Welcome to the Dis!
SOG is a good choice with children. DD was five when she made her first visit and now, at 19 she refers to SOG as "going home."
It is a very quiet resort compared to what I've seen at the other resorts--but it is out of being respectful of the other guests more than anything else.
Let's be honest, no one wants to hear anyone of any age running and yelling in the hallways in the evening. But normal kid noises aren't a problem. The way the building is designed seems to keep noises to a minimum. And there's even a TV with movies running in the lobby (near the check-in) to help keep then entertained when the big folks need to take care of business down there.
The Magnolia side is closer to the gift shop and pools. Unless they have changed them, they have dividers to separate the beds from the sofa and table area. It's actually a very cool side-I love the wood in the elevators and just the whole look to it.
The Palm is closer to the parking garage. They are about the same distance from the lobby and bus areas.
If you are a female with children ask explicitly not to be put on the ground floor unless you want a pool side room (it's extra). For some reason, every single time I've traveled with my dd alone, we are at the very back of the hotel and on the ground floor. I just don't like the idea that someone can walk right up to the sliding door!!