Hi Mike,
I'm so excited to hear about your upcoming first trip to Walt Disney World. Your entire, multi-generational party is in for a real treat!
In order to get the most for your money while vacationing at Walt Disney World, I suggest that you buy Magic Your Way base tickets without the park-hopper option. Since all of the parks will be brand new to you, there will be plenty in each to fill an entire day. You won't need to hop between the theme parks so why pay for that option?
I would also recommend that you stay at one of
Disney's value resorts. I just returned yesterday from a week-long trip to Walt Disney World. During our vacation, we stayed at Disney's Pop Century Resort and found it quite charming. Perhaps you'd like to book a room there.
My friend, Bernie, from the Moms Panel, has a number of additional suggestions for saving money while at Disney. I've attached his video to this response so that you can benefit from his sage advice.
Let us know if you need help planning any other aspects of your trip.
Best wishes,
Jill