Hi Donellyn, and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
How exciting to be bringing your little princess on her first Walt Disney World trip! No matter how many times I've visited in the past, seeing it with my son has been the most magical experience of all.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is one of my favorite Resort hotels at Walt Disney World. I think for your family on this particular visit, however, I'd recommend going for the Little Mermaid room at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. It's a wonderful place for little ones to play! Your daughter can visit the larger-than-life versions of her favorite Disney characters in the Resort courtyards and go splish-splashing in the zero-entry Big Blue Pool and kids' water play area. And I think she'll love the colorful rooms, splashed with scenes from the movie.
While both the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Art of Animation Resort have their own bus service, buses at the Caribbean Beach Resort actually make several stops within the Resort before heading out to the Theme Parks and other destinations, so your total trip time may be a bit longer. All buses serving Art of Animation stop at one central location just outside Animation Hall.
As for food, the main difference is that the Caribbean Beach Resort has a table-service restaurant, Shutters, while Art of Animation doesn't. If a sit-down meal is important to you, that's something to consider. Otherwise, I love the Landscape of Flavors food court at Art of Animation, and you're also a short walk across the bridge to Disney's Pop Century Resort, where you can check out the fare at Everything Pop, too.
I hope this helps you find the perfect Resort hotel for your family, Donellyn. I wish you a magical vacation, and do come visit us again if you have any more questions.
Keep Disney Dreaming,
Kathy K.