Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Seabright.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The short version? It all started with a busted knee and a desperate need for some magic more specifically Disney Magic. I couldn’t go to the parks and ride the attractions… so I started writing about it instead.
After I had knee surgery, I found myself with far more free time than I knew what to do with and I couldn’t even limp my way to a theme park. While I was stuck at home recovering (and trying not to fall asleep during daytime TV), I started writing. Nothing fancy, just a way to keep myself sane. I jotted down my favourite tips, stories, and memories from years of trips to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and the rest of Orlando.
At first, it was just for me. There was no big plan, no grand vision, and was just something I genuinely enjoyed doing. But then people started finding the site, messaging me with questions, asking for advice, and coming back for more.
And just like that… my little recovery project turned into something much bigger.
What began as a bit of a hobby slowly turned into something I started getting a passion for, creating a space where I could help others plan their dream holidays, avoid rookie mistakes, and get the most out of every moment (and every snack credit).
And that’s how Beyond the Magic Vacations was born. Built on my passion for theme parks and helping others make their own memories. These days, I get to do what I love: share real, honest tips, personal stories, and the occasional dad joke while helping others have their best-ever Orlando adventures. I’m still growing, learning, and developing my own journey, while I try to embody Walt Disney’s “Keep Moving Forward” philosophy.
It’s been a weird and wonderful journey. Definitely not what I expected. But honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely a few bumps, more like Space Mountain in the dark: thrilling, unpredictable, and occasionally smacking me in the face when I wasn’t ready for it.
In the early days, I honestly didn’t think this blog would become much. I wasn’t chasing followers or reaching for any impossible dream, it was just something I loved doing during recovery from knee surgery. But as it started to grow, I quickly realised how much I didn’t know. SEO felt like trying to crack the Da Vinci Code while hunting all the Hidden Mickeys, fuelled only on Shaken Jamaican cold brew and sheer stubbornness.
And I hadn’t touched social media in any serious way. Suddenly I was learning hashtags, algorithms, and how to make pins and reels (and I still am), all while still hobbling about on one good leg.
As things grew, the self-doubt kicked in too. The Disney and Orlando space is huge, it’s filled with creators I follow and admire like Mammoth Club, AllEars, DFB Guide, Tim Tracker, WDWNT… the list goes on. For a while, I worried I was just another voice on an already noisy Main Street USA
I didn’t want to seem like I was jumping on someone else’s train, I just had my own stories to tell. There were moments I felt completely lost at sea…but I channelled my inner Dory and just kept swimming.
And honestly, that simple mantra has carried me through the hardest parts: just keep swimming.
Lately, the biggest challenge has been finding balance. Between working full-time shifts, juggling family life (which I absolutely adore and never want to shortchange), and carving out time to create meaningful content, it’s definitely been a juggling act worthy of a theme park performer. Early on, post-surgery, I had plenty of downtime to focus on the blog. But as I healed and life sped back up, I had to become more intentional—carefully choosing when to write, plan, and engage without sacrificing those precious moments with my loved ones.
And, to be honest, not being able to visit the parks recently has been a real test of patience. There’s something about being physically in the magic—the sights, sounds, smells—that fuels every blog post and video idea. Without that daily dose of Disney or Universal, the creative well sometimes feels a bit dry. But fear not! I’m gearing up for a triumphant return very soon, camera in hand, ready to soak up the magic and share fresh, honest insights with this incredible community.
This project isn’t just a hobby; it’s been a lifeline during some tough patches over the past year. It’s reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Orlando in the first place—because, magic isn’t just in the parks, it’s in the moments we share and the stories we tell. And I can’t wait to help others create their own unforgettable memories, one blog post at a time.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
By day (or sometimes night, thanks to the ever-changing shifts), I’m a customer service manager for a transportation company, a role I’ve held for the last five years and very proud of. Before that, I spent 13 years in education as a design technician. That chapter really fed my love for creativity, whether it was building something from scratch, solving problems, or making ideas come to life. It’s that creative spark that’s always been inside me, even if I didn’t quite know where it would lead.
Beyond the Magic Vacations started during a tough recovery, both physically after knee surgery and mentally during a challenging time. But honestly, the idea was probably brewing in my mind long before that. At first, it was just a fun way to pass the time—no grand plans or expectations. But then, the more I wrote, the more it became clear this was something meaningful to me. It grew into a creative outlet fuelled by passion, and an opportunity to help others in a way that truly feels worthwhile.
People often describe me as passionate and open, maybe a little too fond of bad dad jokes. I still secretly think I was born to be a Jungle Cruise Skipper, but until Disney calls, that’ll remain our little secret. I don’t claim to be an expert or have all the answers. I’m simply being myself, sharing what I know, caring about what I do, and genuinely wanting to help others navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of planning their own magical adventures. Whether it’s in my day job or through the blog, helping people figure things out is what drives me.
I wanted Beyond the Magic to be more than just about pretty pictures of Cinderella Castle. It’s about real advice for real people, how to save money, dodge long lines, and still have the time of your life making core memories.
I’m not trying to copy anyone. I’m not chasing followers or views. I’m doing this because I genuinely love Orlando and everything that comes with it. The blog is built from my own experiences, with honest advice and I try to add a personal touch and a bad dad joke or two.
Once I’m fully back on my feet, I’m planning on branching out with YouTube videos, more reels, and face-to-camera content (gulp) and I’m both terrified and excited to share that side too.
I feel I’m just getting started. Big dreams ahead and I’d love for you to join me on this adventure. Grab your Mickey ears, buckle up for the ride, and let’s keep moving forward together.
At the end of the day, I’ve poured a lot of myself into this, and I’m proud of that. This isn’t just a website to me it’s something that’s helped me through tough times too. And that’s probably what I’m most proud of.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’ve never really had a mentor in the traditional sense, but I’ve learned a ton just by following creators I admire and watching how they do their thing. Folks like Tim Tracker, Molly and Alan from Mammoth Club, Quincy and Emma from Allears, and Tom Corless from WDWNT have all quietly shaped how I approach this adventure…whether they know it or not.
Honestly, I’d love to snag five minutes with any of them someday. Maybe we’ll bump into each other in the parks, stuck in a 120-minute queue for Battle at the Ministry, and I can sneak in a few questions.
For me, the best kind of “networking” has been just being myself. Reaching out without expecting anything in return, showing support, starting honest conversations, those little gestures go a long way. You don’t need a slick pitch, just a dash of kindness and a shared passion.
And honestly? Some of the most valuable connections have been with fellow smaller creators. We’re all figuring it out as we go, and having that kind of mutual support means the world. So here’s my advice: don’t overthink it. Be real, be kind, and don’t be shy about saying hello. You never know where it might take you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyondthemagicvacations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemagicvacations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyBeyondtheMagic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheMagicVacations
- Other: info@beyondthemagicvacations.com
