The Disneyland Resort has two theme parks: Disneyland Park (the original, opened 1955) and Disney California Adventure (opened 2001). They sit directly across from each other with Downtown Disney in between. A single-park ticket gets you into one park per day, while a Park Hopper lets you visit both—Park Hopper is worth it for multi-day visits.

For first-timers at Disneyland, the must-do attractions are: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones Adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. At DCA, prioritize Radiator Springs Racers, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, Incredicoaster, Web Slingers, and Soarin' Around the World. Don't skip the classic dark rides like Buzz Lightyear and Peter Pan's Flight—they're charming even for adults.

Practical tips that first-timers often miss: download the Disneyland app before you arrive for mobile ordering food and checking wait times. Wear comfortable walking shoes—you'll cover 8-12 miles in a day. Bring a portable phone charger since your battery will drain fast checking the app and taking photos. Arrive at the parking structure by 7:30 AM on busy days. Pack light layers since Southern California mornings can be cool even in summer, and the temperature drops quickly after sunset. Finally, don't try to do everything in one day—pick your top priorities and enjoy them rather than rushing through the park.