Melissa H, California
- 12/12/2025
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 Dec 10, 2025
Carla from CA askedWe arrived late to meet Jack Skellington during our visit in October but a Disney staff member told us Jack Skellington would be back during the Christmas season but I don’t see an attraction for him. Is he at Disneyland?Melissa AnsweredWhat's this, Carla? You want to see the Pumpkin King on your next visit to Disneyland? I certainly don't blame you!Currently, Jack Skellington appears near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride line next...View Related Videos - On Dec 10, 2025
Richard from CA askedI have 3 $50 gift cards and 3 $25 gift cards I want to use to buy a ticket to the parks. how can I do this? your system only takes ONE card.Melissa AnsweredGreetings, Richard. Thank you so much for bringing your question to planDisney. I'm glad you're here!Disney Gift Cards are one of my payment methods for food and merchandise at the Disneyland Resort,...View Related Videos - On Dec 9, 2025
Shannon from FL askedI want to give my daughter tickets for Christmas a our grandson is 19 months do I need to buy a child ticket for him?Melissa AnsweredHiya, Shannon. Thanks for visiting planDisney. What a wonderful question - you've got one lucky daughter!I've got great news for you! Children who are under the age of three do not require a theme...View Related Videos - On Dec 9, 2025
Jennifer from Victoria askedI’m coming from Australia and want to buy tickets to Sweethearts nite, where can I purchase these online?Melissa AnsweredHiya, Jennifer! You are right on time! Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite tickets just went on sale this week. This special after-hours event features exclusive entertainment, beloved Disney...View Related Videos - On Dec 7, 2025
Lori from KY askedWhat is Disneyland hours for December 23-28, 2025 Melissa AnsweredHiya, Lori. Thanks for visiting planDisney with your question! I'll bet you are so excited for your upcoming visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!I took a look at the Hours & Events Calendar on...View Related Videos5 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Disneyland Resort In 2025