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Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can feel magical… until it doesn’t. Between budgeting, park planning, Lightning Lane decisions, dining reservations, heat, crowds, and kids with very real limits, it’s easy for a Disney trip to miss the mark—especially for families.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the real Disney World do’s and don’ts I actually follow as a mom of four and someone who plans Disney trips regularly. This isn’t about doing Disney perfectly or squeezing every ride into one trip. It’s about setting realistic expectations, protecting your energy, and planning a trip that works for your family.

We’ll talk about why budget, time, and season matter more than most people realize—and why you truly cannot do it all at Disney World (no matter how many blogs say otherwise). I share 12 practical do’s and 12 don’ts that cover everything from mornings, food strategy, Lightning Lane, transportation, breaks, and sensory overload to the biggest planning mistakes families make.

I’ll also explain the difference between tips and hacks, why chasing hacks often backfires for families, and how to stop planning based on internet pressure instead of your real life. At the end of the episode, I share mom-specific Disney tips that make a huge difference when you’re traveling with kids of any age.

If you’re planning your first Disney trip—or trying to figure out why your last one didn’t feel magical—this episode will help you plan smarter, calmer, and with way less stress.

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In this episode of Behind the Magic, Jessica sits down with Disney Parks content creator Matt Richardson for a conversation that goes far beyond a typical Disney vacation story.

Matt shares how his career in tech has taken him around the world, teaching and working with teams on how to integrate technology into everyday life. Those global work opportunities have also opened the door for him to experience Disney parks internationally, allowing Disney to become a natural extension of his travel rather than the sole reason for it. From visiting parks like Tokyo DisneySea to seeing how different cultures approach design, infrastructure, and storytelling, Matt offers a thoughtful perspective on Disney as a global brand.

The conversation also dives into Matt’s creative journey, including his background in television and how that influences the cinematic, immersive style of his content. We talk about how passion projects can grow organically, how travel shapes creativity, and why seeing Disney through a global lens can completely change how you experience the parks.

In addition to travel and storytelling, Matt opens up about running marathons as his newest personal challenge. He recently completed the Walt Disney World Marathon with a personal record finish of 3:22 and shares how running has become both a mental and physical outlet. We also discuss why RunDisney races feel different from traditional marathons, blending endurance with atmosphere, community, and Disney storytelling.

This episode is perfect for Disney fans curious about international parks, individuals and couples who love travel, creatives navigating passion projects, and runners interested in RunDisney and marathon experiences.

Guest Contact Information

Guest: Matt Richardson

Website: https://mattrichardson.com/
Instagram: @mattrichardson
Email: matt@mattrichardson.com

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Planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026 and wondering what’s new, what’s changing, and what you need to know before you book? This episode is your complete Disney World 2026 planning guide, breaking down everything coming to Disney World in 2026, park by park, so you can plan with confidence.

In this episode, we cover what to expect at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom in 2026, including ride reopenings, closures, new entertainment, character experiences, and seasonal offerings. We also take a deep dive into Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 and explain how it impacts each park, why it’s a great option for families, and how to fit these experiences into a realistic touring plan.

You’ll also learn about all the Disney World discounts and promotions available for 2026, including resort hotel discounts, free kids dining plan offers, water park perks for Disney Resort guests, and why summer 2026 may be one of the best value seasons for families visiting Walt Disney World.

This episode is perfect for first-time Disney planners, families planning a 2026 Disney World vacation, Disney moms, returning guests looking for updated information, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by Disney announcements who wants everything explained clearly in one place.

What’s coming to each Disney park in 2026:

Magic Kingdom 2026
We walk through what’s reopening, what’s closed, and what’s new at Magic Kingdom in 2026, including updated attractions, limited-time summer experiences, and how refurbishments may impact your park day.

EPCOT 2026
EPCOT heads into 2026 fully operational, with seasonal festivals, interactive summer entertainment, kid-friendly experiences, and expanded use of CommuniCore during Cool Kids’ Summer.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2026
Hollywood Studios sees major updates in 2026, including reimagined attractions, new shows, animation-focused experiences, and character additions that impact crowds and Lightning Lane strategy.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom 2026
We explain what’s new at Animal Kingdom in 2026, including character experiences, hands-on activities, and why it continues to be a strong park for families with younger kids.

Cool Kids’ Summer 2026 runs from May 26 through September 8, 2026. This episode explains what Cool Kids’ Summer is, what’s happening in each park, and why it can actually make summer travel easier for families.

Where to find me:
Instagram: @wellhellomagic
Website: WellHelloMagic.com
Podcast: Well Hello Magic Podcast available on all major podcast platforms

Helpful links and blogs mentioned in this episode:
Blog posts and detailed planning resources mentioned in this episode can be found here:
https://www.wellhellomagic.com/whats-new/everything-new-at-walt-disney-world-in-2026-and-why-youre-really-not-missing-anything

https://www.wellhellomagic.com/planning/disney-world-guide

https://www.wellhellomagic.com/military/disney-world-resort-discounts-save-up-to-30-on-your-stay

Support the show

Hey Welcome to Well Hello Magic!

Well Hell Magic Website
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Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation?

Free Planning Guide

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