Lacey:
Thanks for coming to the Mom's Panel for help in planning your very first vacation to Disney World. I feel so honored!
You've begun with the correct first step: deciding on the time of year you'd like to visit. If you're looking for a time that isn't too hot and lines aren't too long, I'd consider any dates that Disney labels "Value Season." There's a reason they're called value...it's simply a supply and demand! August and September would be the exception to this--it's still hot and humid!
With a 3-year-old, it sounds like you don't have to worry about school. Our family enjoyed our visit in October when everything was decorated for Halloween. We also enjoyed going in December when the parks were decorated for Christmas but
before kids got out for Christmas vacation. Best of all, we still didn't have to break out the heavy coats.
From there, let me make one recommendation: take the time to do a little research at the www.disneyworld.com website and see what all there is to offer. You can customize your visit
here--which is a NEW experience and will give you
Disney's recommendations for you and your family. And if you enjoy that research, consider going to a website like www.allears.net to see pictures of resort rooms and restaurant menus. I would also consider buying a Disney travel guide like the Unofficial Guide to Disney World.
Disney is so much more than a roller-coaster! Just a little pre-planning will make your experience much more enjoyable!
Wishing you a magical vacation!
Whitney