Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, John!
It sounds like you're going to be sneaking in a bit of Disney magic while you're visiting the Orlando area later this year. I'm so glad you'll be enjoying a day at the Walt Disney World Resort while you're there. Anytime my family and I are anywhere near Orlando, FL or Anaheim, CA, even if we're not there exclusively for a Disney vacation, we are sure to include at least one day of Disney fun, if not many, in our travel plans!
Guests are welcome to leave the park throughout the day, and return to the same park later on that day, no problem. To return to a different park, however, you'd need the Park Hopper option for your
tickets. My family and I used to do this all the time when our kids were tiny and really needed that afternoon nap back at the resort to ensure we could continue the fun late into the evening. Now, even though they're older, we still leave the park throughout the day to enjoy dining reservations at one of the Disney resorts nearby, take an afternoon swim at our resort, or just take a break from the crowds and ride the
monorail around a loop from Magic Kingdom to visit the different resorts and do a bit of shopping. It's a great way to break up the day before heading back to experience more attractions at the parks.
Have so much fun on your trip, John, and I hope you'll be able to go back again to enjoy a longer stay at Walt Disney World! Happy planning!
Marcy