Shantel H, Arizona
- 9/20/2021
About Me
Hello from sunny Arizona! I am a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom, to a thrill-seeking boy and a little princess. 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 the 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 the “must-do” new offerings and “must-try” seasonal snacks, as they are planning for their trips! On the days I am not submerging myself in all things Disney, you can find me coaching cheer, working out, shopping or spending time with the 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 I 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 conquer The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror with his grandpa, and watching my mom grip the rides extra tight because as it turns out, she was only being brave because I was so young. The best part, however, is watching Disney through the eyes of my children. My fondest memory yet, is seeing my kids hug and meet Mickey Mouse for the first time, and now hugging him hello each time we visit is one of my favorite parts of the vacation. I will admit, I cry every time! 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 Sep 14, 2021
Melissa from MO asked“When is the last day for Halloween theme at the Disneyland Park and the first day of Christmas theme so I can try to plan to see both in one trip?”Shantel AnsweredFrom Happy Haunts to Happy Holidays and welcome to planDisney, Melissa!I just love visiting the Disneyland Resort during the Holidays. I can never decide if I enjoy Halloween time or the twinkling... - On Sep 14, 2021
Maribel from CA asked“Can I use my Disney gift cards as a down payment to purchase my magic key pass and then set up monthly payments for the remaining amount? I know this cannot be done online but can I do this in person at the booth?”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Maribel!It’s so nice to see you visiting us today. I am smiling EAR from EAR after hEARing that you are looking on becoming a Magic Key holder. Oh Boy, you are in for a... - On Sep 13, 2021
Sue from CA asked“How do I get my Believe Key confirmation number”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Sue!Welcome to planDisney and thank you for bringing your question to us! How exciting! I can’t believe you are a Magic Key holder, you must be so ready to unlock all the magic the... - On Sep 13, 2021
Paloma from CA asked“I purchased a Dream key Magic key and chose to pay it off monthly. Is it possible to pay off the rest of the magic key all at once? Where would I do that? Thank you.”Shantel AnsweredWelcome Young Padawan to planDisney!I can tell you’ve trusted The Force recently by becoming a Magic Key holder. The possibilities are endless with the correct training and your Magic Key in... - On Sep 13, 2021
Britney from CA asked“How to remove passes from my account? Option is not given on my account”Shantel AnsweredHi ya, Britney!I’ll be more than happy to help you with this! I tend to visit the parks with different friends and family members. I’m also super organized so seeing everyone's tickets on...