I restored my iPad 3 to my Mom's account using iTunes; no iCloud backup available because the old iPad 1 had an accident before iCloud backups were a thing. This also went smoothly. It no longer requires two manual steps. As long as you don't interrupt it (and the dialog warns you not to), it continues with app installs after the restore and reboot.
There isn't a whole lot on Mom's iPad, so the restore went quickly. Then I had to go through and make 'best guesses' on how she would like it set up, add some books, a couple game apps, and lock down stuff that might come back to haunt me later.
I hope to give it to her tomorrow.
So, as far as I can see Apple has done a pretty good job of cleaning up and simplifying the restore process from both iCloud and iTunes. The main thing is to have a good wi-fi connection (if using iCloud) and be patient enough not to interrupt things part way through.
If I was feeling cautions (and I often am), I would make sure I have a current back up in both iCloud and iTunes. That way if one fails, you can start over with the other. And I've said it before, but don't restore or get rid of the original iPad until you are sure everything on the new one is perfect. As long as the old one still works, you can always start over from scratch.
Also, if you are going to sell or give away the Mini, don't forget to restore it first. If you don't turn off 'Find My iPad' and restore it, then the next person can't set it up for their own account. iOS 7's anti-theft features will lock the iPad if they try.