Hi Joss,
Welcome, I'm quite new - just like you
but I have stayed at the Davy Crockett ranch this year in February with hubby, daughter 12, son 10 and little one 7. It was fantastic, despite the sub-zero temperatures.
It is a 10minute drive - once you've acquainted yourself with the route, and there is only one badly signposted roundabout very near the ranch - which only caused us grief in the dark [which shouldn't affect you at this time of year]. The cabins are really nice, set in little neighbourhoods and have their own little barbecue. The Blue Springs pool is brilliant
[probably our favourite thing about the ranch] and little ones will enjoy Davy's Farm.
Only having stayed in the Hotel Cheyenne before [which was also lovely] I can't really compare whether the Ranch is better for families or not. We preferred having more room and a living area at the ranch, and the wonderful surroundings, but we preferred the breakfasts at the Hotel Cheyenne [Davy Crockett's is a small hut which distributes breakfast in boxes].
You will need a car all the time at DCR, so I don't know about depending on cabs. There is a very good supermarket which literally sells everything at Val d' Europe, I think it was called Auchan, and we found it by far the cheapest place to shop.
I would book a character breakfast before you go, one less thing to worry about once your there, and if they still do it - I would recommend Walts. We have had the Character breakfast at Mickey's in Disney Village and Walts and I preferred the latter.
Sorry I have gone on a bit, anyway hope it helps - you'll have a lovely time whatever!