What We Do When We Don’t Have Tickets
Downtown Disney, hotel pools, character dining, exploring (and still getting your Disney fix)
Not every Disneyland trip has to be wall-to-wall rides. Sometimes you’ve got a travel day, a rest day, a budget-friendly “break day,” or you’re simply between park days and don’t have tickets. Good news: you can still have a very “Disney” day without ever scanning into the parks.
Here’s exactly what we do on a non-park day—organized like a mini itinerary you can steal.
Why a Non-Park Day Can Be the Best Part of the Trip
A no-ticket day is where everyone’s shoulders drop. It’s the day you:
- sleep a little longer
- reset overstimulated kids (and adults)
- avoid the “we have to maximize every minute” pressure
- still soak up the Disney vibe
Think of it as your trip’s deep breath.
Option 1: Downtown Disney Day (Shopping + Snacks + Vibes)
Downtown Disney is our go-to for a Disney fix without the ticket price.
What we actually do
Start with snacks. We pick one “must-try” treat and build the day around it (this is important).
Then we wander—slowly—like peaceful people who are not speed-walking to Space Mountain.
Our favorite non-park day activities at Downtown Disney
- Browse Disney merch without the “I’m carrying this all day” problem
- Grab coffee and people-watch
- Do a “souvenir scavenger hunt” (find one thing under $10, one thing that screams your favorite movie, one thing you’d never buy but love looking at)
- Take photos in front of the big displays and seasonal decor
- Let kids pick a small “rest day prize” (stickers, a bubble wand, a toy—something fun but not a full-on store spree)
Pro tips
- Go earlier in the day if you want calmer shopping.
- Go at night if you want max sparkle and energy.
- Mobile order isn’t just for the parks—look ahead and decide what food spot you want so you’re not wandering hungry (a recipe for family chaos).
Option 2: Hotel Pool Day (The Unsung Hero of Disneyland Trips)
If you’re traveling with kids (or honestly… if you’re traveling with humans), a pool day is pure magic.
Why we love it
- It resets everyone’s mood fast
- It breaks up back-to-back park days
- It’s the easiest “yes day” ever: swim + snacks + sunshine
How we make it feel special
- Pick up pool snacks the night before
- Bring a small inflatable ball or dive toys
- Do a “pool lunch picnic” so nobody has to get dressed mid-day
- Quiet time after swimming (even if it’s just cartoons and a snack in the room)
Parent tip: Pool time wears kids out in the best way. It’s like pressing the “reset” button.
Option 3: Character Dining Without a Park Ticket
This is one of the best ways to get that “Disney magic” feeling on a rest day—especially if you have little ones who don’t care which ride you did, they just want to see Mickey.
Why it’s worth it
- Characters come to you
- No lines, no chasing meet-and-greets
- Great for birthdays, first trips, or just a “special meal” moment
- You still get photos and autographs (and happy tears)
How we plan it
- Book it early if you can (these can fill up)
- Make it the “anchor” of your day: character meal + Downtown Disney stroll after
- Bring something for autographs (or use an autograph book as a fun rest-day activity)
Option 4: Explore the Disneyland Hotels (Even If You Aren’t Staying There)
This is one of my favorite “free-ish” non-park day tricks: hotel hopping.
What to do
- Walk the grounds and explore lobbies
- Look for seasonal displays
- Take photos by the beautiful backdrops
- Grab a snack or drink and just… soak it in
It’s low effort, high vibe, and feels fancy—even if you’re wearing sneakers and carrying three half-full water bottles.
Option 5: A Disney “Rest Day” Itinerary That Still Feels Magical
Here’s a simple plan that works for most families:
Morning
- Sleep in a little
- Easy breakfast
- Slow start (this is the point!)
Late Morning
- Downtown Disney stroll + shopping
- One treat + one “souvenir mission”
Afternoon
- Pool time + lunch + naps/quiet time
Evening
- Character dining or a nice dinner
- Sunset walk through Downtown Disney
- Early bedtime (because tomorrow is a park day and you’re not a superhero)
“But We Still Want Disney Without Tickets” Ideas
If you want your day to feel intentional and fun, try one of these:
- Disney Bound day: dress inspired by a character (comfortable version)
- Snack crawl: split 3 snacks between the family and rate them
- Photo challenge: take pics with 10 Disney-themed things (ears, balloons, a character statue, holiday decor, etc.)
- Souvenir budget game: everyone gets $15 and has to find the best thing
Final Thoughts: Non-Park Days Make Park Days Better
A no-ticket day isn’t “missing out.” It’s how you avoid burning out. You can still get the Disney atmosphere, the food, the shopping, the characters, and the excitement—just with fewer lines and way more breathing room.
And honestly? Sometimes those slower days become the ones you remember most.
