planDisney Panelist Reflects on Life as a Military Spouse

Here at Disney, we know military service is a family business. Just in time for Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 9, we had the chance to sit down with planDisney panelist, Carrie H., to chat about her love for Disney and her experiences as a military spouse! 

Carrie’s husband, Eric, is a Sr. Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, working as an aviation electrician. Like Walt Disney, Carrie and Eric are originally from Illinois, where they met as teenagers. 

Let’s learn a little bit more about Carrie, Eric and their Disney-loving family! 

Disney Parks Blog: Tell us a little bit about your family. 

Carrie: “My husband and I started as high school sweethearts, and we have celebrated over 20 years of marriage. We have three kids (middle school, high school, and college age) who keep our life interesting and our schedules full. While military life has its ups and downs, we cannot complain that the Navy has let us call San Diego home now for the second time — just a short drive to Disneyland Resort! You’ll find us in the parks getting in as many attractions as we can, but also leaving plenty of time to check the newest Disneyland snacks off our list of must-tries.” 

Disney Parks Blog: What is it like being a military spouse? 

Carrie: “Being a military spouse means long separations apart, missing milestones and holidays. My husband was deployed when our first child was born. But then you have those really special homecomings. It’s learning to be really independent, but then also learning that everything doesn’t have to go your way once they’re back. It’s learning a lot of patience and not sweating the small stuff.” 

Disney Parks Blog: What does Disneyland Resort mean to you and your family? 

Carrie: “Disneyland Resort has truly become a home away from home for me and our kids. Obviously, we love coming to celebrate—making up for lost time when Dad’s here—but it’s also a place we choose to go when we’re having a hard time, and we just want to get away for a little bit. A few years ago, during my husband’s deployment, the kids and I made great friends within our military community who also had loved ones deployed, and we would all just go up together.” 

Disney Parks Blog: Why do you enjoy going to Disneyland while Eric is deployed?  

Carrie: “Spending time there is one of the ways the kids and I can experience a little magic, so the kids aren’t focused on Dad not being here—especially during holidays and celebrations when he can’t be with us in person. Now that my kids are older, I also love coming by myself and getting a day away from everything.” 

Disney Parks Blog: How do you and the kids stay close to Eric when he’s deployed? 

Carrie: “Beyond frequent messages and video calls, the kids and I like to find creative ways to ensure Eric is with us in spirit, even when he’s on the other side of the world. When my kids were younger, we had this “daddy doll” that they would insist on bringing with us to the parks, so he was with us. On the flip side, when he was deployed, Eric brought along a Woody doll that he would take from place to place to send us photos, and the kids would always look forward to seeing where Dad was with Woody. He even had a chance to bring Woody to Hong Kong Disneyland!” 

Disney Parks Blog: What are some of your favorite memories from visiting Disneyland Resort? 

Carrie: “I don’t think I can pick one! We have so many different, great memories at Disneyland. Obviously, celebrating when my husband comes back. There was one homecoming in particular, when our youngest had just recently grown tall enough to be able to ride the Incredicoaster, so she could not wait to get into the park and ride that with Dad. That was definitely a core memory!” 

Disney Parks Blog: Have you also visited Walt Disney World Resort? 

Carrie: “Our first visit was just me and my oldest when she was just three months! But two years ago, we got to go on our first Walt Disney World vacation as a family. I know with a lot of military families, when we have leave to take, it’s going home to see Grandma, Grandpa and the cousins. So, this was our first destination vacation with just us as a family and that was really an exciting experience!” 

Disney Parks Blog: When did you first discover your love for Disney? 

Carrie: “Growing up, you could find me in front of the TV wearing out one of the many volumes of Disney Sing Along Songs on VHS. A Disney vacation was always a dream, and it finally came true in my early 20’s when my mom earned a family trip to Walt Disney World through work. Shortly after that trip, the military moved us to southern California, which meant we got to explore and fall in love with Disneyland Resort.” 

Disney Parks Blog: Why did you decide to become a planDisney panelist? 

Carrie: “Disney was always a place I loved going with my family, especially with the kids while Eric is away. My friends would always ask for information or advice for their trips, so I figured being a planDisney panelist would work out perfectly! I love helping others make the most of their visits to ‘The Happiest Place on Earth!’” 

Disney Parks Blog: What is a fun memory you have from being a planDisney panelist? 

Carrie: “Last year we went to Walt Disney World as a family and our oldest daughter was waiting on college acceptances. While we were there, she found out she was accepted to her top choice!” 

Disney Parks Blog: What does Eric think about Disney Parks? 

Carrie: “He loves it! Although we haven’t gotten him on board with the matching shirts just yet, he really enjoys the trips we take together and the memories we make as a family.” 

Disney Parks Blog: What do you want other military families to know about Disney? 

Carrie: “The parks are truly a magical escape from the challenges of military life. Thankfully, Disney offers amazing military deals and discounts for visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney World for eligible service members, so families like ours can escape into the magic, spend time together and create wonderful memories.” 

Eligible U.S. Military members have access to discounted tickets and resort stays year-round. For ticket purchases, visit your nearest participating U.S. military base ticket office or Shades of Green. For resorts, please visit our resort websites for Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.  

If you have questions about military discounts or planning your Disney vacation, visit planDisney.com. 

_{*Offers subject to change and availability.}