Melissa H, California
- 8/29/2025
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 Aug 26, 2025
Laurie from HI asked“Aloha, We will be staying at the Pixar Hotel and was wondering if we will be able to utilize the other hotel pools as well?”Melissa AnsweredAloha, Laurie! Thanks for splashing by planDisney! It sounds like you're ready for your stay at Pixar Place Hotel in just a few days, so let's get to your question!I love theming at Pixar Place, and... - On Aug 24, 2025
Ryan from WA asked“We are going to going tk be at the Disneyland hotel for 9 days. I see the longest ti key is 5 days, can we add more days in at the 5 day price while we are there pre do we have to buy 2-4 day park tickets?”Melissa AnsweredHiya, Ryan! Welcome to planDisney. We are happy to help with your theme park ticket question.Your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth is almost here - you must be getting so excited! I spoke with... - On Aug 23, 2025
Christina from CA asked“Is there still the twilight ticket available for evening entry only?”Melissa AnsweredHiya, Christina. Welcome to planDisney. I'm so happy you've stopped by!I wish I had better news, but the Disneyland Resort does not currently offer half-day or twilight tickets. Use of a standard...View Related Videos
Ultimate Guide To Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2025
- On Aug 23, 2025
Maria from CA asked“Are we able to take Energy Drinks inside the theme park?”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney, Maria. We're glad you are here!Your visit to the Happiest Place on Earth is just in time for the spookiest time of year, as Halloween Time just began yesterday! I...View Related Videos
A Look Inside The Haunted Mansion Ballroom | planDisney Podcast - Episode 3
- On Aug 22, 2025
Monica from WA asked“I'm trying to see times for shows and parades at Disneyland in October 2025. On another question you answered on Aug. 10 you state that times hove been released through Oct. 13, but I can't find info on Oct. 4. Can you point me to the schedule?”Melissa AnsweredHello there, Monica, and thanks for visiting planDisney! I'm so glad you've stopped by while planning your trip to the Happiest Place on Earth!The Disneyland Hours & Events Calendar is usually...
