Hello, Maranda! Welcome to the happiest panel on Earth!
I'm thrilled that you came to us because we're all about making sure that everybody has a wonderful time at the Disneyland Resort, so let's get your trip going!
If this is your first trip to the
Disneyland Resort, I'd recommend staying for at least four full days. So I'd arrive on Tuesday and stay until Sunday. With this strategy, you will have plenty of time to enjoy two full days at each of Disneyland Resort's theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. That's what I did the first time I visited, and it was extraordinary. We had plenty of time to enjoy major attractions more than once, explore little details, and take in the atmosphere.
All
Disneyland Resort Hotels have rooms that will comfortably accommodate your family, but some are closer to the theme parks than others. For example,
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is ideal for Guests who have visited before.
My best suggestion for you is the extraordinary
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It's almost inside a theme park, and it has an exclusive entrance to Disney California Adventure Park. It's very convenient and ideal for families with little ones who'd like to take naps during the day. This hotel also has heated pools with slides, lifeguards, a great Quick Service restaurant in
GCH Craftsman Grill, and two excellent Table Service restaurants in
Napa Rose and
Storyteller's Cafe.
Since you want to plan a perfect trip, I suggest booking a
Disneyland Resort Package, with hotel and tickets included. After booking it, the steps are simple. Book theme park reservations for your chosen dates, download the Disneyland Mobile App, and
select dining reservations for your dates 60 days ahead.
Because you're traveling with little ones, I'd suggest booking a Table Service lunch every day to give your family some rest in the middle of the day. My favorite at Disneyland Park is Cafe Orleans, and my go-to restaurant at Disney California Adventure Park is the
Carthay Circle. Carthay Circle's food is legendary!
I hope this gives you a nice footprint to build your trip on, dear Maranda! As you start booking your trip and more questions arise, please don't hesitate to return. We'll be here to help!
May the magic be with you,
Julie