Hi Anita!
Thank you for sending in your questions to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel.
Disney resort hotels can basically be divided into four categories:
- Disney Value Resorts
- Disney Moderate Resorts
- Disney Deluxe Resorts
- Disney Deluxe Villas
The Disney Deluxe Resorts and Villas generally have the best location, services, and amenities. They generally have the best theming as well. They are also, unfortunately, generally more expensive than the other resorts.
If budget is no issue, I recommend staying in one of the Deluxe Resorts in the Magic Kingdom area. The Polynesian, the Contemporary, and the Grand Floridian are on the monorail line. That makes it very easy to return to a hotel room for a nap, a swim, or just a break from the parks.
With regards to getting a package, I personally do not usually get the Dining Plan. However, you really have to do the math comparing the cost of a Dining Plan to the cost of paying out of pocket.
By the way, you should visit the independent website MouseSavers.com. The site is full of money saving information and tips. It is one of the places I go to first when planning my own Disney vacation.
I hope this helps. Please write back with more questions! Our responses are limited in length, but I would be happy to help more. You can send questions directly to me.