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 your go-to expert for planning joyful, stress-free Disney vacations.
A lifelong Disney fan raised on Main Street magic and Mickey-shaped memories, Jessica now helps families, moms, and first-time travelers confidently plan trips to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and beyond without losing their minds (or their budget).
As a mom who’s done it all from toddler meltdowns to teens chasing thrill rides, from multigenerational trips to magical girls' weekends. Jessica offers real-world advice rooted in emotional insight, practical planning, and a deep love of Disney storytelling. Whether you're traveling solo, with a stroller brigade, or booking for a party of 14, Jessica gives you the tools to make it magical your way.
On the Podcast she shares Disney vacation tips, park planning strategies, event guides (like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party), and emotional reflections from inside the parks alongside expert guests and fellow moms who love magic as much as she does.
In addition to blogging and podcasting, Jessica creates daily content on Instagram and YouTube, where she blends humor, hacks, and heartfelt moments into helpful videos and reels for Disney travelers of all kinds.
When she’s not answering DMs about Lighting Lane or testing out stroller nap strategies, you’ll find her:
- Baking Disney-themed sugar cookies for her brand Well Hello Cookie
- Running her sign rental business Sign Gypsies Lehigh Valley
- Writing her debut YA novel series, Foreign Parents Syndrome
- Planning her annual Disney mom retreat, The Enchanted Escape
With thousands of families already turning to her for first-time Disney planning help, budget-friendly vacation strategies, and military Disney discounts
Well Hello Magic: A Disney Planning & Experience Podcast
106: Podcast 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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