Hi Danica,
Thanks for visiting planDisney! When I’m planning a Disneyland vacation, I definitely want to maximize my time—so let’s talk about how to make the most of your park days.
The Disneyland Resort parks do not offer a half-day ticket, but I wonder if you’re thinking about what to do if your flight lands in the afternoon. If that’s the case, I highly recommend spending the evening exploring
Downtown Disney and your hotel.
Downtown Disney has seen some
exciting upgrades recently, with
even more on the way! If your flight lands early enough, consider heading over to Downtown Disney, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying some live music. I had a great experience dining at
Din Tai Fung with my fellow panelists—many of the dishes are perfect for sharing, and the desserts are delicious! Be sure to try the Sea Salt Cream on your dessert for a sweet-yet-salty twist. After dinner, swing by the
Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage for some nightly entertainment, or do a little shopping. I love popping into the
World of Disney store to plan my next park outfit. By the time you visit, there will be plenty of festive holiday merchandise to choose from! Be sure to check out the
Ultimate Guide to Downtown Disney for even more recommendations.
If you’re in the mood to relax and enjoy a great meal, and you're staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you’ll find excellent dining options right on property. I love having dinner at
Great Maple, located in the lobby of the Pixar Place Hotel. You can also grab a drink and some tasty bites at
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, located at the Disneyland Hotel. By the time of your visit, the
newly renovated Napa Rose will be a fantastic place to dine at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Don’t forget to explore the gift shops at each hotel—they all carry unique merchandise you won’t want to miss!
I hope this information was helpful, Danica! If you have any more questions or need additional tips for planning your next trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of my fellow planDisney panelists. We’re always here to sprinkle a little extra pixie dust on your planning.
Happy planning!
– Melinda