I've been to DL. This will be (if I can wrap my mind around it) a first DW trip. I've always pushed off the idea of DW because it just seems so... Big! Now that I'm ready to go for it I have no idea where to stay.
I'm fairly certain on-site is best. We won't have a car. DL planning would just be, which hotel is budget-fitting and well reviewed. DW?
What are the advantages of an official Disney resort over a non?
On-site and in an official Disney owned resort offers you the Magical Express (transportation from airport to resort and back) as well as the Extra Magic Hours (EMH) and the option to add the Dining Plan to your package. There is also the Swan/Dolphin on property - if you stay there, you will not get the Magical Express or Dining Plan, but will have EMH.
In addition, you get the Disney theming, frequent transportation to/from the parks, etc.
If advantageous enough, are the value resorts comfortable or are they motel-6ish? Well, nicer than that, but you know what I mean (I hope).
They are motel like in that they have outside corridors and have less amenities than the moderates or deluxes. They also have double size beds. The values tend to be more crowded, are less convenient to get to parks and do not have sit-down dining (cafeteria style only).
If value resorts are comfortable, which one is best? Most central, cost of food?
I'm afraid I can't answer this as I have not personally stayed in one.
If they are lacking, what resort the next step up is best?
The next step up is a moderate - there is Port Orleans Riverside (POR), Port Orleans French Quarter (POFQ), Caribbean Beach (CBR), Coronado Springs (CSR) and Fort Wilderness Cabins.
It's hard to say what is best of these - it really depends on the ages of your children, what type of theme appeals most to you, what amenities you want, etc. Of the above, CSR offers the most amenities as it is a convention resort. I am not personally a fan of POR, but did enjoy our stay at CBR.
And just to make your head spin a little more, at this price point, you could also rent points and stay in a DVC - these are the Disney Vacation Club resorts - they are located within the Deluxe category and offer the option of a kitchen or kitchenette (with a studio) and a bit more space than you would have with a regular room. There is alot of information on this process over on the DVC Boards. We are actually considering this for our Christmas trip this year.
And you could also stay at the Swan/Dolphin - these resorts will not allow you to take advantage of the Magical Express or dining plan, but are more of a deluxe option and have an awesome location. They also provide for walking distance or a short boat ride to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
If you go on the official Disney website and Allears.net, you will see all kinds of information about each resort - this might help in making a decision.
If the non-official ones are just as good, which ones of those are best location and food value-wise?
I've never stayed off-site, so can't help you here.
Should we book through Disney or a Disney agent over ala carte on our own?
I prefer to go directly through Disney - this allows me to make/change my dining reservations and also allows me to apply a better discount, should one become available. It also allows for you to see your reservations online.
My head is spinning...