Amanda D, Utah
- 12/30/2024
About Me
Hi! I'm Amanda and I live in a beUTAHful state just a short flight away from the Happiest Place on Earth. Disney is home to so many of the things that I love—fun experiences with my family, amazing stories, gorgeous music, and incredible science and technology! I was the kid who asked for books on Disney history and collected snow globes from my favorite Disney movies...I still have them all! My passion for Disney has only grown since my childhood, especially as I truly appreciate the tenacity of Walt Disney and the innovation of Imagineers. An engineer and content strategist myself, I'm a collaborative problem solver to the core! When I'm not plotting our next Disney adventure or hanging out with my husband and two kids you'll find me volunteering as a Director for a STEM non-profit and dancing the night away at our community theater.
About My Family
I grew up with an amazing family who loved to visit the Disneyland Resort as a giant group of parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. My dad often used our time in lines to teach me about the science of my favorite attractions and shows and I still love seeing how Imagineers use technology, music, and art to build thrilling experiences! I met my creative Prince Charming in college and he proved just how brilliant he is by proposing to me on Main Street, U.S.A.! With an adventurous son and a sparkling daughter of our own, we love the experiences that Disney provides for our family. There's always something new to see, chances to test how brave we are, and opportunities to learn about others and ourselves. Our family believes that failure is awesome because it means you tried something hard! We're always working to "Keep Moving Forward" just like Walt!
About My Disney Experience
Some of my favorite memories are of the lights and music of the "Main Street Electrical Parade" and watching the exciting finale of "Fantasmic!" from the edge of the Rivers of America. I love how the Disneyland Resort grows and changes, bringing new stories to life with amazing technology, but still always feels home when we walk through the gates. My touring style has evolved as I've gone from being the kid to being the one responsible FOR the kids—I definitely know what it's like to plan for a variety of ages and stages. Sometimes I'm planning Disneyland Resort visits for 30+ people across three generations when my whole family is along for the ride! No matter what our group looks like, I know that a good strategy (and fresh popcorn) makes all the difference in a Disney day. We always try to be flexible, enjoy the moment, and make some magic for the people around us!
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Dec 28, 2024
Christa from TX asked“How can I buy a Disney photo pass and what does it cost”Amanda AnsweredHiya Christa!My favorite souvenir from every single Disneyland Resort trip is always my photos. Let's make sure you are ready to capture all the core memories coming your way!I like to purchase... - On Dec 26, 2024
Nicole from NV asked“Hi, I just wanted to check that Paint the night will run through Halloween season still ??”Amanda AnsweredHiya, Nicole!There is something extra magical about nighttime entertainment in the parks! Lucky for us, 2025 looks like it will be an amazing year for spectacular shows in both theme parks. We know... - On Dec 24, 2024
Elizabeth from CA asked“What itinerary/activities would you recommend for four 80+ individuals (one with mobility issues) for the day at Disneyland (Pasadena)? Also, please suggest best place to watch the Disneyland parade, with seating, if possible. ”Amanda AnsweredHello there, Elizabeth!Welcome to planDisney! There are few places as nostalgic and magical as Disneyland Park. I'd love to give you some ideas on how to spend the day together! My first suggestion... - On Dec 22, 2024
Oscar from CA asked“Hi, how many formal nights are on a 13 night transatlantic cruise? Thanks”Amanda AnsweredHello there, Oscar!Ah, what a wonderful cruise you have waiting for you! I love a relaxed day at sea.On any cruise that is seven nights or longer, you will typically see one formal night and one... - On Dec 21, 2024
We asked our panelists…“I’m trying to book a cruise for my son’s birthday for march 2025 but there is no option . Are all cruises booked up ?”Amanda AnsweredHello there!I can say from personal experience that a birthday cruise is amazing! I hope you can find one that works to celebrate your son. I'll be happy to help you look!If we visit the "Find a... - On Dec 19, 2024
Alissa from WA asked“I booked a two day ticket I'm really confused, about buying a ticket and making a park reservation. I want to make sure I have what I need to enter the park. I'm unsure.”Amanda AnsweredHi Alissa!As Edna Mode would say, "Luck favors the prepared!" So I'm glad you're trying to confirm your theme park reservations. I'll do my best to help!The easiest way to see if you have everything... - On Dec 19, 2024
Michael from TX asked“Will there be Pirate Night on Disney Wish Xmas cruises?”Amanda AnsweredAhoy there, Michael!I'm guessing you just finished your Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Wish, I'm so sorry we didn't get to your question sooner! But just in case someone has the same question in... - On Dec 19, 2024
Erica from TX asked“Are travel power stripes allowed. Non surge protector.”Amanda AnsweredHello there, Erica!Thanks for stopping by with your question! No one likes surprises on embarkation day, so let's dive right in and get you ready to go.Power strips, extension cords, multi-plugs, and... - On Dec 18, 2024
Julia from CT asked“We are taking a 4 night Bahama cruise in July out of Port Canaveral. Our flight back is at 9:20 out of MCO is this doable?”Amanda AnsweredHiya Julia!It's so nice to meet you, thanks for your question!Disney Cruise Line recommends that guests sailing from Port Canaveral and flying out of Orlando International Airport book flights no... - On Dec 18, 2024
