Melissa M, Illinois
- 6/4/2026
About Me
I've grown up in the Midwest my entire life, and I've been working in professional sports for over 15 years. Most days I channel my inner Elastigirl, being stretched between work and my other role as a proud hockey, baseball, and dance Mom! When we're not dreaming up our next Disney adventure, I love to cook, try new restaurants, and spend time with family and friends.
About My Family
We are a rope drop loving family of four, and you'll usually find us in Avengers Campus or riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! We also love to snack our way through the Disney Parks, so just follow the trail of popcorn and churro pixie dust to catch us at our next attraction. Seeing the magic of Disney through our kids' eyes is something that we will cherish forever. Our Disney memories will truly last a lifetime, and I cannot wait to share our magical tips with your family!
About My Disney Experience
My family visited Walt Disney World when I was young, but we fell in love with the Disneyland Resort on trips with our kids while visiting friends! Since I'm not local to any parks, I really have to do my research to maximize time on our trips. I love to strategically plan out each day with our priorities to get the most out of our trip!
Our favorite part of the Disney Parks are the amazing attractions that transport us to our favorite stories and movies. One of my can't-miss activities is to watch the neon signs light up in Radiator Springs during the evening in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park! I've done trips with family including traveling with babies and toddlers, as well as adults-only trips where we've enjoyed the wonderful festivals, food, and culture. I'm truly looking forward to helping you plan your BEST DAY EVER!
Questions I’ve Answered
- On Apr 5, 2026
Devon from CA asked“Planning to bring a group of 14 Daisy Scouts (6-7 year olds) to the park, how can I make this a special visit for around $50/head. I reached out to the imagination campus, but haven't heard back and don't have the bippity boppity budget. TIA!”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney Devon, what a fun trip you have planned!When my daughter was a Daisy Girl Scout, there were so many fun ways to earn Girl Scout badges with different activities in...View Related Videos
- On Apr 4, 2026
Jennifer from HI asked“Does the Grand Californian offer scooter rentals?”Melissa AnsweredAloha Jennifer! Thanks for bringing another great question back to planDisney.Guests are invited to bring and use their own ECVs, manual wheelchairs and power-assisted wheelchairs, as long as the...View Related Videos
- On Apr 4, 2026
Maria from CA asked“We have a trip planned for next Thursday, I got a SoCal 3 Day ticket as a birthday gift for my niece but I didn't know she doesn't not have an ID, besides an old school ID. Can she still visit the park without an ID?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Maria! Thanks for bringing your great question to us. I love that you gifted your niece a California Resident Park Hopper Ticket, what a wonderful birthday surprise! It is...View Related Videos
- On Apr 3, 2026
Kimberly from WA asked“How do I link Disneyland tickets using an email confirmation code”Melissa AnsweredHey there Kimberly, welcome to planDisney! We're so glad you stopped by!The best way to link your Disneyland Resort theme park tickets is in the Disneyland app. Open up the app, and navigate to the...View Related Videos - On Apr 3, 2026
Isabel from CA asked“At what times can you see Wally and Eva at Pixar place hotel on April 8,2026?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Isabel, we're so glad you're here!It is so exciting to see that WALL-E and EVE will be making an appearance during April at the Pixar Place Hotel to celebrate Earth Month! I...View Related Videos - On Apr 2, 2026
Jazmin from WA asked“I purchased 3 multi day park hopper tickets through Costco. I have them all under my name. I also reserved the days to enter the resort under my name. Do I need to assign my kids names to these tickets? Or can I keep them under my name?”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney, Jazmin! How exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is coming up so soon!I am usually in a similar situation to you during our trips, and all of...View Related Videos - On Apr 1, 2026
Shannon from CA asked“Is it possible to add lightning lane passes prior to entering the park?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Shannon! How exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is right around the corner!You may be able to upgrade your theme park tickets to add Lightning Lane Multi...View Related Videos - On Mar 30, 2026
Amber from CA asked“My husband and I tried to get 2 reservations of 6 for Blue Bayou but only ended up getting 1. I want my parents to use it since they've never been. Can I transfer the reservation to them or do I just checkin for them?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney Amber! It looks like your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is right around the corner! Blue Bayou Restaurant is one of our favorite places to dine during our trip. ...View Related Videos - On Mar 29, 2026
Kate from CA asked“We are visiting Disneyland on April 5th and got an e-mail suggesting we buy LL multi-passes now. When we tried to do so, the app says we have to be in the park first? Or we also heard you have to wait until 3 days in advance? ”Melissa AnsweredHello there Kate! Welcome to planDisney, we're so glad you're here!If you did not purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass with your theme park tickets, do not worry, you have a few options! You may be...View Related Videos - On Mar 29, 2026
