We were at the Paradise Pier about 6 weeks ago. I was really pleasantly surprised with it! We have only stayed at the Grand Californian, so I didn't know what to expect. It has the Disney touches that you expect at a Disney resort, like the basket under the counter to hold the dirty towels. (I loved the Mickey lamps too!)
The walk was easy, both through the Grand Californian and then to the monorail and Downtown Disney. Good gift shop, buffet, and coffee/pastry shop area.
And the price is right, and because it's a Disney resort, it includes the early entry perk.
The main thing that I noticed is that it is more "quiet" and low-key because it's smaller (even though there was a cheerleading convention there at the time).
The parking is also convenient--a parking structure behind the hotel. It's easy to run out to the car to get something.
I would definitely stay there again!