SOG must be an awesome Resort

[Christi 2002]

Ok, I am not trying to be cute or funny here I am very serious and curious. I have read quite a few threads about people who normally stay at SOG and are very dissappointed in getting the CR even at a rate cheaper than I will ever pay. And then when they come back most that I have read have had complaints about the CR. So my question is how much nicer is the SOG? or Is the CR not a very good "deluxe" resort?
Thanks
Christi :cool:

[tampafan]

I don't know about SOG, but The Contemporary is a GREAT resort! We love staying there.

[sha_lyn]

SoG is an awsome resort. The decor is much more along my taste. I the the CR is ugly inside and out. SoG rooms have balconies. CR wing rooms do not. SoG has a Mickey shaped pool. SoG is also a lot smaller.

[DawnCt]

I prefer SoG. I love the location, the grounds, the room size (they have the biggest rooms on property) and I love not paying TAX! Now that CR is being used, are the rooms taxed?

[EpcotBill]

I've stayed at both. I prefer the Contemporary. The restaurant at SOG is just awful. We did like the sports bar though. The rooms are about the same size at both resorts. SOG can't beat CR's room views. Transportation at CR is much better. You have boats, busses, the monorail, and you can walk to MK. Also, when I stayed at SOG I didn't really feel like I was at Walt Disney World. It just didn't have the 'magic'.
That's just my opinion, YMMV.

[Bob NC]

So my question is how much nicer is the SOG? or Is the CR not a very good "deluxe" resort?

It's just that everyone has different tastes. I think the SOG has the best standard rooms on the property. They are large, with big bathrooms and a sleeper sofa in each room.

SOG is quiet, and it IS a deluxe resort. IMO, the food at SOG's main restaurant is truly awful!! The Evergreen's sports bar however, is a great deal for food and drink.

I liked CR, but except for the location and transportation I really found nothing outstanding about it. Sure, it's a nice hotel with some decent restaurants, but I'd NEVER pay rack rate, (or even an average discount rate), to stay there.

LOL.....But I'm the guy who prefers CSR over the Polynesian....

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by Bob NC




SOG is quiet, and it IS a deluxe resort. IMO, the food at SOG's main restaurant is truly awful!! The Evergreen's sports bar however, is a great deal for food and drink.
..

SoG's main restaurant is AWFUL except for the prime rib buffet which isn't "bad". I agree with you about Evergreen's however. Then on the other hand, part of the fun of going to WDW is eating at different restaurants and the Poly is a quick walk from SoG.

[jjgarv]

Pardon my ignorance but which resort is SOG?

[DawnCt]

SoG is Shades of Green, which is an Armed Forces Recreational Resort. There is one in Germany and one on Oahu. (Hale Koa). It is for the exclusive use of military personnel, reservists and DOD employees and their guests. The rates are markedly reduced and based on rank. The rooms, merchandise, tickets and meals are not subject to state and local taxes, which make it even a bigger bargain. We have also stayed at the Hale Koa and it is wonderful, located on the best and widest part of Waikiki Beach at a rate that is far lower than any of its neighbors. The food is far superior at the Hale Koa as compared to SoG.

[TNMickeyFan]

The Shades of Green Resort is for military personnel and their families.

The Shades of Green was formerly the Disney Inn, hence the "Mickey-Head" pool. It really is a nice resort and the people there are WONDERFUL. They are not (I believe) Disney employees, but they are still excellent. Being at the resort with other military families is just a special thing. We have a bond that cannot be explained. There are so many different people at the Contemporary that you are surrounded by military.

Anyway, I believe that both the SoG and the Cont. are wonderful places. I would just be glad to be at Disney.

AND - BTW, tax is being applied to ressies transferred from the SoG to the Cont.

Tn-Mickey-Fan

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by TNMickeyFan

AND - BTW, tax is being applied to ressies transferred from the SoG to the Cont.

Tn-Mickey-Fan

Thanks, I thought that might be the case. The overflow rooms from SoG prior to the renovations were always taxed.

[suevee]

I prefer Sog over CR for a number of reasons-

- The resort itself is smaller so the pools are not as crowded. Sometimes at SoG you can be the only people at the pool or the hot tub.
- The prices and quality of food at the Sports Bar are great. And the arcade is not so shabby either. Then add a great enclosed porch overlooking the pool.....
- The rooms are HUGE for a standard room.
- The people are GREAT and the concierge services are for everyone.
- I love the Country Inn atmosphere. I like to be able to relax after a hectic day, and frankly sometimes I need a break from the Disney Magic. BUT I like to know it is still located right around the bend.
- Even though SoG's restaurant is not very good, it is a very short walk to the Poly and some wonderful Kona coffee. About the same distance as from Bay view rooms in the NW to the monorail, maybe a bit longer but not much.

