Greetings, Cynthia, and welcome to planDisney! You have quite a fun few days ahead of you. I have two young kids and visit the Disneyland Resort often, so you've got a friend in me to answer this for you!
First, it's great that you have a
Park Hopper ticket. It gives you the flexibility to move between Disneyland and California Adventure during the day, as long as you have a reservation for one of the parks.
Cars Land is a really special place, especially if your boys love the turbocharged world of Lightning McQueen. It is so immersive, with décor, structures, attractions, and movie references that put you right in Radiator Springs. Based on my experience,
Radiator Springs Racers is one of the most popular attractions at Disney California Adventure, so lots of Guests head to that area first thing in the morning. Also, the Characters may not be out until a little later. I usually visit Pixar Pier or Avengers Campus first and then head to Cars Land.
Ultimately, how you plan out your visit will depend on the attractions, food, and shows you want to experience most. In two days, especially with little kids, it's hard to do it all, and I've learned that prioritizing a few favorites makes for a better experience than trying to complete an ambitious list. Take a look at the rides and entertainment on the
Disneyland Resort website. Make a list of the ones that you and your kids would like most to help plan your days. You can also use the Disney Genie service in the
Disneyland mobile app to get a suggested itinerary based on your top picks.
If I had a 2-Day Park Hopper ticket, I'd probably start at California Adventure one day and at Disneyland the other day to get the morning experience at both parks. You can switch parks depending on what you'd like to see. I'll share some favorites from my kids, who are now ages 5 and 7.
California Adventure Park:
- Toy Story Midway Mania!, WEB SLINGERS, everything in Cars Land, Jumpin' Jellyfish, the carousel, and Golden Zephyr
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
- The Bakery Tour
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
- Meeting Characters
- Getting a sundae from Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
- Being at Cars Land at sunset for the "Sh-Boom" moment when the neon lights turn on
Disneyland Park:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Pirates of the Caribbean, Autopia, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, everything in Mickey's Toontown, Disneyland Railroad, "it's a small world," Jungle Cruise, Mad Tea Party, and the dark rides in Fantasyland
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Enchanted Tiki Room with a Dole Whip
- Meeting Characters
- Seeing Fantasmic! and the fireworks
I'd highly recommend
renting a double stroller or bringing your own. It can help keep your kids from getting too tired. Be sure to take plenty of breaks to avoid tiredness or overstimulation.
Cynthia, I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Disneyland Resort with your kids! If you think of any other questions,
please reach out – we're happy to help here at planDisney.
Ka-Chow!
Kriss