Hi there, Erin!
Wow! You are in for a real treat with your upcoming Disney Parks vacations! What a magical surprise for your sons!
I would focus the majority of your time at Disney California Adventure Park, but my recommendation would be to do a
Park Hopper Ticket, (which allows you to go back-and-forth between both parks) for at least one of your days at the Disneyland Resort, if you can. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are a short walk from each other. I was recently at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, and while it does have many similarities to Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort, it also has many differences. For example, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion are two attractions that are a bit different on each coast. Disneyland Park is also celebrating
Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, which includes the return of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade, along with an exciting new nighttime extravaganza, Mickey’s Mix Magic.
Fantasmic! is also returning to Disneyland Park before your visit! So, while there are many similarities, there are also some differences worth checking out.
At Disney California Adventure Park, we’re celebrating the return of World of Color, which you're going to love! I recommend making a reservation for a
World of Color Dessert Party for a delicious way to watch this nighttime spectacular!
I hope this helps as you plan your upcoming getaway to the Happiest Place on Earth.
See ya’ real soon!
Kristin