Shantel H, Alabama
- 5/7/2025
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 3, 2025
Nohemi from TX asked“Where do I find the QR code to scan my e tickets”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Nohemi!Welcome to planDisney and congratulations on your upcoming visit! It’s right around the corner, and soon you’ll be immersed in all the magic Walt Disney World has to... - On May 3, 2025
Eura from TN asked“Our trip is set for June of this year. And we have the dining plan.Where or How can I see what we have left after making a reservation for two sit down meals that will be in the magic kingdom.”Shantel AnsweredHello there, Eura, and welcome to planDisney!It’s so nice to meet you and even more exciting to hear about your upcoming visit next month. You must be excited, counting down the days until your...View Related Videos
- On May 1, 2025
Tina from ON asked“Can you tell me if locker rentals are available during after hours events at magic kingdom?”Shantel AnsweredGreetings, Tina, and welcome to planDisney!Oh Boy! I’m so excited to hear that you are planning on attending an After Hours Event. I’ve been wanting to enjoy one with my family,... - On May 1, 2025
Nancy from TX asked“How much are tickets for a retired Airforce man, his wife, their daughter, son-in-law and 2 children under 3 to Magic Kingdom”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Nancy!Let me begin by extending a huge thank you from my military family to yours! “Thank You!” Your family’s service does not go unnoticed, and Disney does a...View Related Videos
A Guide To Planning Your Walt Disney World Resort Vacation With Little Ones
- On May 1, 2025
Jamie from MT asked“How does the magic bands work if my husband and I have the bands and our littles (3 year olds) don't have one. But our littles want a snack, does it deduct from ours? or is there a way to make sure it comes off their dinning plan?”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Jamie!Let me first begin by congratulating you on your dining plan selection. My family absolutely loves visiting with a dining plan! We are a family who truly enjoys dining,...View Related Videos