Shantel H, Arizona
- 2/23/2021
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 Feb 21, 2021
Debbie from DE asked“We purchased Disney Military tickets from our local military base and I wanted to find out if we can link them to our My Disney Experience account without having purchased the Magic Bands yet. Thank you!”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to under the sea, Debbie and of course welcome to planDisney!My family and I would like to first begin by sending a huge thank you from our military family to yours. “Thank you!”.... - On Feb 20, 2021
Linda from WI asked“How can I schedule a VIP tour?”Shantel AnsweredHey Howdy Hey Linda!Yee-Haw thanks for riding over to planDisney. I’ll be more than happy to help you get this Rootin’-Tootin’ Enchanting Extra added to your vacation plans.To book... - On Feb 20, 2021
Amanda from GA asked“Can you bring refillable water bottles to the park? ”Shantel AnsweredGreetings Space Ranger!Amanda, it’s so nice to see you here visiting us at planDisney. Welcome!Staying hydrated while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is very important! Of course, you can... - On Feb 20, 2021
Michelle from CA asked“How do I make a payment to my account if i can’t link my reservation”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney Michelle!I’m sorry to hEAR you are having difficulties linking your Walt Disney World Resort reservation. Let’s see if I can help link your reservation to your My... - On Feb 20, 2021
Deborah from WI asked“We purchased our Disney tickets through Sams Club for 5 adults and 1 child. The form says to pick up Will Call tickets at ticket window. Do we do this at each park or just the first one? Will everyone get their own ticket? Are they paper tickets or cards?”Shantel AnsweredHi ya Deborah!Thanks for visiting us at planDisney today, we’re happy to help! First off, I’m so happy to hEAR that you have an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Yay! I...