WDW - is staying in a Disney Hotel the be all and end all?

[jeaniebueller]

I have stayed on and off property and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. I kind of hated being stuck on the Disney properties, but the theming is really cool for kids and pools are awesome.

[Amy]

Keep in mind that at value resorts you are talking about double beds, at mods and deluxe they are queens. This may not be a big deal to you but for us it is. If you can swing the price for a moderate (try Caribbean Beach it tends to be the cheapest) I'd do that. We also prefer staying in the bubble. There are several little kid rides that you will absolutely need FPs for (Peter Pan, Toy Story...)