We stayed last year right before Thanksgiving. I agree that the restaurants aren't great, but you are walking distance or short boat ride from the parks and City Walk, so tons to choose from there. The pool is heated, so if the parks close early, or you just need a break, that is an option.
You definitely need a park to park ticket for Hogwarts Express, and we enjoyed it. The lines were very long though, probably as long time wise as walking would have been. DH was in a wheelchair, so that cut our time down significantly though.
Royal Pacific used to come with Unlimited Express Pass, so you don't need to purchase that extra.