Amanda Bauner is the owner and podcast host of Me and the Magic. Amanda created Me and the Magic to celebrate her love of solo Travel and to encourage others to travel independently while also seeking to connect with others who enjoy traveling solo and enjoy the magic of Disney. As an Orlando resident, Amanda regularly shares her experiences at local Disney parks, resorts, and restaurants, as well as her frequent travels to different parts of the world. While Amanda enjoys her solo travels, she also cherishes community. Amanda treasures her time with friends and family. Originally from Indiana, Amanda is a proud Purdue Boilermaker graduate. Amanda lived in New York City for 15 years and still loves NYC and the Northeast U.S., visiting often. Amanda is passionate about supporting the performing arts and protecting the environment. When she’s not traveling, podcasting, or blogging, Amanda can probably be found reading, listening to music and other podcasts, planning her next trip, swimming, or enjoying Walt Disney World.
Recent Content
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 Dollywo…
Host Amanda Bauner e…
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 Christmas spirit; and Nashville's vibrant music scene. Resources Explore Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas during the holiday season. Plan your trip to Connecticut w…
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…
Host Amanda Bauner a…
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 considerations. Connect with Grace online on Facebook and Instagram, or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com . Also, you may contact Grace through MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan …
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. Am…
In this episode, hos…
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 recommendations, emphasizing the balance between structured plans and spontaneous enjoyment. Connect with Matthew Krul at Imagination Skyway, and listen to the Imagination Skyway podc…
In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner welcomes guest Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World. Doni shares her journey of empowering women through curated trave…
In this episode of t…
In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner welcomes guest Doni Belau, founder of Girls’ Guide to the World. Doni shares her journey of empowering women through curated travel experiences. They discuss the value of knowledgeable guides, authentic travel, and fostering connections in small groups. Doni highlights unique destinations like Provence, Japan, and Oaxaca, emphasizing cultural immersion and sustainable travel. Both explore the importance of solo female travel, addressing safety concerns while celebrating the transformative power of these adventures. Connect w…
Host Amanda Bauner and guest Angie Robinson explore Walt Disney's Legacy through a Los Angeles trip. The episode highlights the deep emotional connection to Walt Disney's life and the joy of exploring…
Host Amanda Bauner a…
Host Amanda Bauner and guest Angie Robinson explore Walt Disney's legacy through a Los Angeles trip. The episode highlights the deep emotional connection to Walt Disney's life and the joy of exploring his historical sites. They visit Walt Disney’s mansion, noting its impressive architecture and historical significance. The duo recounts their visits to various Disney-related landmarks, including Disney's early studio locations, Walt Disney’s family mansion, and Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where Walt and his family are interred. Connect with Angie Robinson on Facebook or Instagram, and chec…
In this episode, we have a truly magical recap of our recent Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California and Disneyland. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary experiences that made this trip…
In this episode, we …
In this episode, we have a truly magical recap of our recent Adventures by Disney trip to Southern California and Disneyland. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary experiences that made this trip unforgettable. Enter Our Giveaway Go to this episode page, MeAndTheMagic.com/151, and click on the giveaway button to enter this fantastic Adventures by Disney giveaway. This giveaway is open through 11:59 PM EST November 3rd, and each person may only enter once. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. Only one entry per person. Connect with Our Guests Connect with Beci Mahnken, founder and…
Amanda Bauner hosts guests Angie Robinson, Erin Van Quill, and Glenn Ramirez to discuss their experiences at Halloween events in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Topics include the seasonal attractio…
Amanda Bauner hosts …
Amanda Bauner hosts guests Angie Robinson, Erin Van Quill, and Glenn Ramirez to discuss their experiences at Halloween events in Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Topics include the seasonal attraction overlays, Halloween decor at the Disney parks and resorts, and seasonal food and drinks. The group contrasts their experiences at Oogie Boogie Bash and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Connect with Angie Robinson on Facebook or Instagram, and check out Angie’s website to see what Angie offers as a leadership development coach. Also, listen to Angie’s podcast, Leadership Magic, Connec…
Host Amanda Bauner delves into Halloween festivities across the U.S. Despite not being a Halloween fan, Amanda highlights family-friendly and adult-only destinations, spanning from Salem, Massachusett…
Host Amanda Bauner d…
Host Amanda Bauner delves into Halloween festivities across the U.S. Despite not being a Halloween fan, Amanda highlights family-friendly and adult-only destinations, spanning from Salem, Massachusetts, and Sleepy Hollow, New York, to Savannah, Georgia, and Las Vegas, Nevada. She explores unique events like Delaware's Sea Witch Festival and Minnesota's Halloween Capital, Anoka. The episode also includes insights into Halloween celebrations at Universal Studios and Disney parks. Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel,…
Host Amanda Bauner shares her top recommendations for the best fall travel destinations in the United States. Reflecting on her passion for autumn and extensive travel research, Amanda highlights both…
Host Amanda Bauner s…
Host Amanda Bauner shares her top recommendations for the best fall travel destinations in the United States. Reflecting on her passion for autumn and extensive travel research, Amanda highlights both popular and lesser-known spots, including Indiana's festivals, New York City's vibrant theater scene, North Carolina's Biltmore Estate, and Utah's Zion National Park. Resources Check out The Discoverer Blog’s 2022 post, “The Best Season to Visit Each State”. Read the Thrillist.com article on the “Best Time to Visit Every State in America”. Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me…
Host Amanda Bauner and guests Christine Wallaine and Jen Schoen delve into the nuances of solo trips to Disneyland. They discuss dining tips, reservation strategies, and highlights of special events l…
