Hi JMLBrats~
It's up to you whether you want to use the Diamond Lane. But, since you have a 1 bedroom, you will be placed in one of the newer sections (Cascades or Lakes) since they are the only sections that have the 1 bedroom lockouts. These buildings have elevators.
Things you might want to consider :
1) Lakes is a slightly more quiet/private area of the resort
2) Cascades are the newest. A good portion of the rooms are in the more bustling area of the resort. The rooms are generally smaller.
These two sections are far enough apart, that even though you can walk, most opt to drive. The Lakes (along with the Fountains) is separated from the rest of the resort. There are two pools on that side, as well as a full service sit down restaurant (Flamingo Cafe).
So, there are three types of 1 bedrooms :
1) Cascades premium : 855 sq ft. Not sure how one gets this one except to request it ? You might want to call reservations and see what they have you listed for.
2) Regular 1 bedrooms. The Lakes are larger at 574 sq ft. The Cascades are newer, but smaller at 471 sq ft. With three children, you might want the Lakes if the premium 855 sq ft 1 bedroom is not an option.
3) the smaller Cascades one bedroom is not guaranteed a balcony/patio. Most have them, but there is a small percentage that do not.
As for other requests, you might want to add "close to pool" if this is important to you.
Hope this helps.
