Yes, I've had balconies at the DS hotels, and I've never used them. Depends on if you will.
Echo this as we've had them too. The balconies sound like such a perk, but in my mind it may only make sense if you snag a high room at Contemporary or Bay Lake facing MK. To me, I'd rather save $ and go closer for viewing.
For large stretches of the year, Florida isn't a "relax outside on the balcony enjoying the view" sort of place because of the weather. I don't have a car and walk everywhere, including to the grocery store. Most of the year, I feel like I need to shower after being outside a few minutes because the humidity is so high.
If you're not visiting during the late fall or winter, chances are strong you won't be hanging out on a hotel balcony.
How big is the balcony ?
Standing room only ?
Space for 2 chairs and a small table ?
I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Disney Springs several times, including twice with a balcony. I never used the balcony because of what I just wrote above. The balconies are decent sized, although I can't remember if they are furnished.
The Holiday Inn Disney Springs consists of a main tower and a wing building that partically surrounds the pool. The hotel is also adjacent to Insterstate 4 (I-4). Personally, I've never been bothered by the sound of I-4. It's a constant "white noise" sort of sound that's easy to tune out. I don't remember hearing it inside any of the rooms at the Holiday Inn.
As for different room types, Pool View rooms are pretty self-explanatory. Those will be in the wing building and (probably) lower parts of the tower directly over the pool. Here's a basic run-down of the tower building views.
This information is based on personal knowledge.
Please confirm with the hotel prior to booking.
Source/Link to Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.3751601,-81.5096608,179a,35y,90h,39.49t/data=!3m1!1e3
The front of the hotel is the left side. Most of these would be standard balcony rooms with parking lot views. The very top floors might be considered Disney Fireworks views, as you can see Magic Kingdom way off in the distance.
On the right side of the image, you'll see the pool. Lower floors would probably be Pool View rooms. Middle floors would be Disney Springs views. Top floors would be Disney Fireworks views, with Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios off in the distance.
Source/Link to Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/@28.3751601,-81.5066489,179a,35y,270h,39.49t/data=!3m1!1e3
This is the reverse view. The left side of the tower all have balconies that face I-4. These rooms would be standard rooms (without Pool, Disney Springs, or Fireworks in their titles).
The right side of the tower is almost all rooms without balconies. The only balconies on that side of the building are on the top floor. (I never understood why they didn't build balconies on that side of the tower.)