I agree with the above posts on the SNA thing. You can do the Disney shuttle from SNA. We usually just drive from PHX so I can haul my surfboard for a beach day after the park day but I see the shuttle used quite a bit. Also, if you do go on a weekend and have a car, staying around the SNA airport can be quite cheap (for Socal) when the business folk have left for the weekend. We like to stay at the Marriot suites by south coast plaza. They have good rooms with a sofa sleeper and the king bed is in a separate room. I have big and little kids so that gives us a break. For some strange reason Qantas has some crews staying there as well. You may be able to get a rate from the hotel.

If you go more than one day get the parkhopper ticket. The only place to get beer or wine is in Cali Adventure and it is nice to walk over and have a refreshing beverage after a long day of lines and rides. The food is a little better there as well. Most Disney food sucks.

The hotels right by Disney are only good if you have to be by the park (due to lack of transport). Most are older properties and it is hard to escape the tourist traps outside the park. The Disney properties are OK but again, the food is not that great for what you pay. Disney usually gives you a good experience for your dollar(s) but not when it comes to food.

If you really have the gumption (and the passes), go to Tokyo Disney. We went last summer when we were in Japan and the kids (and I) had a blast. It was not really more expensive for the day (minus getting to Japan) than Anaheim and the park was way cool. We did one day and we spent it at Disney Sea, the Tokyo version of California Adventure. The train out from the city was fast and easy. Disney and Japan - they kind of go together.