zan65 - Welcome!
Glad you've joined us!
With your trip being only 7 days away, whatever requests you want to add need to be done now. They usually download the reservation at about 4-5 days out, I think.
I wouldn't expect to be ugraded for 3 rooms, especially during a busy time like June. If you want an upgraded view, it is better to do so in advance, rather than expect it to happen at check in. Is there a reason DRC thought you might want to
downgrade at check in? Not very common, I'm surprised they gave you that suggestion.
If you keep the garden view - and we book garden view if not booking CL - I would request to be away from the construction. Any of the outer buildings except Big Pine Key would be good, but Sago Cay would be the best for guaranteeing you are out of it entirely. With the pool games having been moved to the courtyard for the time being, it is busier in the afternoon and evening.
We prefer an upper floor for the overall view of the resort, but with an older guest with you, it might be nice to request first floor. There are elevators, of course, so you may not care about the floor.
Making specific requests is perfectly fine, though you may not get everything. My request is usually "upper floor, non-dormer, Conch Key" or whichever building I prefer at the time. Sometimes, I request "marina view" or "pool view" if we are booked in Sugar Loaf (club level).
We have not had great luck with online check in; with 3 rooms to deal with, you are probably best to stick with regular check in, so you can discuss your room assignment with the CM.
Good luck, how exciting your trip is in a week.