a question to all you Disneyland fans out there

Definitely agree that 2 days in Disneyland would be the better choice!

I would do 2 in disneyland too

Absolutely 2 days at Disneyland. California Adventures is something that is doable in one day, but you'd definitely prefer two days to experience everything in Disneyland, especially if you want to do more than just the "big" rides.

2 days in Disneyland, always more days in Disneyland! Make sure you have a southern California ID when arriving bc they might check and if you don't have the right address/zip code they might make you purchase regular price tickets.

100% 2 days in Disneyland, the park is huge and there are so many things to see and do. California adventure is also a big park but is more doable in a full day without missing any of the magic

So . . . a question . . . and you'll please forgive my ignorance (we go to WDW regularly, but haven't been to Disneyland) - do you *have* to decide ahead? I mean, could you do Disneyland then California Adventure and then decide? Or are they doing park passes like WDW?

You can easily get DCA done in a day, or less, if you get there when it opens. Disneyland has so much more to offer in rides lands to experience. I would go with two days at Disneyland and one day at DCA.

You can go back and forth but need a Park Hopper pass, its a little more to add the Park Hopper to your tickets, but worth it if you ask me. Disneyland and California Adventure entrances face each other so they are definitely walking distance.

That was not the question - I am more than familiar with park hopper. My question was, given that OP does NOT want to do park hopper, does she have to decide ahead of time or can she go to one park on day one, the other on day two, and decide afterwards for day three.

I took your post as from your perspective. I get what you are saying now. I do know during COVID restrictions you had to make reservations as to which park on which day,but I think now you don't. I think your idea of deciding on day 3 is an excellent option