The apparent dichotomy in upkeep/treatment seems very puzzling (DL vs. WDW)?
Maybe, if it was 5 years ago we could just assume that they no longer viewed Anaheim as a credible long-term vacation spot (versus other locations they could invest in). However, they have gotten millions of tax dollars diverted into area revitalization, and they plopped DCA right next door.
Planning for a DCA success would mean many more people coming to both parks. Out-of-towners who haven't been to DL for many years, media people who might spill over into DL. The whole idea was to sell gadzillions of 3-day passes. Under these circumstances wouldn't you want everything in both parks to be in really good shape.
Heck, even my kids know that if company is coming over they have to clean their rooms just in case.