Hi Stephanie! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney.
We're a family that often visited the Walt Disney World Resort prior to making the Disneyland Resort our home park destination, so I understand wanting to know how to adjust your park plans for a new magical experience. A lot depends on how you like to spend your time on a park day. We visit fairly regularly, so we're not concerned about doing everything each visit. So, we often go for just a day or two while visiting family. But our most recent stay was for five days, and we took our time and found plenty to entertain us during that leisurely visit.
Are you a family that likes to experience as many Attractions as possible? If so, I think you'll be surprised by how many Attractions are packed into the two parks at the Disneyland Resort! It's quite a bit. If your goal is to ride everything, you might want to extend your visit beyond two days. But if you're prioritizing a mix of experiences, Attractions, Entertainment, and
Dining, for example, you can get a taste for each park over two days by sampling all of these offerings. Also, if you're only prioritizing Attractions that are unique to Disneyland Resort, you might be able to fit everything in with a
two-day park ticket. Don't skip those Attractions that are on both coasts but feature significantly different experiences, however. I'd recommend "it's a small world" in Fantasyland and Pirates of the Caribbean in New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park.
One tip:
Lightning Lane passes really come in handy at Disneyland Resort. A lot of your favorite Attractions, like the thrilling Incredicoaster in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park, offer Lightning Lane Entrances, and you can focus on the Attractions that don't while waiting for your next entrance time. You don't necessarily have to purchase or select your Lightning Lanes in advance at Disneyland Resort. It's a laid-back planning experience! Subject to availability, add Lightning Lane upon entering the park by using the
Disneyland mobile app.
Also, Park Hopping is super convenient at the Disneyland Resort. You simply walk across the Esplanade to the other park when you're ready to hop. I think you'll really enjoy that aspect of your visit if you select the
Park Hopper ticket!
Have a magical time.
Elizabeth