We've stayed in both the preferred and standard views. Our preferred view (overlooking the quiet pool) was nice but so was the standard view (overlooking the front entrance). <a href="http://people.ne.mediaone.net/jsmith12/boardwalk.html">Click here</a> to see pictures of each view (you'll need to scroll past some family shots and other resort pics).
In January we did manage to get a standard view 1 bedroom for this June, although I had to call on a fairly regular basis for a little over a month to get it. Even the CM was surprised when it showed up as available.
For our trip in late November/early December I called daily at the 11 month mark to make reservations for a standard 2 bedroom and a standard studio.
As for noise, it was an issue once when we were in the room overlooking the front entrance. A very loud group arriving at 2am woke me up, but it wasn't really a problem as I just rolled over and went right back to sleep. I'd much rather be closer to the elevator than down the end near the tennis courts so I guess the noise is a 'risk' we're willing to take.
One of these trips I would like to have a preferred view of the Boardwalk, but for now with the kids and my parents traveling with us we'll stick with the standard. Good luck making your reservations.
<font face="Class Garmnd BT"><font color="ff69b4"><big>Jennybúoú benny</big></font>
<font color="9400d3">~~
DVC Member~~
Onsite: Poly '76, Contemp '98, BWV '99, CBR '00, BWV '00, CBR '01
Offsite: '74 '80 '82 '88
Next trip: BWV~June '01, ASM/BWV~Nov '01</font>
<a href="http://people.ne.mediaone.net/jsmith12/jillian&kylecharacterpage.html">Jillian & Kyle's Disney Character Website</a></font>