Hi Heather,
Congratulations on planning your first Walt Disney World vacation! Isn't it exciting? Hopefully it will be the start of many. Your kids are such an incredible age to experience the magic of a Disney vacation. They are going to have such an amazing time. Moderate resorts are perfect for first trips in that they offer a few more amenities than the value resorts, such as a sit-down restaurant, but they aren't as overwhelming as a deluxe resort. We choose a moderate for many of our family vacations and feel as though it suits us just fine.
I have two favorites in the moderate category.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is honestly one of my favorite resorts out of all the Disney properties. I love the tropical vibe, relaxing Caribbean theme, and island music. We like the menu options at the sit-down restaurant, Shutters at Old Port Royale, and we find that the food court has wonderful options that please everyone in our party. My kids always put their vote in for Caribbean Beach Resort because of the pool area and the
Pirate Rooms.
Our other favorite is
Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside. This resort also boasts wonderful dining options, many resort activities and special Royal Guest Rooms that include regal touches from the Disney Princes and Princesses.
My oldest are both boys, so the Pirate Rooms and pool theme almost always win out. I hope that this information helps you narrow your choice down, but please come back and ask me should there be anything else that I can assist you with. The planning should be half the fun and we are here to help!
Have a wonderful trip!
Lauren