Hi Christine!
Thank you for sending in your question to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel!
Walt Disney World is huge. It is about the size of San Francisco and twice the size of Manhattan Island in New York City. There are Disney hotels to fit every budget and need. However, you might want to consider in a Magic Kingdom Monorail Resort. Those Disney Deluxe Resorts provide easy access to the Magic Kingdom and, via a monorail transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center, to Epcot. With a young child, you will probably be spending a lot of time in the Magic Kingdom and be able to hop back to your room for an afternoon break is a huge plus! Of the Magic Kingdom Monorail Resorts, my favorite is the Polynesian Resort. It is a great place for guests of all ages!
My 8 year old son's favorite Disney Character Dining Experiences are in priority order:
- Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort
- Garden Grill in Epcot
- Breakfast at Cape May Cafe in the Beach Club
- 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian
- Breakfast at Ohana in the Polynesian
While not a Character Dining Experience, my son also loves the Whispering Canyon Cafe in the Wilderness Lodge and the Sci Fi Dine In Theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
You should definitely visit all four theme parks if you have the time. Your son will be able to do most of the attractions at Walt Disney World. I realize that may sound strange if your only experience is with regional amusement parks, but it is true! Walt Disney World was designed with the whole family in mind!