Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[bdcp]

Just wanted to add 2 QUEEN beds and a sleeper sofa and the fact you can have 5 people per room.

Yep and when we were there in '98, our boys were 12 and 14 and no way were going to share a bed so the younger one slept on the pull out sofa every night and was very comfortable. We never felt cramped in the room while we were in there, which wasn't much.

 

[Sleepy]

I just remembered a few more things that SOG offers.

Free fridge in the room. (does not require borrowing one from a DIS'er and hauling it to the room.)
Private balcony.

 

[Mrsjvb]

It sounds like a really nice place to stay. Is it only open to Military families?

yes, but if you know someone who is authorized and will be staying during the same dates, they can book a room for you under their authorization. I believe it's a max of 3 rooms per authorized ID holder.

 

[duketennisgal]

I'm so excited about staying here on our upcoming May trip. We've always stayed at one of the Moderate Resorts and have always loved it, but as of October 07 I'm a DoD Civilian and therefore am allowed to stay at Shades of Green. I love the thought that I am able to stay at a "Deluxe" hotel for even cheaper than I could stay at a moderate resort. Along with bigger rooms, not having to pay tax on the room and cheaper park tickets!

I can't see where there would be any downside. I hear that there's no Disney magic, how much more magic do people need, you are staying right outside of the Magic Kingdom!

 

[WendyisDarling]

I am so glad this thread was started. I have been contemplating SOG, but just haven't been sure. Previously, we have spoiled ourselves with Poly and AKL. I wondered if SOG would be a let down.
This seems odd, I know, but the main thing that makes me wonder is the green carpet shown in the pics. I just have had so many not so great experiences with Army temporary lodging with that green carpet You know how sometimes there is just that "symbol" burned into your memory of a bad experience...for me it is the carpet! I just have to ask...is the carpet clean?

 

[sukhakuli]

It sounds like a really nice place to stay. Is it only open to Military families?

Yes, and government contractors.

~~~~~~

The carpet is clean, lol. The whole hotel is very clean. And I think it has a nice theme actually with the waterfalls and stuff. It doesn't feel anything like a military lodge or whatnot. It just feels like a hotel, except maybe it's quieter and the people are friendlier.

Like I said before, I just wish they had reasonably priced suites. Having a second small room to sit in while my son is trying to fall asleep (he is autistic and cannot fall asleep with anyone in the room, he never could even as a small infant), would be so nice! But the price is more then double a regular room. I am going to look into some other options for us, but more than likely we'll end up at SoG again hiding in the bathroom while he falls asleep.

 

[WendyisDarling]

Yes, and government contractors.

~~~~~~

The carpet is clean, lol. The whole hotel is very clean. And I think it has a nice theme actually with the waterfalls and stuff. It doesn't feel anything like a military lodge or whatnot. It just feels like a hotel, except maybe it's quieter and the people are friendlier.

Like I said before, I just wish they had reasonably priced suites. Having a second small room to sit in while my son is trying to fall asleep (he is autistic and cannot fall asleep with anyone in the room, he never could even as a small infant), would be so nice! But the price is more then double a regular room. I am going to look into some other options for us, but more than likely we'll end up at SoG again hiding in the bathroom while he falls asleep.

We are in the same situation. DS is autistic and it is miserable for everyone else to be perfectly quiet and still while he is falling asleep. I love the idea of a suite. Even at the cost, it seems REALLY hard to book one. How far in advance do you need to book to get a suite (or maybe you can't book them online???).
I just was playing with some dates on their sites and it is booked for everything I put in (I'm trying to work around school schedule so that may have something to do with it). Do many rooms open up at the last minute with cancelations? Does availabilty have anything to do with pay grade? (ex. x number of rooms held for category 1 vs. x number for category 3). I remember years ago ppl would reserve far in advance, but I thought with the expansion that was no longer necessary.
BTW, I think staying among military folks would be great. Almost everyone is extremely polite and respectful. That would be a big bonus.

 

[suevee]

Personally I have stayed in the suite and I prefer to book two rooms instead. It is cheaper than the suite. Also the bedroom with the king bed has no windows or doors and I was uncomfortable with the ventilation.

If you indicate that you connecting rooms because of medical issues I don't think you would have any problem. SoG has always tried to be very accomadating to our family's needs, even when we are booking six rooms!!!!

 

[WendyisDarling]

TY suevee

 

[LadyZolt]

We also stayed there in December, and it was great! I agree that a value can be about the same price, but the values don't have queen size beds, nor are they in a "deluxe resort" location. That short walk to the monorail at the Poly coupled with the room size and bed size makes me choose SOG every time.

I totally agree and appreciate what Suevee said, too, and just want to add that, since my DH retired from the military 11 years ago, we now live in a totally civilian community, although we do use the base for the commissary and medical facilities. But at SOG, you feel that instant comaraderie between brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. I don't know that I can explain it any better than that -- any and all military people or vets know what I'm saying. When you walk into the USO rooms at airports, or are stationed overseas, there's just a feeling that you have something in common with every other service member and their families. It's unique and special, and none of the other resorts at Disney have that. They might have more "Disney magic" and that's good, too -- I personally love the Beach Club and have stayed there quite a few times, and am even planning a trip to the Poly in August -- but SOG has a special feeling, too, for those who have served or are serving in the military or with DoD, etc. I think every place has it's pro's and con's, but I think the pro's at SOG far outweigh the few con's.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (former Navy Cryptologic Technician)

 

[LadyZolt]

We also stayed there in December, and it was great! I agree that a value can be about the same price, but the values don't have queen size beds, nor are they in a "deluxe resort" location. That short walk to the monorail at the Poly coupled with the room size and bed size makes me choose SOG every time.

