1) Stay with Disney
Having stayed both offsite (in Kissimmee) and onsite (multiple Disney hotels), my first and best tip is to stay at a Disney hotel. You gain several advantages including: Extra Magic Hours before and after regular park hours, transportation to and from everything Disney has to offer and proximity to the theme parks, some within walking distance. All the Disney hotels are clean, comfortable and well-themed. All the Disney hotels have a food court and/or table-service restaurants, some hosting Disney character meals. Yes, you can stay offsite for less, but Disney hotels give great value. There is nothing like being in the Disney “bubble”.