Why I Built Points to Magic

Hi! I’m Danielle — a CPA, mom of two, Disney-obsessed travel hacker, and lifelong dog lover who plans magical family vacations like some people plan weddings.

It all started with a single goal: I wanted to take my kids to Disney World without going into debt. I’d heard about people using credit card points to fly for free or stay at luxury hotels, but it felt completely overwhelming. I had a spreadsheet. I had 13 tabs open. I had a headache.

But then I figured it out.

By using a mix of credit card welcome bonuses, cashback stacking, and hotel rewards, I planned our very first nearly free Disney vacation. And I’ve done it again and again — booking flights, hotels, and even rental cars using points and strategic hacks.

But here’s the thing: my family isn’t “typical,” and yours might not be either.

• We have sensory challenges, noise sensitivity, anxiety, and ADHD in our household.
• We often travel with our dogs — because they’re not just pets, they’re family.
• And we’re not squeezing into tiny rooms or skipping all the fun just to stick to a budget.

We stay in multi-room suites, enjoy great food, rent cars with points, and stock up on Disney gift cards so we can make the most of our park days. And yes — I’ve figured out how to do all of this in a way that’s dog-friendly. You’ll even find pet-friendly hotel reviews and real-world tips for traveling furry companions right here on the site.

Points to Magic was born from a mix of passion, spreadsheets, and the desire to make this easier for other families — especially those who:

• Love Disney but hate overspending
• Need flexibility without losing the magic
• Travel with pets or kids who need a little extra planning

I don’t just show you which credit card to open. I help you create a realistic, personalized strategy that fits your life — messy, beautiful, dog hair and all.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start planning a Disney trip that doesn’t break the bank… you’re in the right place.