Hi Danielle,
Congratulations on your first Magical visit to Walt Disney World! Your first visit is timed perfectly to enjoy the spring blooms at Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival which is included with your Epcot admission.
If you are struggling to get Advanced Dining Reservations online for character dining, there are a few other things to try. First try calling the phone number listed on this page for
Dining Reservations. The Cast Member on the phone can view multiple locations and help make suggestions for alternative dining locations. Another idea that is sometimes helpful is dividing your party into two groups - for example one group of 5 and one group of 4 in order to get a coveted reservation. However you will need to make that type of reservation via the telephone as well since online you cannot have overlapping reservation times. An additional tactic is to check for availability every day including while you are on vacation. I have the
My Disney Experience Mobile app which allows me to check for reservations anytime and anywhere. Finally if you still haven't had luck with making reservations you should go to your desired restaurant just after theme park opening and see if they have any availabilities for that day.
One of my top tips when visiting with children of varying ages is to understand the
Rider Switch Service. Another tip is to divide up the older and younger children for a few hours and focus on attractions that appeal the most to each group then reconnect later for family time.
Have a Disney Day!
Brenda