
Melissa H, California
- 10/17/2025
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 Oct 17, 2025
Angelina from CA askedHello, I was wondering if I could bring an actual like mini pumpkin to Disneyland in California.Melissa AnsweredHiya, Angelina. Welcome to planDisney. I'm so glad you've stopped by with your question!While the Disneyland permitted items list and Park Rules do not expressly prohibit mini pumpkins on property,...View Related VideosA Look Inside The Haunted Mansion Ballroom | planDisney Podcast - Episode 3
- On Oct 16, 2025
Chase from CA askedCan I upgrade an imagine key pass to a enchant key pass without having to pay the difference?Melissa AnsweredGreetings, Chase. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question. I am so glad you're hoping to keep the pixie dust flowing and upgrade to an Enchant Key. My family loves our Magic Keys, and...View Related Videos5 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Disneyland Resort In 2025
- On Oct 15, 2025
Ruben from CA askedIm planning to going to Disneyland and Disneyland Adventure by the end of this month, and im wondering if I can get on any rides with my 1 month old infant.Melissa AnsweredGreetings, Ruben! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question! All three of my kids visited the Happiest Place on Earth before they could walk, so I am so happy to answer your question. I am...View Related Videos - On Oct 12, 2025
Jennifer from AZ askedHello. Is there anywhere at Downtown Disney where my kids can request to receive some pixie dust (glitter) for their hair? We have a Princess Breakfast reservation on a day we won't be in the parks.Melissa AnsweredMagical greetings, Jennifer! Thanks for stopping by with your bibbidi bobbidi beautiful question!For your answer, I went straight to the source - a Fairy Godmother's Apprentice named Karla at Bibbidi...View Related Videos - On Oct 12, 2025
Matthew from MI askedWhat is best/most convenient airport to fly in and out of when traveling to Disneyland domestically? I am most interested in best options for transportation to and from airport/resort hotel that you recommend. Appreciate any feedback. Have a magical day!Melissa AnsweredGreetings, Matthew. Thanks for visiting planDisney - we are happy to help with all of your planning questions!There are several options for airports near the Disneyland Resort. The closest airport...