We stayed one night at a Disney Springs hotel before our YC reservation last summer, just DH and I.
To say we hated it would be an understatement. It was the Wyndham closest to Rainforest/Marketplace entrance to DS. It did not feel like we were at Disney at all. The room was tiny and dark. The resort fees and parking fees were more than $80 for one night. We felt like we were at a hotel we picked off I95 on the way down - just a random crappy hotel. We would likely think differently if staying at the Four Seasons.
DD stayed at the Holiday Inn in the DS area with a friend and their family a few months ago. She said the shuttle to the parks was only once a hour. She did not feel like she was at Disney, either.
We have stayed on property all other visits. (See below) We make good use of the dining plan (when available), we charge to our room to itemize expenses and not carry our wallets, we take a swim/shower/nap break several hours daily, we love the theming, and we love not having to drive anywhere. We love the different restaurant options, watching fireworks from the resort with music, friendly service, and the pools. Everyone complains about busses, but we think they're fun. If Disney transportation is a pain, we take an Uber/Lyft, also fun. (Maybe that's because we live in a rural area without public transportation?)
We love that Disney bubble. We feel like we have escaped the real world and can let our responsibilities go. Yep, we pay more for it.