Hi Tina! Congratulations on planning your road trip to Walt Disney World! Seeing as you all are a party of five or six, I think the best fit for your family will be the family suites at the brand new
Art of Animation Resort opening this summer at Walt Disney World! Boasting room for six, these family suites are spacious and have all the comforts of home, complete with two (YES TWO) bathrooms, a queen size bed, a double size sleeper sofa and a double size Inova bed, a murphy-style bed which converts to dining area when not in use. Also included is a kitchenette with microwave, compact refrigerator and coffee maker. Currently the Finding Nemo section will open first, followed by Cars section, then The Lion King section and finally The Little Mermaid section, which boasts standard rooms only. Some of our Moms were given the chance to tour the resort and they said it looks amazing!!
Because you have children who span across a pretty wide age gap, your options for tickets are endless. I find with my children that a park hopper worked best. It gave us down time to spend at the pool in the afternoon, and the option to choose which park to enjoy in the evenings.
Dining in the theme parks is always a bit pricey. If you are lucky enough to score a free dining offer (which they have available now for August 25-September 29), I say book it. If not, try to pack a bag that has snacks (granola bars are great and pretzels are a hit with my kids) and water (A MUST) and juice boxes. You are able to bring a cooler to the WDW parks, as long as it is not a rolling type. Remember hats and sunglasses are a must in that gorgeous Florida sun!
Thank you so much for asking me and please feel free to send another question my way if I can be of more help!!!
-Malanie