Hiya there, Megan! Welcome to planDisney!
First of all, I'd like to send a big Mickey-shaped Happy Birthday shoutout to you! The Happiest Place on Earth is even more magical when celebrating something special. Whenever you do happen to stop by, be sure to pick up a
Celebration Button! Available at City Hall on Main Street U.S.A. or Guest Relations at Disney California Adventure Park, these buttons are a staple of a Disneyland Resort birthday.. and they bring many good wishes from passing Cast Members and Guests!
Megan, you do need
theme park reservations to enter either
Disneyland Park or
Disney California Adventure Park, along with a valid admission ticket. As there are a limited number of reservations available each day, the parks do sell out. If the dates are blocked out on the ticket calendar, there is unfortunately no magic spell to make new reservations appear. However, there may be a way that your wish could be granted.
The
Theme Park Reservation Availability Calendar may become our best friend in the next few days as the date you'd like to visit approaches. When one Guest cancels a park reservation, that slot becomes available for others to reserve. The calendar is kept up-to-date, so your best bet is to keep checking to see if the dates you'd like to visit become available. I'd recommend checking daily, even multiple times per day, as you never know when you could hit the jackpot! If you show up the day of, you do run the risk of not being able to enter if there are no park reservations available still.
Megan, if you are unable to find reservations for your preferred dates, you may consider checking out some of the options available outside of the parks. The
Downtown Disney District is an excellent place to celebrate! With delectable dining locations, endless shopping and all the tasty treats your heart can desire. The unique flavors at
Salt and Straw are worth a stop! I'd also suggest trying out a character dining experience at one of the
Disneyland Resort Hotels. Napa Rose at
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and
Goofy's Kitchen over at Disneyland Hotel will keep you young by dancing, singing and curtseying with your favorite characters throughout a delightful meal!
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you can find a park reservation for your birthday, Megan! While it would be the best gift of all, I'm sure you'll find a way to make magical memories no matter where you are!
Until next time,
Ashley