Hi, I'm Angela

I'm a Chicago-based high school teacher, a mom, and an unapologetic Disney person. For years I've planned Walt Disney World trips for my own family on a teacher's budget — learning the rope-drop tricks, the snacks actually worth the calories, and the not-so-obvious ways to save real money. StayMagicly is where I put all of it, honestly and without the sponsored fluff.

Why I started this

Most Disney advice online is either overwhelming or quietly trying to sell you something. I wanted a place that just tells families the truth: what's worth your time and money, what to skip, and how to do the whole thing without blowing the budget. If I say to skip a ride or a reservation, I mean it.

We don't just write the trip — we help host it

We're not Florida locals — we're a Chicago family that loves this place enough to keep coming back — but our family hosts a few vacation homes near the gates, like The Sophisticated Estate in Reunion Resort. When we point you to a home, we tell you it's ours — see our disclosure. If you're weighing where to base your trip, start with where to stay near Disney World.

Find me elsewhere

When I'm not deep in a Disney spreadsheet, I write about budget-friendly style for teachers (and anyone in a business-casual world) over at Teaching in Heels.