Hi there, Christine!
As you have probably figured out, The Walt Disney World Resort is a vacationer's paradise, with everything from thrill rides to spa days available to Guests. Without knowing a little bit about you and your mother, it would be pretty challenging for me to make any sort of recommendations; I would hate to send you and your mother to a restaurant that did not appeal to your taste, for example.
I'd recommend starting with learning a little bit about the property (there's a lot in that 43 square miles!). Stop by the
Disney Parks Web site and order one of the complimentary planning DVDs. This will help you to start creating a list of must-dos and must-sees. When you have compiled that list, come back to the Moms Panel, and we'll be happy to help you winnow that list down and create the perfect itinerary for you.
This goes for dining, too. The folks at the AllEars.net fan site have pulled together the most comprehensive list of restaurant menus and Guest dining reviews you'll find anywhere. Start to make a list of where you must eat.
And finally, where to stay. Let your budget, in this case, be your guide. While there isn't a "bad" hotel on property, you'll definitely find differences in theming and amenities as the cost goes up. I recommend Deluxe whenever possible, particularly the Resort hotels on the monorail line (my favorite being Disney's Polynesian Resort), but you'll find some incredible values in the Moderate class, too. Again, visit AllEars.net.
As you work through this initial layer of information, you'll find the wants/needs fall into place. And then, as I said, come back to us and let us work with you to plan a most magical vacation!
See you later, celebrator,
-Deborah B.