Orando Disney upcoming Trip

Hi,

I felt so guilty that i havent taken my daughter to Disney yet.. and she is already 6. I planned the trip last year and i gave up at the last minute as too many things needed to be considered: hotel, airtickets, car rental, dinner plan etc.. Here i am, who make a REAL promise tonight to a 6 old daughter that promised her to take her to Disney either in Thanksgiving or Christmas. So, here i am who needs you advice:

1) when will be a good time to visit Disney in terms of cheaper price?  Thanksgiving or Christmas? 

2) Where to stay? Inside Disney or outside renting a car.. if stay inside, how much is a good price in terms of hotel charge? I was told that Animal kindom hotel is good for kids, please confirm.

3) Do i need to buy dinner plans to save money? is it necessary to buy it?

4) if for 4 people, how much should be a good deal as a whole package ( hotel, park ticket etc.).

5) is there any where to buy a cheap park ticket?

6) how about cruise? Does it make sense to have a cruise planned with the disney park?

Advise, please... :-)

Sophie