1-Day tickets and parking may be on par with Disney, but you can get a Gold AP thru Costco for for $199 which only includes 2 weeks of blackout dates and free parking for the year. Not a bad deal if you plan on visiting a few times throughout the year.
The park certainly has its flaws, but is not without its merits and is a fun way to kill an afternoon if you're close by and don't have anything better to do. Even if you're just popping in for a quick ride on Forbidden Journey and a butterbeer. Mummy is still a half decent in-door coaster and Jurassic Park, while dated, is a fun boat ride with a great drop at the end. The few rides that aren't 100% screen based are actually pretty fun.
That said, Minions is awful with way too many pre-shows, Simpsons needs a HD/digital overhaul BADLY (with better projectors), Fast N Furious is embarrassing, and they need better in-park food options.
The flow of the park doesn't bother me, despite how cluttered and crammed together it is. I've always accepted the fact that it is first and foremost a studio whereas its east coast (and global) siblings were developed as theme parks. It is very unique for what it is with its multiple levels and whatnot... Not sure if I'd call that charming or what, but it's very different than what you get elsewhere that's for sure.
