Hi, i've never been to DL before, but i've been to WDW 9 times so i'm not new to Disney.
I'm going with my mom, dad, aunt, uncle, and two cousins in Christmas 2009.

I was wondering what are the best hotels to stay there, and if there are any recomended things to do. I'm 15 next month but i'll be 16 when i'm there, and I usually find out the stuff, then tell my parents and we work it out from there :p

-Kazie

Everyone will have their own personal preferences but I like staying on property and I like the location of Disney's Grand Californian the best. BUT there is talk of the Disneyland Hotel getting a face lift this year so that would be the most updated of the on property hotels by the time you arrive. Check out the restaurants listed on this site or the Disneyland.com website and make priority seatings for at least 2 meals a day, if you don't make it or change your plans on a whim no worries but at least you will have a guaranteed meal if you're really hungry. This is done 60 days in advance by calling 714-781-3463. If you want to take a tour this is reserved 30 days in advance by calling 714-781-4400, I'd recommend Walk in Walt's Footstep's Tour if its your first time at DL but not WDW, this tour will give you a glimpse of Club 33 which is something WDW doesn't have.

Keep reading these boards for other's experiences and try what sounds fun to you.

Wow, you will see a big difference in the resorts. Disneyland resort (the whole resort) is easily walkable. I would check out the "Good Neighbor" hotels, which are sometimes even closer than the on property hotels, and they are a lot cheaper. Save money on a hotel and buy more souvenirs.

You will want to hit the rides that are unique to Disneyland, like the Matterhorn, Mr Toad's Wild Ride, Alice in Wonderland, etc. as well as some that are a different feel, like the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Spend your first day at Disneyland, then your second day, pop into California Adventure (DCA) for a few hours mid-day and then return to D-Land at night. You will probably want to catch the Electrical Parade at DCA if you have never seen it. And the Fireworks show and Fantasmic are must sees. (But hit the later Fantasmic show so you can see the fireworks in front of the castle.

If you get bummed seeing how small our cute little castle is, just look to the right and remember we have a huge mountain right next to it. Have fun!

LoL. Bytebear...have you see Expedition Everest?

Op: Where did you usually stay at WDW? That usually gives people an idea of what you and your family expect. With seven people you could easily stay in a "suite" in one of the Good Neighbor hotels at a very affordable rate, but if you are hoping for Disney theming and amenities then your options boil down to the Paradise Pier, Disneyland Hotel, and the Grand Californian.