There have been numerous reports of Disney offering upgrades to other resorts for an additional fee at a discount. You have to call to get the offers. This is legitimate.
This time period will be busier than summer, but not as busy as spring break. Veterans Day weekend will be very busy and Jersey week will bring in some crowds. The weather will be great though and you will have two weeks. There are no slow periods at Disney any more.
You can only book after you check into your most recently booked ride which was the 1:05 pm ride unless two hours expire after booking the 1:05 pm ride. The 1:15 pm ride was not the most recently booked ride
There are known drops for certain Disney rides on Genie+. These are specific times when certain popular rides release additional Genie+ times every day. This is discussed over at touring plans in chat and the forums from time to time.
Drops are real and definitely happen at the same time every...