Hi there, Deanne!
Congratulations on your first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort! When you arrive at the Resort, ask the Cast Member at check-in for your complimentary First Visit buttons.
Bear in mind that any Magic Your Way ticket you purchase can be upgraded easily at any Guest Relations counter throughout the Parks and Resort. Often, I find that a "day off" from the Parks (spent at the pool!) can get the family energy back up for more touring.
Start with one or two days at the Magic Kingdom. Don't worry that your little ones will have all of the fun: thrill rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will more than keep your older children occupied.
You could easily break Epcot in half: one day to check out rides in Future World (please do not miss Soarin'!) and one day to really enjoy the countries in World Showcase. And if you do that, you'll get two nights' worth of the incredible nighttime show Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
Tackle Disney's Hollywood Studios in a single day. One adult takes the "thrill riders", one takes the more gentle route, and all of you meet up for the Lights! Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, and my favorite, Toy Story Mania!
Disney's Animal Kingdom is a wonderful way to spend a day, enjoying rides like Expedition Everest, and shows like Festival of the Lion King (amazing), and Finding Nemo: The Musical (bring tissues!). This Park is quite large, and you might want to allot two days.
The
Disney Dining Plan is a great value for an extended vacation. I would skew towards the Table Service option; those entitlements offer character dining, an excellent way to interact with your favorite Disney pals.
Again, if you have any further questions, feel free to drop me a line at any time!
See you later, celebrator,
-Deborah B.