I totally agree and appreciate what Suevee said, too, and just want to add that, since my DH retired from the military 11 years ago, we now live in a totally civilian community, although we do use the base for the commissary and medical facilities. But at SOG, you feel that instant comaraderie between brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. I don't know that I can explain it any better than that -- any and all military people or vets know what I'm saying. When you walk into the USO rooms at airports, or are stationed overseas, there's just a feeling that you have something in common with every other service member and their families. It's unique and special, and none of the other resorts at Disney have that. They might have more "Disney magic" and that's good, too -- I personally love the Beach Club and have stayed there quite a few times, and am even planning a trip to the Poly in August -- but SOG has a special feeling, too, for those who have served or are serving in the military or with DoD, etc. I think every place has its pro's and con's, but I think the pro's at SOG far outweigh the few con's.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (former Navy Cryptologic Technician)

 

[Minnie Lor]

We love SOG and will be staying there for the 3rd time in October.
Love the....

Decor
Cleanliness
Size of room
Size of bathroom
Deck or patio
Price
Politeness of guests (definitely noticed the lack of this from my recent trip to Pop where men sat and women stood on bus)
Relaxed atmosphere
Smaller resort size
Short wait for bus

 

[Minnie Lor]

We also stayed there in December, and it was great! I agree that a value can be about the same price, but the values don't have queen size beds, nor are they in a "deluxe resort" location. That short walk to the monorail at the Poly coupled with the room size and bed size makes me choose SOG every time.

I totally agree and appreciate what Suevee said, too, and just want to add that, since my DH retired from the military 11 years ago, we now live in a totally civilian community, although we do use the base for the commissary and medical facilities. But at SOG, you feel that instant comaraderie between brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. I don't know that I can explain it any better than that -- any and all military people or vets know what I'm saying. When you walk into the USO rooms at airports, or are stationed overseas, there's just a feeling that you have something in common with every other service member and their families. It's unique and special, and none of the other resorts at Disney have that. They might have more "Disney magic" and that's good, too -- I personally love the Beach Club and have stayed there quite a few times, and am even planning a trip to the Poly in August -- but SOG has a special feeling, too, for those who have served or are serving in the military or with DoD, etc. I think every place has it's pro's and con's, but I think the pro's at SOG far outweigh the few con's.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (former Navy Cryptologic Technician)

Very well said! I feel that same comaraderie.

 

[Maine-iac]

Like I said before, I just wish they had reasonably priced suites. Having a second small room to sit in while my son is trying to fall asleep (he is autistic and cannot fall asleep with anyone in the room, he never could even as a small infant), would be so nice! But the price is more then double a regular room. I am going to look into some other options for us, but more than likely we'll end up at SoG again hiding in the bathroom while he falls asleep.

You don't need to hide in the bathroom. Just sit outside on your balcony/patio. You can close the curtain so he can't see you.

 

[GatorGirl]

TY for your post -- we are heading for our 1st SOG stay at the end of the month and very much looking forward to it!

 

[SplshMtn99]

I never really thought about it, but what Suevee said about kids & people helping is so true at SoG. Nice observation. Perhaps that is why we like SoG so much too. Of course, all the other reasons also.

 

[jphilhower]

WE also love SOG. We are going back this may for our second time. I wouldn't stay anyplace else.

 

[twinboysmommy]

We're eligible to stay at SOG but haven't done so yet. In the past 4 years, we've taken 5 trips and stayed at ASMovies, CR, AKL, BC, and POP. We really enjoyed all of them - we are pretty laid back and easy to please!

This summer we are trying POR. We've decided to surprise our twins on Christmas Day and fly down to Disney for a warm holiday vacation! I'm tossing around the idea of us staying at SOG for that trip. Have any of you stayed there over Christmas? Is it beautifully decorated like the other resorts would be?

Also, what are your thoughts on the pool, and is there an arcade? (Or is there one at the Poly to use?) Our boys LOVED the arcade at POP, even though they spent only an hour or so total of our 10 days in it!

We're a little nervous about two things at SOG - the food choices (POP food court was perfect for our family!) and also the pool. Is it okay?

Thank you!
Kristie

 

[twinboysmommy]

Sorry - duplicate post!

 

[LadyZolt]

We've decided to surprise our twins on Christmas Day and fly down to Disney for a warm holiday vacation! I'm tossing around the idea of us staying at SOG for that trip. Have any of you stayed there over Christmas? Is it beautifully decorated like the other resorts would be?

They had a lot of decorations out -- deer wearing red ribbons, a snowman, lighted deer on the lawn, a very pretty tree in the lobby. I thought it was quite nice for Christmas. And at that time of the year, you cannot beat the price of SOG over any Disney resort. We only had milkshakes at the milkshake place and didn't eat anywhere else, so I can't comment on the food, but it's easy enough to get to the Polynesian and we ate at Kona Cafe there and it was delicious -- well worth trying, I think.

I'm going to try to insert some pics in another post and see if I can.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)