After a couple of visits, we prefer an ocean view room that overlooks the lazy river. We simply ask for "ocean view" and "high floor" and have not gone wrong. Quite a few rooms on different floors meet that description (just try to avoid the first 3 floors if you want a view). From there you can see the ocean, and also the lovely landscape that Disney has created within the "U" of the hotel. You'll hear mellow, live Hawaiian music drifting up from near the buffet, which adds to the atmosphere--and you can close your lanai door and shut it out if you need quiet. But sitting on the lanai in the evening, with lights twinkling on the lazy river/volcano landscape and the lovely music, is truly memorable. In contrast, on the outside of the "U" the island views aren't bad, but they don't have the magical scenery and lighting, and you can't hear the music. So it just feels like you're in a hotel, not in paradise.
