Shantel H, Alabama
- 11/16/2025
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 Nov 11, 2025
Linda from MA asked“My husband is an honorable discharged veteran. We are planning a family vacation to Disney World in February 11 to the 22nd. Is he eligible for any kind of a discount on tickets or a hotel room or anything? Thank you”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Linda!I would like to begin with a thank you to you and your family. As a military spouse myself, I understand and appreciate the sacrifices your family has made as your... - On Nov 11, 2025
Kathie from NY asked“Best quick serve during Mickeys Christmas Party ”Shantel AnsweredSeason's Greetings, Kathie!Welcome to planDisney, we are so happy you found us! I am even more excited to hear that you will be enjoying an evening celebrating the holidays during Mickey’s Very... - On Nov 11, 2025
Sarah from PA asked“Hello! I am putting room requests into my reservation (floor, building, etc). I read that I should NOT complete the online check-in and should go to the lobby instead as this could erase the room requests that I previously added? Is this true?”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Sarah, so happy you’ve dropped in. Unlike the Tower of Terror, there will be no actual dropping during our conversation. Just guidance on how to have a smooth check-in.I... - On Nov 11, 2025
Ashley from NY asked“I am traveling in January 2026 and waiting for the salute ticket. When will it be announced”Shantel AnsweredHi ya, Ashley, and welcome to planDisney.I am happily shouting, “The Wait is Over!”. We, too, are a military family, and as the planner in the family, I found myself anxiously waiting for...View Related Videos
- On Nov 10, 2025
Lorraine from FL asked“I know that they are not having the life sized gingerbread house at Grand Floridian, but are they going to sell gingerbread houses at other hotels? We buy one every year!”Shantel AnsweredHappy Holidays, Lorraine, and welcome to planDisney.A trip to Walt Disney World Resort during the most magical time of the year is enchanting and one of my favorite times to visit. I love seeing Walt...View Related Videos