Hi there, Rebecca! Thanks for trusting the Disney Parks Moms Panel to help you plan your visit to the Disneyland Resort!
With so much to do and see, I truly believe there is something (more like MANY things) for everyone. My young daughter happens to be a big thrill-seeker, but she also loves calmer rides like Mad Tea Party and "it's a small world" just as much. It's the combination that makes visiting the Disneyland Resort so memorable for my family. My recommendation would be to begin your days riding
attractions the whole family will enjoy. Start with classics like Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, and Peter Pan's Flight, and then venture into attractions with a few more thrilling elements. Pirates of the Caribbean is a great mix of thrills (a few drops and splashes) and calm, slow moving parts. Another option that might appeal to both children is Radiator Springs Racers. This attraction starts with a nice cruise through Radiator Springs and ends with a race to the finish line. Watching attraction ride-through videos online with your kids is a great way to prepare them in advance.
Then perhaps later in the day, you can let your teenager explore on their own while you and your youngest enjoy some entertainment. The older child can experience Space Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, California Screamin', and other thrill attractions, while your youngest might enjoy participating in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple or exploring the
Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Then of course you can all come together to enjoy dinner and some nighttime entertainment like Fantasmic!
There is definitely no shortage of fun things to do, so I know you will have a truly magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!
-Linda M.