To Disney or Not To Disney?

The discussion of taking the family to Disney for Ethan's 5th birthday has been going for quite some time now.  After we had Eli the thought got put on the back burner and now it's coming back up.  Ethan has been talking about Disney and asking when we are going.  Of course, as parents we want to be able to take our kids but we're just not sure when.  Besides, the thought of planning a Disney trip intimidates me and scares me to death!  It seems so overwhelming and I have NO IDEA where to start!  I feel like I really need a personal travel agent / vacation planner.  A trip to Disney just seems like you'll be spending an arm and a leg but I know there are tons of people that do it in a frugal, yet memorable, way.  We have had so many friends that have been so gracious in giving tips and advice but I still feel so lost!  So many questions I have like ...

1. How do you travel?  Do you split the trip up if you drive, especially with young ones?  Savannah, GA is a halfway point but I'm not sure if it makes more sense to just drive all the way.  I know I can't sit there for 8 hours much less my babies.  Advice?
2. Appropriate age?  I think 5 is a great age (and what I've heard from people as well) but I worry about if Eli will enjoy it.  By the time we'd want to go he will be very close to 2, but I worry about his napping schedule and if he'll be a complete wreck if we can't get him a good nap.  So many people have said to leave the baby at home if someone can watch him but I want to go as a family.  I would feel bad leaving the little booger at home. :(
3. Dining plan?  I've heard many many people say DO THE DINING PLAN - no doubt!  Mainly because it's paid for ahead of time and it's a done deal.  With young kids, they probably don't care where they're eating and honestly I won't either. I just want them to be happy, and how could you not be at Disney World!  Will I be spending WAY more that way?
4. When to go?  Of course I'd LOVE to go on Ethan's birthday which is Christmas day but I know that's SUPER expensive so we're thinking January or February. 
5. Park Hopper?  Our idea is to have four full days of parks.  Gotta do Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom for the boys and MGM, then lastly Epcot. 

Can you tell I'm desperate for info!?! 

10 Things I Learned This Week

1. I've given up on the reality that I will never be tan.ever.again.
2. Watching a loggerhead turtle crawl from the ocean to lay her eggs in person is the most amazing thing I've.
3. My soul needs a trip to the mountains is in order!  I miss that clean mountain air and incredible views. 
4. Sweet little boy hugs and kisses is something a mama needs every single day.
5. Watching my baby boy learn new words every day is incredible. 
6. Ethan is very close to being able to swim on his own.  He gets really excited to be in the pool!
7. I love long naps on vacation, and now I'm back to reality and miss them.
8. There is ALWAYS a project to work on, especially when you have a new home.  Lots of new opportunities.  Next is finishing the guest room, getting Ethan's room painted, and painting a tree (yikes!) in Eli's room.
9. No hair dryer and minimal make up on vacation is the best!
10. Unpacking from vacation sucks.