Hi Chad,
Welcome back to planDisney—and thank you for continuing to trust us with your planning questions!
I’m happy to report that you’re free to exit the parks at any time during your visit. As long as you have a valid park reservation, you will be able to return to the park anytime before closing. When I’m staying on property with my daughter, we often take a midday break—sometimes it’s a refreshing nap at the hotel or a relaxing splash in the pool. And yes, I’ve absolutely returned to the park just for a churro (we listen, we don't judge).
If you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel, I highly recommend hopping on the
Monorail to enter the park or make your way back to the hotel. After a day full of magic, it's such a treat to have a quick and scenic ride “home.” Be sure to check the Disneyland app on the day of your visit to see the monorail’s operating hours—it does pause service temporarily to accommodate the nighttime fireworks spectacular. For the most accurate info, a friendly Cast Member can let you know the specific downtime that evening.
Now for something truly magical—I see your visit begins on the official
70th Anniversary of Disneyland—how exciting! I hope you and your family can stop by the
Main Street Cinema, where a special short film will be showcasing the legacy of
Disney Legends Robert and Richard Sherman—the beloved Sherman Brothers.
In their honor, beginning July 17,
“it’s a small world” will
debut a brand-new verse, lovingly penned by Richard M. Sherman himself. As you float along on your musical voyage around the globe, listen closely for the new addition—and don’t miss Miguel and his loyal alebrije Dante from
Coco, making a heartwarming appearance in the Mexico section. See how many Disney characters you can spot throughout the attraction—because in this small, small world, you never know who you’ll see!
I hope this advice helps make your day a little more magical, Chad. If you have any more questions or want even more planning tips, 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 vacation.
Wishing you a magical vacation!
—Melinda