Hi Susie!
I'd like to first welcome you to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I love that you are thinking about adding as much magic to your vacation as possible. I also don't want to miss out on any of the fun at the Disneyland Resort on check-in and check-out days. If I think I'm understanding what you are asking, unfortunately you cannot split up a day of a park ticket into two half days. As soon as you scan your ticket at the gate, you are using up one calendar day of your ticket. Whether you spend 12 hours in the park or just one hour, either way you have used one day of your ticket, and the next day you will have to use another day of your ticket. I hope that makes sense.
Don't worry as there are still plenty of fun ways to keep the magic alive at the Disneyland Resort even if you are not in the theme parks. On travel days we love visiting the
Downtown Disney District for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You could easily spend a few hours strolling along this fantastic area. Another suggestion I have is to spend time at the
Disneyland Resort Hotels. If you are staying in one then you can take advantage of the amenities like the pools and recreation activities. Even if you are not a a Guest of a Disneyland Resort Hotel, you can still always choose to have a
Character Dining Experience or other meal on hotel property. We love exploring the hotels and stopping for a cocktail at Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or a tropical experience at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar in the Disneyland Hotel.
I hope this gives you some fresh ideas, and don't hesitate to stop by again!
-Jennifer