Melissa M, Illinois
- 2/15/2026
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 13, 2026
Shaina from CA asked“I plan on building a droid at the Droid Depot in Galaxy's Edge, Disneyland. Do they accept cash payments at the door?”Melissa AnsweredHello there Shaina, thanks for coming back to planDisney!Building a custom astromech droid unit in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is such a unique and fun experience! My son had the best time picking out...View Related Videos
- On Feb 11, 2026
Sharmay from CA asked“Is Disneyland have an event on February 17?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Sharmay! We're so glad you stopped by planDisney!The hours & events calendar will be a great resource while planning your trip! You can change the date and filter to your trip dates...View Related Videos
- On Feb 11, 2026
Heidi from CA asked“How do I link my lightning pass”Melissa AnsweredHey there Heidi! We're so glad you stopped by planDisney!We love to use Lightning Lane Multi Pass during our trips, it truly saves us so much time throughout the day! If you purchased Lightning...View Related Videos - On Feb 11, 2026
Jara from CA asked“Hi, my family will be visiting in April and we plan on going to Disney. The park closes early for 2 of our 3 days planned there. Will the projection/firework show start early enough that we will still be able to catch it? Thank you”Melissa AnsweredHello Jara! Thanks for stopping by planDisney, we're so glad you're here!I'm so glad you are planning ahead to avoid last minute surprises during your trip, especially when the parks are scheduled...View Related Videos - On Feb 10, 2026
Travis from CA asked“Our party will be going to Disneyland with Lightning Lane. 5 of the 7 will be at the park at rope drop while the other two are at a conference. Is there a way to stack lightning lanes while we are in the park and use them once the other two arrive?”Melissa AnsweredHey there Travis! It looks like your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is right around the corner, how exciting!I love that you're interested in purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass, it's such a...View Related Videos - On Feb 10, 2026
Ken from AZ asked“When does the disney 70th price end”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney Ken! The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration is in full swing throughout the entire resort! There are so many ways to "Celebrate Happy" whether you're in the parks,...View Related Videos
Full Resort & Room Tour: Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- On Feb 10, 2026
Cynthia from CA asked“When will Soaring over America open?”Melissa AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Cynthia! It is so exciting to start thinking about the celebration of America's 250th birthday! Soarin' Across America is currently scheduled to open at Disney California...View Related Videos - On Feb 9, 2026
Sharon from BC asked“Can you use a screenshot of your Disney ticket to enter the park.”Melissa AnsweredThanks for stopping by planDisney Sharon! It looks like your trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" is right around the corner, hooray!The best way to enter either Disneyland Park or Disney...View Related Videos - On Feb 8, 2026
Cynthia from CA asked“Disneyland… Is it possible to reassign a pre-used magic band to a different person on a new trip? and how do you identify who is assigned to magic bands previously used? ”Melissa AnsweredHi there Cynthia! Welcome to planDisney, we're so glad you're here! It is possible at the Disneyland Resort to reassign your MagicBand+ to a different theme park ticket or pass if you'd like to...View Related Videos
5 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Disneyland Resort In 2025
- 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 VideosFull 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