Kickstarting the Magic: Using Notion for Stress-Free Disney World Planning

Okay, real talk: the second those 2026 Disney World dates dropped, I was basically doing a happy dance in my living room. Planning trips is my jam—especially Disney trips—because it helps calm my travel anxiety and keeps me from spiraling into “what if” mode.

This time, I’m teaming up with the amazing Nicole from Chasing Happiness Travel (you can check out her services here: https://linktr.ee/chasinghappinesstravel). Having her expertise by my side makes all the difference because, let’s be honest, being the trip planner can feel like a lot sometimes.

To keep my sanity (and maybe have some fun?), I dove headfirst into Notion to organize every little detail. Turning all that excitement and chaos into something neat and colorful has been oddly satisfying. If you’re a fellow anxious traveler or just love planning, I’m sharing how Notion became my secret weapon for this Disney trip.

Oh, and here’s my very first TikTok kicking off this whole Notion planning adventure: https://www.tiktok.com/@magicnmbr7/video/7527826288065711415

Disney World Planning Excitement

The magic isn’t just inside the parks—it starts way before you get there. There’s something thrilling about dreaming up the perfect trip and calling the shots for your crew.

Anticipating the 2026 Disney Trip

For any Disney fan, when those future trip dates pop up, it’s like a little spark lights inside. For me, that spark was basically fireworks.

I’m a full-on Type A when it comes to planning (if I could schedule every single minute, I would). But hey, I also know things rarely go exactly as planned—so I try to balance being organized without stressing about the “perfect” schedule.

Planning Disney is like unwrapping a gift sloooowly. Every choice—from the resort to the rides to the snacks—is a new layer of excitement. I catch myself daydreaming about the first glimpse of Cinderella’s castle, the thrill of Space Mountain, and of course, all the Mickey-shaped treats I’m gonna to give to my toddler.

Embracing the Role of Trip Leader

Taking the trip leader role is exciting but can also be a bit overwhelming. You’re basically the architect of everyone’s memories, which feels heavy sometimes.

That’s where Nicole from Chasing Happiness Travel is going to help me. She’s going to handle the tough stuff—booking, reservations, all those tiny details that make or break a trip.

As the planner, you’re juggling everyone’s wants—from grandparents to toddlers seeing Disney for the first time. It’s a balancing act, but seeing all those happy faces? Totally worth it.

Notion for Trip Planning

If you haven’t tried Notion for planning, you’re missing out. It took me from “overwhelmed mess” to “organized queen” real quick.

It all started as a simple Google Sheet, but I wanted something prettier and more powerful. Enter: Notion, where I created color-coded pages, to-do lists, and even Disney-themed backgrounds to keep the magic alive while planning.

Organizing Disney Trip Details

Notion became my digital command center. I built pages for each park, daily plans, Lightning Lane must-haves, and even packing lists.

I could track everything from quick service food favorites to priority rides. Plus, I shared my Notion workspace with the fam so everyone stayed on the same page and excited.

Fun Planning Ideas with Notion

Notion isn’t just practical—it’s fun! I added countdown timers to build excitement and made a virtual vision board with pics of rides, restaurants, and experiences I’m most hyped for.

Seeing all those things in one place made me even more pumped for the trip.

Tips for the Anxious Traveler

Anxiety about Disney is real, but don’t let it kill your vibe. Use it to your advantage by planning ahead for the stuff that stresses you out—crowds, weather, schedules, you name it.

Overcoming Disney Trip Anxiety

Start by figuring out what worries you most. Is it the crowds? The timing? The “what ifs”? Once you know, you can tackle each concern.

I created a “What If” page in Notion listing all my worries and potential fixes. It helped me feel way more in control and ready for whatever happens. Mine is called "Figure Out List".

Travel Planning Tips for Peace of Mind

Good planning = less stress. I use Notion to build detailed daily itineraries, always leaving some wiggle room for the unexpected.

I also keep handy info like park rules, transport options, and first aid spots right in Notion—because knowledge is power, especially when you’re traveling with a toddler.

Speaking of toddlers, I admit I hate downtime—I want to squeeze every minute out of the day—but I’m learning that scheduling breaks is a must. A rested traveler is a happier traveler, after all.