I was there in Feb, it is a VERY LONG block to the park, but they have a free shuttle every 1/2 hour in the am and PM, every hour the rest of the day. I drove over, but I don't recall Sams,
Walmart, etc. in the area, but I wasn't looking, either. The breakfast buffet was really bad for me, I was there on the weekend, it was cold cereal/doughnuts/bagels. I can't eat any of that, oh well. I drove over to Dennys, then came back, parked and took the shuttle into the park. Dinner, we ate in the park at Blue Bayou, and Rain Forest. I don't like the idea of walking in that area in the evening, but I am solo, you may be more comforable with the family. There is a Mimis cafe across from the park on Harbor, the shuttle will take you there and pick you up, too. Sorry not to be more help, but the room was great, full kitchen, for a family, I think it is ideal. The front desk was a great help with area info, and they had discount tickets, if you don't get yours ahead of time.