Can I pick your brains?

[EnchantedRose]

I'm probably being uber lazy and I'm sure there'll be a thread somewhere answering my questions, but I just wanted to ask you DLP pros the following questions:

• In your humble opinion is it cheaper to DIY or travel agent?
• What's the easiest way to get there?
• What's the most cost effective way to get there?
• Hotel recommendations?
• Duration?

I should probably give you a few important details:

• There will be 4 adults and 2 children on the trip. (Children will be 8 & 4)
• Wanting to go Sunday 7th December - Thursday 11th December
• Definitely want 4 nights and 5 days (obviously there will be some promotion on to lure me in)
• Have my eye on Sequoia Lodge (having spent my only trip at Santa Fe I wasn't really blown away RHYMING!)

Any other tips/advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been before but it was in 2007... and I can't remember a thingy dingy.

Also this is such a different trip for me, as we will be taking quite a few first timers with us (my mum, my niece and my nephew). I don't have kids myself, and want to make it the best possible trip for them. I understand that I won't be able to go at my usual pace but have compromised with using the pool a lot more etc...

Cheers