Melissa M, Illinois
- 2/5/2026
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 Feb 5, 2026
Kevin from CA asked“For the resident pass for Disneyland in CA, it's making me choose 3 days for reservations. Can I change or modify the reservation dates in the future?”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney Kevin! I'm so glad you were able to take advantage of the great California Resident Park Hopper ticket offer, it's such a fantastic deal. Yes, you are able to...View Related Videos
- On Feb 5, 2026
Samantha from NV asked“Does the storytellers cafe offer world of color package with the buffet? When I try to make reservation it says 3 course prix fixe meal. Not the buffet.”Melissa AnsweredHello there Samantha, welcome to planDisney, we're so glad you're here!The World of Color Dining Package is a great option to secure a great viewing area to enjoy the show, and also enjoy a delicious...View Related Videos - On Feb 4, 2026
Christopher from CA asked“Hello my name is Christopher, I want to plan a lovely Experiance for my family and create some awesome memories. But I am having trouble on finding the right key pass for my budget. Can you please help me decide so we may have a great time?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Christopher! You've come to the right place to chat about making core memories with your family! A Disneyland Resort Magic Key Pass is a wonderful way to unlock the magic of...View Related Videos - On Feb 1, 2026
Ed from CA asked“I just purchased passes can I go with out a reservation”Melissa AnsweredHey there Ed, thanks for stopping by planDisney with your excellent planning question!Whether you purchased a Disneyland Resort Magic Key Pass or standard theme park tickets, you will need a...View Related Videos - On Feb 1, 2026
Christine from AZ asked“Our family has reservations at goofys kitchen. We had to make two reservations to accommodate the number of people (12) Is there any way we can request to be seat in close proximity if not together? One reservation is 715am and one 720am.”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Christine! You have come to the right place to discuss all of the delicious dining options throughout the Disneyland Resort.My family loves to eat at Goofy's Kitchen at the...View Related Videos
Full Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Feb 1, 2026
Amy from NV asked“Hello, I’m wondering if my plans changed Am I able to cancel my daughter’s tickets and put back onto the Disney gift that they were purchased with. It’s more than 30 days before we are due to arrive.”Melissa AnsweredGreetings Amy! Welcome to planDisney, we're so glad you're here!I totally understand that life happens and even the most magical plans need to change. Disneyland Resort theme park tickets are...View Related Videos
- On Jan 31, 2026
Daniel from WA asked“Looking to do a family trip April 3 to the 11th me my wife and our 4 kids. As a 80% disabled veteran what kinds of discounts or deals are offered?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Daniel, and thank you for your service!How exciting that you're planning a trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" so soon! Eligible US Military Members have the opportunity to...View Related VideosFull Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Jan 31, 2026
Wayne from CT asked“Buy parking”Melissa AnsweredHey there Wayne, welcome to planDisney!You are able to purchase theme park parking prior to your trip, I'm sure it will help put your mind at ease knowing that it will already be taken care of! ...View Related VideosFull Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Jan 31, 2026
Bekah from CA asked“I have reservations for Disneyland on Sunday Feb 1, 2026. I just found out it’s the morning of the Disney Marathon. Since the park opens at nine, what time does Habour Blvd security open and will we be able to enter the park 30 minutes early for rope drop”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Bekah! I'm so glad you planned ahead and checked the hours & events calendar since tomorrow is a bit different than a usual weekend due to the runDisney Disneyland Half...View Related Videos - On Jan 30, 2026
Penny from OR asked“Hi, Can I change the good neighbor hotel on my reservation?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Penny! Thanks for visiting us here at planDisney with your great question!You may be able to change or update your Good Neighbor Hotel reservation, you can visit My Hotel Reservations to...View Related Videos - On Jan 29, 2026
Marisol from CA asked“Hi, we’re planning to visit both parks soon and we were wondering if it’s possible to still see Doc McStuffins as our little girl has recently become obsessed with her. Thank you”Melissa AnsweredHello there Marisol! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your great question.My daughter also loved Doc McStuffins when she was younger, we had a lot of stuffed animals that received love and...View Related Videos - On Jan 29, 2026
Christina from CA asked“I have 2 parking passes in my name for the same day, can my daughter use one for a car I’m not riding in? Or do I need to change it to her name?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Christina! It looks like you're about to "Celebrate Happy" in just a few days! That's great that you were able to purchase parking passes in advance. The good news is that...View Related Videos - On Jan 28, 2026
Sandi from CA asked“I’m planning a trip and will be booking stay at Disneyland Hotel and will also be getting the 3 day CA resident tickets. We plan on going for the full day that will be the check in day. Are we able to park at Hotel parking when we arrive?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Sandi, welcome to planDisney!It sounds like you have such a magical trip coming up! The Disneyland Hotel is one of our favorite places to stay during our trips, you feel the Disney magic...View Related VideosFull Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Jan 28, 2026
Heidi from WA asked“how do i make a reservation when i already bought tickets?”Melissa AnsweredHello there Heidi! We're so glad you stopped by planDisney!It looks like your magical trip is right around the corner, how exciting! If you already bought your theme park tickets, you are in great...View Related Videos - On Jan 27, 2026
Julio from CA asked“My son bought 7 tickets but we want to add lighting lane multipass but the app is not letting us add them. What can we do to add them?”Melissa AnsweredHi there Julio, welcome to planDisney!How exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is right around the corner! You're in great shape if you've already bought your theme park tickets....View Related Videos - On Jan 27, 2026
We asked our panelists…“How do we go about getting someone to help us book a vacation”Melissa AnsweredHello there! Welcome to planDisney!How exciting that you're planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort! I like to secure my theme park tickets and a place to stay as a first step for my vacation...View Related VideosFull Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Jan 26, 2026
Donger from CA asked“Hi! How do I park hop with my magic key? There wasn't an option to reserve both parks on the day I planned to go so I only reserved for the main park. It showed a park hopper was available.”Melissa AnsweredGreetings Donger! How exciting that you are a Disneyland Resort Magic Key Holder, I'm sure you're loving being able to unlock the magic all year long!The great news is that being able to park hop is...View Related Videos - On Jan 26, 2026
Cynthia from CA asked“What rides will be closed in Disneyland and CA Adventure on Feb 4th and Feb 5th?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Cynthia! How exciting that your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is coming up so soon!The best place to see which attractions are closed for refurbishment during your trip...View Related Videos - On Jan 26, 2026
Nellie from TX asked“Hello I am a women veteran who has served my country. I see alot of discounts for active military duty, reservist but not for veterans. I am planning a trip to Disneyland this year and would like to know what you have for veterans who have served.”Melissa AnsweredHello there Nellie! Thank you for your service, and welcome to planDisney!Eligible US military members including active and retired military personnel receive a special Disneyland Resort promotional...View Related Videos - On Jan 24, 2026
Jonathan from CA asked“I would like to schedule a Tangled photo op without getting a Disneyland ticket. Is there nothing I buy and schedule for that? ”Melissa AnsweredHello there Jonathan, welcome to planDisney!One of my favorite things about Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park is all of the characters that roam throughout the parks. You never...View Related Videos