We are owners there and really enjoy it. I've never checked in early so I can't answer that but you should know that they do try to sell you timeshare or set you up with an appt. to tour the place. That part is a pain in the butt. I just tell them no and walk away. The check in desk will give you a card to put on the dashboard of your car so no need to go to any other "information desks." They do have a Disney desk there and my dad bought tickets there and there was no sales pitch.
I also unplug the phones and we use our cell phones. Not that they harass you, I just don't feel like dealing with that on vacation.
The condos are very spacious. The 2brs have a big jacuzzi in the master bath and a king size bed and TV in the MBR. The 2nd br has 2 double beds and a tv too. If you're getting a 3 br (what we have) the 3rd br is actually another 1br condo with a door that connects thru a little foyer, giving you another whole LR, Kitchen, W/D, stereo, etc.
Stackable W/D is good, not huge, but does the job and I like not packing a ton.
There's a Publix right next door in a little shopping center. Also Papa John's Pizza and Chinese food that dh and my dad really liked.
The main pool is by the club house. It's heated and has a little Tiki bar there too. Ping pong, foosball, fitness center, gift shop, etc. right there.
You can also rent little motorized boats and pedal-type boats for use on the lake. Also they have huge water trampolines/climby float things for an extra $10/day. My ds's did it once and didn't really like it. There were lots of kids that were enjoying it. I'm an ocean girl myself so I skeeve lake water a little.
There's also a little water playground w/interactive type sprayers, canons, etc. but it's not heated so unless it's really hot out we don't do it. (ok, maybe they're sissies lol!)
gotta get back to work but if you have any more questions, fire away.