Shantel H, Alabama
- 4/21/2025
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 Apr 20, 2025
Matthew from NH asked“I accidentally added a magic band plus to the wrong person in my account. How do I change it?”Shantel AnsweredHello, Matthew, and welcome to planDisney. I’m sorry to hear that you accidentally linked a MagicBand to the wrong Guest. Unfortunately, once a MagicBand has been linked, it cannot be... - On Apr 20, 2025
Mohammed from FL asked“Hello, I am a student at a university in Florida and I lived here for 3 years. I want to ask is having a student ID and a proof of address (a housing lease and/or bank statement with my FL address) enough for Florida Resident tickets?”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Mohammed!Welcome to planDisney, we are so pleased to meet you! Now, let’s get you to Walt Disney World. There are some incredible savings intended for Florida Residents to use. Those...View Related Videos
- On Apr 20, 2025
Amy from MD asked“Where can I get a cost breakdown for a booked trip to Disney World such as the cost of the room, the cost of the park tickets, the cost for the dining plan, the cost for the magic maker, and so on?”Shantel AnsweredHello there, Amy, and welcome to planDisney!I’m so happy to meet you and even more excited to hear that you are looking to book a trip to Walt Disney World! It looks like you are also planning...View Related Videos
- On Apr 19, 2025
Ashley asked“How do I add dog to current resort reservation?”Shantel AnsweredHowdy, Ashley!Welcome to the planDisney Roundup. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m even more excited to hear that you have an upcoming visit to Walt Disney World. Since it is so close,... - On Apr 18, 2025
Sandy from CO asked“We purchase resort reservations with 7 day pass package directly from Disney for May. We would like to upgrade to an annual pass. We were told to upgrade once arrive at the park. When we do that, would it be too late to make park reservations for days 2-7?”Shantel AnsweredGreetings, Sandy!Thanks for visiting us at planDisney today, and congratulations on your future upgrade! My family is also currently debating purchasing annual passes for our family. We usually visit...