MickeyMagic, I will do the best I can to answer your questions. First of all, I loved the Candy Cane Inn! The flowers and atmosphere there were wonderful. The rooms were plenty big enough with two queen size beds, hair dryer, coffee maker and refrigerator. There is very reliable shuttle service to and from the parks every half hour starting at least a half hour before park opening (even on early entry days) and ending an hour after the parks closed. If the shuttle filled up quickly it would even run more often that the posted half hour schedule. The nice thing about this hotel is that it is on the same side of the street as DL but I would estimate it is a good 10 minute walk to the turnstiles. Surprisingly, DH and I usually took the shuttle to the park and walked back at night. Keep in mind, though, that this place is basically just a motel - two levels with only exterior corridors. If you have ever been to WDW, this place reminded me of a much smaller version of the Caribbean Beach Resort. The BW Park Plaza Inn (if it's the one I am thinking of) appears to be a larger hotel and is closer to the park than Candy Cane. Don't know how the rooms are, though.
As for restaurants, we noticed McDonald's, Denny's, IHOP, Tony Roma's, a chinese food place and Subway just across the street, Mom's, and a mexican restuarant (I think) all within two blocks. I am sure there are more but we only hit the McDonald's and Tony Roma's. The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast that included coffee, juice, tea, hot chocolate, several cold cereal choices, oatmeal, several choices of bread for toast, huge bagels, fruit and lots of yummy muffins and croissants. We were there a week and it got a little old so we went to IHOP one morning for a change. There is a 7-11 convenience store on the same side of the street as Candy Cane Inn, almost just next door. I didn't notice a tour desk but the people at the front desk were very nice and I am sure they will be able to tell you how to go about arranging for additional side trips. We had a rental car and they even gave us a detailed map telling us just how to get to the San Diego Zoo. I did see a truck driving around with a big billboard advertising free transportation to Universal Studios if you purchased your tickets by calling 1-800-UNIVERSAL. As far as transportation back to LAX, the only thing I noticed was that Super Shuttle was in and out of the parking lot several times during our stay. I think the phone number for them was 1-800-BLUE-VAN. I don't know how reliable they are or how expensive they are but they were brand new vans that seemed to be well cared for.
I was very happy with my room and service and would not hesitate to go back again.
We purchased a package through our local
AAA that included CCI, three day flex passes, San Diego Zoo tickets and a rental car. I thought I read something at the hotel that said that they sell the three day flex passes (now park hoppers!) for $111. I am sure if you called them, they could confirm that for you. We added on an extra night ourselves and since it was a Saturday night it was $98.
I imagine your eyes are bugging out after reading all of this but if you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me!I am sure you will have a great time. I know I did!
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I will be happy to help. I promise to post a trip report sometime during the next week or so! Thanks again everyone for all your help! 
