Me and the Magic

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner explores five common travel blind spots, especially for solo travelers. Amanda shares personal experiences and actionable strategies to transform these blind spots into opportunities for more ease, freedom, and joy. Amanda also shares an upcoming meet-up at Walt Disney World and upcoming group trips to Dollywood in November 2025 and a Seine river cruise in France...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes Dollywood expert Katie Smith to dive into all things Dollywood and the surrounding eastern Tennessee area. They discuss the park’s rich history, seasonal festivals like the Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas, must-do attractions, local food recommendations, money-saving tips, and nearby sights. Katie shares insider advice for first-timers, deta...

Essential Tips for Sailing to Alaska from Seattle: Must-Do Adventures, Navigating Ports, and Packing Tips

Host Amanda Bauner is joined by Grace Korba, Angela Batista, and Tim Bigonia to share in-depth details about their recent group cruise to Alaska aboard the Celebrity Edge. They discuss the highlights of sailing out of Seattle and then traveling through Ketchikan, J...

In this special episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner leads a heartfelt, laughter-filled live recording aboard the Celebrity Edge on the group Alaska cruise in July 2025. Amanda and the group share highlights from their Alaska cruise, reflect on the magic of traveling with a group, and recount memorable excursions and moments at sea. The group discusses everything from scenic vistas and favorite ship features...

In this heartfelt episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes back Dawn Niebling to share her inspiring journey through breast cancer and how it shaped her most recent Walt Disney World trip with her family. Dawn offers practical tips for vacation planning and self-care during cancer treatment, highlights the emotional and logistical challenges faced, and reflects on the healing power of laughter, positivi...

In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner welcomes life and leadership coach Angie Robinson to discuss the importance of cultivating a vacation mindset. Together, they explore how setting intentions before, during, and after a trip can make travel more meaningful and fulfilling. The conversation covers practical strategies for overcoming travel stress, embracing spontaneity, and ensuring your time away tr...

In this episode, learn essential tips and empowering advice for planning and enjoying a solo road trip. Covering everything from creating flexible itineraries and staying safe to budgeting, healthy habits, and embracing alone time, host Amanda Bauner provides practical examples and personal insights to help listeners gain confidence and make their solo journeys both memorable and transformative.

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In this episode of Me and the Magic, host Amanda Bauner kicks off a summer road trip series by sharing why summer is the perfect time to hit the road. She offers practical tips on budgeting, planning, and making the most of a summer road trip, including apps to use, ways to save money, and must-pack essentials. Amanda also highlights fun ideas like curating the perfect playlist, taking scenic detours, and finding local...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner shares her detailed solo adventure aboard the Disney Dream cruise. She discusses her pre-cruise stay in Fort Lauderdale, her smooth embarkation process—including a last-minute concierge upgrade—and dives into shipboard experiences, from spa relaxation to dining at Palo. Amanda reviews exclusive concierge perks, onboard activities, Castaway Cay, while offering practical tips for solo ...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner dives into the pros and cons of booking a last-minute Disney cruise. With her upcoming trip on the Disney Dream, she shares insights on flexibility, potential cost savings, and the excitement of spontaneous travel. Amanda also discusses challenges such as limited stateroom availability and sold-out onboard activities. Amanda's personal experiences and tips provide listeners with a co...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores the joy of weekend getaways with friends. The episode highlights various destinations across North America, from the charming streets of Savannah to the stunning landscapes of Sedona and Banff. Amanda also shares creative activity ideas, such as spa weekends, volunteer trips, and themed movie nights. With an emphasis on connection and creating lasting memories, the episode p...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores the enchanting world of river cruises with guests Beci Mahnken and Grace Korba. They reveal details about the exciting 2026 Me and the Magic group trip along the Seine River in France with AmaWaterways, sharing insights on river cruising in Europe and the allure of destinations such as the Normandy Beaches and Monet's garden. The episode provides valuable tips on choosing st...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner discusses adapting travel plans and goals due to various circumstances. She shares personal experiences and offers insights on why flexibility is essential, including work commitments, unforeseen health issues, and natural disasters. Amanda also touches on the impact of personal beliefs and financial shifts on travel decisions. Emphasizing the importance of self-care and community, s...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner discusses the growing trend of solo travel for women. She addresses common concerns such as safety, loneliness, and cultural barriers while emphasizing the benefits of personal growth, empowerment, and connections that solo travel can bring. Amanda also highlights popular destinations and offers practical advice for women planning solo trips. She underscores the increasing prevalence...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner explores 2025 travel trends, highlighting solo female travel, slow travel, and conscious travel. She discusses the rising popularity of eco-friendly trips, such as visiting Japan’s Yakushima Island and staying at sustainable lodgings in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Other key trends include sleep tourism, train travel, and astro-tourism. 

Resou...

Amanda is enjoying the holidays and wishes the same for you! Happy Holidays! 

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Host Amanda Bauner explores festive holiday destinations across the U.S. Highlights include Connecticut's Christmas Movie Trail and New York City's iconic holiday attractions. Amanda discusses Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas in Pigeon Forge, Charlotte's Winterfest, and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's Christkindlmarket. Other featured locations include Leavenworth’s Bavarian festivities; North Pole, Alaska’s year-round C...

Host Amanda Bauner and guest Grace Korba delve into Alaska cruise excursions. They explore Ketchikan’s cultural highlights and independent exploration, discuss whale watching in Juneau, and navigate Skagway's food scene and historical tours. Emphasizing personalized excursions and insightful tips for booking, Grace advises thorough planning. The captivating discussion includes memorable stories and practical travel con...

In this episode, host Amanda Bauner and guest Matt Krul from the Imagination Skyway podcast discuss solo travel at Walt Disney World. They share valuable tips for planning, dining, and flexibility. Amanda recounts her variety of solo trips, while Matt highlights his experiences as a Disney Cast Member, including his time working at Kilimanjaro Safaris in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They explore resort and dining recommend...