Howdy, Karen! Yay! I am so excited that you will be visiting the Disneyland Resort for the first time!
To get to Disneyland Park in the most efficient manner, I suggest heading directly to the gates. Depending on the timing, you might end up waiting longer for the
Disneyland Monorail than it takes to walk to the parks. I like to take the monorail at the end of the day or when we are going back to the hotel for a mid-afternoon break. It's a nice little journey through the parks and a relaxing way to get to the hotel. Finally, if you are visiting sometime this June, you should know that the Disneyland Monorail will be closed for refurbishment.
For Disney California Adventure Park, I just confirmed with a Cast Member that you can use the entrance from
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa any time of the day, but there are few details to be aware of. Guests of either Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel or the Disneyland Hotel, must use the entrance to Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa that is located off of the
Downtown Disney District by Anna & Elsa's Boutique. You cannot enter through the main hotel front entrance. Entering the hotel this way means that you will go through security twice - once when you enter the Downtown Disney District and again in the hotel as you enter the park. So, it will most likely be faster to head directly to main gates for Disney California Adventure Park as well.
I hope this clarifies things for you. Please return to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with any future questions!
-Linda M.