Disney hotels are much more expensive,but IMHO worth it. Maybe to me it's worth it because it reminds me of staying at WDW. The Grand Californian allows you to remove yourself from the real world. This is harder to do at the other Disney hotels as some of their rooms face regular city streets....The GC, on the other hand, has it's own entrance to DCA and is directly next to DTD.
If you do stay off-site, look into Marriot Suites/Homewood/Residence Inn/Crown Plaza on Harbor and Chapman(Garden Grove I think). This complex of hotels has a resort feel to it and has many restaurants within walking distance. Joe's Crab Shack, Outback, Red Robin, Buca de Beppo,Starbucks. Otherwise, most of the hotels just outside of the DLR will remind you of I-drive...
Restaurants......People seem to flock to Blue Bayou at DL. It's much like San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion except located in POTC.
Redd Rocket's Pizza Port in Tomorrowland is good for counter service. Pricey, but good. Salads there will feed two.
DCA--Boudin's at Pacific Wharf has good bread bowls....Taste Pilot's Grill in Condor Flats has good burgers. Corn Dog Castle has the best corn dogs--ever.
For good sit-down meals DTD or the hotels have the best restaurants. Naples and Catal in DTD are very good, but pricey. Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is also pretty good. Storyteller's and the Napa Rose at the GC are very good. Granville's at The Disneyland Hotel is very good.
Must sees at DL: POTC--longer here. Indiana Jones(like Dinosaur,but better). Matterhorn. Roger Rabbit's Cartoon Spin.
DCA: Aladdin, Check out Flik's Fun Fair(just to see it), Soarin, Grizzly River Run, Golden Dreams, Cal Screamin, Animation Building(just to sit in the main room).
Random tidbits:
For some reason, the stand by line for Splash is always crazy long, so if you're going to ride it , get a FP. Tomorrowland is almost a non-land right now with Space Mtn down and Buzz being built..that leaves Innoventions(boring), Star Tours(dated), HISTA(ok,but you've probably seen it) and Autopia. Toontown is better themed than Toontown Fair is at the MK.
Snow White the Musical just premiered in Feb.--haven't seen it yet.
Believe is good if it is running.....
Best out of the way places-DL--lower level at the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country. Go way back and sit near the Rivers of America. Nice break from all the hubbub. At Toontown later in the evening, there is a park area. This land(if it is open) is nice later--very quiet. We were just there last weekend and it was the only area that seemed relaxing. DCA--as mentioned, the Animation Building Main Area is nice. The Vineyard area is nice.
If you have anymore questions.....let me know
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