There are some timeshare properties on Disney resorts and you can sometimes get those rooms at a pretty reasonable rate. David's vacation club is one site where the timeshare owners sell their weeks at Disney. A lot of the Disney stuff can really depend on your budget so it is difficult for me to give you advice without knowing budget constraints. I would say that if you have not traveled a lot, making this first trip there as simple as possible, without a lot of hassles would be great.

If you stay in a Disney hotel there would be no need to rent a car, there is a shuttle to the airport and transportation to the park. It cuts down a lot on headaches and stresses of travel but does limit your flexibility and some of the costs you saved by not renting a car will be spent on the more expensive food at the resort. I've stayed at the Beach Club, French Quarter, Boardwalk, and Contemporary resorts owned by Disney and they all have good qualities. The Boardwalk is placed within walking distance to two of the parks.