Preppy Disney Mom On The Street: Andrea Pugh-Kelley

When she’s not working on her Doctorate in Environmental Science, you can find Andrea Pugh-Kelly hanging with her adorable family in Disney World or blogging. Read on to learn more about this Preppy Disney Mom on the Street.

Meet Andrea

I’m Andrea Pugh-Kelley, wife, mother, traveler, scientist, blogger, and entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan in a civil rights fighting, Disney-loving family. I am now living in Tallahassee, Florida finishing up my PhD in Environmental Science at Florida A&M University. Fun Fact, I have a minor planet named after me for winning 2nd Place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

I am a trained dancer of twenty-two years, a retired pageant competitor, and I have an extreme love for all things Disney. In 2018, I married my high school sweetheart. During the height of social unrest and the pandemic, my best friend and I found an outlet in starting a fashion blog, “Melanin in Lilly.” My lifestyle brand is centered around motherhood, travel Disney, marriage, fashion (heavy on Lilly Pulitzer), and so much more. In this season of my life, I am learning balance in living our Happily Ever After raising our little princess and energetic Malshipoo, Chance. On weekends you can catch my little family traveling and styling our matching looks.

Preppy Disney Love

We can tell you absolutely love Disney… When was the first time you went and how many times have you been to Disney World/Disneyland since?

I have absolutely no clue how many times I have visited Disney World. I come from three generations of Disney lovers. I’m originally from Michigan and we would visit at least once a year. I am now an Annual Passholder and pre-pandemic you could find my husband and I there almost every other weekend. Now we’re parents and we try to visit as often as possible. 2019 was our first time visiting Disneyland California and Paris and we fell in love. This past year we took our family along to celebrate our daughter’s “half birthday” at Disneyland.

What would you say made you fall in love with Disney?

I would say that I was born into the love of Disney. We love the all-immersive experience! I can always count on Disney to give me such an experience that either places me back to the joys of my childhood or makes me feel like I’ve been thrown into a movie or across the world.

Does your husband love Disney as much as you do?

Does he?! Let’s ask him: “As Okoye in Black Panther said, “without question!” The entire Disney universe from the parks to the movies brings the greatest variety of excitement and entertainment.“ Well, there we have it.

Where can people find you on social media/ a blog or website?

You can kind my personal accounts here:

Facebook: Andrea P.
Instagram: DisGirlMagic
Pinterest: DisGirlMagic_

And you can find my Lilly Style blog and social handles here:

Preppy Disney Favorites

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Princess Tiana. I love her passion, her resilience and I am OBSESSED with New Orleans.

Who is your favorite Disney princess?

Tiana! With Cinderella (Brandy) being a close second. Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s 1997 Cinderella was my favorite movie growing up. I would set up my rocking chair next to the fireplace to sing “In My Own Little Corner” and put on a show in the living room.

What is your favorite Disney movie?

Of all time, Lion King. Of recent time, Encanto.

What are your favorite Disney Park snacks?

My top 5 Disney snacks are Mickey ice cream sandwiches, popcorn, corn on the cob, wine slushies from Amorette’s Patisserie, & Dole Whips.

What is a hidden gem of the Disney Experience?

The food! There are many dining experiences and cuisine that you can only find at Disney. Many of the restaurants are character/movie inspired so it literally brings the food to life and satisfies a craving you’ve never realized you had.

Preppy Disney Style

Which three words best describe your style?

Preppy, Chic, Leisure

What are your favorite places to shop?

Lilly Pulitzer, Ralph Lauren& Target

Who’s your favorite style icon?

Majorie Harvey

What’s your best style advice?

Don’t try to keep up with trends. Wear what makes you feel good and invest in good shapewear/undergarments.

What are 3 things you are most likely to have in your purse at all times?

Mac Prancin Dancin Dazzleglass

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

Chocolate Chip Granola Bar

What article of clothing/accessory would you not want to live without?

Leggings! I survived my pregnancy with Lilly Pulitzer and Victoria’s Secret Leggings.

What should NEVER make a comeback?

Gauchos! Lord. These definitely had a hold on 11 year old me. I hope to never be tempted to wear them again.

What fashion/style did you love at the time but now cringe when you see old photos?

Layered polos. Yes, wearing two polos at once. I am not sure how far that trend reached, but it was a big thing when I was in middle school. We would literally squeeze into two brightly colored Aeropostale polos with sneakers to match.

What’s your best style secret?

Spanx! Pulls that mom bod right together.

Mac In Extreme Dimension 3D Mascara.

Stilettos or flats?

Pre-pandemic I’d say stilettos. I am actually a retired pageant girl. But after going almost two years without wearing them and now having an infant to chase after…. FLATS!

Preppy Disney Family

What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?

Traveling. We always create the best memories while on vacation.

What’s been your best family vacation?

Thanksgiving 2019 I convinced my entire immediate family to go on a Disney Cruise. In total it was 8 adults and we had an AMAZING time. I am so thankful for that trip as it was our last vacation prior to the pandemic. The food, service, shows, the ship, you can’t beat Disney Cruise Line.

Best parenting advice:

“Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.”

Parenting true confession:

I wish that a lot of baby products were made for adults. Swings, vibrating cushions, all of that.

What’s your go-to family dinner?

Cajun Seafood Pasta! It’s so quick, easy, and yummy!

What’s your favorite family restaurant?

Topolino’s Terrace at Walt Disney World Resort. The food is absolutely amazing. My go-to entree is the filet minion. It isn’t advertised but this restaurant also offers a view of the fireworks/nighttime spectacular at EPCOT.

Preppy Disney Life

What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?

The Good Doctor.

If you could pick anyone to star as you in a movie based on your life, who would it be?

China Anne McClain

What’s your favorite beach activity?

Meditation. I enjoy just being. I feel most at peace when at the beach. My favorite beach to meditate on is The Inkwell in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard.

What song would you dance to when nobody’s watching?

Scarred by Uncle, If you know you know.

What’s at the top of your travel bucket list?

I have been itching to get to Hawaii.

What’s your favorite way to unwind at the end of a long day?

My favorite way to unwind at the end of the day is to bake a fresh batch of cookies and turn on Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Disney-magic and Life

We love Preppy Disney Mom on the Street Andrea Pugh Kelley’s love of Disney’s magic and preppy bright style. In all areas of her life, she brings light and love, whether it’s through her education, her inspiring blog, or her family life. Be sure to check out Andrea on Instagram at DisGirlMagic or @MelaninInLilly.

And for more interesting and inspiring moms, be sure to check out FamilyApp’s Mom on the Street page!