Hi there Courtney!
I'm so happy you decided to bring your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Your family is going to create such magical memories at the Disneyland Resort. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park offer fun for the whole family. You will find more classic and kid-friendly attractions at Disneyland Park, but there are still MANY ways for your daughter to enjoy herself at Disney California Adventure Park as my son has. The more days you spend in the park, the cheaper each day is. For example a
2-Day or 3-Day park ticket comes out to be much less expensive per day than purchasing only a 1-Day ticket. My advice would be to spend at least two days in the theme parks choosing a 1-Park Per Day Ticket (over a Park Hopper Ticket) to save money. You can them spend one day at each park experiencing the numerous attractions, entertainment options, parades, and fireworks.
There are many ways to make your visit special without breaking your budget. When you enter Disneyland Park head to City Hall to pick up complimentary "1st Visit" or Birthday buttons to let everyone know what you are celebrating on your vacation. I also love bringing coins for the Pressed Coin Machines since they are so inexpensive but a wonderful way to remember my trips. Another inexpensive but completely unique souvenir from your trip could be a hand-cut silhouette of your daughter at the Silhouette Studio on Main Street in Disneyland Park. We also like to save money by choosing
Quick Service Restaurants over Table Service. We have found portions are often big enough to share at restaurants like Plaza Inn and Rancho Del Zocalo, plus we don't need reservations at these restaurants giving us more freedom.
I hope that was helpful, and please return if you have any other questions. Have a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah day!
-Jennifer