Matt N, New Jersey
- 12/31/2024
About Me
I am an Instructional Coach at an elementary school, where I help create learning environments that honor not just growth, but everything students, families, and teachers carry with them. I also lead workshops that support teachers in bringing skills, confidence, and care into harmony, while helping learners find their voice along the way. I love to read, write, travel, attend concerts and Broadway shows, and spend time with my husband, family, and friends. Like my favorite character, Ariel, I love to swim regularly (I'm a secret merman). I can't wait to help you plan a Disney vacation filled with moments that come together into a meaningful symphony of memories.
About My Family
I grew up watching all the Disney movies with my brother and sister in Connecticut, wearing out VHS tapes and memorizing all of the lines. Those shared moments sparked my love for Disney. It was not just the stories on the screen, but the way those moments connected us. Today, I live in New Jersey with my husband, a fellow educator, where our melodies blend and our life unfolds as a duet. We love spending time with our family and friends, both inside and outside of the Walt Disney World Resort, where those shared moments come together in ways that stay with us.
About My Disney Experience
Growing up in the Disney Renaissance era, Disney has always been in my DNA. I went on my first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in middle school, and I have been hooked ever since. It is truly my happy place and a place I call home, especially because Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort is my home resort with Disney Vacation Club. While I often travel with my husband and adult friends, I also love to travel with my family, including my niece and nephew. Those shared trips, across different seasons of life, are where the magic really comes together. You can often find me tasting my way around an EPCOT festival, checking off another hotel on my Disney Resorts Collection Hotel bucket list, or conquering all of the Disney Mountains. Every trip has its own rhythm, and together, those moments become something bigger.
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Dec 29, 2024
Michelle from FL asked“What date do gingerbread houses close ”Matt AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Michelle! True love’s kiss may solve many problems in a place like Andalasia from Enchanted and Disenchanted, but here at the Walt Disney World Resort, a sprinkle of...View Related Videos
A Guide To Selecting Your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel With Little Ones
- On Dec 27, 2024
Domineeke from NE asked“I'm trying to plan a family trip, and I don't know much about theme parks since this will be our first time visiting one. Some of us are also flying for the first time. Could you please send me information about different theme parks? Thank you!”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Domineeke, to planDisney! I just had to answer your question because my first time flying was to the Walt Disney World Resort...and the first time visiting the resort is so very special.... - On Dec 26, 2024
Stephanie from ON asked“With a lightning lane premier pass, does one walk right into the lightning lane for rides like tiana or guardians of the galaxy? I want to confirm that no virtual queues or reservations are required. Thanks!”Matt AnsweredHi there, Stephanie! Welcome to our friendly little home on the internet, where we help every Guest add their own special spice to their upcoming Disney vacation!Currently, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is...View Related Videos
- On Dec 26, 2024
Kirk from WV asked“My family is going to Disney World soon and I would like to propose to my girlfriend there. I would like to involve Ariel somehow because my girlfriend is dying to meet her! Any help would be greatly appreciated!”Matt AnsweredOh, Kirk! “I don’t see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be bad.” And planning your magical moment here is going to make it even more wonderful. Let’s dive...View Related Videos
- On Dec 24, 2024
Ruby from TX asked“By when do I need to buy the quick service dining plan if my trip is Feb-25-March 1?”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Ruby, to planDisney! We're excited to have you here.My favorite topic to discuss is Disney dining, so I jumped at the chance to answer your question. As Remy from Ratatouille would say,... - On Dec 23, 2024
