My kids love the zoo, as I did when I was a kid. There is so much to do. From the bug carousel, to the Madascar house. We can go to a different areas on different days without the stress of feeling as if we've missed out on anything. We have a membership, which is far more economical than paying admission if you plan to visit any of the other zoos in New York City. A family membership to the Wildlife Conversation Society is $150, which covers admission to the Central Park Zoo, the Queens Zoo, the Queens Farm Museum, The New York Aquarium, and the Prospect Park Zoo. We have been to all of them.
The dining options aren't bad, and you get 10% off with your membership.
Although the free day seems attractive, I wouldn't do it because of the crazy crowds--terrible for little ones.

We had a great time at this hotel. It was perfect for my family of 4, + my mom. We stayed there when I had to travel to NYC for business. The Surrey is nicely located, around the corner from Central Park, close to Harlem, and near the train station. The one bedroom suite was HUGE with two queen beds and a pullout in the living room. The kitchenette was tiny, but with enough room for the mini fridge, stove, with plates, utensils and silverware.
We didn't use the restaurant on property, but ordered in from the many restaurants nearby and had food delivered. This was great for breakfast and when we arrived. I'm from NY but live in the Midwest now. As a New Yorker who seldom stays in hotels when I'm home, this hotel was a great option for my family.

This was a spur of the moment trip; we took advantage of my husband's business trip to Orlando and stayed for 4 days at the Buena Vista Suites. After discovering that there were no shuttles offered between SeaWorld and the hotel, we rented a car for dirt cheap, with a gps thrown in by rental agency. We went to Sea World first, then Magic Kingdom the next day. This was our last chance to fly without paying full fare for my younger son. We were enchanted as soon as we arrived on the property. I am a skeptic, but was completely bowled over. My kids LOVED the entire day, as did my mom and husband. Someone suggested that I keep my eyes open for short trips during the school year, when Disney parks offer deep discounts. Hotels are cheaper, too, so if you stay on the property for a couple of nights you won't break the bank. Plus it is great to leave the snowy midwest for Orlando!