Hi Brandi! I am excited to hear that you will be visiting Walt Disney World for the first time!
You would love staying at the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge. With a wonderful choice of restaurants, and fantastic theming it is a joy to spend time at this resort. The lobby is stunning! There is so much to see here, and you have Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park almost next door - with all that there is to see and do there. There is only bus transportation from Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Night Vision goggles are available at the Uzima savannah overlook between 8pm-11pm nightly, weather permitting If you are staying in a savannah view room during your stay, you may also catch sight of the animals out on the savannah late at night.
My favourite resort at Walt Disney World is Disney's Wilderness Lodge. From it's equally amazing lobby, to the beautifully landscaped gardens there is so much to explore and enjoy here. The pool is stunning, and we love to enjoy the views over Bay Lake in the evenings.
The Magic Kingdom park is only a short boat-ride away, and when you return to Wilderness Lodge at the end of an exciting day at that park, or any of the others, this is the ideal resort in which to relax. You will feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, while enjoying all that a Disney Deluxe Resort has to offer, with all the facilities and luxury and wonderful theming. There is a good variety of restaurants here. We enjoy them all. Transport options from Wilderness Lodge are by boat (to Magic Kingdom park, or other Magic Kingdom resort hotels) or bus.
If it was down to transport, I would choose Wilderness Lodge.
If you have any other questions that would help you make your decision, please send me a direct question - I would be happy to help you plan your magical vacation!