First time, suggestions what to do with a 1 1/2 days

[terrilittlet]

This will be our first time at Disney Land. My daughter and I will arrive at LAX at 10:40 am, we need travel time to our hotel (right outside the park) and time to check in etc. We then have the entire next day to enjoy Disney. My best guess is that we would be able to be to a park the first day by 2:00, should we do it? Should we do one park that day and the other park the next day?
We have been to Disney World (last year) and she will be 7 and said she doesn't need autographs this time or a "makeover" It will mainly be a day to check out the park and enjoy the rides.
I can't decide what to do. Pay for the extra day even though it is a 1/2 day or just rest up (get over jet lag, coming from Michigan) and be ready to hit it the next day.
I could also do the 1 day park hopper but not sure it is worth it.
Help, advice and opinions needed please.
Thank you so much!!

 

[superlarz]

What day of the week will you arrive?? For example, if you arrive on a Sunday, there is a chance that will be your only chance to see fireworks and fantasmic. If you arrive on a weekday, the park may only be open until 8 or 9 so it may not be worth it. It all depends on what day and season you are arriving

 

[Divine Disney]

Like the previous poster mentioned, it really depends on the day and time of year you're visiting. If you're talking about a weekend day (Fri-Sun), be prepared for crowds, but the park has longer hours, more shows/entertainment and fireworks. The later it gets in the day, the more crowded it typically becomes. Sunday is typically the most crowded day of the week. Overall, I would say, it's worth hitting up DCA on the shorter/first day if you can get a solid 6 hours in. Then hitting up Disneyland for the full day. DCA usually feels less crowded than Disneyland and a lot can be seen in a much shorter time frame at DCA than at Disneyland.