Shantel H, Alabama
- 9/14/2025
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 Sep 14, 2025
Paige from OH asked“Hello! I have been seeing mixed reviews if stroller riding boards (buggy boards, stroller attachments) are allowed or not? Some reviews say the rule was changed and they are allowed now, while others are still saying they are prohibited. Thank you!”Shantel AnsweredWelcome to planDisney, Paige. We’re happy to have you!I’m so very excited to see that your visit is days away. You must be deep in the packing process, and as a mom of two, I know you are...View Related Videos
- On Sep 11, 2025
Carly from PA asked“Can I wear non-transparent wings to Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party? It doesn't specifically say I cannot and the wings I currently have are cloth.”Shantel AnsweredPixie Dusted Greetings, Carly! Welcome to planDisney. Thanks for flying over to us. I’m happy to hear that you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World Resort very soon. It’s even more... - On Sep 11, 2025
Maureen from PA asked“How early can I rent a stroller at the park? I plan to be in line before rope drop”Shantel AnsweredHey there, Hi there, Ho there, Maureen!Welcome to planDisney and excellent planning! I am a rope dropper for life! My entire childhood, my dad taught us how to maximize our time in the parks. I...View Related Videos - On Sep 11, 2025
Kristian from NY asked“If only one person in my party is from Florida, can everyone else take advantage of his Florida resident discount?”Shantel AnsweredHello there, Kristian!Welcome back to planDisney, and excellent question! I’m Shantel, and I am more than happy to help answer your question.Florida resident offers are fantastic and intended... - On Sep 11, 2025
Michelle from MI asked“Hiya! I am wondering if I can confirm if Steakhouse 71 will accept Disney Gift Cards. Looking so forward to our adventure in Ocotber!”Shantel AnsweredHi ya, Michelle!Welcome to planDisney, we are so happy to hear from you and even happier to hear that you have an upcoming visit to Walt Disney World! I am also loving your dining location selection....