Buy your disneyland tickets before you go - i think you can get them at AMA for a decent price. If you are there for one day (which it sounds like if you are doing the other parks you mentioned) don't bother with California Adventureland. If you are there for two days it is worth going to both (in my opinion).
I agree re: Disneyland resort - especially if you are going to other places. You pay a HUGE premium to be right at the park, which is worthless if you are just getting in your car and driving to Universal studios. However, most of the other options near the park are motels (albeit nice ones).
Depending on sleep schedules, go to Disneyland during the day and at night - the park really has a different feel at night with everything lit up.
Not sure if you have boys or girls (or both) but that will make a huge difference - if girls there are lots of 'princess' things to see and do and if boys 'tommorow land' in the Disneyland park is a must.
I could go on and on - bit of a Disneyland junkie (been about 5 times in the last 7-8 years). If you have a specific question feel free to pm me.
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