
Melissa H, California
- 6/6/2025
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 Jun 2, 2025
Edgar from AZ askedAre backpacks and water bottles or hydro flasks allowed? If so, regular backpack or clear ones?Melissa AnsweredHiya, Edgar! Thanks for stopping by with your question. I am happy to help!My family and I always carry a backpack when we visit the Disneyland Resort theme parks. It's perfect for holding a reusable... - On May 29, 2025
Skye from HI askedWe are planning a trip in October to Disneyland. Why does DCA close at 6pm on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from September through October.Melissa AnsweredHi there, and welcome to planDisney, Skye. I'm so glad you've stopped by with your question! You visit overlaps during the spookiest time of year at the Disneyland Resort - Halloween! This...View Related VideosA Look Inside The Haunted Mansion Ballroom | planDisney Podcast - Episode 3
- On May 29, 2025
Brittney from CA askedFor Disneyland resorts can you book all your dining 60 days out from your first check in day?Melissa AnsweredHi, Brittney. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question. I'm glad you are here!Unlike our pals on the East Coast, guests to the Disneyland Resort can only book dining reservations 60 days...View Related VideosUltimate Guide To Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2025
- On May 29, 2025
Dawn from WA askedWhen does Oogie Boogie Bash go on sale this year 2025?Melissa AnsweredHey there, hi there, ho there, Dawn. You're as welcome as can be at planDisney! This year's Oogie Boogie Bash (OBB) is on everyone's mind, and I understand why - last year, tickets went on sale the...View Related Videos - On May 29, 2025
Jessica from CA askedIs pumping only allowed at the Baby Care Center? I was planning on bringing a cover and pumping with my Spectra S1.Melissa AnsweredHi there, Jessica. I'm so glad you'll be visiting the Disneyland Resort and that you've brought us a great planning question!I've visited Disneyland while nursing and pumping, and the Happiest Place...View Related Videos