1)decent in-park hotel with a filling free breakfast each day
Unless you get the Dining Plan, none of them have "free" breakfast. And even on the dining plan, you basically pay for it ahead of time. The food courts at the Value and Moderate resorts offer the most economical breakfast options.
2) at least one character meal-it does not have to be the Princess one...
There are so many. What are your fav characters? Anyone who is a "must see"?
3)best site for airline tix to Orlando
I think any of the on-line sites offer competitive ticket prices.
4)best buffet restaurants in park
This very much depends on your tastes, I think all the park buffets are designed to appeal to very mainstream tastes. They also offer "family style" dining where food is brought to your table and you share. It's all you can eat as well.
5)a recommended schedule for 5 days
In 5 days I would go to the MK twice and the other parks once.
Beth, mom to older DD (8/01) and younger DD (10/06) and always missing Leah (4/22 - 5/1/05)