I'd make those requests as early as possible - even when making the reservation. Requests made by groups with more than one room do have a priority at
DVC resorts and the resort will try to honor those requests. Getting rooms "close" together could mean next to each other or in the same building or near but on different floors. When making such requests, it's usually best not to get too specific and list the requests in order of importance.
If it's most important to be near each other, I would make that request first and then secondary requests - like upper floor or s specific view - afterwards.
Good luck!
