Hi there, Cyndy, and welcome to planDisney! I’m so glad you stopped by! When a special event is on the calendar at the Disneyland Resort, the day can unfold a little differently than usual. With a bit of planning, it can be a really fun way to experience the parks! Let’s take a look at what that means for your visit.
As you mentioned, Disneyland Park is scheduled to close early on February 17, 2026 to set the stage for
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts' Nite. While the full calendar hasn’t been released quite that far in advance yet, it’s likely that Disney California Adventure Park will continue operating during its normal hours that day. I’d recommend checking the
daily events schedule again as your visit gets closer, since hours are added on a rolling basis.
If you’ll be visiting with a
Park Hopper ticket, a great strategy is to enjoy Disneyland Park earlier in the day, then hop over to Disney California Adventure Park before the special-ticketed event begins. Sweethearts’ Nite officially starts at 9 PM, but Guests with event tickets are able to enter Disneyland Park beginning at 6 PM. During that window, you’ll often notice a shift in crowds as event Guests arrive and day Guests begin heading out. Because of that, one helpful tip is to make your hop sometime between 6 and 8 PM. Doing so can help you avoid the larger exit rush right at closing time and ease into your evening a bit more smoothly.
Cyndy, I’d love to share some recommendations with you to make the most of that nighttime park hop. You might consider planning dinner in Disney California Adventure Park and turn the evening into a celebration of your own. A table at
Carthay Circle Restaurant is a lovely way to enjoy a relaxed, elegant meal while the energy shifts across the resort. From there, you could head over to Pixar Pier for a nighttime ride on
Incredicoaster, which feels especially thrilling after dark. It’s also worth checking the
calendar as your visit gets closer, since nighttime entertainment like
World of Color Happiness! could be part of the lineup and make for a truly memorable finale.
As the evening unfolds, this part of the day can feel like a nice change of pace. Whether you’re enjoying dinner, taking in the neon lights around
Cars Land, or settling in for nighttime entertainment, Disney California Adventure Park offers its own kind of evening magic—one that feels relaxed, lively, and full of atmosphere. It’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down just a bit and savor those simple moments that often become just as memorable as the headline attractions.
Cyndy, I hope this helps you picture how your day might come together and adds a little excitement as you look ahead to your February visit. However your plans unfold, I hope your time at The Happiest Place on Earth is filled with great food, favorite attractions, and those little surprises that make each visit feel special. And if any other questions pop up as you continue planning, we’re always happy to help here at planDisney!
Have a magical day!
Cody