Hi Sherrie!
I love visiting Walt Disney World for the holidays! To make this budget friendly vacation, arrange your visit during the value season period between 11/28 and 12/16 for 2010. Room rates are lower compared to the dates closer to the actual holidays. Of course, you should continue to check the Disney site for
special offers, too! Another advantage to visiting during value season is there are less crowds, and you can really maximize your time playing in the parks.
Also, you can save by staying at one of Disney's value or moderate resorts. My family likes Pop Century resort, one of the value resorts, very much. We've always found the rooms well kept, and the resort is well themed. You'll benefit from those Disney's perks by having those Extra Magic Hours, along with all the rest of the benefits, such as Disney transportation, too!
To experience character dining on a budget, try for a breakfast or lunch reservation. Every character dining location I have tried has had really great food. The interaction with the characters makes it fun, too! You can find character breakfasts throughout many of the resorts, and each theme park features a character dining experience for breakfast, too. To see your options, start
here. You can even make reservations online once you are within 180 days of your visit, or you can also make reservations by calling (407)WDW-DINE.
One more thing, if you'd like even more magical holiday celebration on your vacation, attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. While this requires a separate admission, it is a great way to experience the magic of Disney during the holidays to your vacation. A worth while treat!
Hope this helps! Come back to the Moms Panel if you need more tips planning your magical vacation!