I found a VERY interesting blog about an opinion as to why Disneyland feels so different from Magic Kingdom, and where its charm comes from. A really good read, it's a little lengthy:
http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-awkward-transitions-of-disneyland.html
http://passport2dreams.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-awkward-transitions-of-disneyland.html