I, too, absolutely loved AKL. I didn't expect to, but I did. I like to try new things, but am afraid that I will be disappointed.
I cast my vote based on your child's age, your mother-in-law going with you and the age I assumed she would be, and the possibility that we have similar taste, since I loved AKL, also. I have a small child (dd 5) who has traveled with me to WDW for the past five years. So I am going on my experiences with her.
I voted for GF. The reasons: your mother is probably close to my mother's age, and she loved it there. She really felt pampered and special. She loved the victorian styling. I did, too. I had my honeymoon there, and it was beautiful. The resort is so pretty. The lobby has a band that plays each evening. A waitress will bring you a drink while you listen. The shops are nice and a little different. The landscaping is very pretty. There are now two pools. The views of the lake, Poly, and Castle are breathtaking. The monorail is very convenient for little ones who fall asleep in your arms or in their strollers at the end of the day. It is also convenient for us adults who want to get home quickly. The boat transportation is also convenient. The restaurants are great. They offer a lot of variety. There is a 24-hour quick service restaurant at GF also.
This resort is very relaxed and beautiful. It feels very luxurious while being only a heartbeat away from the action. You can walk to Poly from there, too. The decor of the Poly doesn't appeal to me. I have tried to like it, but just don't. When I visit other websites with pictures of the rooms, I just can't get into it.
I don't think CR is my cup of tea either. It seems very noisy to me. I like places that are quieter, but on the edge of the action. CR is right in the middle of the action. It is not relaxing to me in decor or location.
I stayed at CSR and liked that as well. I would stay there for a moderate, but I like to have the amenities and comfort of the deluxes. To me, the mattresses are a little fluffier. I like to have room service. I like the soaps. I like turndown service. I like the rooms to be a little bigger. I spend a good deal of time at the resort, so I am willing to pay more for it. To me, the resort makes the vacation. There are many people who just sleep there---not me.
I have not stayed at CBR, but I don't like the decor. I love Boardwalk. That would have been my second choice for you (or me).