I haven't visited WDW since the implementation of FastPass Plus, and I'm a So-Cal resident and now a Disneyland regular, but grew up visiting WDW and was most recently there about two years ago. I'll agree with the importance of staying onsite if at all possible. This can be difficult to understand for a DLR regular, given that I typically stay offsite at the DLR since onsite is sooooo expensive and the DLR is so much more compact. WDW is truly like a small city. If you stay at an onsite resort, you can skip the car rental and never leave the "Disney bubble" which is a great escape.
I can, however, certainly appreciate budget concerns--though unless you are going to stay at a very low level chain offsite, I don't think you'll save that much money over a "value" or moderate room onsite. And the benefits you get as an onsite guest are really really great. Like I said, no need for a car (in my opinion), take the Disney Magical Express (included in your room reservation rate) to/from the airport, use the buses, boats, and monorails to get around to the parks and resorts. You'll save money by not renting a car. Make a one-time trip via cab or arrange for delivery of groceries to your room to save on meal costs. With a mini-fridge found in most hotel rooms, you can't do that much, but enough for breakfasts in your room and sandwich fixings if you want to pack lunch to bring to the parks with you.
We did this on our last trip and just ate dinners "out"--which didn't always mean a big sit-down meal, but sometimes counter service. Food choices are much more varied and superior tasting at Epcot (in comparison to the Magic Kingdom for instance). Other tips-- park hop! We usually end up at Epcot for the evening due to the aforementioned better food choices.
I "prefer" Disneyland to Magic Kingdom personally, but love Epcot and the Animal Kingdom. Hollywood Studios felt lacking to me on our last trip--and has fewer "unique" experiences. For some reason, Toy Story is infinitely more popular there than at DCA, and there's really no need to hassle with it--the ride is exactly the same as at DCA. Things to be sure to seek out in my opinion at each park that are somewhat unique to Florida:
Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion, Winnie the Pooh (I think it's different than ours in CA), People Mover, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor (uses similar technology to Turtle Talk with Crush), New Fantasyland (though the Mermaid ride is a replica), Electrical Parade (!!! and get nostalgic wishing it were back at DL or DCA).
Epcot: everything! But don't miss (IMO) Spaceship Earth, Test Track, and Maelstrom
Hollywood Studios: When I was able to ride roller coasters I LOVED the Rock'N'Roller Coaster, Great Movie Ride (getting dated/run down, but still cool)
Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safaris and just walking around and doing the various "trails"
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