Hi Erin,
How exciting to be taking your first family trip to Walt Disney World! I suggest that you stop by Guest Relations at any of the theme parks to pick up a "1st Visit" button for every member of your party and a "Happy Birthday" button for your middle child. These are available free of charge.
Be sure to order the
Walt Disney World planning DVD. Your children can watch this with you and give you some thoughts on what attractions and experiences are the most interesting to them. Next, I suggest that you allow each of your children to make
customized maps of the Walt Disney World theme parks. Each child can make their own and include the attractions in which they are the most interested. I suggest that you limit each child to two or three attractions per park. This way, you can look at what each child is the most excited about, and then plan to do those attractions.
I have an 8-year-old daughter, so I can share a few of her favorites with you. At Magic Kingdom, she still enjoys The Barnstormer, and has recently decided that she loves Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. At this age, she is starting to like these mild thrill rides! At Epcot, she really enjoys doing a Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure. This is an interactive attraction which will let your children search for clues to foil the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Midway Mania! is an interactive ride that is fun for all ages. Finally, no trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom is complete for her without a chance to glimpse zebras and giraffes on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
I am limited in the amount of space that I have to answer, Erin. Please do not hesitate to write back if you have any further questions!