I was in DL from Sept 20-26 then flew immediately across to WDW from Sept 26- October 10. So immediate chance to compare both parks back to back
I stayed at Best Western Anaheim Inn, my third time. It's ridiculously convenient, right across the road from the entrance to the Disneyland area. It's very clean and tidy, no issues with the housekeeping, although the decor is a bit tired, lovely staff and the free breakfast every morning was just right, a nice choice of cereals, hot items, pastries etc, plus hot and cold beverages. It's quite a small hotel and every time I've been I've been given a room close to the lobby, which as a solo female, I liked.
As for the differences between DL and WDW, straight off you can walk from the parks to your hotels that are on South Boulevard Harbor or a Disney hotel, be aware that it is a bit of a walk to the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier. There is an entrance at both CA and Downtown Disney for Grand Californian Hotel as well as the main entrance.
I did a 5 day trip to DL and that was about right. I saw everything without rushing and I did have the MaxPass, I paid $10 a day, but, I think it is now $15. I would definitely do it again. You do one FP at a time, however, there was plenty of availability, I loved GOTG and as soon as I swiped my card I went on the
MDE (DL) and could get another one for the same ride immediately, in effect I got three within 20 minutes doing this. The MaxPass only works once you have gone into the park, but, if you leave the park for an afternoon rest you can still book FP for later on from your hotel room or DTD. You don't get to chose the time, but, you are given the next time slot available, just like the paper FP, however, if you are given a 2:30pm slot for a ride at 11am you will see a time when you can get your next one, but, that is around an hour after the time you made the FP, so making it at 11am means you can book another from midday. You also get a photopass included. Anyway, I'm sure there are posts that explain it all better. I think it was definitely worth the money.
I think the rides at DL are better than WDW with only Splash Mountain being my solo exception, simply because I don't like the seating. I've only seen the HM in its Nightmare Before Christmas setting and that is fabulous, they make a new gingerbread House for the ballroom every year. Radiator Racers is amazing and the whole of Carsland is fantastic, and I've never seen any of the Cars movies.
Well, to sum up. I found DL far more chilled than WDW, perhaps because it was mainly locals, Aussies and Kiwis when I was there and I didn't get as tired so easily as I do at WDW. I have a trip to WDW booked for next September, but, it's likely I'll cancel that and go back to DL. I would urge everyone to do DL if they want a change.
By the way, the Corn dogs are amazing!!!! And I saw one of the Disneyland cats who came right up to me so I could take a photo of that little beauty. They have a trap, neuter, release program of feral cats for vermin control and this little darling lives at CA, the best time to see her is early evening and while I called over to her to see if she would come closer for a good photo (she did, yay!!) she is not a domestic cat that you can try and pet and definitely not feed, just lovely to look at.