To ask where the heck you begin planning a disneyworld trip?

[kewtogetin]

Yes, massive first world problem. We are looking at a trip to Disneyland next year, thought I'd have a quick browse on the Internet, choose a hotel, book some flight etc etc.......
But no, seems it's not the done thing, there are literally 100's of hotels, in 100's of different areas, each with its own theme.
I thought there was just one theme park?! Disneyland?! But no, there are sodding hundreds of them.
How can you even begin to decide where to stay? I need help oh wise mumsnetters. Wisdom, experience and advice will all be humbly received.

My 2 enjoyed the silliest things too - we have pictures of them in all the shops wearing the silly hats/ears sold in all of them -

viking helmet with plaits in Epcot Norway, was the most Epic pic - since we were there at the end of the character breakfast and Ariel, Jasmin and Mulan photo bombed them in the shop, sooooo funny.

There is a lot of choice! I haven't read the thread in full, so sorry for any duplication.

Park entry is very expensive; we found it relatively good value to buy multi park tickets. For example, we had Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure (this is where the Harry Potter is) and Wet&Wild (a waterpark) as a bundle. Ditto with SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica (waterpark). We didn't go to Disney at all, but I'm sure they do similar bundled packages. It means you can go for a part day without feeling you've wasted money, which can be very handy with little ones and the sometimes unpredictable weather!

Aquatica waterpark was really good; we spent a whole day there, and went back on another afternoon.

I think a few people have mentioned villa accommodation. We did this and it was really cheap. Balanced out the park entry which was really a lot of money!

Finally, if you are getting a car anyway, look at flights to Tampa as well as Orlando International. It's only about 30 mins extra transfer time and we saved hundreds of pounds between the 5 of us.

Have a great holiday.

Harry Potter is at both universal parks now, and the train in between them - if you have a park to park ticket..