[LittleMissMagic]

Yay! Disneyland is great. A lot of guests are disappointed after seeing the gigantic castle at MK, but Disneyland is where it all started.

I believe Paradise Pier is the least expensive Disneyland Resort, so if that's out of budget, you'll probably want to go with a Good Neighbor Hotel. I've stayed at the Desert Palms and would recommend it. It's no fabulous Disney resort, but it's a short walk from the park entrance and affordable. I've heard that Jolly Roger and Candy Cane Inn are also great Good Neighbor Hotels. I do not recommend the White Castle. The carpets are disgusting (errr.... in 2003 - maybe they've remodeled), and although it is directly across from the entrance, you have to cross 4 lanes (maybe 6 - don't remember) of traffic to get there. The safest (not to mention legal) way is the cross stop, so you have to walk a block out of the way, cross the road, then walk a block to the entrance.

ADRs.... definitely Blue Bayou. Very romantic, unique setting (you could compare it to the San Angel Inn at Epcot, I suppose). Then Chef Goofy's is kind of like Chef Mickey's, except no monorail above and you aren't guaranteed Mickey (I don't even think he was there when we went - you're only guaranteed to see Goofy).

I'd dedicate about four days to the parks (at least). Hollywood... I do not recommend at night. It's crazy. Then again, you're a lot older than I was when I went (I'm thinking 13 or 14) - might not be creeped by half-naked guys that jump out at you. It's definitely livelier at night. You might enjoy the action - depends on what you like. Be sure to look for Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse's stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Have fun at Disneyland!