Jodi,
In September, we specifically requested and paid for a ground floor, water view room, and it was awesome! We asked to be in the little "T" shaped wing that's out by the water, and we could watch the EWP from our bed! When we go back in November, we are again paying that $10/night extra, but this time, we will request to be near the playground. That way our wild child (7 yo) can play on the playground while mom and dad watch her from the patio.
Just an FYI--when I was there 2 weeks ago, they had the first half of the ground floor hallway closed off w/ one of the "This area is being refurbished for your future enjoyment" signs up. I don't know what for--in fact, I may call the CR today and find out!