Hi Shana,
Congratulations on your first trip to Walt Disney World! I also have a "tween" child, so I know about traveling Walt Disney World with this age group! There is a page about planning your
Walt Disney World vacation with your older child - I suggest that you check it out. I also suggest that both you and your son watch the
Walt Disney World planning video online. This will start to give each of you an idea of what you want to experience at Walt Disney World.
If you do not yet have one, be sure that you make a hotel reservation as soon as possible. For a first trip, I suggest that you stay at a
Walt Disney World resort hotel. The convenience of being at Walt Disney World, as well as perks such as Extra Magic Hours and free transportation around Walt Disney World make being a guest at a Walt Disney World resort hotel a great idea. Be sure that you have a
My Disney Experience account. You will use your My Disney Experience account to manage many parts of your vacation, including your dining reservations, tickets, resort reservation, and
Disney FastPass+ selections.
I suggest that after viewing the online planning video, you and your son talk about what is most important to you and build your plans from there. If there are dining locations that you do not want to miss, make those reservations first. Particular attractions that appeal to you both? Make Disney FastPass+ selections for those first.
I would love to help you plan more Shana; however, I am limited in the amount of space that I have to answer. Please do write back with any further questions!