Okay Laura, you asked for some advice on sections, so here it is:
With your gang and your desire to be close to the main pool as opposed to the Pepper Market, here is my best advice on which section to request in which order:
1. Cabanas 8A---this would be the BEST section for you all to get in: it is the closest to the main pool, the Explorer's playground, and Bus Stop 4. You would also be able to park right next to your building. Bus Stop 4 is a good stop to be at since it is the last one before leaving to go hit the stop at the central house and then exit to the parks. If you were wanting to go up to the Pepper Market, you could simply take the first bus that arrives up to the very next stop---the main lobby---and you would be right there at the Market.
2. Ranchos 7B---this is the section we were in during our November 2007 stay. It is the next closest section to the main pool, Explorer's playground, Bus Stop 4 (just like Cabanas 8A), but it also has a nice/large quiet pool in its' courtyard.
3. Cabanas 8B---this is just a little further from the main pool than Ranchos 7B--really about the same---but it does not have its' own quiet pool. Still close to the Explorer's playground and Bus Stop 4.
Those are my top 3---here's how the rest would pan out in my mind:
4. Cabanas 9B
5. Cabanas 9A
6. Ranchos 6B
7. Ranchos 6A
8. Ranchos 7A
The Casitas are really far from the Main Pool, so I would not recommend ANY of those for you all.
Hope that helps!