We stayed at a place called the "Baywatch Resort" in North Myrtle, which we found a little less "packed in", if that makes sense. If you've been to Myrtle Beach before, you know what I mean: main Myrtle is where a lot of the action is, but it's also pretty tightly packed with resort condo's. North Myrtle seemed to be a little less so. It DID require a bit of a drive to get to some of the attractions like Broadway on the Beach and other fun stuff. As for the resort, it was very reasonably priced, had A LOT of pools (3 main pools outside, a few more inside, hot tubs, lazy rivers, ect). Plus, it was right on the beach, where the water was perfect--required no 'dip the toe in and wait for the wave to hit you'.
Now, I'll have to warn you that if you read trip advisor, you'll get a range of opinions about every resort, making it a bit difficult to choose, and figure out which of these opinions are fact, and which are being posted by employees (I have my doubts--lots of one time posters always make me wonder). Regardless, the Baywatch was a bit run down, as are many of these places. They're located along the ocean, and take a beating by the weather I'm sure. But if you come with an open mind and a desire to stay within a reasonable budget, it's a great place to stay. A lot less costly than Disney, but then again, my kids got bored there kinda quickly, and kept comparing it to the constant 'go-go-GO' a Disney vacation requires.

. As for my wife and I, laying on the warm sand all day listening to the sound of the beach is my form of fun
Enjoy!!
By the way, the Baywatch offers one and two bedroom oceanfront with balcony units, that typically have full or at least partial (oven, micro, sink, some counter and cabinet space) kitchens for making food and saving some money. Most of the oceanfront places do. Google Myrtle Beach rentals, and check the various sites. They're filled with photos and info. You'll find it can be as challenging as lining up a vacation at WDW!!
And...I see you're listing from upstate NY. Driving in one day is not the way to go if you can avoid it. We did on the way back. It's a loonnnngggg drive (which I think we made longer by taking a wide route from Central New York, rather than hooking up with I95 quickly). We wanted to avoid traffic heading through the DC corridor, but I think we ended up spending more time in the car as a result. If you have any questions, please post em.