Sarah from NC asked“Hi there! My husband and I are so excited to be sailing on the Treasure! Is there an idea of which nights are themed nights? Our sailing starts on January 11th!”Amanda AnsweredAhoy there, Sarah!Welcome back, I'm excited to keep helping you with your cruise planning!It looks like your cruise is still on the same heading as when I wrote to you in the fall. I see Pirate Night... - On Dec 17, 2024
Louis from NC asked“Can you bring water on the Disney cruise ship ”Amanda AnsweredHello Louis!Welcome aboard! Packing wisely for a Disney Cruise is definitely a skill, I'll be happy to help you plan! Some items are restricted or prohibited on Disney Cruise Line ships so it's good... - On Dec 17, 2024
Joy from KY asked“Hi what shots are there on the Disney treasure ship that kids under 18 can go to?”Amanda AnsweredHello there, Joy!Welcome aboard and thanks for your question! I'm so excited that the Disney Treasure is officially sailing. It's so much fun to have a new ship to explore!You'll find that most of... - On Dec 17, 2024
Paul from MN asked“Hi! My wife and I are surprising our girls this Xmas with the Treasure! If we stay on property at WDW prior and book DCL bus the next morning for Disney transportation, does Disney give priority when reserving your port arrival time? Thank you!”Amanda AnsweredHiya Paul!Welcome back to planDisney, it's great to "sea" you again!Now THAT is my kind of Christmas present! I hope your girls were so thrilled when they heard you'd be sailing on the Disney... - On Dec 17, 2024
Julie from PA asked“Current movies on the fantasy”Amanda AnsweredHi there, Julie!Thanks so much for your question, it looks like I'm catching you just in time!Right now it looks like the movies in the Buena Vista Theater on the Disney Fantasy include: ... - On Dec 15, 2024
Ashley from CA asked“If I am an inspire key pass holder, but buy a ticket to enter a park on one of my block out days, can I still use my discounts even though my reservation isn't under my pass?”Amanda AnsweredHi there, Ashley!Welcome to planDisney, it's always fun to chat with a fellow Magic Key holder! I hope you're having a great day in the parks and this information finds you in time to be useful.Yes!... - On Dec 11, 2024
Lesly from TX asked“Hello, I would like to make a reservation to Disney princess breakfast adventure, it says it’s from 8am to 11am but reservation time is only showing at 10am. Is there a way we can get there before to have enough time to interact with the princesses?”Amanda AnsweredGreetings, Lesly!Sending you a royal welcome to planDisney! Character dining is such an amazing way to meet our favorite characters. And you've got your eyes set on quite the epic breakfast!Disney... - On Dec 11, 2024
Luz from CA asked“Can you leave the Disneyland/California adventure parking lots and come back?”Amanda AnsweredHiya Luz!Thanks for driving by with your question! It looks like you'll be rolling to the parks soon, so let's get you ready to race.I was able to chat with a Cast Member today who said if you keep... - On Dec 11, 2024
Javier from CA asked“My son is autistic is there any accommodations that would help with his Disney trip experience?”Amanda AnsweredHello Javier!Thanks so much for visiting planDisney, I hope my answer reaches you in time to be helpful.The Disneyland Resort provides a variety of accessibility services to help every guest have the... - On Dec 10, 2024
James from OH asked“Any availability in March of 2025”Amanda AnsweredHiya James!Thanks for visiting planDisney! I have some great news for you, so let's dive right in...The short answer is yes! The Disney Cruise Line website currently shows over 40 sailings with... - On Dec 10, 2024
Jesse from BC asked“We are taking the Disney Wonder from Honolulu to Vancouver from Feb 24 - March 5, 2025, and we are wondering if this sailing will include fireworks at sea. We need to temper our kiddo's expectations.”Amanda AnsweredAhoy there, Jesse!Welcome aboard and thanks for your question! I am all about knowing what to expect on a trip, so I think you're very wise to be preparing your family for what is on the horizon.... - On Dec 10, 2024
Kirstin from New South Wales asked“Hi. We are departing on Disney Wonder from Sydney on the 16/1/25 for 6 nights. Im just wondering how we find out when the theme night parties are please”Amanda AnsweredHi Kirstin!Thanks for visiting planDisney! I'll be happy to fill you in on the details of your itinerary. For the Disney Wonder sailing on January 16, 2025, the current plans are: Night 1: Cruise... - On Dec 9, 2024
Cheryl from FL asked“Are hot water bottles permitted? Just the bag type. I cannot bring a heating pad, so I thought that may be an option for my arthritis. Or if not are the stick on heat strips okay? I'd rather not use the smelly gel.”Amanda AnsweredHello there, Cheryl!Welcome back to planDisney, I hope you had a wonderful visit to Fort Wilderness recently!You are correct that heating pads are one of the prohibited items on Disney Cruise Line...View Related Videos
- On Dec 9, 2024
Jackee from OR asked“How do I connect my magic band to my tickets ”Amanda AnsweredHiya Jackee!Thanks for visiting planDisney, it's nice to meet you! I love using MagicBand+ in the parks, so let's get your band all set up. First, you'll need to download the Disneyland Mobile App.... - On Dec 6, 2024
Renee from UT asked“How do I link my room key to pay for purchases?”Amanda AnsweredHello, Renee!Thanks so much for visiting planDisney! It looks like you escaped chilly Utah (I'm still here in the fog) for sunny California. I hope you are having a wonderful time!I'm sorry to be a... - On Dec 6, 2024
Rhiannon from CA asked“Is there a deadline for me to switch which park I want to go to for my reservation? Im booked for Disneyland but might last minute switch to DCA. Can I do this morning of as long as there’s availability?”Amanda AnsweredHello, Rhiannon!As the White Rabbit would say..."I'm late!" I am so sorry that I might not have reached your question in time. I'll do my best to provide good tips for the future!Currently, theme...
