Melissa H, California
- 4/25/2025
About Me
Hello from sunny Southern California! I am Melissa, and I was born and raised just down the road from the Disneyland Resort.
While pursuing an undergraduate degree in history at UCLA, I spent two adventure-filled quarters studying in Cambridge, England and Washington, D.C. While both created a lifelong love of travel and exploring new places, it was an internship at the Smithsonian Institution in D.C. that sparked my love of public history. For nearly 15 years, I have been an archivist at the National Archives & Records Administration. My specialty is presidential papers. Did you know that then-Vice President Nixon dedicated the Disneyland Monorail?!
When I am not at the Happiest Place on Earth or in the stacks at work, I love to bake, read, crochet, and travel with my husband and three kids.
About My Family
My music man husband and I have been Disneyland Annual Passholders since we were dating. In fact, the first time he introduced me as his girlfriend was while we were sitting at Redd Rockett's Pizza Port in Tomorrowland!
Married for 16 years, we have three school-aged Mouseketeers that love all things Disney as much as we do. My family of thrill-seekers loves Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain, but we also love to slow down and enjoy the fun of Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and the Disneyland Fire Station. Watching my children's imaginations take flight is one of my favorite parts of Disney adventures.
Our family also loves swimming, board games, and traveling. Some of our favorite destinations include Hawaii, Wyoming, South Dakota, Disneyland Paris, and a Disney cruise to Mexico.
About My Disney Experience
From my first trip to Disneyland as a baby to going on dates with my future husband, Disneyland has been a constant in my life. As a kid, I collected Disney snow globes, figurines, and books, and my VHS copies of Cinderella and Disney's Sing-Along Songs: The Bare Necessities were worn out from constant use. Then, there is the memory of my Grandpa taking me to see The Little Mermaid and having to sit three rows from the front in a packed theater.
However, it was my time in high school marching band that elevated my love of Disney. Every year, we'd march down Main Street, U.S.A. as part of the Disneyland Community Arts Showcase. The feeling and excitement of being "on stage" and marching down the street that Walt built is something that I've carried with me ever since. It was also with the band that I took my first trip to Walt Disney World during it's 25th anniversary!
I've now experienced Disneyland as a child, a teen, a newlywed, and a parent. I love using all of that experience to curate the perfect Disneyland Resort visit for myself and others.
My expertise extends "beyond the reef" to Walt Disney World, runDisney events, and Disney Cruise Line. With my versatile Disney background, just call me Elastigirl!
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Apr 22, 2025
Erin from CA asked“Can I do an online DAS interview the day before my reservation ? I already have the DAS on my account it just needs to be renewed”Melissa AnsweredHiya, Erin! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question. Your visit is days away, so let's get you an answer!Erin, Disability Access Service (DAS) is good for the length of your ticket or... - On Apr 22, 2025
Mayra from CA asked“Hello, I just wanted to make sure that taking photos in a cap and gown for high school graduation was allowed at disneyland Anaheim. I will be having a friend take photos with her canon eos 6d mark 2 for non commercial purposes, and will not be paying her.”Melissa AnsweredHi there, Mayra. Welcome to planDisney, and congratulations on your upcoming graduation! What an exciting time!I love taking milestone photographs inside the Disneyland theme parks, so I understand...View Related Videos
planDisney Podcast presented by State Farm - Mickey's Toontown
- On Apr 21, 2025
Julie from CA asked“Hi there! I am planning our first trip to Disneyland for my three kids ages 9,7, and 3, my husband and I and we are so excited. Hoping you could tell me a little more about what to expect crowd wise, weather wise etc. I appreciate you!”Melissa AnsweredJulie, a first visit? How exciting! I am also a mom of three, and I am so happy to answer your question.You'll be visiting during the summer, which tends to be a busier time at the Happiest Place on...View Related Videos
5 Tips for Making the Most of your Disneyland Resort Vacation
- On Apr 21, 2025
Rafael from CA asked“Hi. My child turned 3 about 6 months ago. I want to buy an annual pass for him. My family already holds four passes and we want to add a fifth. How can we get him his own pass (that aligns with our passes) if they are only renewing existing passes?”Melissa AnsweredHello there, Rafael. Welcome back to planDisney! New Disneyland Magic Key sales are currently paused, so you will need to wait until they go back on sale to purchase one for your child. While there...View Related Videos
- On Apr 20, 2025
Brianna from CA asked“Hello! Is there any chance that Star Wars Nite tickets will become available for May 4th if they are currently shown as sold out? We’ll be there during the day, but really wanted to attend the after hours event as well!”Melissa AnsweredBright suns, Brianna. Thanks for cruising by planDisney with your out-of-this-world question.My family and I are also Star Wars fans and are excited to experience Season of the Force and Star Wars...
