Hi Keri!
Your question excited me to answer it. I am also a Mom of four children with a 10 year age span and have two boys and two girls.
I have several tips for vacationing with a large family like yours. First, schedule both activities that the entire family can do together as well as individual activities that you will divide up to do. For example consider booking a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover for your little princesses while your swashbuckling pirates conquer the mountains (Space, Splash, and Big Thunder). Next, although you will enjoy dividing up for certain activities don't be afraid to have the entire family go to an attraction that at first glance you might think only appeals to a certain age or gender. The vast majority of attractions are designed to appeal to most of the population. I have a personal example: One time in the Magic Kingdom my oldest son petitioned me to allow him to ride Space Mountain (again) while I took the rest of the family to Enchanted Tales With Belle. Although I understood his reasoning, I just knew he would enjoy the technology and humor of this attraction. I am so glad that I asked him to come along! I don't want to spoil the show for you, but I can say that he was the star of the show and the PhotoPass photos I have of him with Belle rival my photos of him fighting Darth Vader at the Jedi Training Academy.
Another tip is to find some touring plans that fit your family's style. I personally use touringplans.com and tweak their suggestions to fit our preferences. Also you should look into using the
Rider Switch Service for attractions your younger ones cannot do.
Please write back if you have any further questions or need further ideas!
Blessings,
Brenda ºOº