Hello there Alice, and welcome to planDisney! We're so glad you're here!
You can check the
hours, events, and entertainment schedules on the
Disneyland Resort site or the
Disneyland app, and you can adjust the date for the dates of your trip. For May 8,
Disney California Adventure Park closes at 10:00 PM, and
Disneyland Park closes at 8:00 PM since there is a special ticketed event happening that evening. If you do not have a separate special event ticket for "
Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite" for May 8, you will need to exit Disneyland Park by 8:00 PM. For May 9, Disney California Adventure Park closes at 10:00 PM, and Disneyland Park closes at 11:00 PM. The park hours are subject to change, so I always recommend checking closer to your trip as well.
You are definitely still able to enjoy Disneyland Park on May 8 before the Disneyland After Dark event even if you do not have a ticket to the event. Some guests prefer to either spend the day in Disney California Adventure Park so they can continue enjoying the park all day without having to leave, and some guests start their day at Disneyland Park, and then hop over to Disney California Adventure Park in the afternoon as the guests for the special event begin to arrive and the crowds get a bit heavier.
There is definitely still plenty to explore in both parks, and I always like to start my day early right when the park opens, I find I can get so much accomplished earlier in the day when the crowds are lighter. That way, I'm usually wrapping up my day anyway if there is a special event taking place that night. You could always stroll through the
Downtown Disney District for some shopping after you leave the parks, or enjoy a treat from
Marceline's Confectionery!
I hope this information was beneficial for you Alice, and that you'll be prepared for your visit. If I can help you with anything else before your trip,
please come back and let me know!
Have a magical day!
Melissa