
If you go to the first page of this thread, all your questions will be answered and you will find maps of the resort as well as each section (50's, 60's 70's etc). This will make it easier for you to see what the resort looks like and find an area that appeals most to your family.
Make sure your reservations are linked as that will be the most help in getting assigned connecting rooms.
Preferred room locations are generally closer to the bus and food court (some more than others), but you could still request the 60's and still be very close as many of the non-pref rooms in the 60's used to be part of the preferred group so are still great location wise. 70's are good too. Hope that makes sense!
In a nutshell, no need to upgrade, request 60's or 70's, then ask again at check-in.
Or you could make
1.connecting rooms your first request &
2.close to food court you second request
If you make your requests in that order, the room assigner will understand what you are requesting for in room location.
Do not do on line check-in, but wait to speak with the CM at the front desk and ask them to check if you have connecting rooms already assigned and if so where - if you are not happy with the location or if connecting room request was not met, ask if they might find you connecting rooms in an area close to the food court (which also puts you close to the bus).
Hope this helps and have a great trip!!