¡Hello Stephanie, welcome to the Disney Park´s Mom´s Panel!
It is great that you started planning your first Disney vacation with more than a year to go. This will allow you to get familiar with resorts, parks, restaurants and other
activities at Walt Disney World.
Having chosen a great time to visit, you can now decide what resort to stay at. If budget allows it, Deluxe Resorts are located conveniently close to 1 or 2 theme parks, plus they feature character and signature restaurants.
From my point of view Disney´s Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts are the most convenient resorts for families spending more time at Magic Kingdom. These resorts also offer convenient and fast Monorail transportation to Epcot.
Still, Moderate Resorts like Port Orleans Resort - Riverside offer great comfort and amenities. My kids love staying at the Alligator Bayou section that features a bunk-size pull down bed with Louis the Alligator. I also like the woods-like landscape and feel that the resort has.
Walt Disney World features a great variety of restaurants and dining experiences. Choosing among them will depend on your taste and budget.
My family always tries to visit California Grill, Artist Point, Jiko, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Mama Melrose´s Ristorante Italiano, Flame Tree Barbecue, The Crystal Palace, Tusker House and ´Ohana.
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are the most interesting parks for young children, so if revisiting parks consider these two first.
Glad to help you plan a magical Disney vacation.
Feel free to visit us again.
Miguel