Jana! Hello and welcome to planDisney! I love this idea to maximize to magic and head into the Happiest Place on Earth after your upcoming conference.
Unfortunately, Disneyland Resort does not offer half-day
theme park tickets, at this time. I wish (upon a star) that this option was available! However, arriving to the parks in the evening could potentially still offer a "full days-worth" of time immersed in the magic, Jana, especially with so much entertainment happening right now for
Disneyland's 70th Celebration!
Quick story: My cousin travels quite a bit for work and recently found herself in Anaheim. She decided to make the most of her visit by popping into Disneyland after her day job was over. We spent some time discussing her strategy beforehand (
It's what I do. It's what I live for.) and I knew she would have a magical time!
I'll tell you, Jana, the tip I shared with her to maximize the magic: Experience the first showing of
Fantasmic! (my favorite!), then after the conclusion of the show watch
Wondrous Journeys from the very same spot! Projections will be displayed over the Rivers of America - two for one!
Then, pop over to Main Street and find a spot for the second showing of the
Paint the Night parade. It's absolutely dazzling.
For updated showtimes and park hours, check the
Daily Events Schedule. It's important to know that the schedule can change at any time and fireworks at Disneyland Park can also be cancelled last minute due to weather, unfortunately.
Another option, Jana, if you'd prefer not to venture into the parks that night, is to spend some time in
Downtown Disney District. No theme park ticket is required, but there's so much to do and see! I always feel like I'm in "The Disney Bubble" when I'm walking around Downtown Disney. In my experience, there's usually a band in the evening rocking out on the
Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage next to Din Tai Fung and the vibe is just *chef's kiss*. My family also loves so many of the dining locations in Downtown Disney (Ballast Point! Black Tap! Din Tai Fung!) and you can even get a taste of the magic at the
Wonderful World of Sweets! Many of the classic Disneyland treats you'd find in the parks are available at this location. My picks: Werther's Original Caramel popcorn and Churro Toffee! Menus are subject to change but if either of these are in the shop, they're coming home with me.
I hope this information has been helpful to you, Jana! I trust you'll be dreaming a fantastic dream in no time, no matter where your adventure takes you.
Magic awaits,
McCayla