So excited for you cy1229!!!!
I agree with BIG as far as touringplans.com goes...we had the subscription for 2011/2012 since we actually were going to parks. But since we currently have no trip planned, we let it lapse. I think only costs $14/year for both parks (I think that's what we paid) so it's very affordable. We found it more useful for WDW than DL, but we are much more familiar with DLR.
DL definitely has more charm than MK and yes, it is much smaller square footage-wise, but there's a lot packed into the park! I suggest that if you want to do anything in Fantasyland, tackle that first thing in the morning because as the day wears on, it gets swamped. It is liable to be quite crowded since you'd be going in the summer, and with large crowds in a smaller park several bottlenecks tend to happen.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln is a great spot to cool off in the middle/most crowded part of the day and is hardly ever full (though maybe since the release of the new movie there is an influx of visitors). The pre-show area of the theatre has some nice exhibits featuring Disneyland history, as long as they haven't changed it.
As far as DCA goes, the last time we were there, Carsland and Buena Vista Street were still under construction so the only advice I can give you about Carsland is what I've heard from others...go to Radiator Springs Racers first. Also, be sure to grab a FastPass for World of Color (after getting RSR FPs). Yellow and Blue are the best sections to view the show from my experience...unfortunately, you have no say in what color section you get. Also, don't be afraid to check out World of Color from the splash zone. I love the up close view of the show and all the details that can't be appreciated from the back. Yes, you will likely get wet but sometimes it's a soaker and other times it's just a mist. I really depends on the wind during the show. But on a summer night, it might feel refreshing!
Pasadena is gorgeous (say hello to Sheldon and Penny
) and is about 45ish minutes away from DLR but it's pretty simple to get there. It's awesome that you will be working with NASA folks! It sounds like an amazing trip!
I love to help, so questions are welcomed! It's been almost 2 years since we've been there, so I know some stuff has changed, but I'll do my best.
And, there is likely a tour of JPL in the works... stay tuned!
But we'll see what we do. The draw to DLR might be too much to resist the first day.
Wait Europe? Fill me it!