Well in traditional spirit I figured it couldn't hurt to come in and make the typical "I passed!" post. I doubt there's too much that I can say that hasn't been said 300 times over. But I'd like to at least share a few take aways.
Out of the two tests I would say for me the DCD was much more difficult in this version (heck, failed the beta actually). The content seemed very similar to the VCAP4-DCD; however, the scoring criteria seemed as if it might of got a little more strict. It's a difficult test to study for as it gets rather broad and I believe much comes down to practical experience. Lowe's and Guthrie's vSphere Design book was probably the greatest help as it helped to get me to ask the necessary design questions to myself and research further. The design workshop also came of great value to really drill VMware's design methololgy (plus it's a fun course too, almost like a thinktank with peers)
The DCA was a pleasure in comparison and I thouroughly enjoyed taking it. It is also and easier test to study for, you can go line by line on the blueprint and really make sure you're covering each item. I heavily leveraged the vBrownBag series (http://www.professionalvmware.com), Jason Langer's blog (http://www.virtuallanger.com/vcap-dca-5/) and Gregg Robertson's blog (http://thesaffageek.co.uk/vsphere-5-study-resources/vcap5-dca-objectives/). I used the testing method of marking 1 through 26 on the dry erase board and skipping all over like a mad man, knocking out the quick tasks first and saving the bigger questions for the end.
Either way, two great exams; while challenging, still within reach and make a great vehicle to sharpen your skills in the off hours.
Now it's time to figure out if I'm ready or cut out for the VCDX, this one may take some soul searching 
Happy studying!