I've done a Disney trip before where I booked everything through Disney and stayed at a nearby hotel, across the street. This allowed for some extras like early park admissions, character breakfasts, extended park hours if I recall correctly along with some other things like an added day to my pakr tickets too I believe. This was a few years ago but I believe they do the same stuff still.

In fact a coworker went last year and they added the family meal option where for a little more it included a meal plan as well to the package deal.

I'd look into this option for it included park tickets and hotels and you can even add meals and other things to suit your needs for however many days you want. It may be worh it or at least to compare doing it all individually.

Andrew

I haven't been in years, but as a kid, my family and I went every 1-3 years. I don't know how much cheaper, or if it's still the same, but my dad, who is very "money efficient," would spend a good deal of time finding the cheapest hotels. He was opposed to paying the extra money for the Disney hotels, he just wanted a clean safe place to sleep. Most places had pools, and when we weren't in walking distance, there was always a shuttle that took people to the park.

oh god , dont know why anyone would go to this commercialized schlocked out hell ...

but , i used to go myself to both one in florida and anaheim one ...

when I did Disney we drove, we bought the 5 day pass and got a hotel a bit farther away but still driving distance. It was ideal for us. The hotel since it wasn't right by disney was cheaper. and the 5 day pass kept us from burning out and trying to do too much. I did get one of those books that is a guied to disney land and has touring plkans that helps you minimize line time.. it worked really well.
The other thing about the 5 day and hotel thing was we would leave the park mid day go back eat either at our hotel or a resturant and nap.... ahhhhh nothing like a mid day nap before returning. It realy destressed the excperience.