To answer a few questions. We're not really planning to do sit-down restaurants. We usually just do quick service and have only gotten the dining plan a couple of times. I honestly, didn't care for it as the whole day was scheduled around eating. I just want to eat quickly and have fun, not sit in a restaurant. It was fine for character meals when the kids were young, but that's not an issue anymore.
We generally rent a car for our onsite visits and drive to the parks. I find driving around Disney very easy. We stayed at Pop once using Magical Express and the buses and it wasn't my favorite. Used to get free parking so it was fine, now, not so much. Our favorite resorts have been Poly, Wilderness Lodge, and Beach Club for the close proximity to the parks, but with 7 "adults" that's will bankrupt me!
I have looked into David's rental for DVC points. I am waiting to hear back about how it works to book more than one room.
The thing holding me back is not being in the bubble. I love that feeling of passing those Disney property gates and being in the bubble for a week. That's the thing that's really holding me back! I do appreciate all the input and from reading everything it does seem a house would be the way to go.