Shantel H, Alabama
- 6/4/2025
About Me
Hello! I am a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom of two. When I am not organizing the chaos at home or exploring the parks with my family, you can find me researching all things Disney! I love finding new ways to experience the magic during my family’s vacations to Disney Parks, but my true passion is searching for new treats to try! While everything is better at Disney, it’s a fact that snacks and food taste SO much better when they are Mickey-shaped! My friends and family have unofficially appointed me as their go-to Disney vacation planner because of my need to share all my favorite “must-dos” and “must-try” snacks, as they are planning for their trips. On the days I am not submerging myself in all things Disney, you can find me shopping, organizing, and spending time with my family.
About My Family
I met my husband at our local church, and we have been married since 2012. Our life together began in Alaska and since then has brought us back to Arizona! My husband is active duty in the United States Army, and we are so grateful to be able to enjoy and experience all the promotions Disney offers for his military service. In 2014, just two years after marrying my Prince Charming, we welcomed our son, who is a Chiari warrior, followed by our own little princess just three years later, in 2017. Due to our son’s battle with Chiari, we’ve been in and out of the hospital many times and even feared that our son would never get to enjoy Disney the way we do. Thankfully, our son has proven to be a true fighter and Disney is always so accommodating to our family’s special needs, which helps us make every trip magical. Growing up, my parents always took my sisters and I to the parks, but it wasn’t until my husband traveled with our children that he found himself bit by the Disney bug! Now I catch him joining in on my researching sessions and watching vacation planning videos with the kids on Saturday mornings!
About My Disney Experience
My love for Disney began early on thanks to classic Disney movies growing up, and the Wonderful World of Reading, books my mom would bring home for me weekly. Then at just five years old, we took my first Disney Vacation and I was hooked! It became a tradition for my parents to take my sisters and me at least once a year, sometimes even more. I originally fell in love with the Disneyland Resort and after I had my own family, grew to know and love Walt Disney World Resort as well. Disney Parks set the scene for the magic to happen, but I now find that some of the best magic is traveling with those I love. It’s seeing my son melt at the sight of Mickey Mouse year after year. It’s my daughter conquering her fears and trying new rides she’s finally tall enough for. The best part of it all though is, sharing these memories with my husband as we experience the parks through the eyes of our children together. Getting to see my children’s faces light up each trip reminds me of when I was a little girl and now, I understand why my parents continued to bring us every year. Disney not only allows me to “never grow up” but it gives me a chance to experience a different kind of magic while I continue to make new memories with my family.
Questions I’ve Answered
- On May 30, 2025
Jena from DE asked“Is there still a way to purchase the legacy pavers? I no longer see them on Shopdisney.com. We get one every year and the page just says it can't be found.”Shantel AnsweredHello there, Jena!Thanks for visiting us at planDisney today. We are so happy to have you. I’m even more excited to see that you are just days away from a Walt Disney World Vacation. Are you... - On May 30, 2025
Rebecca from ID asked“I do not have separate ticket numbers yet. I bought the 4 day military MYW ticket which is just pne reservation code. How do I enter that into the app?”Shantel AnsweredHello there and welcome to planDisney, Rebecca.I’m Shantel, a military spouse, so I’ll be happy to help you link your tickets to your My Disney Experience account. I’ll be honest:...View Related Videos
- On May 29, 2025
Erminia from OH asked“Trying to figure out the best water park for our 7 year old grandson when we arrive in July . He loves a wave pool , we love a lazy river and just want it to be a fun filled water park day !”Shantel AnsweredSplish Splash, Erminia!Thanks for swimming over to planDisney today, I’ll be more than happy to help advise you as to which water park to swim over to. My family and I just got back from...View Related Videos
- On May 29, 2025
Erin from TX asked“My daughter now has a phone and wants to pair her magicband + to her own phone. Would she have to have a Disney account to do that?”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Erin, it’s so nice to meet you!I’m thrilled to hear that you will be arriving at Walt Disney World Resort later this week. You’re going to have such a magical... - On May 29, 2025
Kimberly from AL asked“If I add a Dining Plan to my already booked vacation is there a dining plan discount for Annual Passholders? ”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Kimberly, and welcome to planDisney!I’m so excited to see you have a Walt Disney World trip later this month. It’s going to be so much fun! TIP: Bring some rain gear in case...View Related Videos