Disneyland Main Street; at night; empty; lights on
  • On May 6, 2026
    Ann Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I’d like to surprise my daughter and grandkids with a day at Disneyland but can’t commit them to a certain date without raining the surprise. Can I buy a gift certificate or tickets without setting a date ????

    Hiya, Ann! Welcome to planDisney. What a sweet gesture! I say there is nothing better than going to your favorite place with your favorite people. For me, that means Disneyland with my family. I love this so much! You’re going to have such a great time, and can you imagine their faces when you surprise them?!

    I have two options that should work. First off, you can purchase Disneyland tickets using Disney gift cards. Use the Disneyland website to figure out how much it will cost to purchase tickets for your party, and then provide them with that same amount in gift cards! Go to the Disneyland website, hover over “Tickets & Parks,” click “Buy Theme Park Tickets,” and follow the steps until it shows the total price. Keep in mind that tickets are priced differently depending on the day you choose, so the actual cost may be above or below by a bit. If you provide a little more than necessary, I think that just means more churros when you get to the parks!

    The second option is to simply take a good guess at a date, purchase the tickets, and be ready to adjust the date after the surprise to fit the needs of your daughter’s family. Adjusting the date on tickets is a cinch! From the main page of the website, hover over “My Disneyland,” and click “My Plans.” Scroll down to the date you selected and click “Manage Reservation.” You should be able to modify the date fairly easily by following the prompts, though park reservations for the new date you want will be subject to availability. Also, be prepared that if the new date is a more expensive ticket, you’ll be asked to pay the difference.

    Since you won’t link tickets until after the surprise, there is no chance of spoiling it. Be sure to download the Disneyland Mobile App to manage your tickets, check wait times, and mobile order food on the go. Did you know that you can filter rides by height, thrill factor, and attraction type to find the rides that will be perfect for your grandchildren? Also, be sure to capture the magical moments by visiting the PhotoPass Photographers throughout the park. My favorite spot is right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

    Disneyland Resort is such a special place to share with your family. There is something magical about walking down the same Main Street U.S.A. that Walt Disney did. There is charm around every corner, whether it’s catching a Dixieland tune from the Straw Hatters, bumping into your favorite character, or enjoying a churro (can you tell I love the churros?) while waiting for the parade to start. For me, it’s my happy thought, and if Tinker Bell were around to share some pixie dust, I’d be able to fly by thinking of Disneyland.

    Ann, I truly hope you have the best time ever with your daughter and grandkids. You’re doing a wonderful thing for them, and I know they’ll never forget it. If you need more tips for planning your trip, come on back to planDisney. We’re here for you! 

    I hope you have a magical day!

    Corey
thumbnail image for Corey

Meet the Panelist: Corey, California

Hi! I’m Corey - a SoCal native, husband, father of three, high school instrumental music teacher, and Disneyland Resort specialist! You’ll find me at Disneyland enjoying the Straw Hatters on Main Street or rocking out with the Disneyland Band in Town Square! I’ve made so many fond memories at Disneyland, yet it always feels fresh and new. I can’t wait to help you plan your next trip so you can create those magical memories with your family too!
Learn More About Corey

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