We stayed for 9 nights in the N Garden Wing in Feb/Mar this year. Loved it! We were in room 7232 which faced the lake---it was fairly far back in the wing. We couldn't see the MK, but we could watch the fireworks if we happened to be in the room. The rooms are HUGE- there were 4 of us in our room and we had a pack and play set up and a fridge in the room and we still had lots of space. The bathrooms are very nice- black and white marble, with a small separate area for the toilet- that little room also had a counter and vanity mirror.
We loved the shops at the CR- a great store for kids with lots of toys, clothes, general souveniers, a sundries store with lots of snacks/liquors/magazines and anything else you may have forgotten like a toothbrush, diapers, etc. Then they had a pin trading area in the middle of the foyer area on the 4th floor (the fourth floor is where the monorail stop is, Chef Mickey's, Concourse Steakhouse and all of these shops are), and they also had a HUGE store with nice clothes for adults, plus housewares, collectibles, candy, and practically anything else you could want like watches, prints, nice Disney books. I spent more in that store than I did in the World of Disney!
Chef Mickey's is fun and rowdy. Great opportunity to meet the characters and pretty good food. Don't go when you're tired though- we did and I think that's why we didn't like it so much. We grabbed several small meals and snacks at the Food and Fun Center- good chicken strips! They also had some great deli sandwiches, salads, desserts in the refrigerated section. And definitely get your refillable mug here----they have Coke and Cherry flavored icee- a HUGE hit with my 5 year old. Also, after you pay, there is a condiment bar area--great fixins for sandwiches, burgers...there is a small refrigerator near there with lemons for your iced tea, cream cheese for your bagels, salad dressing. Nice touch! There is a TV in the eating area there which keeps the kids occupied.
We looked in California Grill and the view is breathtaking. We weren't able to fit it in our schedule last time, but we definitely will this time!
The N Garden Wing is closer to the path to the MK (about a 10 minute walk- shorter than taking the monorail TO the park---coming back it's quicker to take the monorail- the CR is the first stop on the way back). It is also closer to the bus stop, the Food and Fun center, and a little playground for kids. The S Garden wing is closer to the pool and convention center.
HAVE A GREAT TIME!! I think you will love it!
! We like quiet locations and being in the first rooms near the tower would not be quiet IMHO. It depends on what is important to you. Some people like more of a view of MK and get parking lot view. Some people want a patio facing the playground. SOG is using much of the NGW, but you can still request it.
Have the best game room on property, for rainy days. 
And great shopping. 
