[Hammertime]

Just got back last weekend from Orlando on a similar vacation as you're planning.

Stayed in Kissimmee, just outside of Disney World. The commute is an easy 10-15 minutes to any of the Disney parks, and car rentals were cheap at the airport. Most hotels have shuttles as well, but then you aren't on your own schedule..

I wouldn't recommend the hotel we stayed at, but there are a ton of brand name mid-range hotels on the strip (on Irlo Bronson Memorial highway) and would definitely recommend that you stay outside of the park and get a car to do other "non-disney" stuff during your week there. Then you've got access to tons of non-Disney restaurants, shopping, Universal, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, etc.

There was a Continental, Ramada, Quality Inn, Travelodge, etc.. all a bit closer to the park than where we were at. Our hotel was part of a package that I booked last minute - it was a great deal, but the resort itself was just meh. If you aren't doing a package, suggest that you book a more reputable brand name outside of the park.

Also, we got the 4 day pass and went to all 4 parks on different days. I would definitely recommend buying and planning your passes up front as the savings are significant (4 days for 200/person instead of 400/person if bought at the gate). Don't bother with Park Hopper if it's your first time as travelling between parks will eat into your day.

If you aren't going to all the parks, would recommend in order: 1)Magic Kingdom, 2)Animal Kingdom, 3)Epcot, 4)Hollywood Studios. Favorite rides in order: Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom), Haunted House (Magic Kingdom), Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom). We weren't able to get on the two big ones at Hollywood studios (Rock and Rollercoaster and Tower) because of the crowds during American Thanksgiving. Epcot is just OK.. lots of simulation rides that feel a bit dated now. Check out the Canada 360 movie in the Canada section at Epcot.. it will make you homesick if near the end of your trip.

At Disney, if you don't like line-ups, plan your day around using Fast-Pass system where you get to pre-register a set time on the ride to come back and by-pass the line. I believe you can get a fast-pass every 2 hours, but hit up the more popular rides in the AM. We went during a busy week, and things didn't really get too crowded until noon.. and died out a bit during dinner.

Universal Islands of Adventure was also pretty good for rides, but it's missing the "Disney Experience". The Hulk Rollercoaster and Dragon Challenge were pretty good. Harry Potter's world was pretty interesting if you/wife is into that. Try the butterbeer.

My wife and I are foodies too, so we went looking for interesting dining eats at the parks as well. All in all, the food did get a bit boring and we enjoyed some of the American food chains outside of the parks that we can't get in Canada (Chick-fil-a , Jimmy Johns, Joe's Crabshack, etc.)