Richard from TX asked“is there Easter service in Disneyland or Disney World this year? (2026) ”Melissa AnsweredGreetings Richard! Thanks for bringing your great question to planDisney!Easter is right around the corner! The Disneyland Resort does not have an Easter Service or Mass, and I chatted with a Walt...View Related Videos
- On Mar 29, 2026
Nina from CA asked“how do we request to have pictures taken on our park visit”Melissa AnsweredHey there Nina, how exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is coming up so soon!Even though I always take a ton of photos to document our family trips, it is so nice to have someone...View Related Videos - On Mar 26, 2026
Sileny from CA asked“Do babies under 1 year old need a ticket?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Sileny! How wonderful that you'll be bringing your little bundle of joy to the "Happiest Place on Earth" soon! My daughter's first visit was when she was 4 months old, and...View Related Videos - On Mar 25, 2026
Angela from IN asked“Can my 14 year old bring an electric wheelchair we own? If we do not bring our own, can we bring a rental scooter from an outside company?”Melissa AnsweredFrom one Midwesterner to another, welcome to planDisney Angela! How exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is coming up so soon!Guests of the Disneyland Resort are able to bring...View Related Videos - On Mar 17, 2026
Michael from VT asked“Where in cars land can I meet Finn McMissile Cars 2 is my favourite movie in the series”Melissa AnsweredGreetings Michael, "Ka-Chow!" The Cars film series is one of my family's favorites, we spend a ton of time in Cars Land every time we visit Disney California Adventure Park. I have not seen Finn...View Related Videos - On Mar 17, 2026
Andrew from NM asked“I currently have my family’s tickets for our upcoming Disneyland trip saved in my app. How do I share those with my spouse so the two of us each have both of our own tickets as well as all of the kids’ tickets in our respective Disneyland apps?”Melissa AnsweredHello there Andrew! Thanks for dropping by planDisney with your great question.You can definitely link your theme park tickets with your spouse so you both have access to your family's tickets. ...View Related Videos - On Mar 17, 2026
Elnora from AL asked“We have never been to Disney.I don't know where to start.I need 2 rooms or should I rent a house?How do I plan for meals? What about fast pass?Can I rent something for someone who can't walk that far?We would like to visit more than 1 park.”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Elnora! You have come to the right place to begin your planning. I completely understand that it can be overwhelming, and I'm here to help, you've got a friend in me!I would...View Related Videos - On Mar 17, 2026
We asked our panelists…“How do I book a trip ”Melissa AnsweredHello there, welcome to planDisney!How exciting that you're thinking of booking a trip to the Disneyland Resort! You have a few different options when it comes to booking your magical vacation. My...View Related Videos - On Mar 16, 2026
Jeralyn from OR asked“How do I know if the fireworks are scheduled to happen on 3/25/26 and 3/26/26? ”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Jeralyn! It looks like your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is coming up so soon, how exciting!The best way to see all of the entertainment options is to reference the...View Related Videos - On Mar 16, 2026
Djuan asked“I want to take my wife to Disney on March 26-April 1st but I don’t see any open dates to purchase tickets”Melissa AnsweredHey there Djuan! How wonderful that you're planning a magical trip for you and your wife!If you're looking to purchase theme park tickets for the Disneyland Resort, you are able to do that on the...View Related Videos - On Mar 16, 2026
Melissa from CA asked“I already purchased 3 day park hopper tickets and did not add lightning lane passes at the time of purchase. Am I able to add them on now prior to my visit? I've tried to modify my tickets but it doesn't allow me to.”Melissa AnsweredHello Melissa, from another Melissa! How exciting that you have a visit planned to the "Happiest Place on Earth" so soon!If you did not purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass during your original...View Related Videos - On Mar 15, 2026
Nicole from ID asked“My magic bands are visible in the app but don’t show battery life ? How to I make sure they are fully ready to go?”Melissa AnsweredHello there Nicole, thanks for bringing another great question back to planDisney!It is so convenient to use your MagicBand+ at the Disneyland Resort for entrance into both theme parks, and to scan...View Related Videos - On Mar 15, 2026
Ishy from Victoria asked“Hello! My daughter went to Bibbity bobbity boo a few years ago, and absolutely loved the hair brush they used in her hair. Could you tell me what the brand they use of brushes? Thank you so much!!”Melissa AnsweredHello there Ishy! Thanks for dropping by planDisney!I'm so glad that your little Princess had such a wonderful experience at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! It's one of my daughter's favorite...View Related Videos - On Mar 12, 2026
Amy from WA asked“I booked a 6-day/5-night Disneyland Hotel package with 5-day Park Hopper tickets through Costco for our 6 yo's 1st visit. Can I add tickets for one more day in the parks to the package without purchasing separate full-price park tickets?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Amy, welcome to planDisney! How exciting that you're planning such a magical trip, make sure to stop by City Hall in Disneyland Park or Guest Services in Disney California Adventure Park...View Related Videos - On Mar 12, 2026
