I went to Paris a couple years ago. When we had finished our days in Paris and moved on to Disneyland Paris we stayed on-site at the Sequoia Lodge. I liked the look of the place, like a mini-Wilderness Lodge and it was close to walk to the parks. I got a decent deal on the United Kingdom's website, anyone can book any country's deal because nothing is sent by mail only by email. If I went again and stayed on site I would still probably pick Sequoia Lodge, we went for a Montana building room (in the main building) and we had one of the few rooms that had a lake view.
I looked into the New York, but I didn't like the look of it. It looked garish and like an old 1980's idea of New York style. The Newport resort, which is kind of like a mini-Yacht & Beach Club was under heavy renovation, otherwise that might have gotten more consideration. A podcast that I listen to still about DLP seems to like the Cheyenne, but with all this Wyoming time, you might want to avoid that theme! And the Disneyland Hotel would have been great but the price was just way to high.
If you do go to DLP, the food in the parks is really horrendous, especially the quick service. There is a Mediterranean place the podcasters seem to like, but that was closed when we went. And DLP seems to close its quick service restaurants early so lines at the ones open get long. We did have good meals at Walt's (gave us a great view of Main Street and each room is themed after a Magic Kingdom land), Bistro Chez Remy (by the Ratatouille ride), and we loved the Buffalo Bills Wild West show (and it had decent food). We also ate at Annette's (50's burger place, but it was just so-so) and the Earl of Sandwich (on par with USA restaurants). There is now a 5 Guys burger place in the Downtown Disney area, and I love 5 Guys burgers here.
Anyway, if you do decide to go, I'd be more than happy to give you more advice.
As for the cruise, I've only done Disney cruises and I don't remember any experience on there like your brother's.