Hi Jen!
Thank you for bringing this question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. It sounds like you are staying at
Disney's Contemporary Resort in the Garden Wing. I am so excited for you! We have stayed in the Garden Wing and love the rooms. The Garden Wing has three floors and two sections. Rooms in the 5000 section are closest to the Tower. Rooms in the 6000 section are closer to Bay Lake. Rooms 5101-5172 as well as 6101-6130 are on the first floor and have patios. Second and third floor rooms do not have balconies. In the 5000 section, the second floor rooms are numbered 5201-5272 and third floor rooms are numbered 5301-5372. In the 6000 section, second floor rooms are numbered 6201-6230 and third floor rooms are numbered 6301-6330. My family has always requested a first floor room and that request has been honored. We absolutely love having the patio. You also might find it helpful to know that the 5000 section has a laundry room on the second floor.
Although the Garden Wing rooms are not in the Tower, we find them much more affordable and close to the pool and Bay Lake. The view of Bay Lake from your patio is stunning in the morning if you are up to watch the sunrise! To be close to the main building, I suggest that you request a first floor room in the 5000 section. It is not as far of a walk to the Tower and, in the Tower, you will find Chef Mickey's, the Monorail, the Concierge, and shops.
I do have one final tip. When returning from the Parks, be sure to take the
Resort Monorail! I hope you have a lovely stay!