See we have all of that here. I'm in South Jersey. Along with most stores at DS.
I would definitely see the value in driving in a day early to get a jump start on the vacation but I would rather check into a Disney resort and go swimming.
I'm just not a big fan of the Orlando area. I mean it's pretty and fun but it's a lot like home to me so it's nothing special to me. My ex had family in Sanford so we would spend a day or two with them before our WDW vacations. We did a lot of the downtown Orlando and Old Town stuff but it's just EH to me.
I've never seen palm trees in South Jersey
I am from a small town. We have more populated areas around us, but the honest truth is many of the stores in Disney Springs, and a fair few of the restaurants in the general area are not represented near us, so it is pretty nice to have all of those options while we are on vacation.
Now then, the meat of the question is, would I drive in a day early, and spend the extra money just for the shopping, no. Yes, I would do it, but not just for the shopping. It is for the extra time on vacation, the time with my family, the "experience." I don't really care what the shops are. We'll look around, maybe buy something, maybe not. We will enjoy some food, and a drink, we will check out all the gift shops on Irlo Bronson highway, and I-Drive. Maybe we will play mini golf, or visit one of the area attractions. Given an opportunity to spend an extra day on vacation with my family, I will do it. As a matter of fact, just last year, we did exactly that. When my wife's work schedule came out for the week we were leaving, she had the day before our trip off. I also had that day off, and had already arranged to pick up the rental first thing that morning, so we found a hotel for the single night in Orlando, and left home a day early.
We spent our extra morning at Congo River Mini Golf, had breakfast on I-Drive, spent some time at Disney Springs, and checking out gift shops on I-Drive, and Irlo Bronson Highway, and it was a fantastic extra day. Well worth the extra expense, just for the time with family, having fun.