Help a total n00b?

[LorelaiGilmore]

Hi - I have never been here before but I'm planning our first trip to Disneyworld and I had heard that this forum is where to get all the inside info.

Basically I would just like to hear what people here have done. We're thinking of going the first week in May. We will drive and probably stay 4 nights (3 park days?). I'm totally confused about where to stay. In the Park? Out of the park?

If I could get a good deal, I'd love to stay somewhere very fun for our daughter (who is almost 8) inside the park. We aren't on a shoestring budget...not really sure what our budget is...but not unlimited, lol. The real problem is I don't know what's considered a good deal on hotels, I don't know which are the "best" or most fun hotels, I don't know where to find the best deals, I don't know anything!! :help: I am just clueless and would appreciate ideas and advice.

I know that I can do a search, but I was hoping people might like to offer tips and advice or BTDT just to help me get my bearings a bit without having to wade through a lot of threads.

Thank you so much!!