Hi Christine! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney.
We're a family that visits both the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort every year, and there are some differences between the two. I think you'll discover a new favorite in the Disneyland Resort! Definitely prioritize experiences unique to the California parks on your upcoming visit, but don't skip those iconic favorites in Disneyland Park like "it's a small world" in Fantasyland and Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square. You'll find they're significantly different from their Magic Kingdom counterparts.
While there are typically no dining plans at the Disneyland Resort, dining reservations work essentially the same way. Most dining locations open for
reservations at the 60-day mark. Our two can't-miss spots are Carthay Circle Restaurant on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure Park and Napa Rose in the beautiful Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square is one of Disney's most immersive dining experiences and extremely popular for that reason! Who doesn't want to dine in perpetual twilight as boats drift by? If that sounds good to you, be ready to try to grab your perfect dining reservation when reservations open! Availability isn't guaranteed.
You'll also find the Quick Service options at Disneyland Resort are incredibly tasty and varied. Favorites of ours at Disneyland Park include Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square or Red Rose Taverne in Fantasyland for breakfast, Bengal Barbecue and Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland for a quick lunch or snack, and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland for classic Mexican food for lunch or dinner. Over in Disney California Adventure Park, we love grabbing breakfast at Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus, and while you can't beat any of the Quick Service dining locations in San Fransokyo Square, Cocina Cucamongo Mexican Grill is our top pick.
We always go with
Lightning Lane Multi Pass while visiting the parks. It's a great choice, especially at the Disneyland Resort. You'll find lots of
Attractions offer a Lightning Lane Entrance, increasing its value. We'll often spend two days at the parks using
Park Hopper too. It's incredibly easy to walk across the Esplanade between the two parks. For a first visit, I would suggest three days if you want to cross everything off your list, and four days if you prefer a more leisurely exploration.
One difference between the two coasts' Lightning Lane Pass systems: You don't book Lightning Lane Entrances before entering the parks at Disneyland Resort. We actually really like the California system. You should find lots of availability when you arrive, especially if you arrive early. We always get a lot accomplished in the first two hours the park opens!
I hope this helps.
Elizabeth