You can check out Disneyland.com to see what attractions, shows and restaurants are there. The primary thing you might be disappointed with is that WDW, ultimately, has more attractions than DLR. BUT, the are spread thin compared to DLR. DLR is more "compacted" fun giving you less downtime. I'll touch on a few differences here.
Think of DLR as the Magic Kingdom and MGM, with nothing from Epcot or Animal Kingdom. The exception is that DLR has a different version of the Dinosaur ride from Animal Kingdom called Indiana Jones, and both have the Sorin' ride from Epcot. Also, DLR is missing some of the fun ride from MGM like the one that takes you through Wizard of Oz, etc. and the fun Little Mermaid show. From Magic Kingdom, instead of the Swiss Family Robinson Tree, you have the tree from Disney's Tarzan. No people mover, no carousel of tomorrow, and no Stitch ride.
Disneyland's castle is smaller and, consequently, doesn't have a restaurant inside.
Disneyland's Fantasyland, however, puts WDW's to shame. You won't be disappointed there. Especially Small World. You'll be thrilled with Small Worlds brilliance at DLR. Also, Fantasmic at DLR isn't shown in its own theater. I really like this, because it gives the show a significantly more magical, intimate feel. If you like things super organized and structured, you might like MGM's theater better. But if you have an adventerous steak and like to see the park, itself, turn to the stage, you'll prefer DL's presentation. And, of course, the Haunted Mansion is better if only for the fact that the room ACTUALLY STRECTHES (well, you know..) instead of pictures that roll giving an obviously false appearance. Remember, too, that Disneyland is the original! There's a lot of history there.
Check out the DL website and browse what they've got. I hope I haven't made this too long and hope you can appreciate DLR for what it is and not worry too much about what it isn't.
You can see a review with pics in my sig. Also is a review of Embassy Suites South which we also loved but is too far to walk to DRL from. Walking distance is nice so that you can go back for an afternoon nap. I've seen other people post their review on hotels recently so you should check those out too.
