Disneyland - Mechanicsburg,PA

California Adventure for sure, at that age the rides there are bigger and better, more thrilling, and there's still plenty of Disney "magic."
Plus the restaurants in CA serve beer and wine, which Disneyland does not, so it's more fun for you and hubby too!
ETA: Every day is busy in summer. Our favorite rides were Tower of Terror and the simulated flight ride, I forget the name...High Over California maybe...? The big roller coaster is super fun too, of course.

I also think the older kids would prefer California Adventure. If you go there, get in line right away for the Fast Pass for Radiator Springs Racers. California Screamin' and Toy Story Midway Mania - must do! Loved soaring over California also.

Oh and you can download an app about ride waits - I think it is called DLR rides and it is updated very frequently and will tell you how long the wait is for each ride in the park.

California Adventure has the bigger rides, but you don't get the same "magic" as you do in the Magic Kingdom. If it was me, I'd get a one-day park hopper, spend a little time in Magic Kingdom doing some nostalgic rides like Peter Pan, Space Mountain, etc., then close the day with California Adventure.

I would definitely choose Disneyland over California Adventure. While they have done a decent job in improving the CA Adventure park, it's still just "okay" in my opinion. My husband and I have annual passes and we rarely go to CA Adventure.

Hi P.! Sounds like fun!
I agree:
Disneyland - for the experience everyone loves DL!!!
Mid week
Single rider lines (you will get through the rides faster and you will most likely get through all the rides in one day) for the rides you really want to do together, you can get the Fast Pass.
With older kids you can stay right to the end of the day - most families leave right after the fireworks which means the ride lines open up for the last hour or so.
Please don't skip the little kid stuff - it is part of the experience. flying the Dumbo ride or like Peter Pan...they may feel silly at first...but trust me, they will love the memories.

B.

P.,

Good question, I've not been to Disneyland in over 20 years...

I know there is another "Adventure" park, but I've not been there. So I don't know which would bring the most happy memories...

It's the summer, so I know that usually every day is busy. Call the park and ask them if they have noticed a day during the summer which is slower than other so that you aren't waiting in lines for hours.

Good luck! Have fun!

so your going in August? Mid week will be best still and it is summer hours BUT there really is not good time to go to dland w/o a crowd. ITS ALWAYS CROWDED. Here is a link to the AP block out dates.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/
The more block outs the higher the crowds are expected to be. Although when the so cal passes are not blocked out beginning August 18th expect crowds to boom as the 100,000+ pass holders now have access to the park and they haven't been in a few months. Simply expect that it will be busy and take it in stride and your trip will go better. I couldn't choose one park over the other and they ARE SO CLOSE to one another that park hopping is really easy. There is a lot to do in BOTH parks. Use the fast pass system and single rider lanes to your advantage. For radiator springs racers (which is super fun but not necessairily thrilling) the line can be 3 hours for standby and 90 minutes still for single rider. Hit it up early enough in the day for less wait and use that single rider line. Getting fast passes for it can take a big chunk out of your day and then you have to plan your day around that time which can be stressful. Enjoy your trip!

Since you have older kids, in order to save time and get on rides, I would always do the single rider line. You may not go together but you will shave tons of waiting time off your day.
The line for the fast passes to Radiator Springs was totally crazy. We went as single riders and only waited about 1/2 hour.
Did you look into the Southern California City passes? They include 3 days at Disney, I day at Universal and 1 day at Sea World. It makes it a little more reasonable but I don't know if you want to do any of that other stuff.
Have fun!!!!

We have been to Disneyland and DCA many times. A day in the middle of the week is always a better choice (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday). If you are interested in fireworks shows you'll have to check the web-site for the schedule.

I am on the fence on which park is better. I agree that the "Disney Magic" feel is better at Disneyland. Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Big Thunder Mountain (newly refurbished) and Splash Mountain are great for the big kids. (We enjoy some of the little kid rides too, Buzz Lightyear and Pirates of the Caribbean are fun.)

DCA has Radiator Springs Racers which is a fun and thrilling ride (get there early and get a fast pass or you'll be in line forever!!) Tower of Terror and a rock and roll indoor roller coaster. There is also a fun water ride (watch out you'll get wet, but it's lots of fun). Unfortunately Soarin' over California is down and being refurbished right now.

If it were us we'd do two days, one for each park.

Have Fun!!

M

In your situation w/kids your age, I would def choose Disneyland.
More to do, more rides their age.
I think Cars is for the younger set.
Having just gone there w/both age sets....def Disneyland.
Let them watch movies of their choice in the room late at night.