We stayed there for a week last summer on an RCI Last Call. We did not visit WDW on this trip, so I can't help with the shuttle service.
The resort (Vacation Villages at Parkway) is very conveniently located on 192, just off I-4. It's a short drive (about 15 minutes) to WDW. Along 192, in close proximity to the resort are a LARGE Publix market and numerous dining options. Also very convenient to downtown Celebration, which is one of our favorite dining venues.
The resort is a large, high-rise condo-style complex. The buildings are large, but quite spread out, so it doesn't seem congested. We paid a modest $25 one-time "resort fee" at checkin, but I don't know if owners or their guests have to pay that. Parking is free and abundant, although you may have a short (2-3 minute) walk to your car. Not every building has a pool; the pools seem to be shared by two or three buildings. We were in Bldg 9 and the pool there was somewhat small, but it was rarely crowded.
We had a one bedroom unit (the larger of the two 1BR sizes) and it was fine. We had plenty of room, the unit was well-equipped, and clean. We had a minor problem with the thermostat (nothing wrong, just couldn't figure it out) and engineering responded and took care of it literally in about 10 minutes from our call.
Our stay there was a unique spur-of-the-moment trip where we were looking for cheap lodging on short notice. I would stay there again in a minute under those same circumstances.
In your situation, if you want to save money, it's a perfectly OK place to stay.
