Hotwire Savings Club has 5 day plus passes ( I know you don't NEED the plus but you may find it a good thing if you are planning to be there 8-9 days) Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon have great kids areas and might make a fun day when you don't do the parks. Not sure but think the admission is about $34 for an adult to the water parks so this could add a big value to your tickets.
Hotwire savings club prices
Adult 236.76
Child 188.84 ages 3-9
They sell the breakfast passes for 17.75 These prices include the tax and there are no shipping charges.
You can join for a 1 month trial period and then cancel if you don't want to use any of the other serices.
You could check with Rosa at Paramount but when I ordered 7 day PHP passes she said the breakfast passes came with the 6 or 7 day passes only. I think this sometimes changes and it doesn't seem to show up on the website.
We did the
MNSSHP last year with teens - It was packed and we got to ride everything we wanted to because so many families were there with smaller children who were into the trick or treat and picture taking stations and weren't doing the rides. I even heard one cast member commenting on this fact and how strange it seemed. That made me think maybe other years it was not the case.We got stuck by Pecos Bill Cafe when the parade was going through and did not have the pleasure of that "horrible" experience with BTMR as the OP did. Did enjoy the fireworks which we watched wihle walking from Splash Mountain to Haunted Mansion - a whole different view from our usual places to watch.
Haven't decided if we will do it again this year.
Several people I know have had good luck with Hotelkingdom and some even got suites or 1 BR units for $66 a night at Cypress Poiinte or Wyndam Palms and Golf Resort and figured that by eating most breakfasts in the room it saved enough on food to cover the cost over the original 50-55 they had planned on.
Country Inn and Suites also has a good rate on hotel kingdom and it includes a breakfast buffet each morning - I think the rate with taxes will be right around $50. It has gotten good comments in the past. Maybe you should check out the resort board and ask for comments on a couple of the places that look good to you.
Don't forget to add in 11.5% hotel tax when you are looking
Good luck with your planning and hope you will have wonderful trip. We will be back 6 days before you get there.