Lots of reviews here - good and bad. I think your experience likely depends on who owns the unit and how it is maintained.

I rented a studio unit for a week. The unit I stayed in was clean and the price was right. The owner is keeping it in good shape and there were no issues with the unit.

It is a fairly short drive to Disney Parks, although that varies depending on time of day and traffic -- it can be 25 minutes or double that, depending on congestion.

The complex appears a mixture of live in owners, those who rent out to short term tourists and those who rent to longer term local tenants. I felt relatively safe there, although the lighting late at night is not the best. It is a gated community but the gate was not working some days permitting uncontrolled access.

As the price of the units has dropped dramatically over the past few years, apparently there have been some issues with certain tenants, but I didn't experience any major problems with noise or feel unsafe. The walls are thin, though. Not much if any security on site, although people associated with the complex do have a presence there, and engage you, which is good.

There were ants outside the unit, but no bugs of any kind in the unit. Where I stayed you pay a cleaning fee and refundable deposit -- both good ideas. The unit had been cleaned very thoroughly.

The benefits are more space than a hotel room, a kitchen and a reasonable price to rent (about $45 a night for the studio). You have to decide whether you could get a 2.5 star hotel with an efficiency for a similar price. Maybe, but you would probably have less space and privacy.

You can stay in very nice 3.5 star hotels for about $90 a night near the Disney Parks, but they don't typically have full kitchens, a drawback if you are there for a week. The difference is the price of your park tickets, which work out to about $40 a day if you buy for a week.

Don't know about the clubhouse or pool.

The complex itself is relatively clean - grounds are well kept. Some road construction is going on in some locations.

I think the advice is to check on the unit you will rent and the owner, by way of looking at rentors sites, ratings, etc. Experiences may vary depending on who you rent from and the condition and location of their unit. It was more than acceptable for my needs. I was going to spend most of my days at attractions, not in the unit.

Generally I would recommend, based on my own experience.

In 2005, this resort was a dissappointment, but good on the pocket book.
Because I am still on a strict budget, I decided to try The Island Club Resort and Spa again. The price was still low; and I had heard that improvements have been made.
I was VERY pleasantly surprised! The resort looks clean and well kept. The pool, kiddy pool and jacuzzi are open and look great! The tennis court, sand valleyball court, and basketball court are open. The newest addition is the Clubhouse gym, which I really enjoyed. The town house, itself, was nice in 2005; but I think housekeeping has changed since then because the town house I had this year was squeeky clean; and it was very well stocked with everything I needed! I'll be back!

Recently back from a wonderful 2 week holiday on Island Club West. Found the resort very safe and friendly. The gym was well equipped; the pool clean and attractive; particularly enjoyed the hot tub; enjoyed watching the family play floodlit tennis. Only a short and quiet stroll to the nearby supermarket and restaurants. Only 12 miles from Disney parks. Our townhouse was spacious, modern and comfortable, and terrific value. All in all I would highly recommend the resort for families especially.

I really enjoyed Island Club West. The townhouse was awesome with plenty of bedrooms and 3 baths. The kitchen was well stocked with dishes, silverware and pots and pans and best of all with a microwave, stove and full size fridge. I really loved the tropical setting and the newly finished pool was awesome.