Hi Julie! Thanks for dropping by planDisney.
I'm excited that you're planning such a big fun group visit to Disneyland Resort. Those types of visits always make for lots of great memories. The great news is that there really is something for everyone of every age at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, and I've got more than a little experience with trying to fit it into a day or two.
You won't be able to do everything in one day, but you'll have more flexibility if you opt for the
Genie+ option on your admission
ticket. Genie+ allows you to skip lines using the available Lightning Lane Entrances, which means you'll spend more time experiencing the magic and less time waiting. With Genie+, your group can stay together--everyone loves classic rides like "it's a small world" in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park--or split up as needed when some members of the group want to take a break and others are ready for a thrill like the Incredicoaster in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park. When we did Disneyland Resort in one day this past summer, we purchased Genie+ and
Park Hopped from Disneyland Park to Disney California Adventure Park after lunch and then back to Disneyland Park in the evening for fireworks. It's doable!
However, if you want to feel less rushed, which is sometimes extra important with a bigger group, two days might be a better choice. I'd stick with Genie+ and Park Hopper for convenience and flexibility, but you could also simplify and save by choosing one park per day.
Download the
Disneyland mobile app to help plan your visit using the free
Genie service. It will help you develop a recommended plan of must-do attractions and entertainment options tailored to your group's preferences. Since I'm serving as your personal genie, my family's favorite area that appeals to the child in all of us is
Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park. There are some thrills to be had on Radiator Springs Racers and lots of laughs on Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters and Mater's Junkyard Jamboree.
Have the best time!
Elizabeth