Hi Victoria! How exciting to be planning your first Disney vacation! Once you have your dates figured out, you should decide how much money you want to spend. Disney has great resort options for all budgets.
Value resorts are a great deal! You get all the perks of staying at a Disney Resort at an awesome price. Depending on your travel dates, I would opt for the new
Art of Animation Resort (assuming it's open when you go) or
Pop Century, which is located right across the bridge from it.
Moderate Resorts offer a few more perks, including pools with slides and full service restaurants. They costs a bit more. I would recommend the
Port Orleans Resort for you and your mom. It's gorgeous, and, you enjoy a quick boat ride to Downtown Disney, where you can shop, dine, go to a movie or even enjoy Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba.
Deluxe resorts are the top end, and offer gorgeous rooms and resorts in ideal setting. My favourite spot is close to the Boardwalk, where you can walk or take a boat to Epcot and the Hollywood Studios. You'll also enjoy the dining and entertainment along the Boardwalk, which is a blast at night. The
Disney's Boardwalk Inn is my new fave!
I think you have to visit the Magic Kingdom first! You can't beat that feeling of walking onto Main Street USA and seeing the gorgeous Cinderella Castle in person!
Hope this gets you started Victoria! Please write back if you have any other questions!