Dear Martha,
Thanks for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question about recommended length of stay for a memorable experience at the Happiest Place on Earth!
The beauty about the
Disneyland Resort is that it's not overwhelmingly large. It actually feels very quaint with only two Parks to explore while you're visiting!
I always recommend that families purchase a 4-5 day
vacation package to fully enjoy everything the resort has to offer. I believe dedicating three days to visiting the Parks is an ideal amount of time.
Here's how I would do it:
Purchase two regular Park tickets and one Park Hopper.
*On the first day, use one of your regular Park tickets to visit the Disneyland Park. This was Walt Disney's original Theme Park, which opened its doors in 1955. There are many original attractions still operating at Disneyland, including King Arthur's Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (which was called something different back them). I would take advantage of the
Fantasmic! Dining Package to get a preferred viewing area voucher and a wonderful meal option!
*On your second day, use another regular Park ticket to visit the Disney California Adventure Park. There you can enjoy an amazing time with thrill rides, fun attractions, games and excellent dining options.
*On the third day, I would rest and relax in your Disneyland Resort Hotel room. Take time to explore the grounds, visit the pools or even shop at the Downtown Disney District!
*On the fourth day, use your Park Hopper to stop by both Parks and buy/visit/see/enjoy the things you didn't get a chance to do on the first two Park visits!
Have a Magical vacation!
-Anabel M.