Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast
Jessica Mickelson is the voice behind Well Hello Magic, a top family-focused Disney World planning podcast and trusted resource for parents. She is a Disney-loving mom of four, former therapist, military spouse, content creator, and expert in realistic Walt Disney World vacation planning for families, moms, and first-time Disney travelers.
A lifelong Disney fan raised on Main Street magic and Mickey-shaped memories, Jessica helps families confidently plan Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line vacations without overwhelm, burnout, or unrealistic expectations. Her approach centers on realistic Disney itineraries, Lightning Lane strategies for families, crowd planning, budgeting tips, Disney resort comparisons, and helping parents enjoy Disney without feeling pressure to do it all or spend it all.
As a mom who has experienced Disney with toddlers, tweens, 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 park days to Lightning Lane Multi Pass breakdowns, from solo trips and girls’ weekends to group vacations of 14 or more, she teaches parents how to plan Disney trips that feel both magical and manageable.
On the Well Hello Magic Podcast, Jessica shares practical Disney World planning tips, in-depth Lightning Lane strategy, rope drop guidance, Disney resort reviews, Disney Cruise Line advice, and event guides like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. She also hosts honest conversations about the emotional and mental load of Disney travel, helping parents reduce stress while maximizing joy.
In addition to practical planning content, Jessica hosts Behind the Magic, a Disney podcast interview series featuring Disney content creators, bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagram influencers who share their love of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Through authentic conversations, she explores how creators build Disney-focused brands, grow engaged online communities, balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, and keep the joy of Disney alive in everyday life. Behind the Magic highlights the voices shaping today’s Disney creator community while offering inspiration and insight for aspiring Disney bloggers and content creators.
Beyond the podcast, Jessica creates daily Disney and family travel content on Instagram and YouTube, blending humor, therapist-informed insight, and actionable Disney vacation planning advice to help families plan Disney trips with confidence, clarity, and less stress.
Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast
106: Behind the Magic – Guest Creator Amanda from Once Upon A Marathon
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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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