Laura from CA asked“I bought a one day and 3 day park hopper for a 4 day trip to Disneyland March 19-22 now I have been trying over and over the 21 is not available to start day in California adventure park do I just go to park and hope to get in I’m a dvc member”Melissa AnsweredHello Laura! Thanks for bringing another great question back to planDisney!For your upcoming visit, you will need a theme park ticket as well as a corresponding theme park reservation for admission...View Related Videos - On Mar 10, 2026
Paula from CA asked“I need to book my little girl the biology bopping beutuike”Melissa AnsweredGreetings Paula, welcome to planDisney!My daughter has loved every Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, it truly is a dream come true! She was treated like a Princess from the time she stepped in,...View Related Videos - On Mar 9, 2026
Cynthia from FL asked“How to pay for my outstanding balance of upcoming vacation package?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Cynthia! How exciting that you have a magical trip coming up this summer!If you booked a Disneyland Resort Hotel Vacation Package, you would have paid a deposit at the time of booking, and...View Related Videos - On Mar 9, 2026
Daniel from CA asked“hello..is the pixar pool now open? i understand it was closed for repair.. ”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Daniel!I have good news, the pool area at the Pixar Place Hotel is now open! It was scheduled to reopen on March 8, 2026, and I did confirm with a Cast Member at the hotel that...View Related Videos
- On Mar 9, 2026
Sadie from TX asked“Hello we are planing a trip next weekend and I wanted to ask if we are able to or allowed to bring water bottles”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney Sadie! How exciting that your trip is coming up so soon!Yes, you can definitely bring in reusable water bottles to both theme parks and the Downtown Disney District...View Related Videos - On Mar 9, 2026
Sophia from CA asked“Does Disneyland allow pets?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Sophia, welcome to planDisney!Pets and other animals, except for service animals, are not allowed at the Disneyland Resort. Service animals are defined on the Disneyland site as a dog or...View Related Videos - On Mar 4, 2026
Kevin from CA asked“My wife and I are seniors now and havent visited you in many years. What can we do now for entertainment? SHOPPING and lunch or dinner in a nice restuarant. Please advise”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Kevin! How exciting that you are planning a trip back to the "Happiest Place on Earth!" There are so many entertainment options to enjoy throughout the entire Disneyland...View Related Videos - On Mar 4, 2026
Kerry from CA asked“Can I change my park dates after I bought my tickets ”Melissa AnsweredHey there Kerry! Welcome to planDisney!When you purchased your theme park tickets, you most likely secured a corresponding theme park reservation for specific date(s). It is no problem to modify...View Related Videos - On Mar 3, 2026
Alicia from WI asked“We are going to Disney for the first time. Kids are 8, 5, 3 and 11 months. Couple questions: 1) are there lockers you can rent? Where and how much? 2) are there quiet areas for nursing babies? Space to nap? 3) recommendations on restaurants?”Melissa AnsweredFrom one Midwesterner to another, welcome to planDisney Alicia! I have plenty of recommendations for you and your family as you plan your trip to the Disneyland Resort. There are lockers to rent in...View Related Videos
- On Mar 3, 2026
Serina from NV asked“hello! staying at pixar place in two weeks and just wanted to confirm we can pay the remaining of our room charge with disney gift cards at check in.”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Serina! How exciting that you're planning a trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth!" We love to stay at the Pixar Place Hotel during our trips! It's so convenient to be within...View Related Videos - On Mar 2, 2026
Laura from AK asked“Good morning. Am I required to bring my military ID when we come to the parks to use our military discount tickets or can I leave them at home?”Melissa AnsweredWe're so glad you came back to planDisney Laura, and thank you for your service!The Disney Military Promotional Ticket Offer is such a wonderful ticket offer for eligible US military members and...View Related Videos - On Mar 1, 2026
Tyffani from WA asked“Can guests of the Disneyland Hotel use the private entrance at the Grand Californian to enter DCA?”Melissa AnsweredHello Tyffani! How exciting that you're planning a trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" later this summer!Our family loves to stay at the Disneyland Hotel. You feel the magic and nostalgia of...View Related Videos - On Feb 28, 2026
Tim from CA asked“We are coming to Disneyland on 3/2 and are planning on getting to the park at about 8 am. We have reservations for Pixar place on 3/2 and check in is at 3 pm. Can we park at Pixar place hotel at 8am. And pay for the night parking lot ? Thanks Tim”Melissa AnsweredHey there Tim! Thanks for dropping by planDisney.You sound like you have the right idea for your arrival day! You are able to park at the Pixar Place Hotel early that morning on your arrival day...View Related Videos - On Feb 27, 2026
