectations, thoughtful strategies, and creating meaningful experiences that work for real families.
As a mom who has done Disney with toddlers, teens, grandparents, large groups, and multigenerational families, Jessica shares real-world Disney planning advice rooted in emotional insight and hands-on experience. From stroller-friendly itineraries to thrill-ride strategies, from solo trips to girls’ weekends and group vacations of 14 or more, she gives listeners the tools to plan Disney vacations that feel magical and manageable.
On the Well Hello Magic podcast, Jessica shares Disney vacation tips, park planning strategies, Lightning Lane guidance, event guides like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and honest reflections on the emotional side of Disney travel. Episodes feature expert guests and fellow Disney-loving moms who understand the balance between preparation, flexibility, and enjoying the moment.
Beyond the podcast, Jessica creates daily Disney and family travel content on Instagram and YouTube, blending humor, helpful hacks, and heartfelt storytelling into practical videos for Disney travelers at every stage of life.
Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast
106: Behind the Magic – Guest Creator Amanda from Once Upon A Marathon
I am so excited to welcome Amanda Kass from Once Upon a Marathon back to the podcast. Amanda is a certified running coach, an incredible content creator, and one of my favorite people to talk to about all things Disney. She is not only an expert in runDisney but also someone who pours her heart into helping others reach their running goals.
Amanda began running in graduate school and has since completed countless Disney races, including the Dopey Challenge, which is one of the most intense and inspiring accomplishments in the runDisney community. On her website, she offers training plans, registration guides, race weekend tips, and strategies designed to help you cross the finish line feeling strong and confident. She provides clear, detailed, and practical information that runners can trust, whether they are preparing for their very first 5K or another marathon weekend.
But Amanda’s knowledge goes far beyond the races themselves. She is known for her deep dives into Disney business news and strategy. She has a special gift for taking complicated information and breaking it down in a way that anyone can understand. Whether it’s major updates, policy changes, or important lawsuits, she shares everything with clarity and insight. My personal favorite deep dive is her coverage of the Disney lawsuit. She is always my first stop for smart and thorough updates.
More than anything, Amanda is a wonderful person and a great friend. She has built a supportive and knowledgeable community that encourages runners to dream big and believe in what they can achieve. She has a genuine love for Disney and for the running community, and it shines through in everything she creates.
You can find her on Instagram at @onceuponamarathon and on her website www.onceuponamarathon.com
, where her training guides and resources are available. This conversation is going to be such a good one, and I cannot wait for you to hear it.
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