Standard view look out over the parking lot, the entry way.. and sometimes I've gotten the tennis court views.
We've gotten preferred views, (like Boardwalk view, quiet pool view, garden view) and standards, ranging from the VERY first unit on the left past the elevator, that overlooked the entrance to a "tennis court view" where where had a lovely view of the canal and the TOT. We actually find the Boardwalk views to be too noisy for our liking.
One thing we love about the standard view is seeing the high fireworks from Illuminations from our living room or balcony. We actually prefer being far from the elevator; the one time we decided to put in a request that we be "far from the elevator" was the time we got the unit right near it! Though "parking lot" doesn't sound nice.. it's not bad at all.. and when you're traveling with a single young adult DD she entertains us by gives us a commentary of what's pulling up to the entryway.
Though sometimes it might seem like a long walk and we have a unit way at the end, when coming back from Epcot, or the lobby.. if we're walking back from MGM we find that entering one of the doors closest to our unit and using the stairs is much easier; same as with going to and from the pools.
As far as availability, they do book earlier, since they're less points..but then again... there's always a chance.. you never know 'til you try.. someone may have canceled.
Have a wonderful time!