Just returned this morning on the red eye from the
Adventures by Disney SoCal/Backstage Magic Tour. It was my first visit to California - we started in Hollywood for two nights (plus one pre night on our own) had private tours of Chinese Theatre, Jim Henson Studios, Walt Disney Studios, and Imagineering, then three nights in Disneyland (plus one post night on our own) DD is a CM in WDW, DH & I are Annual Passholders, and I visit DD almost once a month. I must admit, I would not have enjoyed DL as much if I hadn't had the VIP treatment we experienced. (Visited Walt's apartment, entered the park even before the early entry, so we had it only to ourselves and had some behind the scenes tours of some attractions) Now that I know what to expect, I will be happy to visit again on our own. But except for the real thrill of it being
"WALT'S PARK" - and believe me, that was
totally worth experiencing - I think WDW does things much more efficiently. I missed magic bands. I forgot what it was like to have to keep taking out a ticket to get a fastpass, etc. I didn't like that so many attractions did not have fast pass options.
That being said, the quaintness was very heartwarming. I think DL park is cleaner and lines are shorter (of course, the capacity is different) I enjoyed the food options in DL and I felt more "Hollywood" in California Adventure than I've ever felt in Hollywood Studios. It was very nice not to have to take bus transportation to the individual parks and Downtown Disney had nice options.
Loved, loved, loved the big room at Disneyland Hotel & the pretty lighted headboard & spacious bathroom, but the guest amenities were very lacking. Food areas closed too early. I guess it is because Downtown Disney is steps away, but I like to be able to get coffee, a late night cup of tea, or a nightcap IN my hotel. The Grand Californian looked like it had a nicer lobby for that sort of thing. We'd probably try staying there next time.