Off-site hotel suggestions needed

[MamaToDavis]

Hi fellow DISers! We are planning a trip Jan. 1-8 and in the past have only stayed on-site. We are almost certainly going to try off-site this time due to cost and the fact that we're going to be visiting other parks in the area. Even if Disney offers big discounts or FD, I'm not sure that will be enough incentive to get us back on-site this time. Sigh...still not sure. I'm considering the Ft. Wilderness Cabins but that's only if a BIG discount is offered. Not holding my breath.

Anyway, while we will be visiting the MK, HS, and EPCOT we're also hoping to see Universal and the new Legoland. I'm thinking that we might spend the first two nights at a Universal hotel in order to use the FOTL privileges. This is just an idea at this point. We did a split stay once on-site, and I didn't really like moving. Even though Disney makes it so easy for you, it was still kind of a pain.

Things I'm looking for in a resort/hotel:

• 
  10-15 min. from WDW
• room to spread out (1 BR will suffice but 2 would be nice)
• fun for boys ages 4 and 7 ( we don't plan to spend 24/7 in the parks)
• fun pool (not a deal breaker since it will be Jan and may be too cold)
• budget $150/night or less
• restaurants near by
• full kitchen not necessary but a small kitchenette would be nice
• must be able to cancel w/in a week prior to travel (DH's work is unpredictable and we've had to reschedule last minute in the past

Thanks so much for any insight! I appreciate any advice you might have. I