Disney - total beginner

[Pastperfect]

I want to go to Disney next year, I've had a look through some of the threads on here and had a quick peak on DIBB - but it's utterly overwhelming. I don't know where to start.

How do you choose a hotel? Or even when to go?

I don't know anyone who has been to ask. I had a quick google for availability in both march and October next year and march was twice price - is that normal?

I hate having so much choice!

I was you this time last year and we have just returned from a fantastic trip to Orlando. I highly recommend you buy the Unofficial Guide to Orlando 2014, its available on amazon and in most bookshops. It is the most informative practical step by step guide to the whole Disney experience, also it deals witth Universal, Seaworld etc as well as accommodation car hire restaurants tickets etc. It is updated each year and its contributors are all Disney goers and know what tips people need.

I would start with that, if you have it, you have all the info you need. Hope you have a wonderful time xx

Sorry, this might be long and rambling, cos I'm a big kid and we're going back soon!
I'm going this October with DW and DD (7yo). Booked well in advance at the travel agents (Thomas Cook) and got a fantastic deal, though I appreciate with wheeling and dealing coulda shaved a little off the cost.
First port, ask at a travel agent, pick up the Disney and Virgin brochures - they might try to sell it to you then, but no harm in taking their info and advice then going back to the Internet to explore more. Get info on Disney dining plan - we're doing that this time, but didn't do it on our last two trips. Pretty sure there are DVDs available also - can be a bit sugary, but they'll get you in the planning mood :)

Official website is disneyworld.disney.go.com and if you register, you can link all your reservations, ride fast passes, dining etc. Also can start booking stuff 180 days in advance. There's a mirror for the site through an official Android Disney App (presumably iOS also) - both very good tools.
Unofficially, wdwinfo.com has all park /ride /dining /events as well, and lots of boards and hints and tips.
Been twice before - about 8 years ago in March, and 3 years ago in Feb. Both big family affairs, both in Port Orleans resort. Match was plenty hot enough for me, Feb was surprisingly good also. Our October trip should be similar temperatures to the March one, but has the advantage of all the special Halloween and start of Christmas things going on (I did say I was a big kid!).
Consider if you just want Disney - depends on kids ages I guess. This will be our third trip, but we're only just gonna try the other parks (Universal, Busch Gardens etc). Disney accommodation is great (and we're doing it this time too, but with a week on International Drive also), but you can easily spend your entire time there with barely a trip offsite!
Lastly, enjoy, and get into it - it's a huge cliché to say it's a magical experience, but it is, especially with little ones. And don't let the skeptics put a downer on it.

Also, be clear on your budget!

How old are your DC? How long are you planning on going for?

Have a look at Allears.net, it's a very good, unofficial disney world web site. It's run by fans but they're not afraid to be honest either. It has lots of information on holiday planning, including full reviews and photo galleries of all the hotels.

That Brits Unofficial guide is ace!

So jealous (sigh) We loved Disney and Universal - Blizzard Beach is fab!

You are going to have SUCH a good time!

Thanks for all the responses was a little afraid all the Disney Qs had been asked and I'd get no answer.

I was thinking about going for a week but didn't know if that's long enough, if it's not then we could go longer but I'm not sure how much DH and I will enjoy it (although I know DCs will be in heaven.

Also re budget if we could do it for less than 6k (for flights, accommodation and park entry) that'd be ideal but I have no idea if that is reasonable or not - See I can't even answer the basics!

Most important re budget is we have a great time but that I get value for money, so I don't mind spending a bit extra but would hate to feel we could have had just as good a holiday for less IYSWIM?

Kids are 4, 8 & 10