Hi. I have stayed at POR 4 times. It is my favourite resort including the deluxe resorts (x3) we have stayed at. If proximity to the food court is important to you then yes, it is definitely worth upgrading to a preferred location room. This would give you an alligator bayou room not a mansion. The outside of the rooms are just shells though with different theming. The size and amenities in all the rooms are identical. The Royal Rooms are all mansion rooms and cost quite a bit more. Some love them but for me they are a waste of money. But at POR I will always pay for a preferred room as its a massive resort and I like to be near the main hub. If you don't need to be near the main facilities the resort gets more rustic (and IMO prettier) the further from the main facilities you get. If proximity to a quiet pool is a priority for you choose a pool view room. This will be a quiet pool not the main pool and these are both close and far away from the main facilities so it's pot luck where on the resort you end up. Only the Alligator Bayou rooms have the pull out bed I think. Good if you want the extra bed but if not it reduces your storage space as it takes the place of some drawers. The Royal Rooms may also have the pull out bed? Not sure. Go to all ears.net to see photos and videos of the rooms.
Thank you for taking the time to reply, slight change of plan now as we are going for two weeks (managed to persuade my friend) but had to down grade to pop century, but who cares two weeks in Disney