Disney

"I grew up in south FLorida and we went to Disneyworld more times than I can count. We've been in the DC area for about 6 years and have only been to Disney about 3-4 times since then, so some things may have changed, but for the most part it stays the same.

It can be a little more convenient to stay on-site and some times (not sure which season) you can gain access to the parks an hour or so earlier than others. With that being said, I have only stayed in a Disney hotel a handful of times and I am not convinced that the extra price is worth it during peak season.

Parking is easy - you follow the signs into the parking area and they have people directing you to exactly where to park (they fill up the spaces in order). Then you just look for the signs (Goofy 2) so you will know where you parked and then walk to the end of the aisle and wait for the tram. They are very quick and easy. Not sure about the crowds on Xmas day - never went then, but I have gone on Thanksgiving weekend and it is usually empty.

Info for future trip. I have used park hoppers with a friend who got them for free and they were fun when we had the luxury of running around (before kids) and we knew exactly what rides/attractions we wanted to go on. With a small child and with the timeframe you are talking about, I would not spend the money on a park hopper.

Magic Kingdom has the most to do with younger kids. The newer Animal Kingdom is neat also, but it's like a big zoo with a few attractions. If you child is into animals, then they may really like it, but if not they may get bored. Half of Epcot is "countries" and will not interest a 2.5 yo at all. I have not been to Epcot for a while, so maybe some things have changed, but a really young kid will probably not find too much interesting there.

I've never heard of a meal plan, but the food is really expensive anywhere you go in the park. If you go to MGM MAKE SURE the minute you walk into the park you go straight down the main street to the restaurant reservations house. This is the only park that you have to make reservations at their restaraunts at the beginning of the day for lunch or you will be at a stand. The restaurants at MGM are really cool! My favorite's are the drive-n theater (you sit in fake cars and watch old black-n-white "monster" movies (they are not really scary, but to a 2.5 yo they might be)) or the "Prime-TIme Cafe???(It's set up like you are eating inthe kitchen of a house in the50's) The waiters are dressed like they are from the 50's and talk to you and treat you like you are home. The waiters and waitress tell on each other like they are siblings the "mom" waitress. It's a really fun experience.

When I was a kid, we used to camp all the time, but now you can't camp in tents (only campers and the lodge I think). Anyways - our family trick was always to go as early in the am as we could to the park and then after the parade, go back to the campsite or hotel room (off disney) and shower/jump in pool with a little playtime, eat lunch (cheaper), and take a nap. Then get back up and go to the park for the rest of the afternoon/evening. This was mostly in the summers when they are open much later at night, so check the hours before trying this."