Meet the Crew
Making Memories. Planning Magic. Embracing Mayhem.
At Magic, Memories, Mayhem, we don’t just plan Disney trips, we live the magic every day (and share the mayhem that comes with it). From park hacks to everyday magic at home, we’re your go-to crew for travel tips, family fun inspo and just enough sass to keep it spicy.
Mama Magic Maker
Hey y’all, I’m Jess—and yep, that’s me over there!
Your resident Disney destinations aficionado and the go-to gal when my friends start planning magical getaways. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. Literally…it’s my actual job. I’m the travel agency manager and senior vacation planner at Story Time Travel, and I adore helping families and friends make unforgettable memories at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Aulani, aboard Disney Cruise Line and with Adventures by Disney.
That’s part of why Magic, Memories & Mayhem exists. I love being “that Disney girl,” but typing the same tips into texts, DMs and emails over and over? Not exactly magical. This sparkly little blog lets me share everything I know with photos, guides and a healthy dose of mayhem, so my friends who became clients (and clients who became friends) always have planning help at their fingertips.
If you’re here for the Disney goods (and not just because I guilt-tripped you into clicking around the site), start with Disney 101. If you’re curious and want to know more about me and the crew behind the mayhem, keep scrolling, new bestie!
Heart & Hustle
While I’m currently out of the classroom, it’s not because my love for teaching has faded. Our family has been walking through deep loss and big changes this past year. It has been a season of heartbreak, but also one of clarity and love, reminding us to hold tight to what truly matters. I’m hopeful my healing journey takes me back to the classroom, as teaching is still in my bones. I’ve spent more than a decade in the elementary world helping my students become bold, kind global citizens all while navigating multiplication, storytelling and the occasional recess drama with lots of laughs and even more learning.
Beyond the elementary classroom, I’ve also had the privilege of working with future educators as a guest speaker and adjunct professor after earning my M.Ed. from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner, babes). My heart for education, equity and community still shows up in everything I do, even if my current “classroom” looks a little different right now.
This season has brought a new calling, as well. Honoring our sweet Jewels’s legacy and supporting other families navigating the pediatric cardiac world. I founded the Sparkle Strong Foundation next to her hospital crib to bring joy, comfort and practical support to children with congenital heart defects and the families who love them. What started with one tiny heartbeat has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined, and I’m honored to walk alongside other heart families every step of the way.
Through Our Lens
So, back to travel because, let’s be honest, that’s the real star of the show around here. When it comes to Disney (and, well, life), I’m rarely without a camera in hand. Or two. 😂 What can I say? Photography runs in the family, and I’ve fully embraced that gene.
My Canon 70D is my ride-or-die, but these days I’m just as likely to snap with my iPhone because, let’s be real, that tech is catching up fast. I do my best to be present in the moment, but there’s just something magical about seeing the world through a lens, especially at Disney, which was basically built for photos.
If you’re a visual planner like me, you’ll love the flood of photos and videos you’ll find across the site. And if you want even more behind-the-scenes magic, come hang with us on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. We’d love the follow, and don’t be shy! Drop a comment and let us know you found us through the blog!
Outside of trip recaps and park pics, you’ll also find glimpses into our real-life chaos like home projects, parties, memory-making moments and everyday magic with the MMM fam. We’re always up to something, and we’re always happy to bring you along.
And that brings us to the crew…
Meet the Mayhem
Some of my favorite photography subjects? These not-so-little-anymore humans who’ve grown up right here on the blog and in the parks.
Stitchy is officially an adult now (someone hold me). Once a full-on character fiend, he’s now a Disney foodie with strong opinions on festival snacks and mobile ordering strategies. He may act like he’s too cool for castle pics, but he still shows up ready to rope drop and rally, often with a few friends in tow.
HBelle has also leveled up to full-grown princess status. She’s out there conquering college, embracing adulthood and recently became a mama herself! We’re over the moon about her sweet baby boy and can’t wait to get him his first pair of ears and a spot in the next castle photo.
And taking their rightful reign as the resident Disney kids of the crew…
Maui is our raucous, hysterical charmer with a huge personality and a cautious streak when it comes to rides. But hand this kid a pair of goggles and point him toward a resort pool? He’s all in.
Mo’ is our sparkle-loving thrill-seeker who’s never met an attraction she didn’t love. This sassy tween is basically a Disney pro in training—planner, people-watcher and parader all rolled into one. She’s got her mama’s Disney energy and just the right amount of diva to make every park day extra fabulous.
And now, the tiniest and mightiest member of our crew, precious Baby Jewels. Born with a complex congenital heart defect, she became the heartbeat of our family and the reason behind the Sparkle Strong Foundation. Though she didn’t receive her transplant and her time with us was heartbreakingly short, her impact is endless. Jewels taught each of us more about courage, grace, strength and love than we ever imagined possible.
Our beautiful baby girl never made it to the parks in body. However, we carry her sparkle and spirit into every trip we take and every story we share. Our family will never be the same without her, and everything we do now is shaped by her light. She reminds us daily that the magic isn’t just in the parks. It’s in the moments, the memories and the people we hold close.
We’d also be remiss not to mention two more very special members of our crew—our beloved grandparents. Always ready for a parade, a Mickey bar or a group photo, they were the keepers of joy, tradition and togetherness in our family. Their love and legacy walk with us still, right alongside Jewelsy’s sparkle. They may not be physically in our pictures anymore, but they’re forever in our hearts and part of every adventure we take.
And surrounding all of us? A rotating cast of family and friends-who’ve-become-family. Moms, dads, besties, grandparents, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and anyone we can bribe with Dole Whip and a Lightning Lane. They’re part of the mayhem, part of the magic and absolutely part of this story.
Thanks for stopping by
Whether you’re here to plan your dream Disney vacation, peek behind the scenes of our magical mayhem or just needed a break from reality (no judgment), we’re so glad you landed at Magic, Memories & Mayhem. We hope this space brings you joy, inspo and maybe a few laughs along the way. Stick around—there’s a lot more magic (and mayhem) where that came from.