It's not for everyone, and would take some getting used to, especially from Pirates. The battle system is turn based (turn by turn), and leveling is done as you progress through the different "playgrounds" by questing ("ToonTasks"). There is also no Open Chat, being the game was designed for young children. However, you can exchange true/secret friend codes outside of the game with others which will let you "open" chat with them. Open Chat is said to come to ToonTown eventually.
It's pretty cheesy, I didn't think I would play it in a million years.. it took Samantha a lot of convincing, but once I tried it I found I liked it. There is a free trial that lets your progress through the first playground, ToonTown Central.. so if anyone is curious I would recommend trying that. If anyone needs any help or decides to play/try it, let me know.. but like I say it's not for everyone.