Hi Catherine! Welcome to planDisney.
Sounds like you're getting ready for an exciting visit! It will be summertime in sunny SoCal, so be sure to pack your sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Since you're coming from Australia, you'll want to
pre-book or consult with a travel agent in your country when planning your Disneyland Resort holiday.
I can let you know what to expect as a Guest. Every Guest of Disneyland Resort needs a valid admission ticket and theme park reservation for park entry. Pre-purchased tickets do not guarantee entry to a park without a theme park reservation, which is subject to availability. The window opens up to 120 days in advance. It is a good idea to secure your reservations as soon as possible, so you don't end up in a less-than-magical situation on your holiday. When purchasing tickets, with a Park Hopper option, you'll be reserving which park you want to start your day. You'll be able to hop to the other park starting at 11:00 AM. My family loves the flexibility of Park Hopper; we often start in one park, hop to the other after lunch, and then hop back in the evening. You'll also have the option of adding Disney Genie+ to your ticket. This will give you access to Lightning Lane Entrances on certain attractions, cutting down on wait times, so you can get more magic out of your visit! We find that to be a great value.
You've picked a fantastic time to visit Disneyland Resort.
The Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort will be underway this summer, and the parks will feature festive décor, fun treats, new entertainment, and more. I'd be sure to grab a spot for the
"Magic Happens" Parade, which will be returning at long last!
Have the most magical time!
Elizabeth