Shantel H, Alabama
- 10/5/2025
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 Oct 2, 2025
Jessica from AZ asked“When can I start booking dining reservations if my stay starts December 8th and I’m on property?”Shantel AnsweredHi ya, Jessica! Welcome to planDisney and happy planning! You are entering the most exciting time of the planning process. Planning the fine details like dining reservations and maybe even a few...View Related Videos
A Guide To Dining at Walt Disney World With Your Little Ones
- On Oct 2, 2025
Amanda from FL asked“Can I make a digital gift card payment on my hotel reservation ? ”Shantel AnsweredHello, Amanda, and welcome to planDisney.Hooray! You’re going to Walt Disney World Resort. You must be so excited! I’ll be honest, I get so excited the moment I book a visit. It could be...View Related Videos
A Guide To Selecting Your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel With Little Ones
- On Oct 2, 2025
Dylan from MI asked“I need to change my Disney experience account email but the current email it’s under I no longer have access to (old school email). How do I change it without being about to go into my old email?”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Hi there, Ho there, Dylan!Thanks for stopping by planDisney, welcome. I’m Shantel, and I am more than happy to help you navigate your My Disney Experience account. My sister had the... - On Oct 1, 2025
Amanda from WV asked“Could I either get a list of the ingredients of the Wild Berry Dole Whip in the Rapunzel sunday, or if it has natural or artificial berry flavors. I'd love to try it but I'm highly allergic to berries. Thank you”Shantel AnsweredHello there, Amanda! Welcome to planDisney. You sound like my type of park goer! I always visit with a small list of must-try treats. Coincidentally, Storybook Treats was on my dad’s must-visit... - On Oct 1, 2025
Gracy from IN asked“Does Disney offer first responder discounts on tickets? Is there a site or purchase discounted tickets for first responders and families?”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Gracy!Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for visiting us. We are so happy to have you. Let me first begin with a huge thank you for all you do. “Thank you!” First responders...