Blair from TX asked“I have the CA resident pass. My license is expired but I have my temporary ID, passport, bank statements, and tax forms all with my name and same CA address on it. Will I be able to enter the park?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Blair!I'm so glad you were able to take advantage of the wonderful California Resident Park Hopper Ticket, it's such a fantastic deal! You will need a valid government-issued...View Related Videos - On Feb 26, 2026
Mary from FL asked“If I want to send my friend a Disney gift card by text message, am I able to screenshot the barcode and just send it to her?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Mary! Welcome to planDisney!You sound like such a wonderful friend, receiving a Disney Gift Card from a friend is such a kind gesture! You could text her a photo of the gift card account...View Related Videos - On Feb 25, 2026
Thao from CA asked“Hello, if I purchased the magic key with Inspire tier, but my kid (3 yrs) can has Explore tier? Or have to be the same tier?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Thao! How exciting that you have purchased a Disneyland Resort Magic Key Pass. Being able to unlock the magic and wonder of the "Happiest Place on Earth" is a dream come...View Related Videos - On Feb 24, 2026
Melanie from WA asked“Would Bippiti Boppiti Boutique be able to accommodate my special needs daughter for her 18th birthday if we bring her own shirt or dress?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Melanie! We're so glad you're here!I can't think of a more magical birthday for your daughter than celebrating at the "Happiest Place on Earth!" I spoke with a Cast Member...View Related Videos - On Feb 24, 2026
Michael from IL asked“Goofys Kitchen blocked off all of April? or already booked solid?”Melissa AnsweredFrom one Illinois resident to another, welcome to planDisney Michael!I'm sorry you're having trouble securing your dining reservations at Goofy's Kitchen. Chef Goofy is cooking up his Springtime...View Related Videos
- On Feb 24, 2026
Chris from OH asked“What time does Goofy’s kitchen springtime dining reservations open for April? It shows today February 24th but I checked at 6:00am PT and they’re still not showing any of April dates open.”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Chris, we're so glad you're here!Oh Gawrsh, it sounds like you're having trouble securing your dining reservation at Goofy's Kitchen. For special dining events such as the...View Related Videos - On Feb 24, 2026
Jeanne from CA asked“I have a gift card, but it only has 12 digits, I would like to use it and check the balance”Melissa AnsweredHey there Jeanne, thanks for stopping by planDisney!I love using a Disney Gift Card during my trips, it's so nice to know that I already have funds stored on the gift card to use for my favorite...View Related Videos - On Feb 23, 2026
Jennifer from CA asked“Can I enter the parks with a temporary paper ID if i have not yet received my new one in the mail? Can i use my passport instead?”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney Jennifer! We're so glad you're here!It sounds like you're interested in purchasing the California Resident 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket, it's such a fantastic deal. ...View Related Videos - On Feb 22, 2026
Jessica from CA asked“Hello! I currently live full time in Southern California, but I still have my previous state’s drivers license. Since my license is out of state, how do I prove my residency for the SoCal Resident ticket?”Melissa AnsweredHello there Jessica! How exciting that you have relocated to sunny Southern California! It sounds like you are interested in purchasing the California Resident Park Hopper Ticket, it's such a...View Related Videos - On Feb 22, 2026
Deborah from NSW asked“When will the incredible coaster be opened up thanks”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Deborah! It looks like you'll be visiting the "Happiest Place on Earth" in just a few days, hooray! Incredicoaster at Disney California Adventure Park was closed for...View Related Videos - On Feb 18, 2026
Arina from CA asked“Hi! We are set to start our day at California adventure but are we able to enter Disneyland for breakfast at plaza in”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Arina! It looks like your magical trip is right around the corner!The "Minnie & Friends - Breakfast in the Park" character dining experience at Plaza Inn is only available...View Related Videos - On Feb 18, 2026
Chris from CA asked“I have a SoCal ticket and there is a chance of possible rain in the forecast, how much time would I have to pick another day to visit?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome back to planDisney Chris! Your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is right around the corner, how exciting!You are able to modify your theme park reservation and move your reservation to...View Related Videos - On Feb 17, 2026
Sierra from WA asked“How do I make a reservation at the droid depot at Disneyland? I can’t find anywhere to reserve a spot on the webpage or in the app. ”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Sierra! How exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is coming up so soon!You actually no longer need a reservation to build your new droid at Droid Depot! You...View Related Videos - On Feb 16, 2026
Elijah from CA asked“Do restauraunts not allow 6 table seating reservations? I am going to Disneyland with 5 of my friends and I want to make dining reservations, but anytime I set the party count to 6 there are no dates available. 5 has availability, but nothing higher.”Melissa AnsweredHey there Elijah! Thanks for bringing another great question back to planDisney.Table service dining locations throughout the Disneyland Resort do allow reservations for a party of 6. I just...View Related Videos