TM,We have been to DisneyWorld 6 times with the girl(s), but the last time was when Melissa was 4, so it has been a long time ago. We were on tight budgets each time so we stayed at hotels very close by. At the time, there were only the 3 main hotels onsite at Disney and they were too expensive. Now there are a lot of choices onsite and many are reasonably priced, I believe. I would certainly check into those.
Even with staying closeby and having to drive there each day (we did 3 or 4 day park hopper tickets), we got there early before the park opened. In the afternoon, we'd go back to the hotel for the girls to take naps or a swim, and then we'd go back later in the day when the crowds weren't as bad again. They really thinned out at night.
We bought the tickets that allowed us to go back and forth from Disney to Epot to Disney MGM. (now there's more parks, right?) It was nice having a choice of where you felt like going.
A note about Disney (I believe it was at Disney).....if they still have the "people wedway mover." This was a gentle, smooth trainlike ride around the park. It was never crowded. It was sooooooooooo relaxing. If you felt too hot, the breeze cooled you off. Whenever we were tired or wanted to get away from the crowds, we hopped aboard the "wedway mover." I highly recommend it if it's still there just to relax from time to time.
I remember going in April and that was a nice time of year; but if it's on Easter/Spring break, be prepared for BIG crowds.
I don't know if the food has improved, but the food you could buy at the parks was expensive and wasn't the greatest. If they still sell the Mickey Mouse ice cream bars, you have got to try those!!!
We also visited Sea World while in Florida which we all enjoyed but husband thought was a little boring. But it's another place you might want to visit.
As an adult, I would visit DisneyWorld/Epcot now but husband doesn't want to. I loved it! Have FUN planning!!! Oh--and like a few others have said, definitely buy a Disney guide book. I did and there were wonderful tips in there such as always heading for the farthest line because it will be shorter.
sue