If you want to be close to the elevators, just ask for that along with your smoking preference and the request to be close together.
There really aren't a lot of things to request when you have standard view rooms.
We like the rooms that are on the upper floors across form the bus stop. They are not particularly close to the elevators, but there are stairways near by. These rooms have a view of the higher level fireworks from EPCOT. The rooms close to the elevators do not - the view is blocked by the BWI & the convention center. However, if you are traveling with strollers or anyone who cannot easily use the stairs, it is better to be close to the elevators, IMHO.
We also like the rooms near the tennis courts. You often get a view of the pond (with the valet parking lot on the other side) and some very nice landscaping. Some of the rooms there have a view of the Tower of Terror (MGM) and the higher level fireworks from Fantasmic. These rooms are the farthest you can get from the elevators, though, LOL. A bonus for the walk is that they are exceptionally quiet! We have found that footsteps and conversations from the hallways are very noticable inside the rooms. IMHO, there is far more noise in the room from this source than from outside the resort, even with the balcony/patio doors open.
If you stay close to the elvators, be prepared for the sounds of running feet (early in the morning, LOL) and loud converstaions (late at night).

(It's really not as bad as it sounds).
Best wishes -