dmmerc -
Only you can answer whether the extra money spent on a TPV vs. GV is worth it to you. I will say that, when my DD was young, it was very magical for her to see the castle lit up at night while she got ready for bed. For me, that was worth the extra cost! For a very first visit, I'd consider the TPV, if it is in your budget.
There are very good castle views from either the Sago Cay or Conch Key buildings, you can request those for a better chance at a perfect castle view. You could also mention on your reservation that this is your daughter's first visit to WDW, it couldn't hurt!
SuperDisneyWorldDad - I can't say definitively what the times are for monorail vs. boat. That all depends on whether the boat captain waits a few moments at each dock, whether the monorail has to pause for traffic to clear at the MK, etc. But I will say, we usually take the monorail
to the MK, the boat
from the MK - that seems the quickest, and most enjoyable travel to us.
mhanback - I'm not sure if there are any standard rooms in the main building without daybeds. The rooms that are without daybeds in the outer lodges are the dormer rooms, which are on the top floor; the top floor of the main building has the suites, so I don't
think there are any standard dormer rooms. Oddly, the deluxe rooms in the main building do not have daybeds, so it's possible there are standard rooms that do not. Someone here who has better info will probably be along to answer your question more accurately!
Good luck to everyone, and have a wonderful trip!
But I try...This thread really gets me excited about my upcoming trip! Can't wait to check out GF!
