First trip to Disney

[mtate4155]

We are planning our first trip to any Disney park this summer. We will be visiting Disneyland along with LA and San Francisco. I was wondering the best things to see/do in the area. Also which character dining experience is the best. Any help of places to eat/shop would be great.

[CrazyDreamer]

For character dining, our family prefers Goofy's Kitchen. It's such a fun atmosphere, and the food never disappoints.

Other great dining spots are the new-ish Paradise Gardens (and beautiful, too!), the Hungry Bear (again, great views with the great food), Cafe Orleans, the Carthay Circle Theater... let's face it: you really can't go wrong with Disneyland food lately!

The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco is a must-do, especially if you're pairing it with a trip to Disneyland. Walk along the Embarcadero to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf (it's a touristy thing to do, but still a lot of fun). Check out the De Young, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Golden Gate Park.

Not as familiar with LA attractions since I'm from Norcal.

[rtfelt]

It really helps if you give more information (how long will you be here, what do you like to do, when exactly you'll be here...). With that said I would say the typical things are Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach (can be a bazaar place), Hollywood Boulevard, Huntington Beach.