For my family, we've been using one of the towncar services to/from the airport. We are a family of 5, so it is cheaper, and quicker to use the towncar than Mears.
If possible, bring some breakfast items from home. It not only saves money, but time too! We usually bring breakfast bars and grab a milk at the hotel or at the park.
We don't have any "discount" cards (used to have the Disney card, when it was free from my credit union). I just search these boards for discounts!
As for your tickets, I guess it depends on what you want to do. Are yall looking to do the water parks and such? Its hard to tell for December - two years ago, it was cold when we were down there; but last year, it wasn't that cold (we didn't go swimming either time, even though there were others in the pool! In Dec 2000, it was very cold and there were still kids in the hotel pool!). I would suggest a 4 or 5 day hopper - saving at least one day to check out all the Christmas decorations at the hotels (especially the Grand Floridian!).
Enjoy your stay!!
