Hi Lesley, welcome back to planDisney! We love answering your questions!
I'm happy to let you know that yes, you are allowed to leave the theme park and return later after a relaxing break. Not only is it allowed, I highly recommend it, especially during the warmer months. You do not need to discuss this with a cast member, although they are always available to assist you with any questions you may have.
If you purchased the standard date-based
Theme Park Ticket, you will need to return to the same theme park. However, if you added the
Park Hopper Option to your tickets, you will be able to visit another theme park starting at 2:00 p.m. (subject to change), as long as that theme park's capacity has not been reached.
Personally, I like to arrive at the theme park 30 minutes prior to the scheduled
Early Theme Park Entry for Disney Resort Hotel Guests. Guests are usually let into the park before the scheduled opening and are allowed to walk to a certain point in the park until the official opening time. Once the park opens, you are close to the attractions and can immediately begin to enjoy them. You can experience a few attractions before the crowds start to build. By mid-day, I head to one of the resort hotels for lunch and/or shopping, or I will head back to my own resort hotel for a rest. It's also a great time to take a dip in the pool. Once I am well rested, I head back to the theme park for more fun.
I hope you find this information helpful, Lesley. You know where to find us if you have additional questions! We hope to hear from you soon as you continue to plan your most magical vacation!
Diane