Ihor asked“I want to go to WDW Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers Do I understand correctly that I need to + buy entrance tickets I also have a question about the Lightning Lane Pass and parking, how can I buy in advance”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Ihor! I'm so happy you found your way to us through the galaxy. Let's get your intergalactic question answered!To experience Savi's Workshop, you need a valid theme park ticket to Disney's... - On Dec 22, 2024
Misha from MI asked“At the end of February/beginning of March 2025 we will be traveling to WDW for the Youth Flag Football World Championships and will be staying at Caribbean Beach- are there shuttles/transportation running to the ESPN Wide World of Sports?”Matt AnsweredHello, Misha. Thank you for reaching out to us at planDisney! Let's get your question answered!How exciting that you're attending an event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The facilities at...View Related Videos
- On Dec 21, 2024
Jessica from WA asked“Can my husband and I use the Standard Dining Plan to get the Chef's Signature Dinner for Two at Toledo? If so, how many credits would it use? Do we have to choose between the steak or the paella, or do we get both?”Matt AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Jessica! I'm so happy to answer your question today, especially because Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is high on my list of... - On Dec 20, 2024
Marta from Porto asked“Where can I find a list of the hotel’s restaurants which will celebrate NYE 2024/2025, with prices please? Many thanks”Matt AnsweredHello Marta. Welcome to planDisney! Just like Princess Tiana chasing her dreams, you’re on your way to planning a magical New Year’s Eve adventure!A New Year's Eve visit to the Walt...View Related Videos - On Dec 19, 2024
Briana from MA asked“If I purchase an annual pass and plan to visit in the spring, can I book my hotel for that time with PH discount now even though my pass wouldnt be active yet?”Matt AnsweredHiya there, Briana. How splendid it is that you found us here on planDisney and asked your question. We hope you keep them coming as you plan your spring vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort!The...View Related Videos
- On Dec 17, 2024
Sheri from CT asked“In the app and trying to select top attractions in the My Day section. When I select "view my day" all I get is an unending clocking circle and "Saving your preferences" message. Am I choosing too soon? I'm 2 weeks from our trip.”Matt AnsweredHakuna Matata, Sheri! Welcome to planDisney. I'm roaring with excitement to answer your question today—let’s make it the circle of solutions!First things first: you are not too early. I... - On Dec 17, 2024
Raffaele from Lazio asked“Hello, I have a park hopper ticket and I made the reservation for Dec 31st at Animal Kingdom (the only park available). Can I change park and have access to MK or Hollywood Studios even if actually both of them are not available for reservation?”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Raffaele! I'm so excited about your New Year's Eve visit to the Walt Disney World Resort. To make the best of your visit, let's get your question answered!If your theme park ticket requires...View Related Videos
Holidays at Walt Disney World | planDisney Podcast – Special Episode
- On Dec 16, 2024
Kathrine from NC asked“Hey so me and my family are planning a disney trip along with in laws. We are all wanting to do a character dinner, most likely Cinderellas castle. There will be 3 maybe 4 groups of us splitting the bill. Can we split the bill and use the meal plan for us?”Matt AnsweredHiya, Kathrine. I'm so happy you discovered us on our royal and informative little corner of the internet!Cinderella's Royal Table is truly an experience that everyone needs to have at least once.... - On Dec 16, 2024
Erin from NY asked“If I'm only staying on property 1 night can I still book the 2 day dining plan plan”Matt AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Erin! I'm so happy to answer your delicious holiday question today.As long as you have booked a vacation package (Disney Resorts Collection Hotel room reservation and at least... - On Dec 16, 2024
Kim from FL asked“Hi! I have noticed recently that servers are adding automatic gratuity to parties that are less than 6 people. Has the policy at Disney changed? I’m an annual passholder if this policy changed for passholders omly maybe?”Matt AnsweredHello, Kim, thanks for reaching out to us here at planDisney.Oh, dining at the Walt Disney World Resort. How I love thee. Let me count the ways as I pluck the petals off a flower. The fragrant wafts...View Related Videos
A Guide To Dining at Walt Disney World With Your Little Ones
- On Dec 15, 2024
