
Melissa H, California
- 7/12/2025
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 Jul 7, 2025
Michael from AZ askedDoes your parking pass count for all day, if you leave to go back to your hotel for a mid-day break and come back. Are you charged again? how does it work for Key holders?Melissa AnsweredHiya, Michael. Thanks for coming by planDisney with your parking question!Parking at the Disneyland Resort is good for the entire day of your visit. Guests are able to leave and return, but should...View Related VideosplanDisney Podcast presented by State Farm - Mickey's Toontown
- On Jul 6, 2025
Rochelle from Cebu askedI know wagons aren’t allowed due to the pull function, causing unsafe conditions. However, are stroller wagons allowed? I mainly push since manoeuvrability is better pushed. Especially since the one I have can be folded small based on stroller dimensions.Melissa AnsweredGreetings, Rochelle! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney. We're happy you've stopped by!Unfortunately, based on the Disneyland Resort rules, strollers and stroller wagons are not...View Related Videos - On Jul 3, 2025
Deb from CA askedwill a magic band a bought in 2024 at Disneyland still work this summer Melissa AnsweredHey there, hi there, Deb! Thanks for stopping by! I love my Disney MagicBand+ and am happy to answer your question.Yes, a MagicBand+ purchased at the Disneyland Resort last year can be used on your...View Related VideosUltimate Guide To Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2025
- On Jul 2, 2025
Brooke from CA askedHow do i reserve a photographer in the park?Melissa AnsweredHi Brooke! Thanks for stopping by with your great question. I am happy you are here!Disney PhotoPass is one of my favorite ways to capture memories and bring home a souvenir of my day. Unfortunately,...View Related Videos5 Tips for Making the Most of your Disneyland Resort Vacation
- On Jul 2, 2025
Dayane from CA askedIf I used a one time payment in another card how long does it take to make park reservationsMelissa AnsweredHello there, Dayane. Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney!It sounds like you might be asking about making a park reservation after a Magic Key payment. If you've recently updated your...View Related VideosUltimate Guide To Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2025