Even though you've been to DLR in the past, you mentioned you've been to WDW more recently, so I recommend you take a look at HydroGuy's DLR Guide for WDW Vets. It'll give you a good grounding in the major differences between WDW and DLR.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599
In terms of the dining venues, the most important thing to remember is that you do not need to make ADRs months in advance. I still recommend making ADRs if you know you want to eat a specific place and/or at a specific time, but you can often make ADRs on short(ish) notice. At DLR, the ADR window opens 60-days in advance.
There are far fewer TS locations in DLR. If you sort the Disneyland.com dining list by venues that accept reservations, you'll get a listing of pretty much all of the TS locations in the resort.
https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/#/reservations-accepted/
My favorites include:
- Blue Bayou (Disneyland) - this is probably the most iconic dining venue in Disneyland Resort. You dine inside the PotC building (you see the boats floating by as they head into the attraction). I enjoy the food and the atmosphere. Note that the Monte Cristo is only available at lunch.
- Cafe Orleans - less expensive than the BB, it serves similar, but different, food items. It also carries the Monte Cristo. Most of the seating is outdoors, so weather can be a factor. The Pomme Frites are amazing!
- Big Thunder Ranch BBQ - all you care to eat BBQ. The food is very yummy (messy, but good) and filling. There are also performers (usually a singer and a musician) that are corny, but fun to listen to. The BBQ does not open when it's rainy (all outdoor seating).
- Carnation Cafe - fairly basic menu, but good tasting food. The seating is about half indoor and half outdoor.
- Carthay Circle Restaurant - the closest to "fine" dining in DCA. The food is good and it's a nice (usually quiet) atmosphere. The house biscuits are really yummy!
- Carthay Circle Lounge - not a traditional TS, but the lounge does have small plate items (kind of similar to HBD Lounge in DHS). I really enjoy the food items (the Lobster Pad Thai Roll is wonderful!). It can fill up, so if you go on a weekend you might have trouble finding a table.
- Storytellers - The corn chowder is very rich and very good. It's a fairly relaxed and peaceful location.
- Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - located in DTD, this venue specializes in New Orleans inspired items. The Shrimp and Grits are really good, as is the Bourbon Street Sampler. If you go on Sunday morning/afternoon, they have a pretty good brunch menu. Seating is a mixture of indoor and outdoor, so it can be hot or cold, depending on the weather.
There are several other locations in the hotels that I have not tried.
Additionally, I would not limit myself to TS locations. DLR has some very good QS locations. In some ways, I think that DLR tends to do a better job at the QS locations than WDW does. If you get to DLR, I would take a look at the menus at the French Market, Plaza Inn, Flo's V-8 Cafe, Tagaroa Terrace, and Jolly Holiday.