The CR offers ease of transportation (though SoG buses are great) with the monorail and great access to the boats.

But maybe preferring SoG is a mind set as much as anything else. In a military rec everyone has had similiar experiences and everyone is so friendly, not just the employees. TN Mickey's Fan puts it best

"The Shades of Green was formerly the Disney Inn, hence the "Mickey-Head" pool. It really is a nice resort and the people there are WONDERFUL. They are not (I believe) Disney employees, but they are still excellent. Being at the resort with other military families is just a special thing. We have a bond that cannot be explained."

It is very relaxing to be surrounded by family in a great place like WDW.

[Sleepy]

I agree about what others have said.

I love the fact that it is centrally located. The hotel is small (well, for now...lol). The people who work there are fabulous!!!!!!! I have never had a complaint. I never tried the main restaurant except for breakfast buffet. The breakfast buffet was a good deal, but you only want to eat a huge breakfast like that about every few days. There was no menu to choose from if you only wanted fruit or whatever. The sports bar was wonderful. I loved the onion rings!!!! The pizza however I tried a few times over several years and never did like it although I heard others say they liked it. The price of the rooms...can't beat them anywhere for what you get. I loved the small AAFES shop. No matter what ailed you...they had something in there to cure it. The balconies to each room was great. Every room was non-smoking and I liked that feature.

Of everything they offered at SOG, I have to say one of the best features was.........their own buses!!!!!!!! What would you rather have at the end of a hard day at the parks???? an overcrowded plastic seated Disney bus or a cushioned lean back seat very similar to riding on a Greyhound bus? I prefer the SOG buses. I just hope they stick with them when they reopen. And, I hope the resort doubling in size does not take away all these wonderful qualities so many of us love about SOG.:D Too bad we are scheduled for our next vacation one month before they open back up for business. My 10 year old son was very disappointed. Even he would rather stay at SOG than at the Contemporary. Imagine that!!!!

[iloverags2]

Have any of you seen these artist rendering pics of SoG? Looks like it's going to be even more awesome.

http://www.armymwr.com/shades/coming.html

[SueEllen]

We stayed at SoG shortly after they opened. The restaurant definitely left a lot to be desired. The sports bar wasn't open yet. The rooms were nice, but I'd take CR anyday over SoG.
Sue Ellen

[eeyore0062]

I think it all comes down to personal taste. We LOVE the Contemporary for its energy... however, many people in the military have enough excitement and energy, and look forward to spending their vacations chilling out... and SoG has that type of atmosphere. I know that when my DB (who is an army officer) and his wife go to Disney, they are more interested in a laid back experience, where they can lie by the pool and relax. They don't want or need the energy or excitement.

SoG has very large rooms, possibly even larger than the Contemporary, and they have balconies, which North Wing rooms at the Contemporary don't have. Also, since it is run by the military, it is possible that there are other differences in how things are run, as well.

Convenience-wise, the Contemporary is more convenient, and the North wing is very nice.

Yes, when military stay at the Contemporary instead of SoG, they must pay taxes, as the Contemporary, although substituting for SoG, is not owned by the military and must charge taxes for all of their guests. But, yes, even with the 11% tax, the charges for staying there, if you normally would be staying at SoG,are far lower than anything anyone else would ever pay.

The Contemporary has the benefit of being on Bay Lake, which means that you may have the option of a Bay view... very beautiful!!! Also, to get to the MK, you need only walk. There are more dining options at the Contemporary.

SoG is on a golf course, and if you are into golf, that could be a nice feature. You can walk from SoG to the Poly and take the monorail from there to help with transportation.

As I mentioned before, it is a matter of personal taste. My parents loved SoG when it was the Disney Inn, but my taste goes more to the Contemporary, (Mickey's resort, as I like to call it)..so different strokes for different folks!

[ducklite]

SoG has a special charm all unto itself.

There is very little "transience", almost everyone there is actually a guest there.

It's very, very quiet.

The decor is "early American/country", prety much the total opposite of the Contemporary.

The rooms are larger than at the CR. SoG has the biggest rooms on property.

The small size of the resort makes it particularly homey and intimate.

Perhaps more than anything, there is a comraderie amongst the guests staying there. They are all related by a common thread, having in one way or another been involved with the protection of the USA.

