shot of trisha sitting down on an indoor bench in front of a detailed wooden wall

Trisha Daab

Trisha Daab has written for WDW Magazine, Fabulous Wisconsin, DLR Magazine, and Business Insider. She has five books on the food, characters, and experiences at Walt Disney World.

Trisha has shifted into a portfolio career as a career change consultant, freelance writer, and small business marketing strategist. She is a mom/stepmom of five and lives north of Chicago with her husband, a few of the kids, and a spoiled dog named WallE.

Find her on Instagram @notsoevil_disneystepmom or on LinkedIn

Latest

Sep 1, 2026

I left corporate America for a gap year in my 40s. The experience changed my spending and priorities.

After 20 years in corporate America, I took a midlife gap year. It changed my priorities and helped me find a more flexible career.

5 min read

Person in a FRANKFURT shirt reviews college admissions materials beside a green cap with a yellow N.

Jul 18, 2026

I sent 4 kids to college, but my youngest decided to enroll far away. It's been a completely different admissions experience.

My youngest is going to college far away, so the college admissions process has been different. We spent a lot more time on the campus before move-in.

5 min read

The author takes a selfie next to a row of lockers in a high school.

Jun 27, 2026

I applied for a job for the first time in 20 years. Job seekers are in a whole new world now.

Filling out my first job application in two decades came with unexpected challenges, from recalling my work history to navigating a new process.

4 min read

The author and her son at his college graduation.

May 19, 2026

I spent 20 years and nearly $100,000 paying off my student loans. I'm done just in time for my youngest to start college.

I finally made the last payment on my student loans. It's been hard paying for a career I left years ago.

4 min read

Mar 29, 2026

I love Disney with my kids — but going without them is even better in some ways

I love Disney with my kids, but visiting without them meant better food, late nights, and a more relaxed experience.

5 min read

Mar 1, 2026

I've been to Disney World in every season. Here are 7 reasons winter is the best time of year to go.

I've visited Disney World more than 20 times, and winter is officially my favorite — fewer crowds, rare characters, and cozy nights.

4 min read

Feb 15, 2026

I'm helping my mom move to a small place. It has made me realize that at 46, I already have too much stuff.

After helping her mom downsize, a parent explains why she's decluttering now to spare her kids the burden of managing her belongings later.

5 min read

Dec 16, 2025

I'm trying to be hands-off as my teen applies to college. It's been difficult for me, especially when they missed a deadline.

I'm trying to let my teen take the driver's seat as they apply to college. We only discuss college during designated times, and it's been challenging.

4 min read

Dec 14, 2025

All my kids have grown up, so we've changed our holiday traditions. We scaled back on decorations and added a day of festivities.

As our blended family grew, our holiday traditions shifted — from expanding Christmas to embracing new rituals that match who our kids are today.

5 min read

Nov 26, 2025

I'm 46 and started doing things alone. I went to Disney World, saw movies, and dined solo without feeling bad about it.

As a mom and former executive, I'm finding freedom in solitude — doing things solo for the first time and loving the confidence it brings.

4 min read

Nov 22, 2025

Becoming a stepmom taught me that my role is to be a trusted adult. I'm there for when they don't want to call their parents.

From watching my mom become a stepmom to seeing my stepdaughter do the same, I've lived the full circle of stepparenting.

5 min read

A variety of cookies from Aldi displayed on a table.

Sep 20, 2025

I went to Aldi for the first time in 40 years. I was impressed by how far my money could go.

My first trip to Aldi in decades surprised me. I loved the savings on groceries like eggs and milk, and it's become my new go-to grocery store.

4 min read

Jun 10, 2025

I'm not going to have kids in the house soon. I'm already thinking about what to do with my free time.

My oldest will be a senior soon. I'm starting to think about getting a new car, remodeling our house and all the things I can do with my free time.

4 min read

Trisha Daab's son dressed in graduation gown

Jun 9, 2025

My son has a lot of regrets about college, especially not taking a gap year. But he did one thing right that saved him thousands.

My son wasn't ready for college after four very stressful years of high school. He should've taken a gap year, but instead he jumped into college.

4 min read

Mar 15, 2025

I've been a Disney adult for 11 years. Seeing the parks through my grandson's eyes for the first time made it even more special.

I've been to Disney World 20 times, and the last time we took our grandson with us. I discovered new rides and details seeing the park through his eyes.

5 min read

people standing near their belongings at airport security check

Mar 4, 2025

We've spent years paying for different ways to get through airport security faster. Here are our top 3 picks.

My husband and I both travel quite a bit, and we've tried TSA PreCheck, Clear, airline status, and other ways to get through security faster.

3 min read

Feb 27, 2025

I thought paying $525 a year for the United Club Infinite Card would fix my travel woes until I realized the perks I actually need cost way less

United has several credit-card options, with lots of perks. I thought the one with a $525 annual fee would be best, but luckily, I was wrong.

5 min read

composite image of carpeted stairs before and after a renovation

Feb 22, 2025

We got new carpet in over 50% of our house. Here are 8 things I wish I'd known before we started.

After living in our house for 20 years, we finally replaced about 50% of our carpets. However, now that it's done, I wish I'd avoided some mistakes.

5 min read

composite image of trisha posing outside jewel and a hand holding up a jar of jam inside jewel

Feb 19, 2025

I grocery shop at Jewel-Osco for my family of 4. Here's everything I can get there for $108.

I live in the Midwest and do my weekly shopping at Jewel-Osco. The regional grocery-store chain helps me stick to my $100 budget for a family of four.

6 min read

composite image of trisha doing aerial yoga and mat yoga

Feb 6, 2025

I've been doing yoga for 25 years. Here are 7 things I wish I knew when I started.

After practicing yoga for 25 years, I know much more about the mental-health benefits than when I started. I've also learned new varieties and poses.

5 min read