Shantel H, Alabama
- 12/14/2025
About Me
Hello! I am a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom of two. When I am not organizing the chaos at home or exploring the parks with my family, you can find me researching all things Disney! I love finding new ways to experience the magic during my family’s vacations to Disney Parks, but my true passion is searching for new treats to try! While everything is better at Disney, it’s a fact that snacks and food taste SO much better when they are Mickey-shaped! My friends and family have unofficially appointed me as their go-to Disney vacation planner because of my need to share all my favorite “must-dos” and “must-try” snacks, as they are planning for their trips. On the days I am not submerging myself in all things Disney, you can find me shopping, organizing, and spending time with my family.
About My Family
I met my husband at our local church, and we have been married since 2012. Our life together began in Alaska and since then has brought us back to Arizona! My husband is active duty in the United States Army, and we are so grateful to be able to enjoy and experience all the promotions Disney offers for his military service. In 2014, just two years after marrying my Prince Charming, we welcomed our son, who is a Chiari warrior, followed by our own little princess just three years later, in 2017. Due to our son’s battle with Chiari, we’ve been in and out of the hospital many times and even feared that our son would never get to enjoy Disney the way we do. Thankfully, our son has proven to be a true fighter and Disney is always so accommodating to our family’s special needs, which helps us make every trip magical. Growing up, my parents always took my sisters and I to the parks, but it wasn’t until my husband traveled with our children that he found himself bit by the Disney bug! Now I catch him joining in on my researching sessions and watching vacation planning videos with the kids on Saturday mornings!
About My Disney Experience
My love for Disney began early on thanks to classic Disney movies growing up, and the Wonderful World of Reading, books my mom would bring home for me weekly. Then at just five years old, we took my first Disney Vacation and I was hooked! It became a tradition for my parents to take my sisters and me at least once a year, sometimes even more. I originally fell in love with the Disneyland Resort and after I had my own family, grew to know and love Walt Disney World Resort as well. Disney Parks set the scene for the magic to happen, but I now find that some of the best magic is traveling with those I love. It’s seeing my son melt at the sight of Mickey Mouse year after year. It’s my daughter conquering her fears and trying new rides she’s finally tall enough for. The best part of it all though is, sharing these memories with my husband as we experience the parks through the eyes of our children together. Getting to see my children’s faces light up each trip reminds me of when I was a little girl and now, I understand why my parents continued to bring us every year. Disney not only allows me to “never grow up” but it gives me a chance to experience a different kind of magic while I continue to make new memories with my family.
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Dec 14, 2025
Dwayne from MA asked“how do i get cat 1 for hoop de doo for 8 adults”Shantel AnsweredHi ya, Dwayne!Welcome to planDisney, we are thrilled to hear from you! Most importantly, I’m happy to help answer your question.Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a high-spirited music-and-comedy... - On Dec 13, 2025
Tony from LA asked“I’m considering purchasing the military celebrate America passes. I see that the military member has to be present the first day at entry to the park. Does that mean the first day for every use including subsequent trips?”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Hi there, Ho there, Tony!Welcome to planDisney, we are so happy to hear from you. Like you, I am also very eager to purchase and use the 2026 incredible military offer. The Disney... - On Dec 12, 2025
We asked our panelists…“If a relative who's a veteran got me the celebrate America discounted season pass, then went with me to the parks the first time, could I return for future visits and use the pass without them?”Shantel AnsweredGreetings and welcome to planDisney.I’m so happy you found us! Let me first begin with a thank you to your relative. “Thank You!” As a military spouse, I am also very excited to...View Related Videos
- On Dec 9, 2025
Amy from NJ asked“I left my physical gift card at home , how can I add it to my Wallet”Shantel AnsweredHi there, Amy!I’m so happy to hear from you. Does this mean you are at Walt Disney World now? Enjoy every minute of it! And make sure to take tons of photos to help preserve all the new...View Related Videos - On Dec 8, 2025
Rajesh from NC asked“Do we have any discounts using my Disney visa card”Shantel AnsweredHi ya, Rajesh!We are delighted to hear from you and welcome you to planDisney. I have been a Disney Visa cardholder for almost a decade, and to this day. I love my card! We use it for all things...View Related Videos