Hi Lindsay!
Thanks so much for your question! Having a table service meal is a great way to recharge your batteries on a long park day. I have young kids so we often go for a late breakfast or early lunch, then snack our way through the rest of the day. But if you're planning on staying in the parks late then I think a later dinner is a great idea!
The operational hours for table service restaurants at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park can vary by location. Some of them tend to close around 8:00 PM but a few tend to stay open a little bit later. Because there aren't as many options late at night it might be hard to find a reservation inside the parks after 8:00 PM.
But you can always take a look at the current availability online to see what options you have! Based on what I can see available right now in Disneyland Park, I'd suggest checking out
Cafe Orleans for an early dinner or
Carnation Cafe for a later dinner on Christmas Eve. These aren't the "fanciest" restaurants, but they are my favorites! I love the Monte Cristo at Cafe Orleans, and the Baked Potato Soup at Carnation Cafe is amazing on a chilly day.
For Christmas Day in Disney California Adventure Park, I can see some availability at the
Carthay Circle Lounge in the evening! It looks like there are also some earlier meal times available at
Wine Country Trattoria. They would both be great options!
Personally, I like to have a reservation each day of my trip...especially when I'm visiting at busy times. I would choose a table service meal for each day you're in the parks so you know you'll have the chance to relax! For other meals in the park, I would use the
Disneyland Mobile App to look for quick service options and place a
mobile order to reduce your wait times.
There are so many places where you can use mobile ordering!For the perfect end to Christmas Day in Disney California Adventure Park, I would consider making reservations for the
World of Color Dessert Party. You'll get to enjoy savory snacks and yummy treats, all from a perfect seat (yes, a seat) for the show!
World of Color - Season of Light is full of lights, fountains, and lasers, all set to the holiday music that we love. It's spectacular!
Thanks so much for letting me be part of your planning, Lindsay! If you have other questions about your visit feel free to
send me a note!
Keep moving forward!
Amanda