Melissa H, California
- 11/26/2025
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 Nov 25, 2025
Justin from UT askedMy wife and I have purchased tickets to the park on Monday December 1st. How do I make a park reservation as well? Melissa AnsweredHiya, Justin! Thank you for stopping by with your park reservation question. I am happy to help!Justin, you likely made your theme park reservations during the purchase process, as Disneyland Resort...View Related Videos - On Nov 21, 2025
Annalisa from CA askedCan you purchase Disneyland magic key pass at the park (if available) or do you have to purchase it online?Melissa AnsweredHi there, Annalisa. Thanks for visiting planDisney. I'm so excited that you are hoping to become a Disneyland Magic Key holder!While it is possible to purchase a Disneyland Magic Key at the resort...View Related Videos5 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Disneyland Resort In 2025
- On Nov 20, 2025
Bill from NV askedI’m cannot find our ticket ID numbers. How do I access those?Melissa AnsweredGreetings, Bill! Thanks for visiting planDisney with your question. I'm so happy you're here!There are a couple of places to locate your Disneyland ticket ID number. The first would be by locating...View Related VideosFull Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Nov 20, 2025
Melissa from CA askedWhat is the hourly rate to park at the Grand California Hotel after 3 hour validation ends from a dining experience?Melissa AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney, Melissa. I'm glad you're here!It sounds like you already know about the three hours of complimentary parking (choice of valet or self-parking) that you get when you dine...View Related Videos - On Nov 19, 2025
Tj from AB askedI have a Dinner reservation booked for 1:30 PM on Christmas Day in Storytellers Cafe. I see that the menu looks different than the Mickey’s Christmas Carol Feast menu, but I can’t find info on what characters might be there. Please help.Melissa AnsweredHi there, TJ! Thanks for visiting planDisney!There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than with a festive dinner at Storytellers Cafe. It is one of my favorite dining experiences at the...View Related Videos