Hello, Charlotte, and welcome to planDisney! I'm so happy to get the opportunity to answer this question as you plan your upcoming trip to the Disneyland Resort. We have two little ones as well and have made so many magical memories with them in the parks, so it's an honor to get to help you!
First, I'll start with an answer I feel like I continually give - there is no wrong answer here. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are absolutely amazing to start your trip with. Let me instead try to paint the picture of the differences between the two parks (and what I love about them).
Disneyland Park - Walt's park! There is no other park like it in the world. As you enter past the turnstiles, you'll see the
Disneyland Railroad passing overheard as you enter under the tunnel to "leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy." You'll hear the hooves and honks of the
Main Street Vehicles and be drawn to the center of the park by
Sleeping Beauty Castle towards the end of Main Street, U.S.A. From there, your biggest challenge will be deciding on exploring the jungles of Adventureland, visiting the outposts of Frontierland, living out your favorite Disney stories in Fantasyland, or traveling to the future in Tomorrowland. I've even heard it rumored that there are a few pathways to
a galaxy far, far away!
Disneyland is a great choice to start your visit as I think it really sets the tone for you and your family that you are in the Happiest Place on Earth, so you can relax, have fun, and eat all the snacks!
Disney California Adventure Park - Choosing to enter on the other side of the esplanade will allow you to step back in time to visit where it all started for Walt - Buena Vista Street! Instead of a castle, you'll see
The Carthay Circle Theater, where Walt premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. You'll hear the dinging of the passing Red Trolley Car, and likely catch the singing and swinging of the Five & Dime band. Continue to Hollywood Land to step into the world of Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue (and enjoy some of the best hot dogs at Award Weiners). Become superheroes in Avenger's Campus, race with Lightning McQueen in Cars Land, try your luck at Toy Story Midway Mania in Pixar Pier, and fly over some of the most beautiful scenes on Earth in Soarin' Around the World in Grizzly Peak. This park is aptly named in that the adventures truly are endless.
It's a hard call on which park to start with, but luckily you'll have 4 fun days to see and do everything you want to! If I had to choose one park for you, I'd probably pick Disney California Adventure Park.
Wrangle rogue Spider-Bots, Meet Mater, enjoy a Chipotle BBQ Bacon Double Cheeseburger from Smokejumpers Grill, and catch the new
World of Color - ONE spectacular that evening.
But again, you can't go wrong either way!
I do hope you have an absolutely magical time with your family, Charlotte. Please feel free to come back and see us if you think of any other questions.
Have a Magical Day,
Greg