Anne

[eeyore0062]

Does anyone know how large SoG will be once the expansion and renovation is complete. I wonder if it will change the whole homey, small feel of the resort?

[Bob NC]

SOG is doubling in size to approx 600 rooms.

[MJames41]

I wish SOG had been open (or I had known about it) when I was in the Marine Corps (1977-1987). It is a wonderful and much needed perk. When I was on Sergeant's pay and got married, I didn't think we could afford to stay on site. Especially with today's prices, it would be a difficult expense for most of the resorts even for a senior NCO.

Still, the Contemporary, in my opinion, is also a great resort. I think it just depends on people's taste. There is no doubt that the Contemporary and SOG are different, but then they are also different from every other resort on property.

Although the rooms are larger at SOG, they are only larger by 36 square feet (there is more difference between the room size of a moderate and a value).

[Bob NC]

Still, the Contemporary, in my opinion, is also a great resort. I think it just depends on people's taste. There is no doubt that the Contemporary and SOG are different, but then they are also different from every other resort on property.

You're right MJames.

I've stayed at a lot of WDW resorts. Even though I have some favorites and have reasons for liking one over the other.....I have yet to find one I DON'T like.

[ducklite]

Originally posted by MJames41
I wish SOG had been open (or I had known about it) when I was in the Marine Corps (1977-1987).

SoG was open in 1987.

Anne

[EpcotBill]

Originally The Golf Resort, the name changed to The Disney Inn. It didn't become Shades of Green until 1994.

[gtaylor]

We've stayed at both and as far as I'm concerned SOG has it over CR almost anyway you look at it. CR does have a transporation advantage, and perhaps more diversity in adequate to better food - but SOG has lots of advantages over CR not the least of which is cost which to me buys a LOT of trade-off on food and transporation.

Greg

[ldeveaux]

As a veteran of many stays at the SOG, my family and I feel that no other place at Disney will probably offer the same personal service and attention that we received there. Yes it is an older hotel and maybe the food in the main resturant is not the best in the park, but it does offer more in attention to the guest then any other hotel. Everyone is equal at the SOG in that regard. Rank may cost you a few more dollars for the room but the difference in cost is minimal and the rooms are the same (junior rank enlisted deserve the break). I do have a question regarding the move to CR. Will the same bus service be available. My wife and I are returning again this summer for a week the end of June. :smooth:

Disney World veteran since 1976

[AF Brenda]

SoG was open in 1987.

It was open then as The Disney Inn. We were there in 1993 for dinner, and it was still The Disney Inn, so switching in 1994 sounds just about right.

[Betsyt82]

Hi,
I love Sog! It is a nice refuge from the hussle and bussle of the parks and what not. I have never been to CR but will be going in october and am looking forward to the expeirence (always wanted to stay......it is the hotel of WDW as far as I am concerned from all the pictures of WDW you always see the monorail going in.) I like SoG because of the relaxing refuge. I hope with the new renovations they renovate the MENU and the RECIPIES used in the resturant. Now that would be a major improvement to the renovations.LOL.

Bets:earsgirl:

[Ballybunion3]

Call me crazy - but we really liked the Restaurant at SOG! The waiters were fantastic (James & Jimmy) - they helped make our trip - we had a huge family gathering, and they took all 24 of us, including about 13 kids from 3-15, and did a great job. The food was OK, but with a group like ours, we just wanted an uncrowded place to relax, and we got that. Plus, the buffet was 12 bucks for dinner - OK, I'm cheap......

I agree with most of the other comments on SOG - we had a wonderful time there.

[ellyn2000]

I booked SoG for my son (who is in the Army) for his honeymoon 6/2002. I was told he will have to pay room tax, but that he can still purchase passes and other items tax free at the room they have set up for SoG people at the CR. He's looking forward to it, but has never been to SoG. We hope to take a family vacation there in the future with him and his new bride.

[swatts1]

My family loves SOG. We've stayed there 9 times. Last week I stayed at the Contemporary using the SOG rate that we pay (based on rank). I had to pay tax. It was fun being closer to the MK and the monorail, but I didn't like the rooms NEARLY as much. I've stayed at the CR twice in the past and noticed that the rooms had been kept up nicely, but I don't really like the decor. Getting a room at the CR for $95 was awesome though. I love the renderings of the redo for SOG and hope they'll improve their dining. SOG is a great benefit to military families.

