First off...
Welcome to the forums!!!!
Check the lens for dust? That could be one reason.
As for distance shots make sure you balance the photo properly. Don't take too much sky or too much land or you'll see big open areas on your photo. I didn't follow this rule in Epcot WSC and paid for it. I got a picture of WSC and it's all water and sky.
Blah. (See attached photo)
As for family photos...remember that you don't need a picture of you're family's legs and such. So when taking a picture in front of the Castle, Spaceship Earth, Tree of Life, or the Sorcerer's hat tell the family to stand close to the camera and take a shot of em with the background. It stinks to have a photo with the family with really small faces.
Group photos...ask a cast member, they're more than willing to take one for ya. It sucks not being in the picture.
Lastly...If you're new with you're camera head Downtown or a park and take some practice shots. That way you can judge/sense how your camera works. Make sure to try this out during the day and night. That way you'll be ready for really wonderful dusk shots.
Aside: Make sure you get plenty of memory for your camera. Digital photography is fun when you don't have to download photos all the time or have to swap cards all the time.
As for night shots check this link...
click here
Hope this helps ya.