Host Amanda Bauner a…
Host Amanda Bauner and guests Christine Wallaine and Jen Schoen delve into the nuances of solo trips to Disneyland. They discuss dining tips, reservation strategies, and highlights of special events like World of Color dessert parties and Oogie Boogie Bash. The episode explores both the benefits and challenges of solo travel, and offers practical advice for maximizing the solo experience. Amanda, Christine, and Jen share their own travel stories that emphasize the joy of spontaneous exploration and the freedom of setting one's own pace. Connect with Jennifer Schoen and learn more about FirstGe…
Bee Davis, founder of Life, Love & Travel and podcast host of Beachside Banter with Bee, is here to share her favorite beaches in the Caribbean islands. We talk about how to find the best beaches …
Bee Davis, founder o…
Bee Davis, founder of Life, Love & Travel and podcast host of Beachside Banter with Bee, is here to share her favorite beaches in the Caribbean islands. We talk about how to find the best beaches and travel tips for solo beachgoers. Plus, Bee has been Volunteering while on vacation for awhile, and she shares excellent tips and insights into how to volunteer while you travel. Explore Life, Love & Travel online, and listen to the Beachside Banter with Bee podcast.. Connect with Bee Davis on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. If you’ll be in Aruba and are interesting in helping…
Learn valuable tips for those traveling with physical abilities, as well as their caregivers, in this talk with authority and disability advocate Win Charles. Win mentioned using Visiting Angels to …
Learn valuable tips …
Learn valuable tips for those traveling with physical abilities, as well as their caregivers, in this talk with authority and disability advocate Win Charles. Win mentioned using Visiting Angels to help while traveling. Learn more about Visiting Angels here. Listen to Win’s podcast on YouTube, Win at Life, and follow Win on Instagram. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questions on this episode with the community! Connect with Me Is there a topic you’…
In this episode, host Amanda Bauner and musician and digital nomad Catherine Gairard explore their mutual love for travel and spiritual experiences, from witnessing Cozumel's "green ray" to the histor…
In this episode, hos…
In this episode, host Amanda Bauner and musician and digital nomad Catherine Gairard explore their mutual love for travel and spiritual experiences, from witnessing Cozumel's "green ray" to the historical Parthenon. Catherine shares tips for intuitive, safe solo travel and her journey developing her music career across Europe and South America. They delve into cultural appreciation through food, music, and dance, and discuss the joy of storytelling through movie soundtracks. Connect with Catherine on Instagram, and check out Catherine’s YouTube channel for her music. Join the Me and the Magi…
Attending a music festival alone might seem daunting, but it can be one of the most liberating and rewarding experiences you'll ever have. In this episode, we discuss what you need to know to attend a…
Attending a music fe…
Attending a music festival alone might seem daunting, but it can be one of the most liberating and rewarding experiences you'll ever have. In this episode, we discuss what you need to know to attend a music festival solo, including why you should go solo and tips on how to stay safe. We share some of the more popular music festivals around the world. And we discuss what to pack for your music festival solo adventure. Join Our Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share your thoughts and questi…
In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner chats with seasoned solo traveler Dr. Mary Beth McCabe (AKA Dr. Mary Travelbest). They discuss essential safety tips for women trave…
In this episode of t…
In this episode of the Me and the Magic podcast, host Amanda Bauner chats with seasoned solo traveler Dr. Mary Beth McCabe (AKA Dr. Mary Travelbest). They discuss essential safety tips for women traveling alone, including the use of VPNs, privacy screens, and registering with consulates. Mary Beth shares insights from her 90-day global adventure, offering practical advice on maintaining safety, staying aware, and embracing solo travel. They also delve into using AI tools for travel planning and highlight organizations that foster cultural exchange. This conversation aims to inspire and equip w…
In this episode, we are diving deep into the enchanting world of cruising with a special focus on Celebrity Cruises. Joining me is Grace Korba, a travel planning expert from MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan T…
In this episode, we …
In this episode, we are diving deep into the enchanting world of cruising with a special focus on Celebrity Cruises. Joining me is Grace Korba, a travel planning expert from MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, who has an unmatched passion for all things Celebrity Cruises. Connect with Grace online on Facebook, or email Grace at grace.korba@mei-travel.com . Also, you may contact Grace through MEI-Travel and Mouse Fan Travel. Join the Me and the Magic Community Join the Me and the Magic Facebook community to share your love of solo travel, Disney travel, and more with new friends. Plus, share you…
Let’s explore the best summer road trips in the USA and Canada. Whether you're planning an epic solo adventure or a memorable family getaway, this episode is packed with incredible destinations, pra…
Let’s explore the …
Let’s explore the best summer road trips in the USA and Canada. Whether you're planning an epic solo adventure or a memorable family getaway, this episode is packed with incredible destinations, practical tips, and inspiring stories. Road Trip Resources USA Road Trips The book that Amanda references for her road trips is Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA. Here is Roadtripper’s guide to the top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip. Visit the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Enjoy this Road Trip Classics playlist on Spotify. Canada Road Trips Follow the Golden Circle Route in…
In this heartfelt episode, Amanda Bauner explores why people might try to discourage your travel dreams and how best to react to them. Drawing from personal experiences, Amanda discusses various reaso…
In this heartfelt ep…
In this heartfelt episode, Amanda Bauner explores why people might try to discourage your travel dreams and how best to react to them. Drawing from personal experiences, Amanda discusses various reasons behind these objections, from fear of the unknown and safety concerns to the fear of losing you or feeling left behind. She shares insightful tips on setting boundaries, reassuring loved ones, and maintaining your travel goals. Amanda also highlights responses like “I appreciate your concerns” and “you might be right” to effectively manage naysayers. Tune in to discover empowering ways …