Jaime from GA asked“Can you use the disney dining plan for food at Splitzville? how many credits?”Matt AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney, Jaime. Keep those questions coming! We love to answer them and help you make magic on your next Disney vacation.Okay, I think most Disney fans have a Disney bucket list....View Related Videos - On Dec 15, 2024
Katharine from Essex asked“Hello, I’ve seen that Hollywood Studios is going to be doing an after hours night at Disney world Orlando for Star Wars. How do I get tickets for this please, and do you know when they will go on sale? Thank you.”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Katharine, to planDisney, where we answer all of your Disney vacation planning questions—even if they are from a galaxy far, far away.While there currently isn't a separately ticketed... - On Dec 14, 2024
Kate from Essex asked“How do I book someone else onto the caring for giants experience”Matt AnsweredHi Kate! Thanks for reaching out to us on our friendly and informative little corner of the internet. We love to help Guests make magic on their upcoming Disney vacations.Currently, our friends in...View Related Videos
Ultimate Guide To Wild Africa Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- On Dec 12, 2024
Rita from NY asked“I will be arriving at Art of Animation on Christmas Day. Can I arrange to have some Christmas decorations set up for us so it looks festive when we arrive?”Matt AnsweredMerry Christmas, Rita! Thanks for reaching out to our friendly little corner of the internet with your festive question.As the resident decorator in my household, I feel this question deeply. While...View Related Videos
- On Dec 12, 2024
Scott from FL asked“If I choose to renew my pixie pass after it expires, will I still be able to save on the renewal? I saw the renewal cost was lower than the purchase cost, but I might not renew until after it expires. Also, will my child's DAS pass stay active?”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Scott, to planDisney! I'm so happy to answer your question today.As a fellow Annual Passholder, I know all the joy it can bring. And since you're a Florida Resident, you get some great added...View Related Videos - On Dec 10, 2024
Diana from PR asked“Hi , If by any chance the weather forecast shows a rainy day . Can we change our date ? And if so , when will we be able to change it ? Thank you in advance . Diana”Matt AnsweredHello, Diana. Welcome to planDisney, where we answer all of your Disney vacation planning questions with a smile!Central Florida is no stranger to a little rain. Luckily, especially near and during...View Related Videos
- On Dec 8, 2024
Adele from MA asked“Hello, My grandaughter turns 3 on November 4th, however we plan to arrive at Disney on November 1st to Nov 6th. Will she need a park ticket for the 4th & 5th?”Matt AnsweredHappy early birthday, Adele's granddaughter! And happy Disney vacation planning to you, Adele. For me, planning and counting down to my next Disney vacation is half the fun. So be sure to check out...View Related Videos
A Guide To Planning Your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation With Little Ones
- On Dec 8, 2024
Kieran from Fife asked“Hi, Im going on holiday to disneyworld fla from the uk and looking to do the savi's workshop experience. Im wondering whats the best option to ship this back to the uk. does the experience/park have an option to ship from there or ship myself? thanks”Matt AnsweredBright suns, Kieran. Thank you for bringing your intergalactic question to our galaxy!Currently, you are unable to ship your lightsaber from Savi's Workshop to international destinations from this...View Related Videos - On Dec 7, 2024
Julie from FL asked“We bought our kids surprise tickets to Disney world for Christmas. I don't want to link the tickets to their profiles bc they will find out we are going to Disney world. However, I also want to go ahead and book lighting lane passes for a few rides”Matt AnsweredOkay, Julie. This question is amazing! And I'm so happy you brought it to us here at planDisney.Because the ability to purchase and reserve Lightning Lanes is tied to theme park tickets, you must...View Related VideosA Guide To Planning Your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation With Little Ones
- On Dec 7, 2024
Amy from Cheshire asked“My daughter turns 10 towards the end of our Disney stay, do I use her age at check in for the dining plan and tickets? Thanks”Matt AnsweredWelcome, Amy! I'm so excited to answer your first question at planDisney. I'm hoping it's the first of many.Ahhhhh! A birthday at the Walt Disney World Resort! It doesn't matter what age you're...