[lookingforward]

We just stayed at the Contemporary and it was nice BUT we LOVE the Shades of Green. The way it is removed from everything but right in the middle at the same time is awesome. I love the large rooms and the decor much more than the CR. And after 20 plus years in the USMC (my husband..not me!) it is so nice to be around other members of the armed forces. And each and every time we have stayed there we have run into at least one person who we knew from one base or another! We even met a women who was across the hall from me at the Naval Hospital in Okinawa when we were having babies!

[4kidsandadog]

We stayed at SOG on our last trip. The best part of the resort is room size, especially if you have a fairly large family (we have 4 kids). The downside is that the rules for room occupancy at SOG are different than Disney's. SOG will not allow all of us in one room any longer..... baby counts as full person once they hit 12 months. We are going this fall and staying Poly concierge and can all have one room (funny, since the room isn't as big as SOG's). The kids will be 10, 6, 3, and 2. If we really wanted to stay at SOG, we'd have to pay for 2 rooms, which would already put us up to some good rates for a regular deluxe room at a monorail resort (we have passes). So for us, who really missed the Disney magic while we were at SOG, it makes sense to go ahead and stay at a deluxe, especially a monorail resort.

Karen

[tinkerbelle2001]

Dear Christi 2002- I just wanted to add a bit to your info on SOG.
Although SOG was nice, I have to say that I missed the Disney touch when I stayed there. Yes, the rooms are a bit larger, and there is no tax, so you can save some money. But, you give up the cool swimming areas, the perks like the paddle boat rentals, and surreys at WDW owned hotels. Then of course, there are the WDW themed soaps, cups, napkins, ice cream cones, etc. This may sound silly, but my family only goes to WDW every few years and we live for the Disney magic. As nice as SOG is, there is no magic there. Also, don't forget that the bus service is a bit more frustrating from SOG. You have to take their bus to the TTC and catch a ride on WDW transportation there. This can add time and confusion to your travel. If you stay there, just make sure you get a handle on the bus schedule first thing or you will spend your whole trip waiting for a bus. Overall, SOG is a great resort. It was quiet and peaceful out on the golf course. The restaurants were fair, and we enjoyed the pina colada's from the bar late at night. I guess if your looking for a bit of a resort vacation to give you the chance to relax away from Disney while your at WDW, then SOG is the place for you. But, if your like me and you want all the magic you can find in Orlando, then I would stay at a Disney owned resort. Good luck and have fun!!

[gtaylor]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tinkerbelle2001
money. But, you give up the cool swimming areas, the perks like the paddle boat rentals, and surreys at WDW owned hotels.
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When we were there we were able to rent the little speed boats at Poly using our SOG key as deposit.
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Also, don't forget that the bus service is a bit more frustrating from SOG. You have to take their bus to the TTC and catch a ride on WDW transportation there. This can add time and confusion to your travel.
xxxxxxxxxxx
My experience was far less frustration with their bus system as it ran like a swiss train and was far more comfortable then Disney buses, none of this wondering when and if a bus would come. True, it can add a leg to hook up to the TTC but the Poly or even TTC is easily walkable.....

Greg

[ldeveaux]

Everyone has different taste when it comes to recreation and hotels. The SOG is special to military and DOD. Yes the big resturant food was lousy but then if you have ever ate MRE's
(meals ready to eat) you might think the food was great. One of the biggest difference's I feel that makes the resort so great is the quite atmosphere. Also, everyone is treated as an equal. You don't have to be paying for an overpriced room to get great service. I love Disney but have never been able to relax at the other resort hotels like we do at the SOG. We are staying at the CR for the first time starting June 23 and will be there for 7 days. This will be our first time to stay there and look forward to experiencing the difference.

Active Military
Disney veteran since 72:cool:

[Dis-knee]

If you stay there, just make sure you get a handle on the bus schedule first thing or you will spend your whole trip waiting for a bus. We have never had any trouble with the bus service. The longest we have ever waited at SOG for a bus is about 5 min. They run on schedule and are very reliable. Comfortable and clean. With all the new renovations that they are in the process of, SOG will be a premier DELUXE resort. I can't wait to make reservations for Nov-Dec 2003. I just hope that they are on schedule with the renovations!! We love the large rooms. Hope the additional rooms are the same size!

[bags6490]

SueEllen,
We stayed there shortly after SOG opened and were not impressed either. We went back a couple of years later because of the price and the place was VERY different. Everything had been renovated and the Sports bar was open (which is great). I still agree that the main resturant is not very good. I hope that is one of the things they improve with the renovations. SOG is now our favorite resort.