Hi James! I'm always on the hunt for bargains too when I'm planning my Disney World vacations. You'll find the regular
ticket prices on the Disney website, and you can compare those prices to those of other ticket brokers to determine the best price. When comparing prices, be sure to make sure tax is included so you're comparing apples to apples.
The prices you mentioned are the approximate costs of five-day base tickets purchased through Disney, before tax, so you may not be receiving much of a discount. If you're not already a subscriber to the newsletter on the unofficial website mousesavers.com, I recommend you sign up for it. That website sends a monthly newsletter with a link to discounted Disney park passes at the unofficial website UndercoverTourist.com, which offers tickets at prices lower than the ones you mention.
Base tickets allow you to visit one park per day. They're a good and economical option if your family doesn't want to visit multiple parks each day. If you want the flexibility of being able to visit more than one park each day, it may be worthwhile to pay extra for the Park Hopper tickets.
Come visit us again at the Moms Panel if you have more questions! We'd love to help!