We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa McGill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business is actually rooted in disappointment. After taking our first family trip to Disney World in October 2016 I came home frustrated and disappointed because even though I thought I had planned effectively I never rode my favorite ride, The Haunted Mansion. It was then that I started planning differently by setting intentions upfront for our trip and prioritizing our needs versus trying to do everything.
We traveled “home” 2 more times within the year and I had fine tuned my planning method so we all came home fulfilled.

After traveling to Disney World multiple times I quickly became the expert friend everyone was asking for tips from.
In summer 2017 I started a planning group for friends and family on Facebook to be able to answer and support as many people as possible. An idea started forming and after several years of wanting to start my own business I took the leap and launched Foolish Mortal Planning Co. in July 2021.

Today, I help families intentionally plan their Disney trips using the same tools I created to help my own family have a magical and stress-free trip designed for us. In January 2022 I partnered with A Mouse and a Beach Travel Company to extend my offerings to booking trips in addition to 1:1 planning services, tools and Happy Haunts Hub, a planning portal.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve spent the last 17 years managing product development and production for home textiles companies. A lot of what I’ve learned in my professional career has shaped my own business and I pulled from these skills when creating the planning tools for Foolish Mortal Planning Co. Professional and personal SMART goal setting, process improvement and managing costs as well as budgets have played key roles in the development of my business.

Foolish Mortal Planning Co. was founded on Three Pillars – Plan, Budget and Intentions.
The Intentions piece is directly related to the goal setting skills I developed in my professional career. While intentions and goals differ, they both are driven from a want or need which is something that has completely transformed the way I plan all of my trips to Disney and beyond. Aligning your plan and budget with your intentions creates a stress-free experience because it puts your travel parties needs front and center.

These pillars, along with my lover for The Haunted Mansion, have built a cohesive brand statement that supports my want to help others reduce overwhelm and create magical memories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When working with clients, whether I know them or not, I always want to tap into their wants and needs. If I was creating a magical Disney World trip for a friend, I always start by asking what their intentions are and what they want to get out of the trip, this can drive so many decisions.

If they’re thrill seekers, then fully packed Theme Park days would be my starting point.
If they’re foodies, then a day at an Epcot Festival is a must.
If they’re looking to relax as well as enjoy the excitement, then a Deluxe Resort stay with an amazing pool would be important.

An itinerary I often recommend is a 5 night, 6 day stay with a rest day.
Day 1- Arrival + Disney Springs or Resort Dinner, a favorite of ours is O’hana at Disney’s Polynesian Village

Day 2 – Magic Kingdom, start the morning in the park then take a nice midday break with a character meal, then enjoy the fireworks at night.

Day 3 – Animal Kingdom, up and out early for this one with a character breakfast at Tusker House followed by attractions and shows in the park. We typically stay until midday then break at the resort for pool time. Head to Epcot for dinner or to enjoy a festival in the evening.

Day 4 – Rest day, enjoy Disney Springs at night for dinner or take in a Dinner Show at Hoop Dee Doo Revue

Day 5 – Hollywood Studios for most of the day, enjoying Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land with a midday break for lunch, our favorite is Hollywood + Wine. When it returns, Fantasmic is a fun evening show at the park or you can hop back to Magic Kingdom or Epcot for some additional fun.

Day 6 – One last character breakfast, Topolino’s Terrace is a great option, then depart midday

One must do for me is to enjoy some Dole Whip, a delicious frozen pineapple ice cream that can be found at several locations, but my favorite spot to enjoy it is at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. There is a lot to do so be sure to do what’s most important to you.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This Shoutout is dedicated to my family for supporting my ideas, dreams and believing in me wholeheartedly. Without their support to take the risk of starting my own business I would have never taken the leap.

Website: www.foolishmortalplanningco.com

Instagram: @foolishmortalplanningco

Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/happyhauntsplandisney/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcazPX3EIFJFSekffRg8e5A

Other: Happy Haunts Hub direct link – https://foolishmortalplanningco.thrivecart.com/happy-haunts-hub/

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