Hi Tomico,
How exciting to be planning your family's first Walt Disney World Resort vacation! Thank you for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel to ask for vacation planning tips. I am honored to be giving you your first vacation planning advice and we hope to hear more from you in the future as you continue making your plans.
First, I firmly believe you should let your budget be your guide when selecting your
Disney Resort hotel. My family has stayed in the Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resort hotel categories and even a few Disney Vacation Club Villas and has experienced that special "Disney Magic" in every category. Click on the previous link to view the rates of each category of Resort hotels. Once you have decided upon a category, then choose the specific Resort hotel which appeals most to your family's style. If you need to check back for further advice at this point we would be happy to help.
Next up is planning how many days to spend visiting the parks. I believe your family will LOVE visiting all 4 theme parks, and since you are staying for a full week you will have plenty of time to hit the highlights of each of the parks. For your visit I suggest visiting Magic Kingdom for 2 days, Epcot for 1 day, Disney's Hollywood Studios for 1 day, and Disney's Animal Kingdom for 1 day. You will notice that equals to 5 days for visiting the theme parks and since you will be visiting for 7 days that allows you a couple of days to explore your Resort hotel and perhaps a laid-back visit to Disney Springs. I think it is important to plan some relaxation time in your vacation to avoid becoming over-tired. Remember, if you are well rested then you will be able to make happy memories!
Blessings,
Brenda ºOº