Overview Shot of Fantasyland; DLR; castle;
  • On Oct 23, 2025
    Sarah from CO Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hi I have park reservations from Dec 22-26 a Disneyland and DCA. If we leave for the afternoon to take a rest and go back to our hotel (on property) and the park reaches capacity can we return after our break and get back into the reserve park?

    Hi Sarah! Welcome to planDisney! Sounds like you have a special visit to the Disneyland Resort coming up soon during a very merry time of year! I'm so thrilled for you.

    Thank you for stopping by planDisney with your question. Currently, to visit a theme park at Disneyland Resort each Guest will need a theme park reservation for each day, in addition to their ticket, so nice work getting that all squared away, Sarah! If you were to leave the park, however, a park reservation does not guarantee re-entry as it is subject to park capacity, even if you are staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. While reaching park capacity is an extremely rare occurrence, you may want to consider park hopper tickets, Sarah, if you haven't already, as that may open up more options if one park is at capacity and the other one isn't. 

    Another option if the parks are at capacity is to spend some time in Downtown Disney District. No theme park ticket is required, but there's so much to do and see! I always feel like I'm in "The Disney Bubble" when I'm walking around Downtown Disney. In my experience, there's usually a band in the evening rocking out on the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage next to Din Tai Fung and the vibe is just *chef's kiss*. My family also loves getting a taste of the magic at the Wonderful World of Sweets! Many of the classic Disneyland treats you'd find in the parks are available at this location. My picks: Werther's Original Caramel popcorn and Churro Toffee! Menus are subject to change but if either of these are in the shop, they're coming home with me.

    If any other questions come up in your planning, Sarah, like how to maximize the magic or where to find my favorite seasonal treats, please don't hesitate to reach out again! You've got a friend in me.

    Warmest wishes,
    McCayla
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Meet the Panelist: McCayla, Washington

Hello from the Pacific Northwest! I'm McCayla, a wife and mom dreaming of adventure in the great wide somewhere, yet also completely content watching Toy Story from the couch. My love of Disneyland began as a little girl on Peter Pan's Flight and only grows with each visit. But even when I'm not physically at the Happiest Place on Earth, I truly feel that same joy when I can help others (YOU!) experience the magic of Disneyland Resort too.

Learn More About McCayla

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