You'll never get a definitive answer to this question due to the fact the board divides up two ways:
(a) those who believe that staying at a Disney hotel is essential, in order for you to get the full Disney magic.
(b) those (like me) who think they're going to spend most hours in the park anyway and can't justify spending that sort of money on a hotel.
I stayed in HoJo and loved it - it's 10 minutes walk from the parks (about the same as DLH) has big rooms, great staff, a nice heated pool and a great place to eat right across the street - Mimi's.
Others who've stayed at Candy Cane are just as enthusiastic.
Difference comes down to the fact that HoJo has a pool and a slightly bigger rooms but no breakfast, while CCI has no pool but includes a continental breakfast.