Hi, Allison! Thank you so much for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Since you have some flexibility in your plans, my opinion is based on which day you can start out the earliest. Getting to the parks early in the morning allows you the freedom to enjoy lots of attractions and character greetings with minimal crowds. Because you’ll be staying at the Disneyland Hotel, you will have access to
Extra Magic Hour both days of your stay as long as you have a room key in-hand. So, with this in mind, you might want to check in to the hotel the evening before your first day at the parks. Consider having a character dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel to kick-off your magical visit. You might also want to explore the Downtown Disney District later that evening for some shopping or a little extra dessert.
Then the next morning wake up early to attend Extra Magic Hour which takes place one hour before general opening at Disneyland Park on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and at Disney California Adventure Park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. If you will be parking at the Disneyland Hotel, you can remain parked there after check out until midnight that night. So feel free to enjoy the parks all day long on that second day.
For some extra special fun for the birthday girl, consider booking a princess transformation at the
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. You can pick from several different packages that will provide your daughter the royal treatment on her big day. Complete the look with a complimentary birthday button from City Hall and she will receive birthday wishes all day from Cast Members.
I hope your visit to the Disneyland Resort is full of magic and memories!
-Linda