Room requests - up to preference, and what you have booked, I like upper level facing MK if you have a LV room. There's a whole thread on rooms, etc.
Store - in Contemporary - so 5th floor level from BLT you can walk across and you're on the floor level. There's the one in the center of the walk area, and then one on the left hand side for general merchandise, and on the right hand side for food type items (as your walking from BLT to Contemporary). I like the stores. I think they have a good selection.
Transport - walk to MK can't be beat. 10 min and you're walking down Main Street. Monorail to Epcot is easy. Busses are not my favorite, but are fine to DHS, DTD and AK.
Other - check in online. Otherwise, you can stand in line a long time to check in. The lines can get very long, since BLT and CR share the same desks (you check in at the CR). I forgot to check in online for our last visit, and was standing in line about 40 min to check in. I don't think I'll ever forget this again, after watching the online desk have people breeze through it.