I know, I know, these threads pop up all the time, but bear with me

We are flying out in 3 weeks from our regional airport to Orlando, with a stop in Houston. We are taking our then-10 month old with us, and she will have her own seat/carseat. So, a couple questions, from someone who has never flown with a kid.

-If I gate check my stroller at the first flight, will I get it back for my layover?
-Do you install the car seat rear or forward facing on the plane? Other than safety, are there any pros/cons to either way?
-How the heck do you carry everything through the airport?!
-Where does the car seat have to go? Window? Aisle?

And this is a Disney-specific question, but for those of you who have been to Disney World before, do you have any extra tips for me, about anything at all?