Magnolia Terrace is a bit of a walk to either the themed pool or the food court. If a quiet pool is okay with your group (a GREAT quiet pool, by the way) I would do either Oak Manor or Parterre Place since they are closer to the food court. We requested Parterre Place but ended up in Oak Manor. I was under the mistaken notion that Oak Manor was all smoking, but it's only one floor. A bit longer walk to the playground and themed pool, but otherwise a great location.
Aesthetically, I loved Parterre Place and Oak Manor. The Mansions section gets gradually more formal and ornate from Acadian House (closest to the Bayou) to Parterre Place. IT's fun to walk and notice the gradual change in architecture. Personally, the fountain in front of Oak Manor was a big hit with the three year old crowd in our party.