Welcome Laura!
More than happy to answer any questions.
Back in 2000, I reluctantly booked a 7 day land/sea vacation for my family - I was reluctant about the cruise part, but was a huge Disney fan, so if I was going to try it, it would be Disney. I thought of it at the time as a thing you have to do once in your lifetime.
This 2006 cruise will now be our 8th
DCL cruise including that one. Two three days, one four day, and this will be the fifth seven day. IDK if any of you cruised in January 2002, but because of tourism being down due to 9/11, you actually got a coupon for a FREE 3 night cruise when you did a seven night! That was a great deal back then.
I guess you could say we are hooked. After that 2000 cruise, we also bought DVC, so now, we try to do a cruise, and a DVC stay each year. They are the best family vacations we ever take, and the DIS boards have been an added bonus since I found them in 2001. I have met may wonderful people here, some of whom have become great friends. (most of my co-workers and other friends do not share or understand this addiction of ours). The people we met on the 12/10 cruise were just GREAT, and we are glad we will be seeing many of them again. Luckily, DW and I both LOVE Disney, and love DCL even more than WDW.
As far as the resort and 7 day cruise, I think you will at some point find it more convenient to rent a car or use a limo to go to the port on your own. That way you set your own schedule - not one that is set for you.
John