I'm going to Disney World!

[€uroMeinke]

So I have a few more details on my Orlando adventure, and a few questions as well.

During the conference I'll be at the Orlando World Center Marriott - which appears rather close to Epcot. Now I managed to add an extra day to my stay (Monday 10/20), so now I get to decide if I stay there for another night, or move someplace else. The Marriott clocks in at $230+ a night, which seems excessive for my needs, so I wonder if I should go to the resort for a night at the Pop whatever, for half that - or really go on the cheap and find someplace elsewhere in Orlando - or take the same Money and live the boyhood fantasy and book a room in the Contemporary for a night. Any opinions from seasoned WDW visitors?

I know I'll at least want to hit Epcot while I'm there - any advice on the various ticket media available? it seems my hotel sells half day tickets to the park, but I need to check park hours to see what really will be open when my conference shuts down for the night, but I think you have to buy those in advance and I know I'll be stuck with coworkers for most of those evenings.

Which leads me to inquire about dinning recommendations outside the parks in the Orlando area - I should at least be able to leverage a good meal or two out of my colleagues.