I need HELP!! Any advice appreciated!

[AraBrokenDreamer]

Okay, I've been begging my parents to take me back to DWD before I hit college, and I started my junior year two weeks ago. No, I've spent all summer trying to find deals on vacations, and now that I get a week of thanksgiving and don't have finals until after I come back from Christmas, I've been frantically trying to find a way to get my family there for a holiday.

Problem: I belong to a family of five. It's either a grand plus per night or two rooms. Then there's the matter of which park should we stay near.

My other questions are:
Thanksgiving or Christmas for the better experience?
Which park should you visit on that day for the least crowds?
Do shows like Fantasmic run on holidays?
What other shows should be checked out?
Is there any attraction added in the last five years that's worth mention/visit?
What non-coaster rides are good?
Where could you find affordable breakfast?
Which park/area has the best overall dining?
Where's the best pizza in on property?
Besides shows, is there anything for teenagers to do after dark?
Is it worth it to get a car?

Any advice is appreciated, oh, and there is one final thing. Any ideas for how to convince my father to let us go? I already have my twin and mother on my side, and my little sister is neutral.

-Ara, Dreamer of the Broken

[Major Disney Freak]

Okay, one at a time.
1. Both Thanksiving and Christmas are rather crowded periods. Try to arrive at the parks early and hit the popular attractions before the lines get long.
2. Epcot seems to control crowds the best. Avoid MK on weekends and holidays.
3. I'm glad to say yes, and some shows, like Spectromagic at MK and Fantasmic at MGM run twice. Go to the second show if it's running twice, it's usually less crowded.
4. Don't miss Finding Nemo: The Musical and Festival of the Lion King at AK, Lights, Motors, Action, Beauty and the Beast, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at MGM, street performers in Epcot's World Showcase. Dream Along with Mickey, the castle show at MK, is a pretty cool show too.
5. Wow, lots and lots! Let's see,
MK: Definitely don't miss Mickey's Philharmagic. Best 3-D show at WDW! And despite being out of place, the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor show is a total hoot!
Epcot: Definetely don't miss Mission: Space, Soarin', and Test Track. A good strategy to see all three is to arrive at the park at opening, get a Fastpass for Soarin', ride Mission: Space and Test Track, in whatever order. By the time you finish those two, it should be time to ride Soarin'. Spaceship Earth is getting a major overhaul. If it's open during your visit, don't miss it! The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride is pretty cool, and so is Turtle Talk with Crush.
MGM: Well, if your talking in the last five years, you probably already know about TOT and Rockin' Roller Coaster. Hmmm, I guess the newest thing there is Lights, Motors, Action!
AK: The newest things here are Finding Nemo: The Musical, which I mentioned before, and Expedition Everest, a rollar coaster with a Himalayan theme. Lots of fun, try to get to the park early and hit it first thing!
6. Okay, non-coaster rides...
MK: In Adventureland: Jungle Cruise and POTC, Liberty Square: Haunted Mansion, Fantasyland: Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan, Tommorowland: Tommorowland Transit Authority
Epcot: The only thrill rides here are Test Track, Mission: Space, and Soarin'. Epcot has a lot of great attractions, so try to allocate two days for Epcot.
MGM: The Great Movie Ride and the Backlot Tour
AK: Kilimanjaro Safaris
7. A lot of the counter service restaurants and food courts at the resorts have reasonably priced breakfast food. I suggest going off property to a grocery store and buy snacks and breakfast food such as cereal, fruit, rolls, and the like. Most rooms should have a refriderator, so storing everything shouldn't be a problem. Eating breakfast in the room saves a lot of time, especially if you want to get to the park early.
8. Epcot and Downtown Disney seem to have the most diverse selection of dining.
9. I don't really know. I'm not a big fan of pizza. *dodges flying rocks*
10. If you're looking for a place to go after dark, Pleasure Island is pretty fun.
11. Well, it really depends. If you want to go off property for any reason, or are staying off property, go for the car. Otherwise, the Disney transportation is pretty efficient.

And about convincing your dad, show him the WDW website. It has a lot of great information and pictures! And about hotels, the deluxe resort rooms can hold five people, but they're rather expensive. If your looking for something less expensive on property, try Port Orleans Riverside and request a room in the Aligator Bayou area of the hotel. These rooms have a trundle bed that can hold a child or a small adult. Two rooms in the Value resorts (The All Star Resorts and Pop Century) shouldn't be too expensive, although the rooms are very small. Happy Hunting!

[echoscot]

Nice answer Disney freak.....Also, non-coaster rides/shows would include Muppet vision 3d at Studios and the It's Tough to be a Bug at AK, which is another really cool 3d show.

Also I imagine the biggest obstacle for your dad is $$$$, he probably enjoys Disney but is worried about the expense. If that is the case, then definitely look at the all star/pop century resorts and get two rooms. You can stay off property a lot cheaper, but you miss the extra magic hours. As far as getting a car, if you plan on going places outside the Disney resort it is a must. Orlando doesn't have the best mass transit system. Actually even getting around at Disney, a car is sometimes better. If you want to go to Downtown Disney during your stay (DisneyQuest is awesome) you should seriously consider getting a car.

[LoehnWolf]

The only other thing Id add is to pace yourself. There is so much to do and see you will be burned out quickly if you go go go!! I can stress enough to mix it up, ride a ride then see a show so you can give your feet a rest. Comfortable shoes or not its nice to break it up, especially in a park like Epcot or AK where things are spread out. Pick a day in the middle and just kick back at the resort and recharge if you need to.