I used the Disney World website ( disneyworld.com) to research each park and the best attractions / rides / shows at each one.
Get a map...u can order free ones on that web site....look over it and familiarize yourself with each park and its layout...just so you wont be totally lost when u get there.
Order the free planning dvd.
Before we went I had no idea how BIG each park was and how spread out the 4 parks are from each other and from the resorts. We love the free Disney transportation btwn each park but be prepared that it will take at LEAT 3o to 40 mins to travel from parks to park or park to resort. I thought we would go back to the room for quick snacks or changing clothes, etc....but it takes a lot of time for stuff like that.
Read up on Fast Passes and how they work and be sure to use them...they are wonderful!!! You can get one FP per person approximately every 1 or 2 hours. THe FP for a ride may all be gone by noon ( Like Toy Story Mania, Rocking Roller coast and Tower of Terror at at Hollywood Studios...Soaring and Test Tack at Epcot...Expedition Everest at An Kingdom) So, if you have park hopper tickets. just be aware that you may park hop to a different p ark and plan to get a FP for certain ride, but they may be all gone by noon to 2 pm.
If you plan to eat at the table service restaurants, call in advance to get advance dinging reservations (ADRs). If u plan to eat at table service places, consider the dining plan. For about $40 per day , you get a table service meal (that costs about $40 anyway), a quick service meal and a snack. So w/ the dining plan your quick service and snack can basically be free. Again, this is a savings if you would have eaten at a table service place anyway. Otherwise, some people prefer to pack their own lunches and eat dinner off site or at their hotel, etc....
Decide if you need park hopper tickets. if this is your first trip, I dont recommend park hoppers. It takes time and organization to park hop. For first trips, you need a WHOLE day at one park to see the best attractions. To me park hopping is best for people who go frequently and just go to certain parks to hit the "highlights". That is just my opinion though.
Also, just keep in mind that a little planning and research on the front end, makes the trip more fun. It maximizes your ability to see and experience more things. Disney is more of an adventure than a restful vacation. So, it helps to do what you are doing and ask questions and make plans in advance.
Well...this should be some basics to get you going...this board should be helpful as well.. Have fun planning! To me, planning is half the fun!