We stayed at the property a couple of years ago, a month after the Animal Kingdom had just opened. Our rate was neglible as we previewed the Hilton Timeshare at Sea World. (You may want to do so to rack up points or even purchase a place there -- Don't miss out on SeaWorld as it is really fantastic, and if the animal act don't get you, remember that since it is owned by Anheuser Busch, there is a Hospitality Center dispensing FREE BEER!!!!)

The Hilton was nice but not grandiose. It sits across from the Disney Village with its shops, nightclubs, discos, jazz clubs, restaurants (Rainforest Cafe, House of Blues, etc.) for evening entertainment.

In addition, as it is essentially "on-site," you are allowed in an hour early to selected parks, just like all those who stay at the Disney hotels. Moreover, as it is "on-site," the free shuttle buses from the hotel to the parks are generally quite quick.

Finally, we went during Memorial Day and it was already quite HOT, but the parks were not as packed as they will be during the summer, or as HOT!!! However, we went early to the parks -- before the crush of the crowds and the HEAT -- and returned to the hotel before noon, and rested or swam.

Around 6 PM, we again went to the parks, much refreshed, when much of the crush of humanity had left and the HEAT was diminished.

I can not help you re upgrades because I was a lowly Silver back then, but I was given access to their small but nice Concierge Lounge. Moreover, the Concierge staff can be invaluable to you in making dinner reservations for restaurants at the Disney Parks and hotels.

Hope this info is helpful.