I always stay at one of the 3 premier hotels
I like RP as they have more choices of onsite eateries
Orchid Court for morning quick service fare, Islands, Jakes and Bula Bar for the pool area
All 3 premier hotels have had great reviews
No matter where you stay onsite, you can pool hop to the other hotels for their pools
Cabana Bay is popular with larger families
Their pool and lazy river is very popular
Check out the trip report forums for how families have raved about UO hotels/resorts
What one person likes can vary when it comes to selecting a hotel
With you having 7 in your family, prices are decent at the value resorts as they do have two room suites
Some book suites while others do connecting rooms
Preferred hotels and premier also have suites but prices can be high on specific types of suites