Me + The Magic: Solo Travel, Community, and Building Your Dream on the Side (with Amanda Bauner)
In this live-recorded conversation, Lindsay Dollinger sits down with Amanda Bauner, the creator behind Me and the Magic, to talk about how Amanda went from a full-time environmental engineer and Disney lover… to building an engaged travel community, a podcast with 100 episodes, in-person meetups, and even a group cruise—all while still working full-time.
This episode is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and a reminder that you don’t have to quit your job tomorrow to start building something magical today.
Meet Amanda Bauner
Amanda Bauner lives just north of Magic Kingdom (yes, we’re jealous too 😄) and has spent nearly 26 years working as an environmental engineer, primarily focused on water and wastewater treatment—aka making sure clean water comes out of the tap and everything goes where it should when you flush.
But alongside that career, Amanda has built a whole world around travel, Disney destinations, solo adventures, and community connection through her brand Me and the Magic.
How “Me and the Magic” Started: Solo Disney Trips + A Planner’s Heart
Amanda’s story begins with a familiar theme: Disney has always been part of her life, but after moving from Indiana to New York City in her mid-twenties, she went about 12 years without a Disney World trip.
Then in 2012, she went back with friends—and immediately felt the magic again.
When her friends couldn’t return right away because of life and responsibilities, Amanda had a thought that changed everything:
“What if I went solo?”
She started researching a solo trip in 2013 for a 2014 visit… and discovered something surprising:
There weren’t many resources for solo Disney travel or adult-only Disney trips.
So she did what many entrepreneurs do before they even realize they’re becoming entrepreneurs…
She started creating resources, planning spreadsheets (fellow planners, rise 🙌), and collecting everything she wished existed.
Those solo trips led to even bigger Disney adventures—like her 40th birthday trip with 14 friends and her parents—and eventually turned into a bigger idea:
A place where solo travelers and adult Disney travelers could get real guidance and support.
The Momentum Connection (and the “I’m Green” Entrepreneur Start)
Amanda shared that her entrepreneurial path had a Disney twist of alignment: she discovered Lou Mongello’s WDW Radio podcast, heard about Momentum, and eventually reached out to Lou Mongello directly with her idea.
Even though she wasn’t an entrepreneur yet and didn’t know the “how” (social media, websites, business building), she took the leap anyway—and joined Lou’s weekly mastermind for two and a half years.
That experience didn’t just help build her brand… it also helped her make a major life change.
Within six months of joining, Amanda moved from New York City to Florida—first Tampa, and later Orlando.
From Blog to Podcast to Community: The Evolution of Her Brand
Amanda originally started with a blog concept called Disney Travel for All, meant to provide those missing resources for solo and adult travelers.
But she realized something important:
She loved writing… but she missed connection.
That’s when people encouraged her to start a podcast.
Amanda launched her podcast in January 2020 (yep—right before the world changed), and even through the pandemic pivots, she kept going.
Over time, she built not just content… but a real community.
Eventually, she rebranded to Me and the Magic—expanding beyond Disney while still honoring what she loved most: travel, magic, and meaningful connection.
And now? She’s celebrating 100 podcast episodes and planning the next 100.
What Makes Her Community So Special (and So Engaged)
Lindsay pointed out something many listeners are probably thinking:
Amanda’s community is super engaged—and she didn’t build it by accident.
Amanda shared some of the community “layers” she’s created over time:
Monthly virtual community calls
During the pandemic especially, Amanda hosted monthly Zoom calls to keep people connected.
Weekly watch-party calls (WandaVision!)
In 2021, she hosted weekly WandaVision discussion calls, which became a bonding point for her community. They weren’t just talking Disney—they were building friendships.
Walk the World meetups at Disney
One of Amanda’s most loved community traditions is Walk the World, where members meet monthly at different places around Walt Disney World—like an upcoming Walk the World Showcase around EPCOT.
Sometimes it’s a small group, and sometimes it’s a bigger crew—but either way, it creates real-life connection from online community.
She’s even started planning meetups around her travel schedule, responding to community members who ask, “Will you be in my city?”
Real Talk: Building a Business While Working Full-Time
One of the most relatable moments of the episode came when Lindsay asked:
“What would you say to someone who wants to build something but feels like they don’t have time?”
Amanda’s answer was honest and empowering:
- If it matters, you find the time
- Start small—10 intentional minutes still counts
- Schedule it, protect it, and treat it seriously
She shared how working with a coach helped her become more intentional with her time—and how her flexible engineering job allows her to blend travel, work, and creativity.
Solo Travel Safety Tips Every Woman Should Know
Amanda also shared practical, important safety advice for women traveling solo:
- Always share your itinerary with someone you trust
- Arrange check-in times while traveling
- Avoid sharing hotel or stateroom numbers
- Use hotel door locks and safety devices
- Enable AirTag alerts on your phone
- Be mindful of electronics and privacy in public spaces
These tips sparked an important conversation about awareness—not fear—and how preparation empowers women to travel confidently.
Amanda’s Solo Disney Cruise Experience
Amanda also shared her experience cruising solo on a 7-night Disney Cruise—and highly recommends it.
Highlights included:
- Being intentionally seated with other guests at dinner
- Forming friendships quickly
- Enjoying adult-only dining and activities
- Having total freedom to do exactly what she wanted
Her takeaway?
Solo cruising can be magical, empowering, and incredibly fun.
Group Travel & What’s Coming Next
Amanda is currently hosting her first-ever group cruise:
- 📍 Disney Fantasy
- 🗓 November 11–18
- 🌴 Eastern Caribbean itinerary
- 👯♀️ Around 25 community members already booked
She’s also preparing to announce a 2024 group land trip (Disney-related!) and is working on digital travel guides specifically for solo travelers.
Rapid-Fire Favorites
Before wrapping up, Amanda shared a few fun personal insights:
- Morning routine > night routine (journaling, prayer, movement, personal development)
- Favorite personal development book: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
- Favorite destination: Paris
- Bucket list trip: Tokyo (and Tokyo Disney!)
- New favorite park discovery: Dollywood
Connect with Amanda Bauner
🔗 Website & Links:
https://linktr.ee/meandthemagic
📸 Instagram:
https://instagram.com/meandthemagic
🎙 Podcast:
Me and the Magic
🚢 Group Cruise + Events:
Details available at meandthemagic.com
Join Lindsay’s Community
✨ Join Lindsay’s free Facebook group
✨ Explore ways to work together
Final Thought
Amanda Bauner’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to wait for “perfect timing,” quit your job, or have everything figured out to start building something magical.
You just have to start—with intention, consistency, and heart.
And maybe a little pixie dust. ✨
