Christopher,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
Planning out park days is my specialty! I love to figure out the best order for park visits!
Because it is your first visit, and you have younger children, I would recommend that you spend at least 2 days at the Magic Kingdom, and one day each at the other three parks. That leaves you 2 more days to plan. Of course you know your family best, but based on what I already know, I would still plan a third day at the Magic Kingdom with one of those two days. There is just more to do there with younger children, so it is a pretty obvious selection.
With the other day I would opt for Disney's Hollywood Studios, because of both the ease of transportation with the Disney Skyliner that is right there near your resort, but also because it has Toy Story Land and other attractions ideal for those youngsters in your group. But if you think that Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park or EPCOT might have more that your family would enjoy, you could always use your other day there. Your decision!
Now how about the order?
For me, Rule 1 is that, if possible, you should both start and end your visit at the Magic Kingdom. I also try not to visit the same park on consecutive days. Another good idea is to have EPCOT visits fall on weekdays, rather than weekends. Why? Well, all the great restaurants, as well as the numerous festivals held there, seem to lead to surges of diners and other celebrants on the weekends. But what order? Here is my recommendation.
- 4.16: Magic Kingdom
- 4.17: Hollywood Studios
- 4.18: EPCOT
- 4.19: Magic Kingdom
- 4.20: Animal Kingdom
- 4.21: Hollywood Studios (or another park, if you prefer)
- 4.22: Magic Kingdom
So that is a first stab at your schedule. I love helping with these plans, and if you have any follow-up questions based on some more information about your family and your vacation hopes and dreams, feel free to
write me back directly.
P. S.: I do love making dining recommendations too!
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug