[LittleMissMagic]

Honestly, with DL, the Good Neighbor resorts and actual Disney resorts aren't too different. Last time I was at DL (Jan 2006), we stayed at the Desert Palms. It was a short walk from both entrances to the park (you can go to the parking lot and catch a tram to the main gate, or head straight to the main gate), and we had a lovely view of CA. The Disney resorts aren't all... Disney, really. I don't find it necessary to stay on Disney property, when the Good Neighbor resorts get you just as close, and with the perks of the Disney resort (you get extra magic hours, as well).

You could probably do nearly everything with two days in each park. Seven days is more than enough. I suggest hitting up Hollywood (but be warned - uber scary at night... at least I thought so), maybe LA, then if you have a teenager, Laguna Beach is fun (although not that spectacular otherwise, I'm sure).