October 3, 2026
Keeping the Magic Alive Before, After, and In-Between
Hi Friends! As an avid Disney World fan, living 14 hours away from my favorite place on Earth can be hard. No popping into Magic Kingdom for a quick stroll down Main Street, no glimpses of the monorail passing by Spaceship Earth, and no lounging and enjoying the vibes on the deck of Nomad Lounge. So… what’s a girl to do? For my family, part of the magic of a Disney trip is the planning—the buildup can be the best part! Here are some hassle-free ways of keeping the magic alive before, after, and in-between.
The Magic Before
Disney on YouTube
YouTube is bursting with Disney content to make you feel like you’re a part of the action. There are so many ways to utilize this as a way of filling your Disney cup—check out different food options and rides, learn about different park strategies, find packing tips and suggestions. You can even take a stroll through your favorite park! I’m obsessed with Disney Resort TV from @WDWTodayChannel—it’s perfect for pretending I’m sitting in my Disney World Resort getting ready for the day.
My Disney Experience App
This app is your key to Walt Disney World. It’s got everything you need for when you’re on vacation AND everything you need to plan your vacation. So how does this keep the magic alive? Get to know the app prior to your vacation. I promise this will make you feel SO much better once you’re on vacation! There is SO much to explore on here! Our family loves using the maps to explore the parks and check out wait times even when we’re not there. Haunted Mansion says it’s a 13-minute wait? That means it’s a walk on! We also love exploring dining menus on the app. This is a great way to start to think about what places sound the most enticing to your family’s palettes!
Music Playlists
Our family loves to put on our speakers around the house while we cook, clean, and hang around. Some of our favorite playlists? Obviously, Disney! Spotify offers a multitude of Disney-themed playlists—a Disney Hits playlist (more current Disney songs) and a Disney Classics playlist (more my speed). They also have a Walt Disney World Official Playlist that makes it feel like you are straight in the Disney Bubble. Disney Lullabies is great when I’m looking for some chiller vibes for my kids (and myself, who am I kidding?). You can even find some more niche playlists like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa if you want to pretend like you’re sitting enjoying the grandeur of that beautiful lobby.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention here that I love to listen to Disney-specific podcasts on Spotify. Highly recommend The Laid-Back Magic Way Podcast by Dana Stanley for those new to Disney AND those experienced.
Themed Movie Nights
Our girls LOVE a themed movie night. I mean LOVE. One way we get ready for a trip (or just keep on repeat) is watching Disney movies! We love watching them in the order of their release or watching the movie that inspires a particular ride. When we add in a “movie-themed charcuterie board” it is a game-changer. Truly. It doesn’t even need to be extravagant. In fact, my ten and eight-year-olds have started to ask to take over creating the board (which I obviously love). The details they think to put in are always my favorite. A quick Google search can help if you’re not feeling so creative. And honestly? Popcorn and candy also never fail to impress.
Making Lists
Keeping running wish lists of things you want to do in Disney World is a great way to build excitement for your trip. We always ask our girls one ride they want to do, one food they have to have, and one new experience they would like to try. You definitely won’t be able to do everything in Disney World and that’s okay! Prioritizing the things you want to do is important. And, to be honest, you don’t even need to have a trip planned to do this!
Keeping Magic Alive in the Moment
Rest & Recharge
The best advice I can give? Don’t overdo it. Scheduling intentional breaks is important for the sanity of you and your family. What can this look like? Midday breaks back at the resort, rest days built into the middle of your vacation, and finding quiet spaces around the park to take time to breathe. Our girls have benefited from midday breaks back at the resort where they can nap, watch a movie, shower, and just chill. We also love finding a quiet spot around a park for days we choose not to leave and sit and play a card game. Intentional breaks so you don’t burn out.
Dining with a Plan & Purpose
While it’s crucial to consider meal planning for your family during your visit to Disney World, avoid going overboard. This has been a consistent theme for us. Our family believes that simplicity is key—having too many dining reservations can lead to added stress during your vacation. Be intentional with your choices and schedule them to align with your other plans.
Enjoy the Magic Around You
Disney knows how to tell stories. Their theming in everything they do, from the resorts to the parks, is elite. Don’t go on a trip without taking the time to take all of this in. The music as you go from one land to another, the smell of burning as you ride Pirates, and the taste of a Dole Whip in the Polynesian makes the vacation memories that you won’t forget.
After It’s Done
Look Back on the Memories
There are so many ways to remember your Walt Disney World vacation. Disney’s Memory Maker allows your family to utilize Disney’s Photo Pass Service, a service that gives you access to professionally trained photographers as well as ride photos. We love to create memory books through Chatbooks so that we can page through our favorite memories. I also love creating family videos of our Disney trips. These are a favorite to watch in our house!
Journaling/Memory Making
The girls love making journals of their trips to look back on. Sometimes, they take these journals with them so that they can journal while the memories are fresh. Other times, they like to look back at pictures and fill them in at home. Either way, these are wonderful ways to see Disney through your children’s eyes!
Repeat the Cycle
Disney magic doesn’t just have to happen in Disney. In fact, I would argue that the real magic of Disney begins before you even leave home, carries through every day of your trip, and lives on long after you return.
As a Disney Travel Specialist, I’m here to help you focus on what matters—living in the moment and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Kaylyn Frame | Framing the Magic
I am a second-grade teacher, mom to three girls, soccer coach, Philadelphia sports enthusiast, Disney lover, and travel specialist. I have always loved the nostalgia and magic that Disney brings, but even more, I love watching my daughters experience the magic through their own eyes. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning so my clients can slow down, relax, and focus on making memories together.
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