Hey there Tammy,
Welcome to planDisney and thanks so much for your question! It looks like you're planning a trip to the Disneyland Resort during my absolute favorite time of year to visit - just before the Thanksgiving holiday. This is such a magical time of year because the
holiday decorations will have just launched but, in my experience, the holiday crowds haven't fully set in quite yet. You're going to have so much fun!
You're definitely speaking my language here with your question because my wife and I also have two younger kids, and while they're a bit older now, we have visited many times over the years and are well versed in thinking through these sort of logistics.
I am a huge fan of the
hotels of the Disneyland Resort. All three are great options for different reasons, but each of them keeps the magic of Disney going throughout your visit.
If proximity to park entrances is your biggest deciding factor then I would recommend
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It also happens to be the most majestic and relaxing of the three options in my opinion. This one has a direct entrance into Disney California Adventure Park and is about a 10-12 minute walk (with a stroller) to the entrance of Disneyland Park. It's a bit pricier, but well worth it in my opinion.
The Disneyland Hotel and
Pixar Place Hotel are situated a bit further away (I'd estimate about a 15-18 minute walk to the park entrances with a stroller), but the walk is straight through
Downtown Disney District and is typically pretty easy. There are no busy roads to navigate or cross.
Personally, my favorite hotel overall is the Disneyland Hotel but it's mostly due to the nostalgia of many stays there growing up as a kid. It's been so magical to get to stay there with my own kids now!
With all three options, make sure you leave time for the security screening. If able, your kiddos will hop out of the stroller and the Cast Members will check that along with any purses or bags. If you're trying to get to the parks in time for opening then I'd try to arrive at the security check at least 45 minutes prior. Alternatively, if you're more like how my family and I have been over the past few years - we tend to have a slow start and get to the parks just after park opening. This works just as well!
Make sure to take advantage of the
Baby Care Centers while you're there as well! They offer a nice place to take a quick snack break, have toddler-sized toilets, changing tables, and vending machines with a lot of items for purchase in case you forgot to pack something in your park bag.
Thanks again for your question, Tammy! I hope you have a wonderful time making new magical memories with your little ones on your trip later this year.
Have a Magical Day,
Greg