Hi there, Susie! Yay! I am so excited that you will be visiting the Disneyland Resort for the first time!
There is SO much to explore here and I just know you and your family are going to have the best time. My first suggestion is that you add
Disney MaxPass to your tickets. Disney MaxPass allows you to make FASTPASS selections from anywhere in the parks on your mobile device. Since your kids are older, they can ride every attraction that offers FASTPASS so you will be zooming around the parks riding lots of attractions with minimal waiting. Definitely don't miss the attractions that are unique to the Disneyland Resort like Matterhorn Bobsleds, Storybook Land Canal Boats, Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT, Radiator Springs Racers, and several others.
I would also recommend making a few dining reservations as the food at the Disneyland Resort is phenomenal! Blue Bayou Restaurant, Plaza Inn (Minnie and Friends - Breakfast in the Park), Carthay Circle Restaurant, and Catal are just a few of my favorites. Also, if you happen to be by the Disneyland Hotel, absolutely try to stop into
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. This zany and adventurous little bar and eatery is so much fun and has some really great food and drinks! Kids are welcome before 8:00 p.m. and I suggest visiting at off-peak times as there are very few tables inside.
Finally, if you will be visiting after April 13, 2018, make time to see the Paint the Night Parade in Disney California Adventure Park. This mesmerizing and exhilarating parade has it all and is my absolute favorite parade. You won't want to miss it!
I have so much more that I can share with you, so please stop by again with any other questions you may have!
-Linda