
Melissa H, California
- 8/1/2025
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 Jul 31, 2025
Gabriel from NV askedMy father needs mobility help maybe a scooter does Disney rent those?Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Gabriel! I am so glad that you're here and that you've brought such an important question.The Disneyland Resort does have rentals of both Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs)... - On Jul 29, 2025
Robyn from FL askedWhat are the recommended hotels closest to the 1/2 marathon start location?Melissa AnsweredThanks for running by with your excellent question, Robyn. I'm glad you're here!The official course map has not been released quite yet, but if the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon follows the most...View Related VideosBeginner’s Guide to runDisney | planDisney Podcast – Season 3 Episode 3
- On Jul 28, 2025
Kelly from AB askedHello! We have tickets and park reservations for Disneyland only, however, we also have a World of Color Dessert Party reservation for the same evening. Can we attend the Dessert Party without purchasing a separate California Adventure park ticket?Melissa AnsweredHi there, Kelly. Thanks for stopping by planDisney. You're in for so much fun during your upcoming trip. I am SO excited that you'll be there to "Celebrate Happy" at Disneyland's 70th Anniversary.I...View Related Videos5 Tips for Making the Most of your Disneyland Resort Vacation
- On Jul 27, 2025
Rosalie from FL askedIn your experience where should we sit to watch the Walt Disney animatronic, up close or farther away? Any tips on what time of day to see it?Melissa AnsweredMagical greetings, Rosalie! Thanks for stopping by with another great question. It appears you have a very magical adventure coming up! I love that you want to experience one of the newest offerings... - On Jul 24, 2025
Jessica from OH askedI’m looking into happy haunts tour for Disneyland but do you need a park hopper to take the tour?Melissa AnsweredSeasons screamings, Jessica. Thanks for stopping by planDisney, where we are always dying to help!Disney’s Happiest Haunts: The Villains’ Trail Guided Tour looks like a frighteningly good...View Related VideosA Look Inside The Haunted Mansion Ballroom | planDisney Podcast - Episode 3